A crochet applique is a small flat motif you sew onto something else: a baby blanket, a hat, a tote bag or a jean jacket. They are quick, they use scraps, and they are the easiest way to make a plain project look special. They are also great practice for working in the round and shaping with increases.
We opened and checked all 13 of these free crochet applique patterns. You will find a star, sun, cloud, flowers, fruit, a few animals and a leaf, sorted from the easiest to the most detailed.
Crochet Applique Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Worsted or DK acrylic yarn in assorted colors
- Small crochet hooks (3 mm to 5 mm)
- Yarn needles with sharp tips
- Safety eyes or small black buttons
- Embroidery floss for faces
- Fabric glue
1. Mini Crochet Star Applique
Photo: Viv / VivCrochets
A small star about 2 inches wide with neat points. It starts in a magic ring and uses single, half double and double crochet to shape each point. The page has a video too, which really helps if you are new to reading patterns.
- Designer: Viv / VivCrochets
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Medium (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Two Layer Crochet Flowers
Photo: Carmen / Annie Design Crochet
A pretty flower with two layers of seven petals each, about 3 inches across. Only basic stitches are used: chain, slip stitch, single and double crochet. Sew a few onto a cardigan or a little girl’s hat.
- Designer: Carmen / Annie Design Crochet
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 4 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Cloud Applique
Photo: Jan / The Crafty Therapist
A soft little cloud, about 3.5 by 2 inches. Use it flat on a nursery blanket, or sew two together with a bit of stuffing for a mobile. Written in US terms with UK terms in brackets.
- Designer: Jan / The Crafty Therapist
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: DK (#3) or worsted (#4) cotton
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Sun Applique
Photo: Hookfully
A two-color sun about 4 inches across, made in one piece with no sewing. Five rounds take you from a magic ring to the rays. Pair it with the cloud above for a sweet weather-themed baby blanket.
- Designer: Hookfully
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 4 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Crochet Sun
Photo: Sarah / Repeat Crafter Me
A round sun with nine little points, about 2.5 inches wide. Surface slip stitches add raised circles in the center. Use it as an applique or glue it to a clip for a sunny hair accessory.
- Designer: Sarah / Repeat Crafter Me
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern (sample uses Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice)
- Hook: G (4 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Crochet Strawberry Applique
Photo: Kimberly Arenas / The Caffeinated Snail
A flat red strawberry with a green stem and leaves, about 4.5 inches tall. It is mostly single crochet with increases and decreases. The seeds are stitched on afterward with white yarn, which is fun and very forgiving.
- Designer: Kimberly Arenas / The Caffeinated Snail
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: see pattern (acrylic, such as Red Heart)
- Hook: 5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Crochet Butterfly
Photo: Cheryl Bennett / Crochet 365 Knit Too
A ruffled, granny-style piece folded in half to make two wings with picot edges. The body and antennae are simple chains. Bold colors look cheerful, and DK or bulky yarn changes the size.
- Designer: Cheryl Bennett / Crochet 365 Knit Too
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm (H-8)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Crochet Chick Applique
Photo: Melissa Hassler / Lovable Loops
A bright yellow chick with wings, a tiny hair curl, an orange beak and feet, and a little bow. It is about 5 inches tall, so it is big enough to be the star of an Easter pillow or basket. Comes with a video.
- Designer: Melissa Hassler / Lovable Loops
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm (H-8)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Apple Applique
Photo: Jessica / Jess Crafting
A round red apple with a brown stem and a green leaf, designed for an autumn garland. It is great for back-to-school projects or a teacher gift. There is a video on the page.
- Designer: Jessica / Jess Crafting
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 3 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Layered Rose Applique
Photo: Jade / Sweet Softies
A 3D rose with three layers of five petals plus a leaf, all worked in one piece with no sewing. Change the hook to make small, medium or large roses. Lovely on headbands and bags.
- Designer: Jade / Sweet Softies
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Light (#3)
- Hook: 3.75 mm (medium rose), 4 mm for the leaf
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Cat Applique
Photo: Eleonora / Elendipity
A tiny orange cat with ears, an oval body and a curled tail, worked from one foundation chain with no sewing. It uses under 2 grams of yarn, so it is a perfect scrap buster. Turn it into a pin or sew it on a bag.
- Designer: Eleonora / Elendipity
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern (cotton 8/8)
- Hook: 3.5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Maple Leaf
Photo: Nicole Riley / Nicki’s Homemade Crafts
A maple leaf with a stem, about 4.5 inches long including the stem. Make it in reds, oranges and yellows for fall decor or a garland. It has more shaping than the others, so save it for after a few easy motifs.
- Designer: Nicole Riley / Nicki’s Homemade Crafts
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern (sample uses Premier Yarns Minikins)
- Hook: 3 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
13. Heart Panda Applique
Photo: Olena / GoldenLucyCrafts
A clever panda face built from hearts: one big white heart for the head and tiny black hearts for the ears, eye patches and nose. It is about 3.5 inches and looks adorable on kids’ clothes and cards.
- Designer: Olena / GoldenLucyCrafts
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Worsted (#4) plus size 10 crochet thread
- Hook: 5 mm (H-8) and 1.8 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- Brand new to motifs? Start with #1. It is small and has a video.
- Decorating a nursery blanket? Combine #3 and #4 for a sun-and-cloud theme.
- Making Easter or spring crafts? Try #7 and #8.
- Want a fall project? #9 and #12 make a cute autumn garland.
- Ready for detail? #13 is a fun challenge with tiny pieces.
FAQ
What is a crochet applique?
It is a small, flat crochet shape made to be sewn or glued onto another item. Common appliques are flowers, hearts, stars, letters and animals. They add color and personality to blankets, hats, bags, pillows and clothes, and they are a great way to use up leftover yarn.
How do I sew a crochet applique on?
Leave a long yarn tail when you finish. Pin the applique in place, then use a yarn needle to whip stitch around the edge, going through the back loops of the applique and the fabric underneath. Keep stitches small and the same color as the edge so they disappear.
Can I put crochet appliques on clothes I wash?
Yes. Sew them on instead of gluing, and use acrylic or cotton yarn that matches how the garment is washed. Wash on gentle in cold water and lay flat to dry. For very small pieces, a few extra stitches through the center keep them from curling.
Pick a motif, dig into your scrap basket, and turn a plain project into something truly yours.
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