DIY Crochet Smiley Face Flower Patches

There is one motif that we cannot seem to get enough of right now, and that is the Smiley Face Flower! (Or as I grew up calling them, Flower Power Flowers!) This cheeky, retro symbol is popping up everywhere and we are HERE FOR IT!!

What better way to work a smiley face flower on whatever you like than to crochet one up as a patch, which is what we’re making today!!!

Using just a few basic crochet stitches, you can hook up a sweet smiley flower patch in any color combo you like! What’s even cooler is that you can use this pattern not only to make smiley face flowers but also to make simple round smilies and faceless daisies! Three patterns in one fun lesson!

If you’re new to crochet, head on over to our Online Craft Studio to learn the basics. Be sure to take note of the abbreviations in the stitch guide at the top of the lesson, as the pattern is filled with them for quick reference. Each stitch on the list is linked to a corresponding tutorial, so you can learn any new-to-you stitches as you go.

Alright, let’s get groovy!

DIY CROCHET SMILEY FACE FLOWER PATCHES

YOU’LL NEED:

• Crochet hook – recommended size 3.5mm / E / 4*
• Omegacryl yarn* or worsted weight yarn of choice in two colors (one for center, one for petals) + black or another dark color for the smiley face details. Omegacryl colors used in this tutorial are:
  • Black
  • Purple
  • Mandarin
  • Mexican Pink
  • Neon Yellow
  • Burnt Orange
  • Light Salmon
• Yarn needle*
• Scissors
• Stitch marker* (if needed)
• Embroidery needle* (for sewing on patches)
• Needle threader (optional, for sewing on patches)
• Straight pins (for sewing on patches)

*Included in our Crochet Kit!

STITCH GUIDE

Here are the stitches & abbreviations used throughout this pattern:

• St = stitch
• Ch = chain
• Sl st = slip stitch
• Dc = double crochet
• Sc = single crochet
• Hdc = half double crochet
• Sk = skip

HOW TO CROCHET ROUND CENTER

Double up your Omegacryl yarn (or use a single strand of worsted weight yarn) and slip knot onto hook. Ch 4, Sl st into first ch.

Ch 3, 12 dc into the center of the ring (this is your first row!)

To close the round, sl st into the top of the ch 3 that started the row, Ch 3

To create your second row: 23 dc, working 2 dc into each stitch except the last one, which will get 1 dc. The ch 3 from the previous step acts as the 24th dc. (NOTE: The “stitches” you’ll want to crochet around are the V-shaped stitches that are outlining your circle. To dc into each of these stitches, make sure to insert your hook under the complete stitch, meaning both sides of the V.)

To close the round, sl st into the top of the ch 3 that started the row

To finish your round center, cut your yarn ~2″, then yarn over and pull it through to create a secure knot. You’ll weave in the tail at the very end. If you’re just making a smiley face (no petals), weave in your tail now, then skip down to the instructions on how to embroider a smiley face!

HOW TO CROCHET DAISY PETALS

The first round when making petals will be to create 8 little spokes, which will act as a framework for your large, rounded petals.

Attach your petal color onto your round by slip knotting the yarn onto your hook, then attach around any outer stitch using a sl st. TIP: To hide the knot, you can choose that stitch and sl st around it/the knot. Take this tip one step further and stitch around your tail as well (and in the next few upcoming stitches) to hide it as you go.

Sc into same stitch in which you just sl st

Sc into next stitch, then ch 5.

Sc in the 4th chain from the hook, followed by the 5th (last) chain.

Sc into the next stitch on the outside of the circle, followed by two more sc’s in the next two stitches

Repeat: ch5; Sc in the 4th chain from the hook, followed by the 5th (last) chain; Sc into the next stitch on the outside of the circle, followed by two more sc’s in the next two stitches.

Keep going around until you have 8 little spokes with 3 sc’s between each one.

Sl st into the first sc to close the round.

Now it’s time to build out your petals around your framework. Sk 2 stitches and hdc into the first bottom st of your first petal “spoke.” Dc into the same st.

Working up the right side, add 2 dc into the next st. Then, work 4 dcs into the space at the top of the petal.

2 dc into the next st (which will be on the left side of the petal). In the final stitch of the petal (bottom left), dc followed by hdc both in that same st.

Sl st into the next st to secure the bottom left side of your petal. Your first petal is complete!

Sk the next two st, then sl st into the first st (aka bottom of the chain) of the next petal, then repeat the petal process, starting with the hdc, dc into the same st as the sl st.

Continue until you build out the 8th and final petal!

To finish, cut your yarn ~2″, then yarn over and pull it through to create a secure knot.

Using a yarn needle, weave in your starting and ending tails. If the tail from the round center is also still loose, weave that one in as well.

Your daisy flower is done! If you’re just wanting a non-smiley flower patch, it’s ready to be sewn on using the instructions further down! If you’re adding a smiley face to the center of your flower, follow the instructions in the next section

HOW TO EMBROIDER A SMILEY FACE

Choose a dark color yarn, such as black, to embroider a smiley face onto the center of your flower. If using Omegacryl, double up the tails so that you have a total of 6-ply or 6 skinny strands. If using worsted weight yarn, a single strand will do the trick. Thread onto your yarn needle.

Backstitch 5 stitches in the outline between the two rounds. (You can find backstitch instructions here!) Tie off the ends of the smile stitches on the back of your patch.

For the eyes, skip two stitches up from one of the ends of the smile, then whip stitch around the next space 3 times. Skip 2 stitches then repeat for the second eye. You should have two stitches between the second eye and the other side of the smile.

Tie off stitches on the back.

And there you have a sweet smiley face!!!

HOW TO SEW YOUR PATCHES ONTO FABRIC

You can take whatever approach you prefer when it comes to adhering your patches onto fabric. For a seamless look, however, we recommend utilizing the handy backstitch, once again, and stitching over the horizontal notches at the top of your double crochet stitches.

You’ll want to use a sturdy sewing or embroidery needle for this part. Thread onto your needle a 3-ply strand of Omegacryl or whatever yarn you used for your crochet creation. Use a needle threader, if needed!

Whether your patch is a flower or a simple round smiley, begin fastening your patch to fabric by securing the round shape. To do this, backstitch over each stitch on the upper part of your outer double crochet row, stitching over that horizontal notch toward the top of each stitch to keep the look seamless. Find instructions on how to backstitch here.

If you’re sewing on a flower, once your round center is attached, repeat the same process around the perimeter of the petals to secure those down as well. Backstitch over each stitch over each stitch on the upper part of each double crochet that makes up your petals.

Tie off the yarn on the back, trim off the excess, and enjoy rocking your new smiley face flower-adorned goods!!!!

🌼 FLOWER POWER!!!! 🌼

Looking for more detailed help? Check out this tutorial on our YouTube channel!

Whether you’re new to crochet or a seasoned stitcher, this project is fast, fun and fashionable! We can’t wait to see how YOU put your spin on these sweet smiley flowers! Be sure to tag us on Instagram @theneonteaparty if you try out this tutorial!

Questions? Leave them in the comments below!

Peace, love & neon,
Marisa (& Estee, pictured!)