Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall with my free and easy Crochet Sunflower Pillow Pattern! The texture of the crochet flower pillow's center is fun to run your hands over.
Did you know that sunflowers move their heads to follow the sun? In the morning, they face east, and by nightfall, they turn west. It's only when their heads become too heavy with seeds that they stop moving and permanently face east. Last year, I grew sunflowers to test this theory, and it held true for me!
My husband and I love sunflowers; they rank among our top three favorite flowers. Earlier this year, I made Crochet Sunflower Coasters for my husband to use at his gaming desk. Now that we've moved into a new apartment, I wanted to brighten up the space with more flowers. While my Crochet Daisy Coasters are lovely, I craved something bigger: a large crochet flower pillow that looks like a sunflower! And a crochet sunflower pillow pattern was born!
Measuring close to 18 inches in diameter, this Crochet Sunflower Pillow Pattern is a great support cushion and a cute throw pillow when not in use. And can we talk about the texture? It’s pure bliss if you enjoy highly textured items!
The crochet bobble pillow section may look complicated, but I assure you it’s easy once you learn how to make a bobble stitch. If you're looking to practice making bobble stitches in a row before attempting them in the round, you can use my Crochet Sheep Pattern for practice.
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✏️ Things To Note:
- Yarn Choice: This crochet sunflower cushion is made with worsted weight yarn, but you can use any weight yarn. Just remember that using DK or smaller yarns will result in a smaller pillow, while bulky yarns will create a larger one. Adjust your hook size accordingly.
- Petal Assembly: The crochet sunflower petals are individually sewn on. If you'd prefer to avoid sewing, you could probably crochet them directly onto the pillow.
- Finished Size: The finished size of this crochet sunflower pillow pattern is approximately 18 inches, depending on your yarn tension and the size of your hook.
💭Abbreviations to Remember (US terms)
- Magic ring - mr
- Chain - ch
- Single crochet - sc
- Increase - inc
- Decrease - dec
- Bobble stitch - a special stitch to know but no abbreviations will be given
🍵Instructions for Crochet Sunflower Pillow Pattern
This crochet sunflower pillow pattern is made in rounds.
Round 1: Using the brown yarn, make a mr and sc x6 into it. Then join the 1st stitch to the last with a slip stitch.
Round 2: Make a sc in the next stitch. Then in the same stitch make a bobble stitch*.
*A bobble stitch is made by yarning over, inserting the hook into the stitch, yarn over, draw loop back through stitch, yarn over pull through 2 loops then STOP. You will have a half-completed dc hanging from your hook. Repeat the steps 3 more times until you have 4 half completed dc stitches hanging from your hook and 5 loops ON your hook. Then yarn over and pull through all 5 loops. *
Bobble stitches are usually made with 4 or 5 half completed dc stitches so you can choose either one just make sure to keep it consistent for the project.
You want to continue making a sc and bobble stitch in every stitch for this round. You should end with 6 sc and 6 bobble stitches for round 2 (12). Then sl st to the 1st sc you made in the round.
Round 3: This round is just single crochets, we need to create some distance in between bobble rows so they won’t be too constricted.
Sc inc in every stitch (24). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
Round 4: Sc in the same stitch as the join, then make a bobble stitch in the NEXT stitch. Then make a sc in the following stitch. Each previous round stitch gets only 1 stitch in it this round, instead of 2 like we did in round 2.
Keep repeating and alternating sc and bobble stitches for the rest of the round (24). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
You should have 12 bobble stitches.
Round 5: Sc inc, sc, then repeat for the rest of the round (36). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
Round 6: Repeat round 4, but you’ll end up with 6 more bobbles than the last round (36). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
Round 7: Sc inc, sc x2, then repeat for the rest of the round (48). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
Round 8: Repeat round 4 (48). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
Round 9: Sc inc, sc x3, then repeat for the rest of the round (60). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
Round 10: Repeat round 4 (60). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
Round 11: Sc inc, sc x4, then repeat for the rest of the round (72). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
Round 12: Repeat round 4 (72). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
Round 13: Sc inc, sc x5, then repeat for the rest of the round (84). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
Round 14: Repeat round 4 (84). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
Round 15: Sc inc, sc x6, then repeat for the rest of the round (96). Then sl st to the first sc in the round and fasten off.
Make 2 of these so you have a front and a back.
Crochet Sunflower Petals: make x12
Round 1: Using the yellow yarn, make a mr and sc x6 into it.
Round 2: Sc in every stitch. (6).
Round 3: Sc inc in every stitch. (12).
Round 4-5: Sc in every stitch (12).
Round 6: Sc inc, sc x1. Then repeat for the rest of the round (18).
Round 7-8: Sc in every stitch (18).
Round 9: Sc inc, sc x2. Then repeat for the rest of the round (24).
