Crochet Chrysanthemum Pattern – Easy Step by Step Flower Tutorial
There is something deeply satisfying about crocheting a flower that looks intricate but is actually built from a handful of simple, repeating techniques. The chrysanthemum is one of those flowers. With its many layered petals radiating from a central point, it looks like it belongs on the counter of a skilled florist — but with the right pattern and a little patience, you can make one yourself in an afternoon. Whether you are a beginner who has just learned the basics or an experienced crocheter looking for a new project, this step-by-step chrysanthemum crochet tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know.
By the end of this guide, you will have a beautiful crocheted chrysanthemum that can be used as a brooch, a hair clip, a bag embellishment, a home décor accent, a wreath addition, or even a thoughtful handmade gift. Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Chrysanthemum Pattern
Before we get into the actual stitches, let’s talk about why the chrysanthemum is such a beloved project in the crochet community.
First, chrysanthemums are iconic. In many cultures — particularly in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean tradition — the chrysanthemum symbolizes longevity, loyalty, and joy. Making one in yarn form is a way to carry that meaning into something tangible and wearable.
Second, this pattern is incredibly versatile. You can make it small (about 3 inches across) using fingering weight yarn and a 2.5mm hook, or you can make it large and lush (5 to 6 inches) using worsted weight yarn and a 5mm hook. The structure stays the same regardless of your material choice.
Third, once you understand the layered petal technique, you’ll find yourself making these flowers for every project. They are genuinely addictive.
Materials You Will Need
Getting your materials together before you begin makes the whole process smoother. Here is what you need for this crochet chrysanthemum flower tutorial:
Yarn: You can use almost any weight here. For a beginner-friendly experience, worsted weight yarn (size 4) works best because it is easy to see your stitches and the fabric builds up quickly. Choose whatever color speaks to you — classic yellow or white for a traditional look, deep burgundy or purple for something dramatic, or blush pink for a soft, romantic feel.
Crochet Hook: For worsted weight yarn, a 4mm or 5mm hook is ideal. Adjust your hook size to match your yarn weight.
Yarn Needle: You will need this for weaving in ends and, if you choose, for assembling any backing piece.
Scissors: A small, sharp pair is always helpful when crocheting flowers.
Optional: A brooch pin, hair clip, or safety pin if you want to turn your finished flower into a wearable accessory. A small circle of felt in a matching color works beautifully as a backing to attach the pin and give the flower a clean finished look.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
This pattern uses US crochet terminology. Here is a quick reference for the stitches you will encounter:
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble (triple) crochet
sp — space
MR — magic ring (also called a magic circle)
If you are unfamiliar with the magic ring technique, do not worry — there is an explanation of it in the pattern steps below. You can also substitute a simple chain-4 joined into a loop if you prefer.
Understanding the Structure of a Crocheted Chrysanthemum
Before you begin working the pattern, it helps to understand how a crocheted chrysanthemum is built. Unlike a simple flower with five or six petals, a chrysanthemum has many overlapping layers of petals that give it that full, globe-like appearance.
In crochet, we achieve this by working multiple rounds of petals into the same base rings, layering each round in front of or behind the previous one. The petals in each successive layer are slightly taller than the ones before, which mimics the way a real chrysanthemum blooms outward from its center.
This pattern creates three layers of petals. The first layer (the innermost) uses shorter stitches for small, tight center petals. The second layer uses taller stitches for medium petals. The third and outermost layer uses the tallest stitches, giving the flower its full, finished shape. The result is a realistic-looking flower with beautiful dimension and texture.
Step by Step Crochet Chrysanthemum Pattern
Step 1: Make the Magic Ring
Start by making a magic ring. To do this, wrap your yarn loosely around two fingers to form a loop, insert your hook through the loop from front to back, pull up a loop of the working yarn, and chain one to secure. Do not tighten the ring yet — you will do that after the first round.
If you prefer to skip the magic ring, chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring. This is a perfectly valid substitute.
Step 2: Round 1 — The Center Base
Into your magic ring, work 10 single crochet stitches. After your tenth single crochet, join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet of the round. Pull the tail of your magic ring to close the hole in the center. You should now have a neat little circle with 10 stitches.
