Six red petals, five green leaves and a sparkly golden centre. This crochet poinsettia pattern uses one simple petal shape – worked on both sides of a chain – so it is easy enough for beginners. Make one for a gift topper or a whole bunch for a Christmas wreath.
In this tutorial
What You Need
- Worsted weight (#4) cotton or acrylic yarn in red, green and yellow (small amounts)
- 4 mm (G-6) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle and scissors
- Optional: a brooch pin or hair clip, hot glue, or a wreath base
Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, tr = treble crochet, MR = magic ring.
How the Poinsettia Comes Together
Every petal and leaf is the same pointed oval: you work up one side of a chain, make a small point at the tip, then work back down the other side with the same stitches in reverse. Short stitches at the ends and tall treble crochet in the middle give the classic poinsettia shape.
Free Crochet Poinsettia Pattern
Petals (make 6 in red) and leaves (make 5 in green):
Foundation: Ch 11.
Side 1: Sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, dc in each of the next 2 ch, tr in each of the next 2 ch, dc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, sc in the last ch. (10 sts)
Tip: Ch 2, then rotate the work to crochet along the other side of the foundation chain.
Side 2: Sc in the first ch, hdc in the next, dc in the next, tr in each of the next 2, dc in each of the next 2, hdc in the next, sc in the next, sl st in the last ch. (10 sts) Fasten off, leaving a long tail on the petals for sewing.
Base (red):
Round 1: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in the ring. Sl st to the first sc. (6)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Sl st to the first sc. (12) Fasten off.
Centre (yellow):
Centre: MR, *(ch 3, sl st in the ring)* 6 times. Pull the ring closed and fasten off. You now have six little loops that look like flower stamens.
Assemble Your Poinsettia
- Sew the flat end of each red petal to the base, spacing the 6 petals evenly like the spokes of a wheel.
- Turn the flower over and sew the 5 green leaves to the back of the base, peeking out between the petals.
- Sew the yellow centre to the middle of the front.
- Weave in all ends. For a stiffer flower, spritz with fabric stiffener and let it dry flat.
Ways to Use Crochet Poinsettias
- Gift topper: tie one onto a present instead of a bow.
- Brooch or hair clip: glue a pin back or clip to the base.
- Wreath: attach 6–8 poinsettias to a pine wreath with a few crochet snowflakes.
- Napkin rings: sew a poinsettia onto a small crochet band.
Free printable version
Prefer paper? Download this free tutorial as a printable PDF to keep next to your yarn.
Keep crocheting
Your next free pattern: Free Crochet Flower Coaster Pattern (Easy Daisy Coaster for Beginners). Free crochet flower coaster pattern: an easy six-petal daisy coaster for beginners in 30 minutes, with color ideas and blocking tips.
Free pattern · step by step · US terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the poinsettia bigger?
Yes. Start the petals with ch 15 and add an extra treble crochet on each side, or use chunky yarn and a bigger hook.
What yarn is best for crochet flowers?
Cotton gives crisp, defined petals. Acrylic is softer and fine for decorations that will not be handled much.
How do I make a white poinsettia?
Simply make the petals in cream or white yarn – white poinsettias look beautiful on a rustic wreath.
How long does it take?
About an hour for one complete flower once you know the petal shape.
Happy hooking! 🧶 Want more Christmas decorations? Try our crochet Christmas tree ornament and the crochet Christmas garland.
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