Round 10-11: Sc in every stitch (24).
Round 12: Sc inc, sc x3. Then repeat for the rest of the round (30).
Round 13-14: Sc in every stitch (30).
Round 15: Sc inc, sc x4. Then repeat for the rest of the round (36).
Round 16: Sc inc, sc x5. Then repeat for the rest of the round (42).
Round 17: Sc dec, sc x5. Then repeat for the rest of the round (36).
Round 18: Sc in every stitch (36).
Round 19: Sc dec, sc x4. Then repeat for the rest of the round (30).
Round 20: Sc in every stitch (30).
Round 21: Sc dec, sc x3. Then repeat for the rest of the round (24).
Round 22: Sc in every stitch (24).
Round 23: Sc dec, then repeat for the rest of the round (12). Fasten off but leave a tail for sewing.
Stuff the petal but try to push the stuffing to the sides so that way you can sew a line in the middle of the petal. Take your needle and yarn and weave your needle in and out of both sides of the middle of the petal. Do this for 10-12 rows then snake it back to the opening. Add more stuffing if needed.
Make 12 petals.
Crochet Sunflower Pillow Pattern Assembly:
With the bobbles sides facing out, sc the 2 brown circles together.
Stuff with polyfill when you are almost done single crocheting the 2 circles together.
Sew your sunflower petals onto the sunflower edge, you can sew them directly to the crochet edge you just made, or to the sc round before that on both sides, it's up to you. Make sure that each crochet petal only takes up 8 crochet stitch places because 96/12 = 8. This will allow the crochet flower pillow to look the most uniform when it's completed.
After all the crochet sunflower petals are attached, weave in any loose ends.
Congratulations! You've completed your sunflower crochet pillow! I hope you enjoyed this free crochet sunflower pillow pattern.
If you're interested in other cute crochet pillow patterns for different seasons, check out my Crochet Cactus Pillow Pattern and Crochet Bohemian Pillow, which offer more desert-inspired designs.
For fall crochet patterns, consider my Crochet Patchwork Pumpkin Pattern, which serves as charming farmhouse decor, or the Crochet Fall Garland Pattern, perfect for displaying above your couch for a cozy autumn vibe.
🐌Expert Tips
- Count Your Stitches: Count the stitches when sewing on a petal, ensuring you only use 8 crochet stitch spaces. This will help maintain uniformity in your sunflower pillow.
- Use a Stitch Marker: Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round, making it easier to follow your progress.
- Experiment with Yarn: Experiment with different yarn textures or colors to create a unique look for your sunflower pillow.
🧵Pattern FAQs
Yes! Just make sure you change the hook size you are using so it matches the corresponding yarn size. Changing the type of yarn and hook size ultimately change the size of the pillow.
Absolutely, any type of yarn is okay to use. Cotton, wool, acrylic, bamboo - just pick your favorite!
You can use cotton polyfill instead of the synthetic kind I use, or yarn scraps, fabric scraps, even a tiny round pillow for the middle so you can crochet the middle around it and use little polyfill or alternatives for the petals.
🧶More Crochet Flower Patterns
If you tried this Crochet Sunflower Pillow Pattern (or any other pattern on my website), please let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I'd love to hear from you!
Crochet Sunflower Pillow Pattern
Materials
Abbreviations (US terms)
- Magic ring - mr
- Chain - ch
- Single crochet - sc
- Increase - inc
- Decrease - dec
- Bobble stitch - a special stitch to know but no abbreviations will be given
Notes
- Made with worsted yarn, but any weight works.
- Adjust hook size for DK or bulky yarns.
- Petals are sewn on, or can be crocheted for a no-sew option.
- Finished size is about 18 inches, depending on yarn tension, yarn, and hook size.
- *To make a bobble stitch, yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, then stop. Repeat 3 more times for 4 half-completed dc stitches and 5 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all loops.
Instructions
- This crochet sunflower pillow pattern is made in rounds.
Sunflower Middle: Make x2
- Round 1: Using the brown yarn, make a mr and sc x6 into it. Then join the 1st stitch to the last with a slip stitch.
- Round 2: Make a sc in the next stitch. Then in the same stitch make a bobble stitch*.
- Bobble stitches are usually made with 4 or 5 half completed dc stitches so you can choose either one just make sure to keep it consistent for the project.
- You want to continue making a sc and bobble stitch in every stitch for this round. You should end with 6 sc and 6 bobble stitches for round 2 (12). Then sl st to the 1st sc you made in the round.
- Round 3: This round is just single crochets, we need to create some distance in between bobble rows so they won’t be too constricted.
- Sc inc in every stitch (24). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
- Round 4: Sc in the same stitch as the join, then make a bobble stitch in the NEXT stitch. Then make a sc in the following stitch. Each previous round stitch gets only 1 stitch in it this round, instead of 2 like we did in round 2.