This round forms the foundation of your flower. Every layer of petals will be worked into this base or into subsequent base rounds that you will build around it.
Step 3: Round 2 — First Petal Base Ring
Chain 1. Working into each stitch of Round 1, work 2 single crochet stitches into each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. You should now have 20 stitches.
This is the ring from which your first layer of petals will grow. Think of it as widening the stage so the petals have room to sit.
Step 4: Round 3 — First Layer of Petals (Small Inner Petals)
This is where the magic begins. You are now going to work a series of small petals all the way around the circle.
For each petal, work the following sequence into the next stitch:
Chain 1, then work 1 single crochet, 1 half double crochet, 1 double crochet, 1 half double crochet, and 1 single crochet, all into that same stitch. Slip stitch into the following stitch to close the petal and anchor it down.
Repeat this petal sequence around all 20 stitches. Since each petal uses 2 stitches (one for the petal body, one for the anchor slip stitch), you will make 10 small petals in this round.
After you complete the final petal, join with a slip stitch. You now have your first ring of tiny, rounded petals sitting up around the center.
Step 5: Round 4 — Second Petal Base Ring
Now you need to build the second base ring for the middle layer of petals. To do this, you are going to work behind the petals you just made, directly into the stitches of Round 2.
Turn your work slightly so you can see the back side of the petals, or gently fold the petals forward out of the way. Insert your hook from back to front under the stitch from Round 2 that sits between your first-layer petals.
Chain 1 (this does not count as a stitch), then work 2 single crochet stitches into each of the 20 stitches of Round 2, working behind the first layer of petals. Join with a slip stitch. You should now have 40 stitches in this new ring.
Step 6: Round 5 — Second Layer of Petals (Medium Petals)
These petals are slightly taller than the first layer, which pushes them outward and gives the flower its characteristic fullness.
For each petal in this round, work the following sequence into the next stitch:
Chain 1, then work 1 single crochet, 1 half double crochet, 2 double crochets, 1 half double crochet, and 1 single crochet, all into that same stitch. Slip stitch into the following stitch to close and anchor the petal.
Repeat this sequence around all 40 stitches, making 20 medium petals in total. Join with a slip stitch after the last petal.
These petals will naturally fan outward over the smaller inner petals, and you will start to see the chrysanthemum really taking shape.
Step 7: Round 6 — Third Petal Base Ring
Just as you did for the second layer, you now need to create a third base ring by working behind the previous petals, this time into the stitches of Round 4.
Fold the petals gently forward and insert your hook from back to front into the stitches of Round 4. Chain 1, then work 2 single crochet stitches into each of the 40 stitches of Round 4, working behind the second-layer petals. Join with a slip stitch. You should now have 80 stitches in this outermost base ring.
Step 8: Round 7 — Third Layer of Petals (Large Outer Petals)
This is the final and most dramatic layer. These petals are the tallest, giving the flower its full, open, blooming appearance.
For each petal, work the following sequence into the next stitch:
Chain 1, then work 1 single crochet, 1 half double crochet, 1 double crochet, 2 treble crochets, 1 double crochet, 1 half double crochet, and 1 single crochet, all into that same stitch. Slip stitch into the following stitch.
Repeat around all 80 stitches, making 40 large outer petals. Join with a slip stitch after completing the final petal.
Your flower now has three gorgeous, fully dimensional layers of petals cascading outward from the center. Take a moment to appreciate what you’ve just made.
Finishing Your Crochet Chrysanthemum
Fasten off, leaving a yarn tail of about 6 inches for weaving in. Thread your yarn needle and weave the tail through the back side of the flower in a few different directions to secure it. Trim the excess.
Use your fingers to gently shape and separate the petals, fanning them out into a natural arrangement. If any petals are lying flat when you want them to stand up a little, a quick steam with an iron held an inch or two above the flower (never directly touching the yarn) can help set the shape. Always check your yarn’s care label before applying steam.
