Crochet Dahlia Flower Pattern | Free Step-by-Step Crochet Tutorial

A crochet dahlia flower brings together a textured centre, layers of pointed petals and shaped green leaves. This illustrated guide follows the construction from the centre outwards, then through the green backing, leaf shaping and stem assembly.

Make a single decorative stem or plan a handmade arrangement with our free crochet flower patterns. For floral projects you can follow from saved charts and written rows, explore our botanical crochet PDF patterns.

Colour and Bouquet Inspiration

Use cream for the centre, lighter blue for the inner petals and darker blue for the outer layers. Changing colour between layers can help show the flower's shape. Pink, lilac or warm neutral shades offer other possibilities.

Let a full dahlia bloom take the main position in a bouquet, then add smaller flowers and foliage around it. The following photographs show other arrangements for colour and composition inspiration.

Explore our crochet rose and gerbera tutorials for other flower shapes.

Materials for a Crochet Dahlia

• Yarn in cream, light blue, dark blue and green, or your preferred four-colour combination
• A 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm crochet hook suited to your yarn, with enough usable shaft space to hold the short Tunisian passes
• A flower rod approximately 40 cm long and 2 mm in diameter
• Flexible craft wire approximately 0.5 mm in diameter for the leaves
• A tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors and wire cutters
• A small amount of fiberfill
• Hot glue and a glue gun for assembly

Choose yarn that gives the petals enough firmness to hold their shape. A ply count alone does not establish yarn thickness, so check the fabric made by your chosen yarn and hook.

Skill Level and Gauge

This is an intermediate-to-advanced project combining ordinary crochet, short Tunisian passes, loop-specific rounds and shaped leaves. Familiarity with basic stitches alone will not cover every technique used here.

No fixed gauge or finished measurement is specified. Yarn, hook size and tension will change the flower's size and structure. Practice one petal before working an entire layer.

Stitches and Abbreviations

Ordinary crochet instructions use US terminology.

• ch: chain
• st / sts: stitch / stitches
• ss: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• inc: 2 sc in the same stitch
• sc2tog: single crochet two stitches together
• FLO: front loop only
• BLO: back loop only
• TSS: Tunisian simple stitch
• Tdc: Tunisian double crochet
• RetP: return pass
• sk: skip
• [number]: foundation or backing stitch count, excluding petal stitches

Special Stitches and Techniques

Two-Double-Crochet Cluster

Into the same space, work two partial double crochets: for each one, yarn over, insert the hook, draw up a loop, then yarn over and draw through two loops. Leave each stitch unfinished. With three loops on the hook after the second partial dc, yarn over and draw through all three to close one cluster.

Single Crochet Decrease

Draw up a loop in each of the next two stitches. Yarn over and draw through the three loops on the hook. This combines two base stitches into one sc.

Tunisian Forward and Return Passes

The petal instructions below distinguish retained-loop Tunisian stitches from ordinary crochet stitches.

• TSS pickup: Insert into the specified chain back bump or vertical bar, draw up a loop and retain it on the hook.
• Tdc pickup: Yarn over before inserting into the specified position. Draw up a loop, then draw yarn through the two newest loops. Retain the remaining new loop for the return pass.
• Standard RetP: With the loops collected, draw yarn through one loop first, then through pairs of loops until one remains.

Complete the return pass before working the ordinary sc, hdc or dc edging that follows. The precise entry positions and edge treatment for these short petal passes still require verification; the general return-pass description alone does not resolve them.

Pattern Notes

• The petals attach to front loops; the next foundation round uses the corresponding remaining back loops.
• Work new foundation stitches into the circular base, not into the tops of the projecting petals.
• Starting chains and joining slip stitches do not count towards the stated foundation totals.
• Ordinary foundation rounds are joined with 1 ss to the first stitch.
• Keep cream, light blue and dark blue as colour labels for the flower layers; use green for the backing and leaves.
• The five sc increase rounds produce foundation counts of 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 before the backing decreases.

Build the Dahlia Centre and Petal Layers

R1: Centre — Revised Six-Cluster Interpretation

With cream yarn, make a magic ring. Ch 2 and work six two-dc clusters into the ring. Tighten the ring and join to the first cluster. The starting ch 2 does not count as an additional cluster. [6 clusters]

R2: Six Small Centre Petals

Work in the front loops of R1. For each petal, ch 5. Starting in the second chain from the hook and using chain back bumps, work 1 ss, 1 sc, 1 hdc and 1 sc back towards the centre. Work 1 ss at the petal base, then 1 ss in the next front loop to move to the next anchor. Repeat for six petals.

This separates the four chain stitches from the final base attachment; verify the attachment position when testing the revised centre.

R3: Expand the Foundation

Move to the remaining back loops of R1. Ch 1 and work 2 sc in each of the six base stitches. Join. [12 sc]

R4: Six Short Petals

Work in the front loops of R3. Repeat the following six times:

1. Ch 7 and secure the upper chain back-bump position with 1 ss.
2. Pick up six TSS loops along the chain positions and complete RetP.
3. Skip one edging position, work 4 sc and slip stitch at the petal base.
4. Work 1 ss in each of the next two base front loops to advance to the next petal.

