Crochet Chrysanthemum Flower Pattern | Handmade Floral PDF
There is something deeply satisfying about turning a skein of yarn into a bloom that never wilts. The chrysanthemum, with its layered petals and bold round shape, is one of the most rewarding flowers to recreate in crochet. Whether you are making a bouquet for a wedding, decorating a hair clip, or adding texture to a tote bag, the crochet chrysanthemum brings a timeless handmade charm to any project. This post walks you through everything you need to know about the crochet chrysanthemum flower pattern, from materials and abbreviations to step-by-step instructions, finishing tips, and creative ways to use your finished blooms.
Why the Chrysanthemum Is a Perfect Crochet Flower
The chrysanthemum is beloved across cultures. In Japan it symbolizes longevity and joy. In China it represents autumn and resilience. In Western tradition it has become a staple of fall arrangements and meaningful bouquets. Its iconic layered look, with ring after ring of petals radiating from a tight center, translates beautifully into crochet because the craft itself is built on layering and building outward.
From a technical standpoint, the chrysanthemum is also approachable for crafters at an intermediate skill level. You work in rounds, building petal layers as you go. Because each petal is formed individually around a central disc, you have a lot of control over the final size and fullness of the flower. Want a tiny bloom for a brooch? Use fingering weight yarn and a 2mm hook. Want a dramatic statement piece for a wreath? Use bulky yarn and a 6mm hook. The same basic pattern scales beautifully.
Materials You Will Need
Before you begin, gather your supplies. The beauty of this pattern is that it uses minimal materials and is a great stash-buster.
Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approximately 20–40 yards per flower depending on size) works well for a standard bloom. Cotton yarn gives a crisp, defined petal shape, while acrylic yarn produces a slightly softer, more rounded result. Both are excellent choices. If you want a more natural, botanical look, opt for an undyed or lightly heathered yarn. For bold, graphic arrangements, bright solids and deep jewel tones are stunning.
Hook: A size 4.0mm (G/6) crochet hook is ideal for worsted weight yarn. Adjust according to your yarn weight and personal tension. Tighter tension produces firmer, more sculpted petals. Looser tension creates a fluffier, more relaxed bloom.
Notions: You will need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and optional stitch markers if you find it helpful to mark the beginning of each round. If you plan to attach your flower to a hair clip, brooch back, or headband, you will also need a glue gun or needle and thread.
Optional: Green yarn for a leaf or stem, wire floral stems if you want to arrange the flowers in a vase, and a small button or contrasting color yarn to add detail to the center.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology. Here is a quick reference for every stitch you will encounter.
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble crochet (also called triple crochet)
MR — magic ring (also called magic circle or adjustable ring)
sp — space
rep — repeat
rnd — round
RS — right side
If you are new to the magic ring, it is the best way to begin a flower worked in the round because it closes tightly with no hole in the center. You can also use a starting chain of 4 and joining with a slip stitch to form a ring if you prefer.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this decorative pattern, but for reference: with worsted weight yarn and a 4.0mm hook worked in single crochet, approximately 16 stitches and 18 rows equal 4 inches. A finished chrysanthemum made according to the pattern below will measure approximately 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter, which is a lovely, versatile size.
Crochet Chrysanthemum Flower Pattern Instructions
This pattern creates a full, layered chrysanthemum with three tiers of petals. Each tier is slightly taller than the last, giving the flower its characteristic dome shape. The petals are worked directly into chain spaces and the fabric of the disc, so there is no separate assembly for each petal.
The Center Disc
Round 1: Begin with a magic ring. Ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring, join with sl st to the first sc, pull the tail to close the ring. (6 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each stitch around, join with sl st. (12 sc)
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st, repeat from to around, join with sl st. (18 sc)
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st, repeat from to around, join with sl st. (24 sc)
You now have a small flat disc, which will become the base of your flower. Do not fasten off.
First Petal Layer (Innermost Petals)
The first petal layer is made directly into the stitches of Round 4. These petals are the shortest and sit at the very center of the bloom, creating the tight inner ring characteristic of a real chrysanthemum.
Round 5: Ch 4, sl st into the back loop only of the same stitch, sl st into the back loop only of the next stitch, repeat from to around. (12 petals)
Each repetition of ch 4 and two slip stitches creates one small curved petal. Work firmly but not too tightly so the petals have a natural curl. When you reach the end of the round, join with a sl st into the same stitch as your first chain.
Second Petal Layer
For the second layer, you will work into the front loops of Round 4 that you left unworked when you made the first layer. This is what creates that stacked, multi-dimensional effect.
Round 6: Working into the front loops of Round 4, ch 6, 2 dc into the 3rd ch from hook, dc into the next 2 ch, sl st into the same stitch of Round 4, sl st into the next stitch of Round 4, repeat from to around. (12 petals)
These petals are slightly longer and wider than the first layer, and they naturally fan outward. If you find they curl too much, you can block them lightly once the flower is finished.
Joining Round
Before beginning the third and final petal layer, you need to add a round of foundation chain spaces that the outer petals will attach to.
Round 7: Join a new length of yarn (or continue with the same yarn) at the base of the disc, working into the outermost edge. Ch 1, sc around the outer edge of the disc evenly, placing approximately 30–36 sc around the circumference. Join with sl st. (30–36 sc, depending on your tension)
If you are working a smaller or larger flower, adjust this number in multiples of 6 so the petal repeats divide evenly.
Third Petal Layer (Outermost Petals)
This is the most dramatic petal layer, the one that gives the chrysanthemum its wide, full silhouette.
Round 8: Ch 8, tr in the 4th ch from hook, tr in the next ch, dc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, sl st into the same stitch of Round 7, sl st into the next 2 stitches of Round 7, repeat from to around.