How to Use Your Crochet Chrysanthemum
Once your flower is finished, the possibilities are genuinely wonderful. Here are some of the most popular ways crafters use crocheted chrysanthemums:
As a brooch: Cut a small circle of felt slightly smaller than the flower’s diameter and sew or glue it to the back. Attach a brooch pin to the felt and you have a stunning, wearable accessory.
As a hair accessory: Use the same felt backing technique and attach a hair clip or comb instead of a pin. These make beautiful gifts, especially for children.
On a crochet bag or purse: Sew the chrysanthemum directly onto the front of a crocheted or fabric bag for a standout embellishment. Use the yarn tail or a separate length of yarn and a needle to secure it at several points around the back of the flower.
On a wreath: Wire crocheted chrysanthemums alongside greenery and other faux florals for a stunning handmade wreath that will never wilt.
As a granny-square accent: Work a large chrysanthemum into the center of a granny square for a statement block in a blanket or wall hanging.
Framed as wall art: Back several chrysanthemums on a piece of canvas or linen in complementary colors for a beautiful piece of fiber art.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Working behind petals to create the layered base rings is the trickiest part of this pattern for most beginners. Here are a few tips that make it much easier.
Use stitch markers liberally. Place a marker at the start of each base round so you always know where you began and where you need to end. This becomes especially important in Round 6 when you have 40 stitches to track behind a fairly dense layer of petals.
Work loosely. If your tension is too tight, working behind petals becomes a wrestling match. Aim for a relaxed, slightly looser tension than you might use for a fabric project. The flower will still hold its shape.
Use a hook with a longer, slimmer head if you have one. Some hooks are shaped in a way that makes it easier to insert them through tight or layered stitch work. An inline hook can be especially handy here.
Do not skip the slip stitch anchors between petals. They are what keeps your petals sitting upright rather than flopping sideways.
Finally, block or steam your finished flower. Even a light touch of steam makes a remarkable difference in how polished and even the petals look.
Yarn and Color Ideas to Inspire You
One of the most joyful parts of making crocheted chrysanthemums is choosing your colors. Here are some color combinations that work beautifully:
A classic golden yellow with a contrasting dark brown or burnt orange center gives you a warm, autumnal chrysanthemum that looks straight out of a fall garden. Deep violet with a soft lavender for the inner petals creates something that looks almost royal. Pure white or cream with the palest blush pink in the inner layers is breathtaking for weddings or home décor. If you want something unexpected, try a variegated or self-striping yarn — the color changes happen naturally as you work each round, and the result can be spectacular.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a complete beginner make this pattern? Yes, absolutely. If you know how to single crochet, double crochet, and work in the round, you have all the technical skills you need. The only new challenge is the layered construction, and this tutorial walks you through that step by step.
How long does it take to make one chrysanthemum? Most crafters working in worsted weight yarn can complete one flower in one to two hours. The more you make, the faster you get.
Can I make this with thread instead of yarn? Yes. Using size 10 crochet thread and a 1.5mm or 1.75mm hook, you can create a delicate, lace-like chrysanthemum that is beautiful for jewelry or hair accessories.
How do I adjust the size? Use a thicker yarn and larger hook for a bigger flower, or a thinner yarn and smaller hook for something more dainty. You can also add a fourth round of petals using even taller stitches (triple treble crochets) if you want an especially full bloom.
Can I sell items made with this pattern? Please use your own judgment about the patterns you sell from, and always give credit to pattern designers where applicable. If this is your own original piece made using techniques from this tutorial, you are free to sell the finished item.
Final Thoughts
The crochet chrysanthemum is one of those rare patterns that rewards you with something that genuinely looks impressive without requiring years of advanced skill. The technique of working layered petals into stacked base rings is something you will find yourself returning to again and again once you learn it — not just for chrysanthemums, but for dahlias, marigolds, and other full, multi-petaled flowers.
Take your time with each round, especially the rounds where you are working behind the petals. It feels awkward at first, and then suddenly it clicks, and from that moment forward, you will wonder how you ever thought it was difficult.
Happy crocheting. May your yarn never tangle and your hook never slip.