Review point: The original short-pass wording does not fully identify the top and bottom edge positions. Confirm this petal's return-pass edge treatment before completing the layer.

R5: Foundation for the Next Layer

Change to light blue. In the remaining back loops of R3, ch 1 and repeat (1 sc, inc) six times. Join. [18 sc]

R6: Six Light-Blue Petals

Work in the front loops of R5. Repeat six times:

1. Ch 10. Secure the upper chain position with 1 ss, then skip one chain position.
2. Pick up eight TSS loops and complete RetP.
3. Ch 1. Skip two edging positions, work 1 sc, 4 hdc and 1 sc, then 1 ss at the petal base.
4. Advance with 1 ss in each of the next three base front loops.

R7: Increase the Foundation

In the remaining back loops of R5, ch 1 and repeat (2 sc, inc) six times. Join. [24 sc]

R8: Eight Petals

Work in the front loops of R7. Repeat eight times:

1. Ch 12. Secure the upper chain position with 1 ss, then skip one chain position.
2. For the Tunisian forward pass: 1 TSS pickup, skip one position, 6 Tdc pickups and 2 TSS pickups. Complete RetP.
3. Ch 1. Skip two edging positions, work 1 sc, 5 hdc and 1 sc, then 1 ss at the petal base.
4. Advance with 1 ss in each of the next three base front loops.

R9: Increase the Foundation

In the remaining back loops of R7, ch 1 and repeat (3 sc, inc) six times. Join. [30 sc]

R10: Ten Petals

Work in the front loops of R9. Repeat ten times:

1. Ch 14. Secure the upper chain position with 1 ss, then skip one chain position.
2. Forward pass: 1 TSS pickup, skip one position, 8 Tdc pickups and 2 TSS pickups. Complete RetP.
3. Ch 1. Skip two edging positions, then work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 4 dc, ch 1, 1 dc, 1 hdc and 1 sc. Finish with 1 ss at the petal base.
4. Advance with 1 ss in each of the next three base front loops.

R11: Outer-Layer Foundation

Change to dark blue. In the remaining back loops of R9, ch 1 and repeat (4 sc, inc) six times. Join. [36 sc]

R12: Twelve Outer Petals

Work in the front loops of R11. Repeat twelve times:

1. Ch 16. Secure the upper chain position with 1 ss, then skip one chain position.
2. Forward pass: 1 TSS pickup, skip one position, 10 Tdc pickups and 2 TSS pickups. Complete RetP.
3. Ch 1. Skip two edging positions, then work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 5 dc, ch 1, 2 dc, 1 hdc and 1 sc. Finish with 1 ss at the petal base.
4. Advance with 1 ss in each of the next three base front loops.

R13: Maintain the Foundation

In the remaining back loops of R11, ch 1 and work 36 sc. Join. [36 sc]

R14: Twelve Longest Petals

Work in the front loops of R13. Repeat twelve times:

1. Ch 18. Secure the upper chain position with 1 ss, then skip one chain position.
2. Forward pass: 1 TSS pickup, skip one position, 12 Tdc pickups and 2 TSS pickups. Complete RetP.
3. Ch 1. Skip two edging positions, then work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 5 dc, ch 1, 4 dc, 1 hdc and 1 sc. Finish with 1 ss at the petal base.
4. Advance with 1 ss in each of the next three base front loops.

Shape the Green Backing and Sepals

R15: First Backing Decrease

Change to green. Work in the remaining back loops of R13: repeat (1 sc, sc2tog) twelve times. Join and ch 1. [24 sc]

R16: Second Backing Decrease

Repeat (1 sc, sc2tog) eight times, working through both loops. Join. [16 sc]

R17: Eight Green Sepal Points

Work in the front loops of R16. Repeat eight times:

1. Ch 8 and secure the upper chain position with 1 ss.
2. Pick up seven TSS loops and complete RetP.
3. Turn, skip one edging position and work 5 sc.
4. Advance with 1 ss in each of the next two base front loops.

Review point: Confirm where the final edging stitches meet the base, as the short-row entry and exit points are not fully specified in the existing written instructions.

R18–R19: Reduce the Backing

• R18: In the remaining back loops of R16, ch 1 and work 16 sc. Join and ch 1. [16]
• R19: Work sc2tog eight times. Join and ch 1. [8]

Add a small amount of fiberfill to support the flower base.

R20: Final Decrease

Work sc2tog four times. Join and fasten off, leaving a long tail. [4]

Keep the central opening available for attaching the flower rod. Tighten and secure the remaining opening around the rod during assembly.

Crochet the Large Leaves — Make 2

The following leaf sequence uses partial rows and side-bar stitches. The stitch quantities are retained, but the exact side-bar and lower-edge insertion positions still require practical verification.

