If you love bright floral crochet designs, this sunflower-toned motif is such a fun project to make. It has a warm brown center, plump yellow petals, and a shaped outer frame that gives it a pretty square-meets-flower look.
This is an original crochet pattern inspired by the visible sunflower-style motif in the image. The finished piece works beautifully as an applique, coaster, bag decoration, wall hanging accent, or as part of a larger blanket or cushion design.
Description
This crochet sunflower motif features a rounded brown center with a visible open hole, a ring of full yellow wrapped puff-style petals, and a light brown outer frame that forms gentle points and corner spaces around the flower. The overall look feels cheerful, tidy, and dimensional, with soft sunflower colors and a decorative square outline. It is a small project, but it has plenty of texture and visual interest.
Materials
- Medium weight yarn in sunflower yellow
- Medium weight yarn in warm light brown
- 3.5 mm or 4.0 mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers, optional
- Blocking mat and pins, optional
Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sp = space
- st = stitch
- rep = repeat
Pattern Notes
- This is a small motif worked in 3 rounds.
- The yellow petals are made with long-loop puff-style stitches to create the padded petal look.
- Keep all long loops the same height so the petals stay even.
- The outer brown frame is worked into the gaps between petals.
- Finished size is about 4 to 4.5 inches wide, depending on yarn and tension.
- If you want a firmer motif for coasters or bag panels, block it lightly after finishing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Special Stitch: Long Loop Petal
Long Loop Petal: Insert hook into the indicated stitch, pull up a long loop about 3/4 inch high. Repeat this in the same stitch 7 more times, keeping all loops the same height. Yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook. Ch 1 to close the petal.
You can make the petals slightly fuller by pulling up 9 or 10 loops instead of 8 if you like a puffier flower.
Round 1: Brown Center
With brown yarn, ch 10 and join with a sl st to form a ring.
Ch 1. Work 32 sc over the ring. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
32 sc
This creates the thick center ring with a visible opening in the middle.
If you want the center hole a little smaller, start with ch 8. If you want it a little larger, start with ch 12.
Round 2: Yellow Petals
Join yellow yarn in any sc.
Ch 1.
Work the following around:
- Make 1 Long Loop Petal in the first sc
- Sl st in the next sc
Rep this sequence all the way around.
You will have 16 petals total.
Join with a sl st to the base of the first petal. Fasten off yellow.
16 petals
Gently adjust the loops with your fingers so the petals sit side by side in a neat ring.
Round 3: Brown Outer Frame
Turn the motif slightly so you can work into the gaps between the petal bases. Join brown yarn in any gap between 2 petals.
Work the following sequence 4 times:
- In first gap, work (dc, ch 3, dc) for a corner
- In next gap, work 1 dc
- In next gap, work 1 hdc
- In next gap, work 1 sc
Rep this full sequence 4 times around.
Join with a sl st to the first dc. Fasten off.
You now have 4 corners and a softly shaped square flower motif.
Finishing
Weave in all ends neatly on the back.
Use your fingers to spread and smooth the yellow petals so the flower looks round and full.
If needed, lightly block the motif:
- Pin the 4 corners outward
- Shape the petals evenly
- Steam very lightly or damp block, depending on your yarn
Do not flatten the petals too much, because the raised petal texture is part of the charm of this design.
Optional Use Ideas
This sunflower motif can be used in many ways:
- single applique for a tote bag
- coaster
- pocket decoration
- baby blanket accent
- bunting or garland
- patchwork cushion panel
- joining multiple motifs into a blanket
- embellishment for hats or cardigans
Tips & Variations
For a richer sunflower look, use a deeper golden yellow instead of bright yellow.
If you want a more rustic look, try mustard yellow with taupe or camel brown.
To make the petals fuller, increase the number of pulled-up loops in each petal.
To make the motif larger, use thicker yarn and a larger hook.
If your petals twist too much, pull the loops a little more gently and keep the tension even.
If your motif curls, blocking will help open the corners and flatten the border.
For joining into a larger project, make several motifs and seam them together at the corners or along the sides.
FAQ
Is this a granny square?
It is more of a floral square motif than a classic granny square. It has a flower center and a shaped outer border, but it can still be used in the same way as a small granny-style motif.
Can I make this into a full square?
Yes. If you want a more complete square shape, you can add one more outer round of brown stitches after the frame round.
Can I use other colors?
Absolutely. This pattern would also look lovely in daisy colors, autumn shades, pink flower tones, or even Christmas colors for seasonal decor.
Is this beginner-friendly?
It is suitable for advanced beginners who are already comfortable with basic stitches and are ready to try long-loop puff petals.
Conclusion
This easy sunflower tones crochet motif is a lovely small project with lots of texture and personality. The warm brown center, bright yellow petals, and shaped outer frame give it a cheerful handmade finish that stands out right away.
It is a fun crochet motif to make for gifts, decor, accessories, or stash-busting projects, and it looks especially pretty when made in sets. Save this pattern and try it in your favorite flower colors.