- Keep repeating and alternating sc and bobble stitches for the rest of the round (24). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
- You should have 12 bobble stitches.
- Round 5: Sc inc, sc, then repeat for the rest of the round (36). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
- Round 6: Repeat round 4, but you’ll end up with 6 more bobbles than the last round (36). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
- Round 7: Sc inc, sc x2, then repeat for the rest of the round (48). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
- Round 8: Repeat round 4 (48). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
- Round 9: Sc inc, sc x3, then repeat for the rest of the round (60). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
- Round 10: Repeat round 4 (60). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
- Round 11: Sc inc, sc x4, then repeat for the rest of the round (72). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
- Round 12: Repeat round 4 (72). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
- Round 13: Sc inc, sc x5, then repeat for the rest of the round (84). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
- Round 14: Repeat round 4 (84). Then sl st to the first sc in the round.
- Round 15: Sc inc, sc x6, then repeat for the rest of the round (96). Then sl st to the first sc in the round and fasten off.
- Make 2 of these so you have a front and a back.
Sunflower Petals: Make x12
- Round 1: Using the yellow yarn, make a mr and sc x6 into it.
- Round 2: Sc in every stitch. (6).
- Round 3: Sc inc in every stitch (12).
- Round 4-5: Sc in every stitch (12).
- Round 6: Sc inc, sc x1. Then repeat for the rest of the round (18).
- Round 7-8: Sc in every stitch (18).
- Round 9: Sc inc, sc x2. Then repeat for the rest of the round (24).
- Round 10-11: Sc in every stitch (24).
- Round 12: Sc inc, sc x3. Then repeat for the rest of the round (30).
- Round 13-14: Sc in every stitch (30).
- Round 15: Sc inc, sc x4. Then repeat for the rest of the round (36).
- Round 16: Sc inc, sc x5. Then repeat for the rest of the round (42).
- Round 17: Sc dec, sc x5. Then repeat for the rest of the round (36).
- Round 18: Sc in every stitch (36).
- Round 19: Sc dec, sc x4. Then repeat for the rest of the round (30).
- Round 20: Sc in every stitch (30).
- Round 21: Sc dec, sc x3. Then repeat for the rest of the round (24).
- Round 22: Sc in every stitch (24).
- Round 23: Sc dec, then repeat for the rest of the round (12). Fasten off but leave a tail for sewing.
- Stuff the petal but try to push the stuffing to the sides so that way you can sew a line in the middle of the petal. Take your needle and yarn and weave your needle in and out of both sides of the middle of the petal. Do this for 10-12 rows then snake it back to the opening. Add more stuffing if needed.
Sunflower Assembly:
- With the bobbles sides facing out, sc the 2 brown circles together.
- Stuff with polyfill when you are almost done single crocheting the 2 circles together.
- Sew your sunflower petals onto the sunflower edge, you can sew them directly to the crochet edge you just made, or to the sc round before that on both sides, it's up to you. Make sure that each crochet petal only takes up 8 crochet stitch places because 96/12 = 8. This will allow the crochet flower pillow to look the most uniform when it's completed.
- After all the crochet sunflower petals have been attached, weave in any ends that may be poking out.
- And now it's finished. I hope you have enjoyed the free crochet sunflower pattern!
Gloria says
I’m new to crochet and I’m having a very difficult time at the starting point. I do not understand how you get six bubbles and six single crochet out of one single crochet circle. Could you please explain I have been racking my brain out for two days now and I don’t wanna give up.
Kimberly Arenas says
I have a video on my YouTube for the sunflower purse that uses the same middle - you can always watch that to see if it helps 🙂
Sadie says
Would you consider doing a youtube video tutorial? This is incredible, I think I might be too new at crochet to follow though. I'll keep practicing and maybe one day I'll get there! Thank you!
Kimberly Arenas says
I am hoping to make one at some point! 🙂
Ali says
Made this for my mom for Mother's Day and she loved it! Great pattern! I overstuffed the petals a bit so they didn't sit side by side quite as nicely as in your picture, but it still came out lovely!
Thanks for sharing the pattern!
Kimberly Arenas says
Awwww! Im happy she liked the pillow and that you liked the pattern! 🙂
Janette Feltes says
Hi. Could you please tell me if you used brown yarn or yellow yarn to sew the petals on. Thanks!
Kimberly Arenas says
I used yellow, but either can work 🙂
Char says
Thank you for sharing this pattern! I am making it for my mom who loved it when she saw the pattern. I am almost ready to sew the peddles on.
Kimberly Arenas says
Yay! I am glad you like the pattern!
Samantha Rego says
About how many yards was used for this project?
Kimberly Arenas says
I used about half of the Caron One Pound yarn skeins for this project so roughly 300-400 yards per color.