Crochet Daisy Applique Pattern – Maria’s Blue Crayon
There is something endlessly charming about a handmade daisy. Whether you are adding a pop of color to a plain tote bag, dressing up a baby blanket, or creating a bouquet of yarn flowers to frame on the wall, a crocheted daisy applique brings that perfect touch of handmade warmth that nothing else quite replicates. This crochet daisy applique pattern — which I call Maria’s Blue Crayon — is beginner-friendly, quick to work up, and endlessly customizable. It is the kind of project you can pick up during a slow afternoon and finish before dinner, then find yourself making ten more because you simply cannot stop.
In this post, I will walk you through the complete pattern with step-by-step instructions, offer tips for customizing your daisies, suggest plenty of creative ways to use your finished appliques, and share some notes on yarn and hook choices that will help your flowers look their best. Whether you are brand new to crochet or a seasoned maker looking for a fresh little project, this pattern has something for you.
Why I Named It Maria’s Blue Crayon
Every pattern has a story, and this one is no different. The name came from my daughter Maria, who at age five carried the same blue crayon everywhere she went. She drew daisies on everything — her notebooks, the sidewalk, the back of my grocery lists. Big, happy, simple daisies with round centers and wide petals fanning out in every direction.
When I sat down to design this applique, I kept those drawings in mind. I wanted a flower that felt joyful and uncomplicated, the kind of thing a child would draw without overthinking it. The result is a daisy that is bold enough to stand out on any project but simple enough that you can make a dozen in an evening. The blue in the name? That is just for Maria. Though I promise this daisy looks beautiful in every color of the rainbow — including blue.
Materials You Will Need
Before we dive into the pattern, let me walk you through what you will need to gather. One of the best things about applique projects is that they are ideal for using up small amounts of leftover yarn from other projects.
Yarn: Any worsted weight yarn (size 4) works beautifully for this pattern. You will need two colors — one for the petals and one for the center. A single daisy uses only a small amount of each color, so this is a great stash-buster project. If you want a smaller, more delicate daisy, you can use DK weight yarn (size 3) or even fingering weight (size 1) with an appropriately sized hook.
Hook: For worsted weight yarn, a 5.0 mm (US H/8) hook is a good starting point. Adjust your hook size depending on your yarn weight and your personal tension. The finished size of the daisy is not critical — what matters most is that your stitches look neat and your flower lies flat.
Scissors and a tapestry needle: You will need these to weave in your ends once the daisy is complete.
Stitch markers (optional): These can be helpful for marking the beginning of your round if you are new to working in the round.
Sewing needle and thread or fabric glue: You will need one of these to attach your finished daisy to whatever project you are embellishing.
Understanding the Pattern: A Few Notes Before You Begin
This pattern is written in US crochet terminology. If you are used to UK terms, please note that what I call a single crochet (sc) is called a double crochet (dc) in UK terminology, and what I call a double crochet (dc) is called a treble crochet (tr) in UK terminology.
The daisy is worked in two separate pieces — the center and the petals — which are then joined together. This two-piece construction makes it easy to mix and match colors, and it also means you can make a large batch of centers and a large batch of petals and assemble them all at once if you are making multiples.
Abbreviations used in this pattern:
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble crochet
MR — magic ring (also called a magic circle or adjustable ring)
st — stitch
sp — space
rep — repeat
beg — beginning
The Pattern: Maria’s Blue Crayon Daisy Applique
Part One: The Center
The center of the daisy is a small, slightly raised circle that forms the focal point of the flower. I typically work this in yellow, but golden orange, cream, or even a deep burgundy can look stunning depending on the color scheme of your project.
Round 1: Using your center color, make a magic ring. Ch 1, work 6 sc into the magic ring. Pull the tail to close the ring. Do not join. (6 sts)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around. Join with a sl st to the first sc of the round. (12 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in the same st as joining, then sc in next st, 2 sc in following st around, ending with sc in last st. Join with a sl st. (18 sts)
Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing. Your center should look like a small, neat circle. If it is cupping instead of lying flat, try going up a hook size. If it is ruffling, try going down a hook size.