First Side

1. Step 1: Ch 18.
2. Step 2: Position the leaf wire along the work. Add ch 2. Work 1 ss into the second of these two added chains, then work 1 sc, 5 hdc and 4 sc into the next ten foundation-chain back bumps.
3. Step 3: Turn. Beginning in the second stitch, work 5 sc and 2 ss.
4. Step 4: Turn and ch 1. Beginning in the second stitch, work 1 ss, 1 sc, 2 hdc in the next stitch and 3 hdc. Then work 1 hdc into the side horizontal bar, 1 hdc at the lower joining point and 1 sc in each of the next 3 foundation chains.
5. Step 5: Turn. Beginning in the second stitch, work 5 sc and 2 ss.
6. Step 6: Repeat Step 4.
7. Step 7: Repeat Step 5.
8. Step 8: Turn and ch 1. Beginning in the second stitch, work 1 ss, 1 sc, 2 hdc in the next stitch and 3 hdc. Work 1 hdc in the side horizontal bar, 1 hdc at the lower joining point, 1 hdc in the next stitch and 1 sc.

Other Side

9. Step 9: Work 1 ss in the first stitch and ch 1. Work 15 sc and 2 ss along the other side.
10. Step 10: Turn and ch 1. Beginning in the second stitch, work 1 ss, 1 sc, 2 hdc in the next stitch, 5 hdc and 3 sc.
11. Step 11: Turn. Beginning in the second stitch, work 5 sc and 2 ss.
12. Step 12: Repeat Step 4's shaping sequence.
13. Step 13: Repeat Step 11.
14. Step 14: Turn and ch 1. Beginning in the second stitch, work 1 ss, 1 sc, 2 hdc in the next stitch and 3 hdc. Work 1 hdc in the side horizontal bar, 1 hdc at the lower joining point, 1 sc and 1 ss in the next stitch. Join with 1 ss to the first stitch.

Fasten off, leaving a tail to wrap the exposed wire at the leaf base.

Crochet the Small Leaves — Make 2

1. Step 1: Ch 14.
2. Step 2: Position the wire along the work. Add ch 2. Work 1 ss into the second of these two added chains, then work 1 sc, 4 hdc and 4 sc into the next nine foundation-chain back bumps.
3. Step 3: Turn. Beginning in the second stitch, work 4 sc and 2 ss.
4. Step 4: Turn and ch 1. Beginning in the second stitch, work 1 ss, 1 sc, 2 hdc in the next stitch and 2 hdc. Work 1 hdc in the side horizontal bar, 1 hdc at the lower joining point and 1 sc in each of the next 3 foundation chains.
5. Step 5: Repeat Step 3.
6. Step 6: Turn and ch 1. Beginning in the second stitch, work 1 ss, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 2 hdc in the next stitch and 1 hdc. Work 1 hdc in the side horizontal bar, 1 hdc at the lower joining point, 1 hdc in the next stitch and 1 sc.
7. Step 7: In the same stitch, work 1 ss, ch 1 and 1 sc. Continue along the other side with 10 sc and 2 ss.
8. Step 8: Turn and ch 1. Beginning in the second stitch, work 1 ss, 1 sc, 2 hdc in the next stitch, 4 hdc and 3 sc.
9. Step 9: Turn. Beginning in the second stitch, work 4 sc and 2 ss.
10. Step 10: Turn and ch 1. Beginning in the second stitch, work 1 ss, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 2 hdc in the next stitch and 1 hdc. Work 1 hdc in the side horizontal bar, 1 hdc at the lower joining point, 1 sc and 1 ss in the next stitch. Join with 1 ss to the first stitch.

Fasten off and use the tail to wrap the wire at the leaf base. Cover the wire ends before attaching the leaves to the stem.

Assemble the Leaves and Flower

Prepare the Leaf Branch

1. Wrap the yarn tails around the leaf wires and secure the ends.
2. Arrange one large leaf and two small leaves as a three-leaf branch. Wrap their wires together with green yarn.
3. Keep the second large leaf separate to place lower on the flower stem, or arrange all four leaves individually.

Attach the Flower and Wrap the Stem

1. Position the top of the flower rod in the central opening of the green backing.
2. Use the backing tail and a small amount of adhesive to secure the flower to the rod. Close the remaining opening around the rod without pulling the flower out of shape.
3. Wrap green yarn around the rod, starting just beneath the flower.
4. Attach the leaf branch and remaining large leaf at your preferred heights, wrapping over their wires as you continue down the rod.
5. Secure the final yarn end and cover the wire tips.
6. Shape the green sepal points beneath the petals. Secure individual points lightly if needed; they are part of the backing, rather than a separate sepal piece.

Plan Your Next Crochet Flower Project

Explore our water lily, anemone and cappuccino rose tutorials for other layered flower ideas, or return to the complete free flower pattern list.

Explore Botanical Crochet PDF Patterns

For a different floral project in blue and purple, try a botanical C2C blanket design that you can follow from printable charts or written colour sequences.

Browse more designs in our botanical crochet PDF pattern collection.