Crochet Sunflower Pillow Pattern | 3D Layered Flower Cushion Tutorial (PDF)
There is something deeply satisfying about turning a simple skein of yarn into a piece of home décor that stops people in their tracks. A crochet sunflower pillow does exactly that. With its bold yellow petals radiating outward in three-dimensional layers, a brown or dark center packed with texture, and a soft, huggable form underneath it all, this is one of those projects that feels ambitious but is absolutely achievable for crocheters at an intermediate skill level. Whether you are looking to brighten up a bedroom, add a pop of color to your living room couch, or create a heartfelt handmade gift, this 3D layered flower cushion is the perfect project to pick up.
This tutorial walks you through every step of the pattern from choosing your materials to assembling the final pillow, and a printable PDF version of the pattern is available so you can take your instructions anywhere, even away from screens. Let’s get started.
What Makes This Pattern Special
Most crochet pillow patterns are flat. You work two panels, seam them together, stuff them, and you’re done. This sunflower pillow pattern takes a different approach. The petals are worked in two distinct layers, the inner layer slightly shorter and the outer layer longer, so they naturally fan out from the center and create a sculptural, 3D effect. When you hold the finished pillow, the petals feel substantial and hold their shape. The textured center is worked in the round using bobble stitches or popcorn stitches to mimic the dense seed pattern of a real sunflower. The entire design is built on a circular base, which means joining rounds and working increases are central to the construction.
The result is a pillow that looks professionally made and far more complicated than it actually is once you understand the structure.
Materials You Will Need
Before casting on, gather everything you need so your work flows without interruption.
Yarn: You will need three colors. A bright golden yellow (Color A) for the outer petals, a slightly deeper golden yellow or warm amber (Color B) for the inner petal layer, and a dark brown or chocolate brown (Color C) for the center. A medium weight yarn (size 4 worsted weight) works beautifully for this project and gives the petals enough body to hold their shape. Approximately 250 to 300 yards of Color A, 150 yards of Color B, and 100 yards of Color C should be sufficient, though yardage will vary depending on your gauge and the final pillow size.
Hook: A 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook is recommended for worsted weight yarn. If you find your tension is loose, go down to a 4.5 mm hook. The fabric should be firm enough that the pillow form doesn’t show through.
Pillow Form: A 14-inch or 16-inch round pillow form works perfectly for this pattern. You can also stuff the pillow with polyester fiberfill if you prefer, which allows you to adjust the fullness.
Notions: Stitch markers, a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming, scissors, and a tape measure.
Optional: Buttons or felt for any additional embellishment on the center. Some crocheters like to add a ring of seed beads or small buttons around the center to add dimension.
Abbreviations and Stitches Used
This pattern uses US crochet terminology throughout.
MR — Magic ring
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble crochet
inc — increase (two stitches in the same stitch)
bobble st — yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops; repeat four more times in the same stitch, then yarn over and pull through all loops on hook
BLO — back loop only
FLO — front loop only
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
Gauge
Work a gauge swatch before beginning the pillow body. With a 5.0 mm hook and worsted weight yarn, 14 sc stitches and 16 rows should measure approximately 4 inches by 4 inches. The gauge matters most for the pillow base panels, since that determines whether your pillow form fits correctly. The petals are more forgiving.
Pattern Notes
This pillow is worked in separate pieces that are assembled at the end. You will make two circular base panels (the front and back of the cushion), one inner petal ring, one outer petal ring, and the center disk. Each piece is crocheted separately and then either seamed or sewn together.
Read through the entire pattern before beginning so you understand how the pieces connect. Count your stitches at the end of each round, especially during the increasing rounds of the base panels.
When changing colors, drop the old color, pull the new color through the final loop of the last stitch, and continue. Weave in all ends securely before assembly.
Part One: The Pillow Base Panels (Make Two)
The base panels form the body of the pillow. Both panels are identical circular discs. If you want a striped or contrasting back panel, you can work the second panel in a solid green or a neutral cream, which gives the sunflower a realistic “leaf and sky” feel from the back. For this tutorial, both panels are worked in the same golden yellow as the petals.
Using Color A and your 5.0 mm hook, create a magic ring.
Round 1: 6 sc into the magic ring, sl st to join. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each stitch around, sl st to join. (12 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (18 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (24 stitches)
Round 5: Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (30 stitches)
Round 6: Ch 1, sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (36 stitches)
Round 7: Ch 1, sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (42 stitches)
Round 8: Ch 1, sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (48 stitches)
Round 9: Ch 1, sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (54 stitches)
Round 10: Ch 1, sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (60 stitches)
Round 11: Ch 1, sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (66 stitches)
Round 12: Ch 1, sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (72 stitches)
Round 13: Ch 1, sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (78 stitches)
Round 14: Ch 1, sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (84 stitches)
Round 15: Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to join. (84 stitches)
Fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat to make a second identical panel.
For a larger pillow that fits a 16-inch form, continue with one additional increase round before the final even round: sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in next st around to reach 90 stitches.
Part Two: The Outer Petal Ring
This is the larger of the two petal rings. It sits on the outside of the flower and creates the bold, spread-out petals you see first when you look at the pillow.
Using Color A, ch 121.
Row 1 (RS): Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across. (120 stitches) Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Skip 2 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in next st, repeat across until all stitches are used.