This creates a long, tapering petal that arcs elegantly outward from the flower. Depending on how many stitches you placed in Round 7, you will have approximately 10–12 outer petals. These petals create the iconic fringe-like silhouette of the chrysanthemum and can be shaped gently with your fingers as you go.
Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.
Optional: Adding a Fourth Petal Layer
For an extra lush, show-stopping bloom, you can add a fourth outer ring. After Round 8, work another joining round of sc around the outer edge, then repeat the outer petal formula but chain 10 instead of 8, adding an extra treble crochet for length. This layer falls beneath the others and gives the flower a beautiful cascading effect, much like a pompom chrysanthemum or a spider mum. It is ideal for centerpieces, large wall hangings, or wedding florals.
Optional: Adding a Leaf
A simple leaf adds beautiful contrast and makes your chrysanthemum look more botanical and finished.
Leaf: Ch 12. Sl st into the 2nd ch from hook, sc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, dc in each of the next 4 ch, hdc in the next ch, sc in the next ch, sl st in the last ch. Do not turn. Working along the opposite side of the foundation chain, sl st in the first ch, sc in the next, hdc in the next, dc in each of the next 4 ch, hdc in the next, sc in the next, sl st in the last. Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew the leaf to the back of your flower.
This leaf is a classic teardrop shape. For a more pointed, realistic leaf, add extra chains and height to the middle stitches.
Finishing and Blocking
Once your flower is complete, take a moment to shape it. The petals of a crochet chrysanthemum have natural movement, but a little encouragement goes a long way. Hold the flower in both hands and gently fan each petal layer outward, starting from the outermost ring and working inward. For cotton yarn, a light wet block works beautifully: mist the flower with water, shape the petals, and allow it to dry flat on a blocking mat. For acrylic yarn, a steam block using a handheld steamer or the steam setting on an iron (held above, never touching the yarn) will set the petals in place.
If you want a very stiff, sculptural flower for a wreath or permanent display piece, you can stiffen the finished bloom with diluted fabric stiffener or a mixture of equal parts white school glue and water. Brush it onto the petals, shape them, and allow to dry completely.
How to Use Your Crochet Chrysanthemums
One of the most exciting parts of this pattern is how many applications it has. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity.
Hair accessories: Sew a crochet chrysanthemum onto a plain headband, hair clip, or elastic for an instant statement piece. Pair two or three different sizes for a layered effect.
Brooches and lapel pins: Attach a pin back to the rear of the flower with a few stitches of thread or a dab of hot glue. A deep burgundy or gold chrysanthemum makes a stunning autumn brooch.
Wreaths: Make a dozen or more chrysanthemums in coordinating autumn tones, cream and blush for a wedding theme, or bright jewel tones for a vibrant front-door display. Attach them to a wire or grapevine wreath base using floral wire or hot glue.
Bouquets and centerpieces: Thread wire floral stems through the center of each bloom and wrap the stem in floral tape for a bouquet that will last forever. These are popular for weddings, where artificial flowers have practical advantages over fresh ones.
Gift toppers: A single chrysanthemum sewn or tied to the top of a wrapped gift is a beautiful, personal touch that doubles as a keepsake for the recipient.
Home décor: Frame a cluster of chrysanthemums in an embroidery hoop for a piece of fiber art. Attach blooms to a garland for seasonal decorating. Sew them onto throw pillow covers for a botanical accent.
Bags and accessories: A crochet chrysanthemum appliquéd onto a tote bag, hat, or sweater transforms a plain piece into something extraordinary.
Tips for Success
A few practical notes will help your flowers come out beautifully every time.
Work your magic ring firmly so there is no gap at the center of the disc. If you notice a hole forming, simply pull the tail yarn tighter before weaving it in.
When working petal rounds, it helps to place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round so you always know where one repeat ends and the next begins. This prevents accidentally skipping or adding petals.
If your petals are twisting in the wrong direction, try holding your work so the right side always faces you, and insert your hook from the front to the back. Most crochet flowers look best worked with the right side consistently facing outward.
Do not be afraid to experiment with color. Chrysanthemums in nature come in white, yellow, orange, red, deep purple, lavender, and pink. Try a cream flower with a golden yellow center, a deep wine flower with a rust center, or a gradient bloom worked in two shades of the same color for a painted effect.
Downloading the PDF Version
If you would like to keep this pattern handy for offline use, a downloadable PDF version is available. The PDF includes a full written pattern, a stitch diagram, materials list, abbreviations, and finishing notes all in one neatly formatted document. It is designed to be printer-friendly and easy to read whether you are working at your craft table or on the go. A digital PDF means you only need to purchase it once and can print as many copies as you like, refer back to it anytime, and keep it organized in your crochet pattern library.
A Note on Skill Level and Learning
This pattern is rated intermediate, meaning it is best suited to crocheters who are comfortable with the basic stitches and have made a few small projects before. However, if you are an adventurous beginner who already knows how to chain, single crochet, and double crochet, this is a wonderful next step. The techniques introduced here, working in the round, creating layered petal tiers, and working into front and back loops separately, are skills that will serve you in countless patterns going forward.
Take your time with each round. There is no rush. The magic of crochet is in the making, not just the finished object.
Final Thoughts
The crochet chrysanthemum is one of those patterns that people genuinely fall in love with. Once you make your first bloom, you will likely find yourself reaching for it again and again, making flowers in every colorway imaginable and finding new places to add them. There is a reason handmade florals never go out of style: they carry the care, the time, and the personality of the person who made them in every stitch.
Whether you are crocheting for yourself, for gifts, for a celebration, or for the simple joy of making something beautiful, this chrysanthemum pattern is a wonderful project to have in your collection. Save it, print it, share it with a fellow crafter, and most importantly, enjoy every stitch of the process.
Happy crocheting.
