Crochet Chrysanthemum Flower – Free Written Pattern and Video Tutorial
Few flowers capture the imagination of crafters quite like the chrysanthemum. With its layered petals radiating outward in perfect symmetry, it’s one of those blooms that looks impossibly intricate yet, with the right pattern in hand, becomes something you can recreate entirely with yarn and a hook. Whether you’re making a hair clip, decorating a tote bag, adding dimension to a baby headband, or simply building up a bouquet of fiber flowers to brighten a shelf, this crochet chrysanthemum is exactly the kind of project that delivers big visual impact without demanding months of experience.
This post gives you everything you need: a complete free written pattern, notes on materials and sizing, tips for beginners, ideas for customization, and a walk-through of the techniques involved. A video tutorial is also included further down the page so you can watch the stitches come together in real time before you pick up your hook.
Why Crochet a Chrysanthemum?
The chrysanthemum has been a symbol of longevity, joy, and renewal across many cultures for thousands of years. In Japan it appears on the imperial seal. In China it’s associated with autumn and good fortune. In the Western floral tradition it’s become synonymous with cheerful fall arrangements and Mother’s Day bouquets. Crocheted, it carries all of that symbolic weight with the added satisfaction of being handmade.
From a purely practical craft perspective, chrysanthemum flowers are wonderfully versatile. They work in almost any weight of yarn, they don’t require advanced techniques beyond basic stitches, and they’re small enough to be portable projects you can carry in a bag and work on during a lunch break or a long commute. Once you’ve made one, you’ll quickly find yourself wanting to make a dozen in different colors.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The pattern below is written for a finished flower approximately 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter using worsted weight yarn, but notes are included at the end for adjusting the size.
Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in your chosen color, approximately 30–40 yards per flower. Cotton yarn gives the petals a crisp, defined edge and holds its shape beautifully. Acrylic yarn is easier to find in a wide range of colors and is perfectly suitable as well. For a softer, more romantic look, try a cotton-acrylic blend.
Hook: US Size G/6 (4.0mm) crochet hook. If your tension runs loose, drop down to a 3.75mm. If it runs tight, go up to a 4.5mm.
Notions: Scissors, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional but helpful), and a button, brooch pin, hair clip, or headband base depending on your intended use.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
tr – treble crochet
dtr – double treble crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
sp – space
rep – repeat
MR – magic ring (also called magic circle or adjustable ring)
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
This chrysanthemum is worked in the round. Unlike a flat crochet circle, the petals are created by working multiple rounds of progressively taller stitches, with each round of petals sitting slightly in front of or behind the previous one. This is what gives the flower its signature layered, dimensional appearance.
The flower is worked in five rounds of petals plus a center. The center is finished with a cluster of short stitches to mimic the dense button-like middle of a real chrysanthemum.
You can work this flower in a single color for a bold, modern look, or change colors between petal rounds for an ombre or multicolored effect. If you choose to change colors, cut and rejoin the yarn at the beginning of each new petal round rather than carrying it up, as this gives cleaner joins.
Read through the entire pattern once before beginning so you understand the overall structure.
Free Written Crochet Chrysanthemum Pattern
The Center
Start with a magic ring. If you’re not comfortable with the magic ring, chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a small ring, then proceed.
Round 1: Ch 1, work 8 sc into the magic ring. Join with sl st to the first sc. Pull the magic ring tail to close the center hole. (8 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1. Working into the back loop only of each stitch, work 2 sc in each stitch around. Join with sl st to the first sc. (16 sc)
Round 3: Ch 1. Working into the back loop only, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat from to around. Join with sl st to the first sc. (24 sc)
Do not fasten off. You are now ready to begin the petal rounds.
First Petal Round (Innermost Petals)
These are the shortest, tightest petals, sitting closest to the center of the flower.
Petal Round 1: Working into the front loops only of the stitches from Round 3, ch 1, hdc in same st, hdc in next st, ch 1, sl st in next st, repeat from to around until you have worked all 24 stitches. You will create 8 small petals. If your count doesn’t divide evenly, adjust by working the sl st between petals into the same stitch as the ch 1 start of the next petal.
Fasten off and weave in ends, or leave a long tail to sew the flower to your project later.
Second Petal Round
Rejoin your yarn (same color or a new one) into the back loops of Round 3, spacing yourself so the new petals will sit between the first petal round petals.
Petal Round 2: Working into back loops of Round 3 that you haven’t yet used (or into the base of the flower between previous petals), ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sl st in next st, repeat from to around to create 8 petals slightly taller than the first set.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Third Petal Round
For this round, you’ll work around the outer edge of Round 3, picking up the unused loops or working into a new foundation round. To add the third layer cleanly, work directly into the base of the flower between the previous petal layers, pushing your hook through from the back to pick up any remaining loops.
Petal Round 3: Ch 3, tr in same sp, tr in next 2 sts, ch 3, sl st in next sp, repeat from to around to create 8 medium-length petals.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Creating the Outer Petal Layers (Rounds 4 and 5)
For a truly full, rounded chrysanthemum, you need two more rings of petals that extend outward. To create these, you’ll first establish a new foundation ring around the outside of your existing center section.
Foundation Ring: Rejoin yarn anywhere at the outer edge of your flower base. Working loosely around the edge, ch 1, then sc evenly around the perimeter of your flower base, placing approximately 36–40 stitches around the full circumference. Join with sl st to first sc. This creates the foundation for your outer petals.