Part Two: The Petals
This section creates all eight petals of the daisy in one continuous round worked around a foundation chain ring.
Foundation: Using your petal color, ch 5. Join with a sl st to form a ring.
Round 1 (petal round): Ch 1 to begin. Now you will work each petal individually, one after another around the ring.
For each petal: Ch 3, tr in the ring, tr in the ring, dc in the ring, ch 3, sl st into the ring.
Repeat this sequence 8 times total to create 8 petals. (You should have 8 petals fanning out evenly around the ring.)
After completing your 8th petal, join with a sl st to the beginning ch-1.
Fasten off and leave a tail.
A note on the petals: The chain-3 at the beginning and end of each petal forms the sides of the petal, while the treble and double crochets in the middle create a rounded, slightly pointed tip that looks very much like a classic daisy. If you want longer, more dramatic petals, try replacing the treble crochets with double treble crochets (dtr). If you want shorter, rounder petals, replace the treble crochets with double crochets and the double crochet with a single crochet.
Part Three: Assembling the Daisy
Now it is time to bring the two pieces together. Place the center circle on top of the petal piece, centering it over the ring. Using your tapestry needle and the tail from the center, sew around the outer edge of the center, stitching it securely to the petals beneath. Work your way all the way around so the center sits firmly and evenly.
Weave in all ends on the back of the daisy.
Your finished daisy should measure approximately 3.5 to 4 inches across when made in worsted weight yarn. This is a generous size that works well as a standalone applique on bags, hats, and blankets.
Tips for a Perfect Daisy Every Time
Making a small applique look polished takes just a little extra attention, and these tips will help you get beautiful results right from the start.
Block your daisies. Even a quick wet block makes a significant difference. Soak your finished daisy in cool water for a few minutes, gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing, then pin it flat on a blocking mat or a clean towel and leave it to dry. This evens out the stitches and helps the petals fan out symmetrically.
Keep your tension consistent. Because each petal is worked individually in a sequence, any variation in your tension from petal to petal will show. Try to work at the same pace and with the same tension for each petal sequence.
Use a stitch marker to track your petals. It is very easy to lose count when you are working the petal round, especially in the middle of a conversation or while watching something on TV. Place a stitch marker after completing each petal to help you keep track.
Experiment with the center size. Some people prefer a larger, more prominent center. If that is you, add a Round 4 to the center piece before fastening off: Ch 1, then work sc around, increasing evenly to maintain a flat circle. A larger center can also make assembly easier since you have more surface area to sew down.
Leave long tails. When you fasten off both pieces, leave at least a 6-inch tail. This gives you plenty of yarn to work with when sewing the pieces together and weaving in ends.
Creative Ways to Use Your Daisy Appliques
One of the great joys of making appliques is that a single little motif can go in so many directions. Once you have a stack of these daisies made up, you will find yourself looking at everything in your home as a potential canvas.
Baby blankets and loveys. A scattering of daisy appliques across the surface of a simple granny square blanket or a solid-color baby blanket instantly transforms it into something special. Use soft, washable yarn for any project intended for babies, and make sure all appliques are very securely sewn down with no loose ends that could pose a hazard.
Tote bags and market bags. A single bold daisy sewn to the front of a plain cotton tote bag creates a beautiful, personalized accessory. This makes a wonderful gift and takes very little time to put together.
Clothing embellishment. Sew a daisy to the collar of a denim jacket, the brim of a sun hat, the pocket of a cardigan, or the cuff of a simple sweater. These little flowers can completely change the character of a garment.
Headbands and hair accessories. A daisy or a cluster of daisies sewn onto an elastic headband or a plain hair clip makes a sweet accessory for children and adults alike.
Wreaths and wall art. Make a large number of daisies in graduating colors — say, from deep purple through lavender and into pale pink — and arrange them into a wreath shape on a wooden hoop or frame. This makes a gorgeous piece of fiber art for a nursery, a bedroom, or any room that needs a cheerful touch.
