Crochet Poppy Pattern (Free Printable)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.Make a thoughtful crochet poppy to wear for Remembrance Day / Armistice Day, or stitch a few to decorate a blanket, hat, or scarf.
This easy tutorial uses scraps of red yarn and black yarn (DK/Light-3) with a 4 mm / US G-6 hook.
After a light steam, the flower settles into a soft, cupped poppy shape with a tidy BLO ridge.
Before You Get Started
A few notes for best results:
- Work each round with a sl st (slip stitch) join to keep the BLO ridge and stitch counts perfectly aligned.
- The ch 1 at the start of hdc rounds does not count as a stitch.
- Use DK (Light-3) cotton yarn for a crisp shape, or acrylic/wool for a softer look.
- A quick steam/press helps define the poppy’s curved shape and overall diameter.
Tools/Materials Needed
- DK/Light-3 red yarn (small scrap around 5-10g)
- DK/Light-3 black yarn (small scrap)
- 4 mm / US G-6 hook
- Tapestry needle (to weave ends and sew center)
- Scissors
- Brooch pin and a small felt circle (for backing) – can be glued or sewn
- Optional: cotton yarn if you prefer a matte finish, fabric glue, blocking pins, light steam source.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
This pattern is written in US terms.
- MR – magic ring (magic circle)
- ch – chain
- sl st / slst – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- inc – increase (work 2 sts in the next st)
- BLO – back loop only
- st / next st / next stitch – stitch
- rnd – round
UK Terms Note:
- US sc = UK dc;
- US hdc = UK htr;
- US dc = UK tr.
Free Crochet Poppy Pattern
This free crochet poppy pattern is worked in joined rounds for clean alignment.
Poppy (Red)
- Note: Use a sl st to join every round. ch 1 at the start of hdc rounds does not count as a stitch.
- R1: MR, 8 hdc, sl st to first hdc to join.
- R2: ch 1, 2 hdc in each next st around (16), sl st to first hdc.
- R3: ch 1, (hdc, inc = 2 hdc in next stitch) around (24), sl st.
- R4 (BLO): ch 1, BLO hdc around (24), sl st.
- R5: ch 1, (hdc in next 2, inc) around (32), sl st.
- R6: ch 1, hdc around (32), sl st.
Center (Black)
- MR, 6 sc, sl st into first sc.
- R1: ch 1, (sc, inc = 2 sc in next st) around to 12, sl st, fasten off.
- Sew the center neatly into the middle of your red circle. Add a tiny French-knot “stamen” or two with black tail if you like.
Final Touch
Give the poppy a light steam/press, then if you want to give it more shape, you can pinch the circle at four quarters to hint at a poppy without separate petals.
Attach a brooch pin or back it with a small felt circle (glue or sew).
FAQs & Extra Tips
How big is it?
With DK yarn and a 4mm hook, expect ~6–7.5 cm (diameter) depending on tension.
For a larger flower, add one more inc round or switch to double crochet (dc) in a round.
Can I work this as a true spiral?
You can, but this pattern uses a sl st join each round, so the BLO ridge and counts line up perfectly.
If spiraling, use a st marker at the first stitch of each rnd.
Can I use different yarns?
Yes—cotton yarn gives crisp edges; wool/acrylic is softer.
Adjust hook size to suit.
What can I do with extra poppies?
Make a donation and share poppies with friends, add them to a blanket, bags, hats, or gift-wrap.
It’s a thoughtful gift with special meaning.
I only know UK terms—help!
Remember: US sc = UK dc; US hdc = UK htr; US dc = UK tr.
Why is there a BLO round?
The BLO ridge creates a subtle structure, so the poppy keeps its shape after steaming.
Do I need a first chain/foundation chain?
No—this starts with a magic ring (MR), so no first chain/foundation chain is required.
Free Printable
Want to keep this tutorial handy while you crochet? Grab the free printable version of the pattern below!
Whether you’re curled up on the couch or taking your project on the go, this easy-to-follow card makes it simple to work through each round at your own pace.
Crochet Poppy Pattern
Make a meaningful poppy with this beginner-friendly crochet poppy pattern—worked in rounds from a magic ring with tidy joins and a subtle BLO ridge.
Use DK red/black yarn, a 4 mm (G-6) hook, and finish with a felt-backed brooch pin.
Perfect for Remembrance/Armistice Day.
Materials
- DK/Light-3 red yarn (small scrap around 5-10g)
- DK/Light-3 black yarn (small scrap)
Tools
- 4 mm / US G-6 hook
- Tapestry needle (to weave ends and sew center)
- Scissors
- Brooch pin and a small felt circle (for backing) – can be glued or sewn
- Optional: cotton yarn if you prefer a matte finish, fabric glue, blocking pins, light steam source.
Instructions
Free Crochet Poppy Pattern
This free crochet poppy pattern is worked in joined rounds for clean alignment.
Poppy (Red)
Note: Use a sl st to join every round. ch 1 at the start of hdc rounds does not count as a stitch.
- R1: MR, 8 hdc, sl st to first hdc to join.
- R2: ch 1, 2 hdc in each next st around (16), sl st to first hdc.
- R3: ch 1, (hdc, inc = 2 hdc in next stitch) around (24), sl st.
- R4 (BLO): ch 1, BLO hdc around (24), sl st.
- R5: ch 1, (hdc in next 2, inc) around (32), sl st.
- R6: ch 1, hdc around (32), sl st.
Center (Black)
- MR, 6 sc, sl st into first sc.
- R1: ch 1, (sc, inc = 2 sc in next st) around to 12, sl st, fasten off.
- Sew the center neatly into the middle of your red circle. Add a tiny French-knot “stamen” or two with black tail if you like.
Final Touch
Give the poppy a light steam/press, then if you want to give it more shape, you can pinch the circle at four quarters to hint at a poppy without separate petals.
Attach a brooch pin or back it with a small felt circle (glue or sew).
Notes
Abbreviations (US Terms)
This pattern is written in US terms.
- MR – magic ring (magic circle)
- ch – chain
- sl st / slst – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- inc – increase (work 2 sts in the next st)
- BLO – back loop only
- st / next st / next stitch – stitch
- rnd – round
UK Terms Note:
- US sc = UK dc;
- US hdc = UK htr;
- US dc = UK tr.
Share Your Make
I’d love to see your poppies!
Tag me on Instagram @handylittleme or use #handylittleme to show off your makes.
Join the Handy Little Me Facebook Group to share photos, ask questions, and connect with other makers.
Happy crocheting!
