Crochet Daffodil Flower Applique – Free Pattern

Spring has a way of making everything feel possible again. The first daffodils pushing up through cold soil, their cheerful yellow faces turning toward the sun — there is nothing quite like them. If you have been looking for a way to capture that feeling in yarn, this free crochet daffodil flower applique pattern is exactly what you need. Whether you want to embellish a tote bag, brighten up a baby blanket, decorate a hat, or simply add a handmade touch to a gift, this little flower delivers maximum charm with a surprisingly manageable skill level.

This pattern comes from RaffamusaDesigns, where the goal has always been to create crochet motifs and appliques that feel polished and intentional without requiring years of advanced technique. The daffodil is one of those designs that looks complex at first glance but is actually built on familiar stitches layered together in a smart sequence. By the time you finish your first one, you will want to make a whole garden of them.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know — materials, abbreviations, the full pattern, and plenty of tips along the way.

Why Crochet Appliques Are Worth Making

Before we dive into the pattern itself, it is worth taking a moment to appreciate why crochet appliques have become such a beloved corner of the craft world. An applique is a small, flat motif that you can attach to almost any surface — crocheted, knitted, fabric, or otherwise. Unlike working a design directly into a larger piece, appliques give you flexibility. You can make them in advance, mix and match colors, and position them exactly where you want before committing to the final placement.

Daffodils in particular have a timeless quality. They appear in spring collections, Easter crafts, home décor projects, and children’s clothing season after season. A well-made daffodil applique can elevate a plain dish towel into a thoughtful gift, turn a basic cardigan into a wearable piece of art, or become the centerpiece of a cheerful spring wreath. They are small enough to finish in one sitting but meaningful enough to feel genuinely special.

Materials You Will Need

One of the best things about crochet appliques is how little you need to make them. This pattern is designed to be accessible, so it uses materials you likely already have on hand or can pick up inexpensively.

Yarn: You will need small amounts of yellow and a contrasting color for the trumpet center, which is traditionally a deeper yellow, orange, or even a warm apricot. DK weight or worsted weight yarn both work beautifully for this pattern — the finished size will simply vary accordingly. Cotton yarn gives a crisp, clean look that photographs beautifully and holds its shape well after washing, making it an excellent choice for appliques that will be laundered regularly. Acrylic yarn is perfectly fine too, especially if you are going for softness over crispness.

Hook: A 3.5 mm hook pairs well with DK weight cotton. If you are using worsted weight, step up to a 4.0 or 4.5 mm hook. As always, adjust to suit your tension and the finished size you have in mind.

Tapestry needle: You will need this to weave in ends and to sew your finished applique onto its destination project.

Scissors: A small, sharp pair works best for clean yarn cuts.

Optional: Stitch markers can be helpful when working the corona (the trumpet center) in rounds, particularly if you are a beginner. A little fabric stiffener or blocking spray can help the petals lie flat and fan out evenly if yours curl after finishing.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology. Here is a quick reference list so you can keep it nearby as you work.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble crochet
st(s) — stitch(es)
sp — space
MR — magic ring (also called a magic circle)
rep — repeat
( ) — work all stitches in parentheses into the same stitch or space
[ ] — repeat the instructions within brackets the number of times indicated

If you are not yet comfortable with the magic ring, you can substitute a foundation of chain 4 joined into a ring with a slip stitch. The magic ring does give a tighter, neater center, so it is worth practicing if you have not tried it before.

Pattern Notes

This daffodil is worked in two separate pieces — the outer petals and the inner corona (trumpet) — which are then joined together. This two-piece construction is what gives the finished flower its realistic, dimensional look. The petals fan out wide and flat while the corona stands up slightly from the center, just like a real daffodil.

The pattern is written for a medium-sized applique using DK weight yarn. It finishes at approximately 7 to 8 centimeters across with the corona measuring roughly 2 centimeters in height. If you want a larger flower, go up in yarn weight and hook size. For a smaller, more delicate version suitable for card-making or fine embellishments, try fingering weight yarn with a 2.5 mm hook.

Always leave a long enough tail when fastening off. You will use these tails to sew the applique in place, which saves the extra step of attaching a new length of yarn.

The Pattern: Crochet Daffodil Flower Applique

Part One: The Petals

The daffodil has six petals arranged symmetrically. Each petal is worked individually within a round, creating a naturally spread shape.

Foundation: Using yellow yarn, make a magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into the magic ring, join with sl st to first sc. Pull the magic ring closed. (6 sc)

Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

Round 3: Ch 1, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] rep around, join with sl st to first sc. (18 sc)

Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with sl st to first sc. (18 sc)

Now you will begin working the individual petals. Each petal is worked across 3 stitches of the base round, then you return to the base to begin the next petal.

Petal 1:

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next st, turn. (3 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, hdc in next st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (5 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, hdc in next st, dc in center st, hdc in next st, sc in last st, turn. (5 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first st, hdc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in center st, hdc in next st, sc in last st, turn. (6 sts + ch-1 sp)

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first st, hdc in next st, dc in next st, (dc, tr, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in last st, do not turn. (8 sts)

Now work along the side of the petal back down to the base: sc evenly down the left edge (approximately 4 sc), sl st into the base stitch at the bottom of the petal to anchor.

