How to Crochet an Easy Flower Applique – in 3 Sizes

If you’ve been crocheting for any length of time, you already know that small projects often bring the biggest joy. A flower applique is one of those satisfying, quick-to-finish pieces that never gets old — and once you know how to make one, you’ll want to stitch them onto everything. Hats, bags, blankets, headbands, cardigans, pillow covers — the possibilities are genuinely endless.

This tutorial will walk you through how to crochet an easy flower applique in three different sizes, so whether you need a tiny accent for a baby headband or a bold statement bloom for a tote bag, you’ll have the perfect pattern ready to go. This is a beginner-friendly project, though even experienced crocheters will appreciate how quickly these little flowers work up and how versatile they are.

Let’s get into it.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather your materials. The beauty of a flower applique is that it uses very little yarn, making it an excellent stash-buster. You can work it in almost any weight of yarn depending on the size you want.

Yarn: For the small size, a fingering or sport weight yarn works beautifully. For the medium size, DK or worsted weight is ideal. For the large size, worsted or bulky weight gives you a satisfying, full bloom. You’ll want at least two colors — one for the petals and one for the center — but you can absolutely make a single-color flower if that’s your preference.

Hook: Match your hook to your yarn. A good starting point is a 2.5 mm hook for fingering weight, a 3.5–4 mm hook for DK weight, and a 5–6 mm hook for worsted or bulky weight.

Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and, if you prefer, sewing the applique onto your project.

Scissors: Standard.

Optional: Stitch markers, a pin or two for blocking, sewing thread and a sewing needle if you plan to attach the flower to fabric rather than crocheted pieces.

No special equipment is required, and this is a great project to do with leftover yarn scraps. Even the large flower uses less than 50 yards total, so dig into that yarn basket without guilt.

A Few Notes Before You Begin

Reading the pattern: This tutorial uses US crochet terminology throughout. If you’re used to UK terms, keep in mind that a US single crochet (sc) is a UK double crochet, and a US double crochet (dc) is a UK treble crochet.

Gauge: Gauge doesn’t matter critically for an applique. The sizes given below are approximate and will vary based on your yarn weight, hook size, and personal tension. What matters is that your flower looks and feels the way you want it to.

The magic ring: All three sizes begin with a magic ring (also called a magic circle or adjustable ring). This gives you a tight, clean center with no hole. If you’re not comfortable with the magic ring, you can substitute it by chaining 4 and slip stitching into the first chain to form a ring, then working your stitches into the center of that ring.

Joining rounds: These flowers are worked in joined rounds. At the end of each round, you’ll slip stitch into the first stitch of the round to close it. Always slip stitch into the stitch, not into the chain.

Finishing: When you finish your flower, leave a long tail (about 12–15 inches) for sewing it onto your project. This makes attachment much easier than trying to thread a separate piece of yarn.

Understanding the Flower Structure

Before diving into the stitches, it helps to understand what you’re building. A basic crocheted flower has two main components: the center and the petals.

The center is typically a small, flat disc worked in the round. The petals grow out from stitches made in the center round, each petal consisting of a series of stitches that rise up, arch, and come back down. The number of petals and the height of the stitches determine whether the flower looks like a daisy, a rose, or something more abstract.

In this pattern, you’ll be making a five-petal flat flower — the classic, cheerful shape that works for almost every application. The difference between the three sizes lies in the stitch height and the number of rounds.

The Small Flower Applique

Finished size: Approximately 1.5 to 2 inches (4–5 cm) across, depending on yarn and hook.

Best for: Baby accessories, greeting cards, bookmarks, earrings (yes, really — stiffen with fabric stiffener!), small embellishments on hats and headbands.

Abbreviations used:

• MR = magic ring
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• sp = space

Instructions:

Center color — Round 1:
Make a magic ring. Chain 1. Work 10 single crochets into the magic ring. Pull the tail to close the ring. Slip stitch into the first sc to join. (10 sc)

Petal color — Round 2:
This round creates the petals. You’ll be working five petals, each made in a two-stitch “slot.”

Petal: (ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st) all in the same stitch, then sl st into the next stitch.