Bookmarks. Make your daisy in a thinner yarn with a smaller hook, leave a longer tail, and braid the tail into a ribbon. You have an instant crocheted bookmark.
Gift tags and packaging. A miniature daisy made in fingering weight yarn can be tied around a gift with a length of twine or ribbon for the most charming handmade gift tag you have ever seen.
Pillow covers. An arrangement of daisies sewn onto a plain pillow cover creates a beautiful boho-style home accent. Try a grid pattern of evenly spaced daisies, or go for an asymmetrical cluster in one corner.
Yarn and Color Inspiration
The classic daisy coloring is white petals with a yellow center, and it is classic for a reason — it is simply gorgeous. But do not let tradition limit your imagination. Here are some color combinations that I love for this pattern.
Lavender petals with a golden yellow center. This combination is soft, romantic, and works beautifully on grey or cream backgrounds.
Deep coral petals with a cream center. Bold and summery. Perfect for a beach bag or a straw hat.
White petals with a pale blush center. Delicate and elegant, this is lovely for wedding or bridal-themed projects.
Rainbow petals. Change colors partway through the petal round to create petals in multiple colors. This takes a little more yarn management but the result is absolutely joyful.
Variegated yarn for the petals. A self-striping or variegated yarn creates petals with natural color variation that looks more complex than it actually is. This is a wonderful trick for making your daisies look extra special with minimal extra effort.
For the yarn itself, I particularly love working this pattern in smooth, plied cotton or a cotton-acrylic blend. These fibers show the stitch definition clearly, hold their shape after blocking, and are easy to care for. A mercerized cotton gives a lovely subtle sheen that looks beautiful on appliques. That said, any yarn you enjoy working with will produce a lovely result.
Caring for Your Finished Projects
If you have sewn your daisy applique onto a wearable item or a bag, the care instructions for the whole piece should be driven by the most delicate yarn used in any part of the project. As a general rule, hand washing in cool water and laying flat to dry is the safest approach for crocheted items. If both the base project and the applique yarn are machine-washable, a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag will work fine.
If you have used fabric glue rather than sewing to attach your applique, check the care instructions for that specific glue product, as some are not designed to be laundered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this daisy smaller or larger?
Absolutely. To make a smaller daisy, use a finer yarn and a smaller hook. To make a larger daisy, use a bulkier yarn and a larger hook, or add more petals to the petal round. You can also make the center larger by adding an extra round.
Can I use this pattern to make a full daisy blanket?
Yes, though it would take quite a lot of daisies. A common approach is to make a simple background blanket first, then sew the daisies onto the surface in your desired arrangement. Alternatively, you can search for daisy stitch or join-as-you-go daisy motif techniques that allow you to construct a blanket entirely from connected daisy motifs.
What if my petals look uneven?
Uneven petals usually come down to tension variation. Try working more slowly and deliberately, counting your stitches for each petal before moving on to the next. Blocking will also help even things out considerably.
Is this pattern suitable for beginners?
Yes, with one caveat. If you have never worked in the round before, you may want to practice a simple circle first so you are comfortable with the magic ring and joining rounds. The petal construction uses treble crochets, which are taller stitches that some beginners find unfamiliar at first. Take your time with those and do not hesitate to watch a video tutorial on the treble crochet stitch before beginning.
A Final Word From Maria
The last time I made a stack of these daisies, Maria — now considerably older than five — sat next to me on the sofa and watched for a while. Then she asked if she could try. We found her a hook and some leftover yellow yarn, and by the end of the evening she had made three slightly wobbly but entirely perfect daisy centers.
That is the thing about simple patterns. They have a way of drawing people in. They make crochet feel accessible, joyful, and worth passing on.
I hope this pattern does the same for you. Whether you are making one daisy or a hundred, for a gift or just for yourself, I hope every stitch feels like that blue crayon — easy, happy, and full of color.
Happy crocheting.
