Hey, it’s Sofia from Loop & Twine! Want to add a cheerful pop of color to your next crochet project? This crochet sunflower applique is bright, fun, and surprisingly quick to make — perfect for using up scrap yarn.
Sunflowers are a symbol of happiness, positivity, and sunshine — so what better motif to add to your next project?
This tiny sunflower works up in less than half an hour and is a brilliant scrap yarn buster. Turn it into earrings, a brooch, a keychain, a hair clip, or a magnet — or use it to embellish a bigger project.
Video: How to Make the Crochet Sunflower Applique
Watch the full process from magic ring to finished petals:
Ways to Use This Sunflower Applique
- Embellish hats or bags — add a sunny accent to plain accessories.
- Jazz up home decor — string several together as a garland, or add to a coaster set or pillow cover.
- Gift wrapping — use as a gift topper or attach to a gift tag for a handmade touch.
- Sew onto clothing — patch a pair of jeans, a jacket, or a tote bag for a boho look.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Sunflower Applique
- Scrap buster: great for using up leftover yarn.
- Versatile: perfect for decorations, jewellery, or embellishing other projects.
- Instant gratification: finished in under 30 minutes.
Materials
- DK weight yarn in dark brown and yellow (Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Coffee Bean and Buttercup Yellow works great)
- 2.5mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle, scissors
Not sure which yarn weight or hook size to reach for? Our crochet basics reference guide has a full chart for both, plus a US vs UK terms table if any of the abbreviations below look unfamiliar.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase
- hdc – half double crochet
- sk – skip
- sl st – slip stitch
- st/s – stitch/es
- […] – repeat the instructions in brackets
- (…) – stitch count at end of round
Finished Size & Gauge
The finished applique measures approximately 2″ x 2″ (5cm x 5cm). Size may vary depending on your tension and materials.
Gauge is not important for this pattern — but note that a different yarn and hook size will change the size and look of the finished piece.
Notes
- The ch 1 at the beginning of R2–R4 does not count as a stitch. Sl st to the first sc of the round to join.
- Changing colour mid-round is simple: work the last yarn over of the final stitch in the old colour with the new colour instead, then continue as normal. The Craft Yarn Council’s stitch guide has a clear breakdown of this and other joining techniques if you want a refresher.
Crochet Sunflower Applique Pattern Instructions
Starting with dark brown.
- R1: 6 sc in magic ring, sl st to first sc to join (6)
- R2: Ch 1, [inc] x6, sl st to first sc to join (12)
- R3: Ch 1, [sc, inc] x6, sl st to first sc to join (18)
- R4: Ch 1, sc, inc, [2 sc, inc] x5, sc — change colour to yellow in the last st, sl st to first sc to join (24)
- R5: Ch 2 (counts as first st), hdc in same st, ch 2, 2 hdc in same st. [Sk 1, 2 hdc in next st, ch 2, 2 hdc in same st] x11, sk last st (12 points)
Fasten off invisibly to the first hdc and weave in your ends.
Tips for a Neat Crochet Sunflower Applique
- Keep your tension even on Round 5 – the petals sit best when each hdc pair is worked with the same tightness.
- Block lightly if the petals curl inward after finishing – a light steam or a quick pin-and-spray will flatten them out.
- Save your scraps in a small bag specifically for applique projects like this one – it makes future sunflowers even faster to whip up.
- New to changing colours mid-round? Practice the colour change on a spare swatch first so Round 4 goes smoothly on your actual applique.
Once you’ve got the hang of this one, the same magic-ring-and-increase structure shows up in bigger projects too – our Teddy Bear Baby Bib and Little Vampire Crochet Doll both build on it.
Share Your Sunflower!
I’d love to see your sunflowers — share a photo on social media and tag @loopandtwine so I can admire your work. And if you enjoyed this crochet sunflower applique pattern, save it to Pinterest so you can find it again later!
Happy crocheting! 🌻
— Sofia, Loop & Twine
Looking for another project? Try our How to Crochet a 3D Multi-Layered Rose (Free Pattern).
Keep learning: New to a technique used here? See our beginner guide to crochet increases and decreases and the basic crochet stitches.