Every November, red poppies appear on coats, lapels and church railings across the UK as we remember those who served and died in war. A crocheted poppy is a lovely, lasting way to join in, and it takes less than half an hour to make. This free pattern is written in UK crochet terms and uses only basic stitches, so it is perfect for beginners.
You can make a single poppy for your coat, a handful for family and friends, or dozens for a community display or a poppy wreath.
About homemade poppies
The red poppy is the symbol of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Making your own poppy is a personal act of remembrance, and many people like to donate to the Poppy Appeal as well when they wear one. Please do not sell poppies made from this pattern: the Legion’s poppy is a protected emblem, and selling look-alikes can take money away from the appeal.
What you will make
- A flat, four-petal poppy about 7cm across, with a black centre.
- An optional green leaf.
- Time: about 20 to 30 minutes per poppy.
Materials
- Yarn: DK (double knitting) yarn in red, black and green. You need about 8m of red, 1m of black and 2m of green per poppy. Acrylic, wool or cotton all work. Wool or acrylic gives a softer petal; cotton gives crisp, flat petals.
- Hook: 4mm (UK 8 / US G-6).
- Tapestry needle and scissors.
- A brooch back or safety pin, or a length of ribbon if you are making a garland.
Tension: not critical. Work fairly firmly so the petals hold their shape.
Abbreviations (UK terms)
- ch: chain
- ss: slip stitch
- dc: double crochet (US single crochet)
- htr: half treble crochet (US half double crochet)
- tr: treble crochet (US double crochet)
- dtr: double treble crochet (US treble crochet)
- st(s): stitch(es)
Instructions
Round 1: the black centre
Using black, make a magic ring. If you have not made one before, follow our magic ring tutorial, or work 4 ch and join with a ss to form a ring.
1 ch (does not count as a st), 8 dc into the ring. Pull the tail to close the centre tightly. Join with a ss to the first dc. (8 sts) Fasten off black.
Round 2: the red base
Join red in any stitch. 1 ch, 2 dc in each st around. Join with a ss to the first dc. (16 sts)
Round 3: the petals
*In the next st work (2 tr, 2 dtr); in the next st work (2 dtr, 2 tr); 1 htr in the next st; ss in the next st*. Repeat from * to * three more times. (4 petals)
Each petal is worked over 4 stitches of Round 2, so the four petals use all 16 stitches. Fasten off, leaving a 20cm tail if you want to sew the poppy onto something.
Tip: if your petals curl, give them a light steam (hold the iron above the poppy without touching it) and pat them flat with your fingers while warm.
The leaf (optional)
Using green, make 8 ch.
ss in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, 1 htr in next ch, 1 tr in each of next 2 ch, 1 htr in next ch, ss in last ch. Fasten off and sew the leaf behind one petal.
Finishing your poppy
- Weave the black tail in around the centre, pulling it through the back of the stitches so the centre stays closed.
- Weave in the red tail behind the petals.
- Sew a brooch back or safety pin to the back, at the top of the black centre, so the poppy sits straight on a coat.
Ideas for using your poppies
- Coat or bag poppy: add a brooch back and a leaf.
- Remembrance wreath: sew 20 to 30 poppies onto a 25cm wreath base or a ring of card wrapped in green yarn.
- Garland: thread poppies onto a length of ribbon, spacing them about 10cm apart, for a window or fireplace.
- Community displays: many churches and community groups collect handmade poppies for cascades and memorials. Check with your local group which size and colours they need.
Variations
- Bigger poppy: use aran yarn and a 5mm hook for a poppy about 9cm across.
- Layered poppy: make two poppies, one in DK with a 4mm hook and one with a 3.5mm hook, and sew the smaller one on top, turning it so its petals sit between the petals underneath.
- Purple poppy: purple poppies remember the animals that served in war. Use the same pattern with purple yarn.
- White poppy: some people wear a white poppy as a symbol of peace. Work Round 2 and Round 3 in white.
Caring for crochet poppies
Acrylic and cotton poppies can be hand washed in cool water and dried flat. Store them flat in a box with tissue paper between seasons so the petals stay crisp for next November.