Petal Round 4 (Outer Petals): Ch 3, tr in same st, tr in next 3 sts, ch 3, sl st in next st, repeat from to around. You will create approximately 8–9 petals, depending on your stitch count. These petals should be full and open.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Petal Round 5 (Outermost Petals): Rejoin yarn into the back loops of your foundation ring. Ch 4, dtr in same st, dtr in next 3 sts, ch 4, sl st in next st, repeat from to around. These are your largest, outermost petals.
Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.
Finishing the Center
Thread a short length of yarn onto your yarn needle. Work small clusters of French knots or small loops across the very center of your flower to create the dense, textured button center characteristic of a chrysanthemum. Alternatively, sew a small button in the center, which both secures the layers and adds a decorative touch.
If the flower feels a little floppy, you can lightly spray-starch it or use fabric stiffener, then pin it into shape and allow it to dry flat. This is especially useful if you’re using it as a decorative piece rather than wearing it.
Video Tutorial
Watching the stitches happen in real time makes an enormous difference, especially when you’re building layered petals and need to see exactly where to insert your hook for each new round. A video tutorial walks you through each round of this pattern from the magic ring all the way through the finishing touches. If you’re following along on a phone or tablet, you can pause and rewind as many times as you need. Some crafters find it helpful to watch the full video through once before starting, then watch again section by section as they work.
Look for the video tutorial linked on this page or search for “crochet chrysanthemum flower tutorial” to find additional video guides from the crochet community. YouTube has a rich library of chrysanthemum tutorials at a range of skill levels, and watching two or three different teachers demonstrate the same flower can help clarify any steps that feel unclear.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Tension matters more than you might think. Because the petals are built using a series of increases in stitch height, even tension keeps everything looking balanced. If some petals flare out more than others, try to keep your foundation chains and initial stitches at the same tension throughout.
Use a stitch marker to track your rounds. When you’re juggling multiple petal rounds worked into the same base stitches, it’s easy to lose your place. A stitch marker at the start of each round eliminates confusion.
Don’t skip the foundation ring for the outer petals. It’s tempting to try to work directly into the existing stitches for every layer, but the foundation ring gives your outer petals a clean, even base and helps the flower maintain its shape over time.
Block your flower. A light blocking after assembly settles the yarn and opens up the petals beautifully. For acrylic yarn, use steam blocking carefully; for cotton, wet blocking works wonderfully.
Experiment with yarn weight. Working this same pattern in fingering weight yarn on a 2.25mm hook gives you a delicate 1.5-inch flower perfect for earrings or fine jewelry. Working it in bulky yarn on a 6mm hook produces a dramatic 6-inch statement flower suitable for a pillow centerpiece or wall hanging.
Color Inspiration
Chrysanthemums come in an extraordinary range of natural colors, and your yarn choices can celebrate that variety. Some combinations that work especially well in fiber:
Deep burgundy with a golden yellow center closely mimics classic autumn varieties. Soft lavender with a cream center creates a romantic, vintage feel. Bright coral or tangerine makes a cheerful summer version. White or ivory with a pale green center is elegant and modern. Dusty rose with a deeper mauve for the outer petals gives a sophisticated ombre effect.
If you want a truly realistic flower, look at reference photos of real chrysanthemums. You’ll notice that many varieties have slightly darker centers with petals that lighten toward the tips — an effect you can replicate by changing yarn color between petal rounds.
Ways to Use Your Crochet Chrysanthemum
Once you have your flower finished, the possibilities for using it are genuinely wide open. Sew a brooch pin to the back and wear it on a coat lapel or a denim jacket. Hot glue it to a hair clip or barrette for a quick, beautiful hair accessory. Attach it to a headband base for a baby gift that photographs beautifully. Sew several onto a plain tote bag for an instant upgrade. Make a bouquet of a dozen flowers in fall colors and display them in a vase — they’ll last indefinitely and never need water. Embellish a crocheted or knitted hat with a cluster of chrysanthemums along the brim. Use them as gift toppers in place of a ribbon bow. Sew them onto a wreath form along with other fiber flowers for a year-round front door decoration.
Adjusting the Pattern for Different Sizes
The size of your finished chrysanthemum is controlled by two variables: yarn weight and the number of petals rounds you include. The five-round pattern above produces a medium flower. For a smaller flower, stop after three rounds of petals and skip the foundation ring and outer layers entirely. For a larger flower, add a sixth round of petals using dtr stitches with ch 5 between.
If you want a flatter, more graphic flower for appliqué rather than a dimensional sculptural bloom, work only two or three petal rounds and don’t stack them as closely. The result reads more like a stylized chrysanthemum and works beautifully for embellishing garments where you don’t want too much three-dimensional texture.
Skill Level and Who This Pattern Is For
This pattern is rated as easy to intermediate. If you can make a magic ring, work basic stitches like single crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet, and join rounds with a slip stitch, you have every skill required. The only element that might feel new to true beginners is managing multiple layers worked into the same base stitches, and the video tutorial makes this much clearer than written instructions alone can.
If you’re a complete beginner, spending an afternoon or evening getting comfortable with the magic ring and working in the round before tackling this project will make the process much smoother. There are plenty of beginner resources available, and returning to this pattern once you feel confident with the basics will give you a much more enjoyable experience.
Share Your Makes
If you use this pattern to make your own crochet chrysanthemum, sharing your work helps other crafters see what’s possible with different yarn choices and color combinations. The crochet community thrives on inspiration, and your version of this flower might be exactly what someone else needs to see before they decide to try it themselves.
Happy crocheting — and may your chrysanthemums bloom in every color of the yarn rainbow.