Repeat this petal sequence five times total, working into every other stitch of Round 1. (5 petals)

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of Round 2:
Join your petal color to any stitch of Round 1 with a slip stitch.
Ch 2. Work 3 dc all into that same stitch. Ch 2. Sl st into the same stitch. Sl st into the next stitch.
(Ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st) into the next stitch. Sl st into the following stitch.
Repeat four more times.
After the fifth petal, sl st to close. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Weave in the center color tail. Leave the petal color tail long for sewing.

Tips: If your petals are curling backward or forward, adjust your tension. The petals should lie mostly flat or curve just slightly forward, like real flower petals cupping toward you.

The Medium Flower Applique

Finished size: Approximately 2.5 to 3 inches (6–8 cm) across.

Best for: Tote bags, adult hats and beanies, scarves, sweater embellishments, pillow covers, gift wrapping.

Abbreviations used:

• MR = magic ring
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet
• sp = space

Instructions:

Center color — Round 1:
Make a magic ring. Chain 1. Work 10 sc into the magic ring. Pull the tail to close. Slip stitch into the first sc to join. (10 sc)

Center color — Round 2 (optional, for a larger center):
Chain 1. Work 2 sc into each stitch around. Sl st to join. (20 sc)

If you prefer a small, tight center, skip Round 2 and move directly to the petal round. If you want the center button to show more prominently, work Round 2. Both versions look lovely — it’s entirely a style choice.

Petal color — Round 3 (or Round 2 if you skipped the increase):
Join your petal color with a sl st.

Each petal is worked as follows:
Petal: sl st into stitch, (ch 3, 1 hdc, 2 dc, 1 tr, 2 dc, 1 hdc, ch 3, sl st) all worked across the next 4 stitches or into one stitch depending on variation — see below.

For this pattern, work each petal into a group of two stitches:

Sl st into the first stitch. Ch 3. In the same stitch, work 1 hdc, 1 dc. In the next stitch, work 1 tr. In the same stitch (next stitch), work 1 dc, 1 hdc. Ch 3. Sl st into the same stitch. Sl st into the next stitch (this is the “skip” stitch between petals). Repeat four more times for a total of five petals.

You’ll be working each petal over approximately two stitches, with one stitch skipped between petals, which means if you worked 20 stitches in Round 2, you’ll be working across all 20 with a pattern of work-work-skip-work-work-skip and so on. Adjust if necessary so your five petals are evenly spaced.

Fasten off, leave a long tail.

Note on the medium flower: The treble crochet at the top of each petal is what gives the petals a natural point and more dimension than the small flower. If you find the petals are too pointy for your taste, substitute the treble with a double crochet for a rounder petal shape.

The Large Flower Applique

Finished size: Approximately 4 to 5 inches (10–13 cm) across.

Best for: Wall hangings, large throw pillows, statement bag embellishments, the center of a granny square blanket, baby blanket accents, corsages and brooch pins.

Abbreviations used:

• MR = magic ring
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet
• dtr = double treble crochet (yarn over 3 times)

Instructions:

Center color — Round 1:
Make a magic ring. Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work 11 more dc into the ring. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3 to join. (12 dc)

Center color — Round 2:
Chain 1. Work 2 sc into each stitch around. Sl st to join. (24 sc)

Petal color — Round 3:
Join petal color with a sl st.

Each of the five petals for the large flower is a much taller and more impressive construction. Here’s the petal:

Sl st into the first stitch. Ch 4. Into the same stitch, work 1 tr. Into the next stitch, work 2 tr. Into the next stitch, work 1 dtr. Into the next stitch, work 2 tr. Into the next stitch, work 1 tr. Ch 4. Sl st into the same stitch. Sl st into the next stitch (bridge between petals).

Repeat four more times for five petals total. You will use approximately 24 stitches across five petals and five bridge stitches — adjust your stitch counts as needed to create evenly spaced petals.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Round 4 — Petal edging (optional but beautiful):
For an extra-polished large flower, you can add a slip stitch edging around each petal. Join a third color (or the same petal color) and slip stitch along the outer edge of each petal, working one sl st into each chain and one sl st into the top of each stitch. This gives a neat outline and adds structure.