Fasten off or, if you prefer to work all petals in one continuous piece, do not fasten off — simply slip stitch into the next available base stitch and repeat Rows 1 through 5 for each of the remaining 5 petals.

Petals 2 through 6: Repeat the petal instructions above for each of the remaining five sets of 3 base stitches. When all six petals are complete, join with sl st to the first stitch of the first petal and fasten off.

Weave in all ends carefully. If you worked each petal individually, use the yarn tails to close any small gaps between petals at the base.

At this point, lay your petal piece flat and gently coax the petals into an even, symmetrical arrangement. If they need a little help lying flat, a light misting of water and a gentle press with your fingers while the piece dries will do the trick.

Part Two: The Corona (Trumpet)

The corona is the defining feature of a daffodil — that beautiful cup shape that rises from the center of the petals. It is worked in a contrasting color, traditionally a deeper yellow, orange, or apricot.

Foundation: Using your contrast color, make a magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into the magic ring, join with sl st to first sc. Pull the ring closed. (6 sc)

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in same st, 2 hdc in each sc around, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-2. (12 hdc)

Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in same st, hdc in next st, [2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st] rep around, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-2. (18 hdc)

Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each hdc around, join with sl st to first sc. (18 sc)

Round 5 — Ruffle Edge: Ch 1, [sc in next st, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next st] rep around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. (you will have 9 single crochets and 9 three-stitch groups)

The ruffle in Round 5 creates that slightly frilled, dimensional edge that makes this corona look so realistic. When you hold the finished piece, it should cup naturally in a shallow cylinder shape. If it lies completely flat, the tension was a little loose — that is totally fine for a first attempt. It will still look beautiful once attached.

Joining the Two Pieces

Place the corona in the center of the petal base, with the wrong side of the corona facing down onto the right side of the petals. Thread your tapestry needle with the long tail from the corona.

Using a whip stitch or a simple running stitch, sew around the bottom edge of the corona, anchoring it to the center of the petal base. Work evenly all the way around to keep the corona centered and stable. When you have gone all the way around, knot securely on the wrong side and weave in the end.

Your daffodil is now complete. Take a moment to admire it — that cheery little face is entirely your own work.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Tension matters more than you think. For appliques that lie flat and look polished, try to keep your tension consistent throughout. If your petals curl or the piece puckers, your tension was too tight. If everything looks loose and floppy, tighten up slightly. Neither is a failure — just a note for the next one.

Block everything. Even a quick damp-blocking session makes a remarkable difference to crochet appliques. Wet the piece lightly, pin or shape it on a foam board or folded towel, and let it dry fully. The difference in the final look is worth the extra few hours of patience.

Choose your colors thoughtfully. The classic daffodil palette is yellow petals with an orange or deep yellow corona, but there is nothing stopping you from experimenting. White petals with a peach corona make a lovely variation. Pale lemon with a coral center feels fresh and modern. You can even work a soft mint green version for an unexpected, whimsical take.

Working in one color is an option too. If you want a more graphic, stylized applique, working both pieces in the same yellow creates a bold, solid-color motif that looks striking on dark backgrounds.

Secure your appliques properly. When sewing your finished daffodil onto a project, use a matching thread or the same yarn used for the applique rather than a contrasting color, which can show through. Work your stitches around the outer edges and through the base of the corona to hold everything flat and in place.

Project Ideas for Your Daffodil Appliques

Once you have made one of these little flowers, it is very hard to stop. Here are some of the most satisfying ways to put them to use.

A set of three or five daffodils arranged across the front of a tote bag makes for a gorgeous, spring-ready accessory. Use fabric glue to position them first, then sew for security. Baby items are another wonderful canvas — the top of a baby bonnet, the front of a bib, or the corner of a swaddle blanket all benefit from a single cheerful flower. A crochet wreath base layered with daffodil appliques and green leaf motifs creates a stunning spring door decoration. Gift wrapping can be elevated instantly by adding a daffodil to a ribbon in place of a traditional bow. If you do any card-making or scrapbooking, miniature versions worked in fingering weight yarn add a beautiful handmade element.

For crochet garments, consider adding a small daffodil to the collar of a cardigan, the cuff of a sleeve, or the front pocket of a dress. It is the kind of detail that makes a handmade piece feel truly considered and unique.

Storing and Caring for Crocheted Appliques

If you are building up a collection of appliques to use over time, store them flat in a small zippered pouch or sandwich bag to keep them from stretching or tangling. Blocking them before storage means they will be ready to use whenever inspiration strikes.

For finished projects bearing the applique, follow the care instructions for the yarn you used. Cotton appliques on cotton projects are generally machine washable on a gentle cycle, while wool requires hand washing in cool water. If the applique was sewn on with matching thread, it should hold through washing without any trouble.

A Note on Sharing Your Makes

If you use this pattern to make your own daffodil appliques, the team at RaffamusaDesigns would love to see what you create. Sharing your finished makes in crochet communities and tagging the original designer is a lovely way to support the creators whose free patterns you enjoy. It also helps other crafters discover the pattern, which keeps the community thriving and encourages designers to keep sharing their work freely.

Whether you are a longtime lover of crochet or someone who picked up a hook for the first time just a few months ago, this daffodil applique is a project that rewards patience and practice with something genuinely beautiful. Keep your yarn, your hook, and a little time set aside for yourself — spring is always worth celebrating, and nothing says that quite like a flower made by hand.

Happy crocheting.