This creates a series of fan-shaped petal bases. You should have approximately 20 petals in this row. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Petal Shaping Row: Rejoin Color A at the top of the first petal shell. For each shell, work the following petal: ch 1, sc in the ch-2 space, ch 3, sc in the same ch-2 space, (hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc) in the ch-2 space, sc in same ch-2 space. Sl st to base of next petal. Repeat for each petal across.
This gives each petal a defined pointed tip that curls very slightly forward — that is the 3D effect in action.
Part Three: The Inner Petal Ring
The inner petal ring is worked exactly like the outer petal ring but uses Color B and is slightly shorter, creating the layered look when both rings are attached to the pillow front.
Using Color B, ch 97.
Row 1 (RS): Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc across. (96 stitches) Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Skip 2 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in next st, repeat across. (16 petals)
Petal Shaping Row: Same as the outer petal ring, but substitute hdc for tr in the center of each petal to keep the inner petals shorter: ch 1, sc in the ch-2 space, (hdc, dc, hdc) in the ch-2 space, sc in same ch-2 space. Sl st to base of next petal. Repeat for each petal across.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Part Four: The Sunflower Center
The center disk is what gives this pillow its wow factor up close. Bobble stitches worked tightly together create a raised, bumpy texture that mimics the look of sunflower seeds.
Using Color C and your 5.0 mm hook, create a magic ring.
Round 1: 6 sc into the magic ring, sl st to join. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 1, bobble st in next st, ch 1, repeat around, sl st to join. (6 bobbles)
Round 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in next st, sc in ch-1 space, repeat around, sl st to join. (18 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 1, bobble st in next st, ch 1, bobble st in next st, ch 1, sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join.
Round 5: Ch 1, sc in next bobble, sc in ch-1 space, sc in next bobble, sc in ch-1 space, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (approximately 30 stitches)
Round 6: Ch 1, bobble st in next st, ch 1, repeat around, sl st to join. (30 bobbles)
Round 7: Ch 1, sc in each st and ch-1 space around, sl st to join. (60 stitches)
Round 8: Ch 1, sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around, sl st to join. (72 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Assembly
This is where everything comes together, and it is deeply satisfying to watch the pillow take shape.
Lay one base panel flat with the right side facing up. Pin the outer petal ring around the edge of the panel with the petals facing inward toward the center of the panel (petals will flip outward when you turn the assembly right side out — this is intentional). Using your yarn needle and matching yarn, whipstitch or slip stitch the base of the petal ring to the outer edge of the panel, working all the way around.
Next, position the inner petal ring inside the outer petal ring, about one inch in from the edge of the panel. The petals of the inner ring should fan slightly inward. Sew the base of the inner petal ring to the panel surface using a running stitch, working all the way around.
Center the sunflower disk on top of both petal rings and sew it down securely, stitching through all layers at several points to prevent shifting.
Place the second base panel on top of the first with wrong sides together. Using Color A and your yarn needle, whipstitch the two panels together around the outer edge, leaving a 6-inch opening. Insert your pillow form or stuff with fiberfill to your desired fullness, then seam the opening closed. Weave in all remaining ends.
Gently tug each petal outward and give the pillow a gentle press with a damp cloth to help the petals lay flat and the center sit neatly.
Tips for a Beautiful Finish
Blocking makes a dramatic difference with this pattern. After assembly, lightly mist the pillow with water and reshape the petals with your hands. Lay the pillow flat to dry. This helps the outer petals spread evenly and the inner petals stand at a slightly different angle, enhancing that layered 3D look.
If your petals curl more than you’d like, add a thin line of fabric stiffener or a light spray of starch to the back of each petal layer and reshape while damp.
Use a yarn that has a slight sheen or a smooth finish for the petals — this catches the light and gives the sunflower a fresh, vibrant look. For a more rustic or farmhouse feel, a matte cotton yarn gives a lovely texture.
Sizing Options
The pattern as written produces a pillow approximately 14 inches in diameter. For a 12-inch pillow, stop the base panel at Round 12 (72 stitches) and reduce the petal strip chain counts by about 20 percent. For an 18-inch pillow, add increase rounds until the base panel reaches about 108 stitches and increase the petal strip chains accordingly. The center disk can be enlarged by continuing the bobble rounds one or two additional times before working a final even round.
Yarn Substitution Guide
This pattern works with a wide range of yarn types. Acrylic yarn is a great choice for a pillow that needs to hold its shape and be easily washed. Cotton yarn creates a firmer, more structured fabric and is excellent for warm climates since it breathes well. Wool adds warmth and gives the petals a beautiful halo if you choose a slightly fuzzy variety. Avoid very bulky yarn for the petal rings, as this can make them stiff and hard to sew down, but a chunky yarn can be used for the base panels to speed up the process.
Printable PDF
A printable PDF version of this crochet sunflower pillow pattern is available for download. The PDF includes the full written pattern, a stitch abbreviation guide, a materials list, and assembly diagrams. Having a printed copy means you can mark your rounds, make notes in the margin, and work from it at your craft table without needing to scroll through a screen. It also makes a wonderful addition to any crochet binder or pattern library.
Final Thoughts
The crochet sunflower pillow is one of those projects that rewards you at every stage. There is the pleasure of watching the center disk grow round and bumpy, the joy of working each petal strip and seeing the flower take form in your hands, and then the deeply satisfying moment of assembly when a pile of separate pieces suddenly becomes a gorgeous, dimensional cushion. It is the kind of project you will