How to Attach Your Flower Applique

Now that your flower (or flowers — admit it, you’ve probably already made three) is finished, here are the best ways to attach it to your project.

To a crocheted project: Thread the long tail onto your tapestry needle. Use a whip stitch or a flat stitch to sew around the outer edge of the flower center, catching the stitches of the background fabric. You can also sew just through the back loops of the flower’s outer round to create an invisible attachment.

To woven fabric: Use a sewing needle and thread that matches your petal color. Sew a small running stitch around the edge of the flower. For a clean finish, work from the back so your thread doesn’t show on the flower face.

With a brooch pin: Sew a brooch pin finding to the back of the flower using strong thread or thin yarn. This turns any of your flowers into a wearable accessory instantly.

With hot glue: For non-wearable applications like wreaths, wooden signs, or decorative baskets, a dab of hot glue on the back of the flower works perfectly and takes about ten seconds.

How to Make a Layered Flower

Once you’re comfortable with all three sizes, try layering them for a stunning dimensional effect. Make one large flower as the base, one medium flower in a complementary or contrasting color, and stack them with the medium flower centered on top of the large one. Add a small crocheted or purchased button to the very center. Sew through all layers to secure everything together.

This layered effect is gorgeous on hats, bags, and home decor. You can also layer just two sizes for a slightly simpler version. Play with your color combinations — a cream large flower with a dusty pink medium and a yellow button center is practically irresistible.

Color Inspiration and Ideas

Choosing colors is honestly one of the most delightful parts of this project. Because each flower uses so little yarn, this is your chance to experiment with combinations you might be too cautious to try on a larger project.

Some combinations that work especially well: white petals with a sunshine yellow center for a classic daisy look, deep burgundy petals with a golden mustard center for autumn-inspired projects, sage green petals with an ivory center for a vintage botanical feel, or bright coral and turquoise for a fun, tropical aesthetic.

Don’t be afraid to use variegated or self-striping yarn for the petals — the color changes can make each petal look slightly different, which adds wonderful visual interest, especially on the large flower where you have more stitches to show off the color shifts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My petals are too tight and the flower curls into a ball. This is a tension issue. Try going up half a hook size or consciously loosening your tension on the chain stitches between stitches. The chain stitches at the base and tip of each petal are the ones that control how much the petal can spread open.

My center looks too loose and has a hole. Make sure you’re pulling the magic ring tail firmly to close the center before you slip stitch to join. If you used a chain ring instead of a magic ring, try switching to the magic ring method — it really does give a much tighter center.

My petals are uneven. Count your stitches in the center round and make sure your petals are evenly spaced. It helps to place a stitch marker at the beginning of each petal as you go, especially when you’re learning the pattern for the first time.

The flower won’t lie flat. Try blocking your finished flower. Wet it lightly, shape it with your fingers, pin it flat to a foam blocking mat, and let it dry completely. Blocking works wonders on crocheted pieces and can transform a slightly wonky flower into a perfectly flat, professional-looking applique.

More Ways to Use These Flowers

A single flower is lovely, but a collection of them is magical. Here are some ideas that go beyond the obvious hat-and-bag combination.

Sew a row of small flowers along the bottom hem of a child’s skirt or dress. Attach medium flowers to a wide elastic headband for a boho hair accessory. Create a flower garland by making a dozen or more flowers in graduating sizes, threading a long piece of twine through the center of each one. Use large flowers as the centerpiece of a handmade wreath alongside greenery and ribbon. Make a set of small flowers and attach them to plain bobby pins for the sweetest hair accessories. Cover the front of a plain journal or notebook with a cluster of flowers in different sizes. Or simply frame a trio of large flowers in an embroidery hoop for instant wall art that requires no embroidery skills whatsoever.

Saving and Sharing Your Work

If you make any of these flowers, please share them — on Instagram, Ravelry, Pinterest, or wherever you like to show off your crafting. Seeing how other makers interpret a pattern, choose their colors, and find new uses for a simple design is one of the things that makes the crochet community so genuinely wonderful.

If you share on Instagram, tag your work so other crafters can find and admire it. On Ravelry, you can save the pattern to your library and log