How to crochet a Poppy...

 
Yesterday it was moustaches, today it is Poppies!  It would seem like November is a month of causes so let's all get stuck in..

I made this poppy flower pattern after I couldn't find one I liked and I've made a few in lovely bright scarlet red cotton DK for friends & family on the premise that they will put a bit extra in the poppy appeal collecting tins - hopefully you will do the same if you use this pattern...

The Poppy

       Red Cotton DK & 3.5mm Crochet Hook

• Start with a magic circle and make 2 ch (you can use 3ch if you are not familiar with magic circles - just crochet into the 1st ch instead)
• Make 11 dc into the circle, ss to join
• *2ch, 2tr into first dc then 2tr in each of next 3 dc but on the last one add 2ch and ss to the same dc* - this completes the first 'petal'
•  ss to next dc then rep from * to * to make another 2 'petals'
• Fasten off and pull the thread from the magic circle to close the gap. 
• Sew in the ends before trimming neatly.
• Sew a small black button on to the middle of the poppy and add a brooch finding or safety pin to the back.

There is a picture step-by-step here for those who prefer a visual guide :-)

1)  Start with a magic circle and make 2 ch then make 11 dc into the circle

2)  ss to join, 2ch

3)  2tr into same dc
 
4) 2tr in each of next 3 dc

5) add 2ch and ss to the same dc - this completes the first petal

6) ss to next dc, 2ch 

7) 2tr into same dc

8) 2tr in each of next 3 dc

9) add 2ch and ss to the same dc (to complete the 2nd petal) then ss to next dc, 2ch

10)  2tr into same dc, 2tr in each of next 3dc, add 2ch and ss to same dc to complete the 3rd petal.

11)  Pull the thread from the magic circle to close the gap, sew in the ends & trim.  Add a black button to the middle of the poppy & a safety pin or brooch finding to the back.

The Leaf

Green DK & 3.0mm crochet hook

•  Start with 10 chain
• 1tr, 2dtr in 3rd ch from hook
• 1tr in next 3ch
• 1htr in next 2 ch
• 1dc in next ch
• ss to next ch, 1ch
• then, working down the other side of the chain...ss to first ch
• 1dc in next ch
• 1htr in next 2 ch
• 1tr in next 3ch
• 1tr, 2dtr in next ch
• ss to back to first ch & fasten off

They can be worn with or without a leaf (I quite like them plain) and I think they look quite good as a cluster for a brooch too.

Enjoy x

UPDATE: now also available as a flip book style video tutorial HERE

If you use this pattern around November time, please pop an extra £ in a poppy appeal donation tins - thanks!