P169 Anzac Day Poppy Square

How to Crochet an Anzac Day Poppy Square

Create a three-dimensional poppy motif framed within a classic crochet square. Designed as a commemorative project, this textured square can be used on its own or incorporated into a blanket, cushion, bag, garment or decorative wall hanging.

The poppy is built in layers, beginning with a yellow and black centre, followed by two front petals and two back petals. A contrasting granny square is then worked around the flower to create a neat, practical motif.

Finished Measurement

The completed square measures approximately 13 cm.

What You Will Need

Yarn

• 1 ball of Makr Cotton 8 Ply in the main square colour
• 1 ball of Makr Cotton 8 Ply in red for the poppy petals
• A small amount of yellow yarn for the centre
• A small amount of black yarn for the inner ring

Hook and Equipment

• 4.5 mm crochet hook
• Wool needle for sewing in ends
• Scissors
• Blocking mat and pins, if available

Tension

Exact tension is not essential for this project. However, your yarn and hook size will affect the finished dimensions.

Work one complete square as a test before making multiple motifs for a larger project.

Abbreviations

• Ch: Chain
• Dc: Double crochet
• Htr: Half treble crochet
• Tr: Treble crochet
• Dc2tog: Double crochet two stitches together
• Htr2tog: Half treble crochet two stitches together
• Tr2tog: Treble crochet two stitches together
• Flo: Front loop only
• Blo: Back loop only
• Mr: Magic ring
• Sl st: Slip stitch
• St or sts: Stitch or stitches

Construction Overview

The square is made in four main stages:

1. Crochet the yellow and black centre circle.
2. Work two front poppy petals in red.
3. Work two larger back petals behind the first layer.
4. Crochet the outer square around the completed flower.

Crochet the Poppy Centre

Round 1

1. Using yellow yarn, make a magic ring.
2. Chain 1.
3. Work 6 double crochet stitches into the ring.
4. Join to the beginning chain with a slip stitch.

You should have 6 double crochet stitches.

Round 2

1. Chain 1.
2. Work one double crochet into the back loop of each stitch.
3. Change to black yarn before completing the final slip stitch.
4. Join to close the round.

Round 3

1. Chain 1.
2. Work 2 double crochet stitches into the back loop of every stitch around.
3. Join with a slip stitch.

You should now have 12 stitches.

Round 4

1. Chain 1.
2. Work one double crochet into the back loop of the same stitch.
3. Chain 3.
4. Skip two stitches.
5. Work one double crochet into the back loop of the next stitch.
6. Repeat around.
7. Join to the beginning chain, then fasten off the black yarn.

The chain spaces created in this round will support the back layer of petals and the outer square.

Make the First Front Petal

The petals are worked separately in rows rather than in continuous rounds.

Row 1

1. Attach the red yarn to the front loop of the stitches made in Round 3.
2. Chain 1.
3. Work 2 double crochet stitches.
4. Work 2 half treble stitches into each of the next three positions.
5. Finish with 2 double crochet stitches.
6. Turn.

You should have 10 stitches.

Row 2

1. Chain 2. This counts as one half treble crochet.
2. Work a half treble through the back loop into the same stitch.
3. Work 2 half trebles into the next stitch.
4. Work one half treble through the back loop into each of the next six stitches.
5. Work 2 half trebles into the next stitch.
6. Work 2 half trebles into the turning chain.
7. Turn.

You should have 14 half treble stitches.

Row 3

1. Chain 1.
2. Work one half treble into the next stitch to create a half-treble decrease at the beginning.
3. Work one half treble into each of the next ten stitches.
4. Work a half-treble decrease over the final two stitches.
5. Turn.

You should have 12 half treble stitches.

Row 4

1. Chain 1. This does not count as a stitch.
2. Work a double crochet decrease.
3. Work one double crochet into each of the next eight stitches.
4. Work another double crochet decrease.
5. Fasten off.

You should have 10 double crochet stitches.

Make the Second Front Petal

Position the completed first petal so it points downwards.

Attach the red yarn with a slip stitch to the next available stitch in Round 3 and repeat Rows 1–4 to make the second petal.

Make the Back Petals

The back petals are worked into the front loops of the chain spaces created in Round 4 of the centre circle.

Back Petal One

1. Attach the red yarn with a slip stitch to the double crochet positioned between the two front petals.
2. Repeat the same four-row sequence used for the front petals.
3. On Row 2, work through the front loops as directed so the petal sits behind the first layer.
4. Fasten off.

Back Petal Two

Attach the red yarn to the stitch immediately beside the first back petal and repeat the same four rows.

Arrange the four petals so the two front petals overlap the wider back layer.

Begin the Granny Square

Fold the petals forwards so the back loops and chain spaces remain accessible.

Square Round 1

1. Using the main square colour, join with a slip stitch to any available back loop in the chain spaces from Round 4.
2. Chain 1.
3. Work one double crochet into the same stitch and two double crochet stitches into the next.
4. Repeat this sequence around.
5. Join with a slip stitch.

You should have 24 double crochet stitches.

Square Round 2

1. Chain 3. This counts as one treble crochet.
2. Work one treble into the same stitch.
3. Work one treble into the next stitch and two trebles into the following stitch.
4. Repeat around.
5. Join to the top of the beginning chain.

Shape the Circle Into a Square

Square Round 3

1. Chain 3 and work one treble into the same stitch.
2. Chain 2.
3. Work 2 trebles into the next stitch to form the first corner.
4. Work 2 half trebles.
5. Work 3 double crochet stitches.
6. Work another 2 half trebles.
7. Work 2 trebles, chain 2 and 2 trebles to form the next corner.
8. Repeat around until all four corners have been formed.
9. Join to the top of the beginning chain.

Square Round 4

1. Slip stitch into the next chain-2 corner space.
2. Chain 3.
3. Work one treble, chain 2 and two trebles into the same corner space.
4. Work one treble into each stitch across the side.
5. At the next corner, work two trebles, chain 2 and two trebles.
6. Repeat around all four sides.
7. Join with a slip stitch.

Repeat Round 4 once more, or continue until the square reaches the desired finished size.

Finishing

1. Fasten off securely.
2. Weave in all loose yarn ends.
3. Arrange the petals so they sit evenly around the centre.
4. Wet block and pin the motif into a square shape, or steam gently according to the yarn-care instructions.
5. Allow the square to dry completely before using or joining it.

Ideas for Using the Poppy Square

• Join several squares to make a lap blanket or commemorative throw.
• Use one square as the front of a small cushion.
• Make a tote bag or project bag.
• Add the square to a cardigan, vest or blouse as a feature panel.
• Frame a single square as a decorative piece.
• Use smaller versions as appliqués or brooch decorations.

Alternative Yarns for This Project

The original project uses smooth 8 ply cotton. A suitable substitute should provide good stitch definition and enough structure for the petals to hold their shape.

• 8 ply mercerised cotton – creates crisp stitches, excellent definition and a slightly polished finish.
• 8 ply cotton and acrylic blend – produces a softer, lighter square with easier care.
• 8 ply anti-pilling acrylic – an affordable option with a broad colour range.
• 8 ply machine-washable wool – creates a warmer, softer motif with more elasticity.
• 8 ply wool and acrylic blend – balances warmth, durability and stitch definition.
• Recycled cotton yarn – offers a sustainable alternative with a firm, textured finish.

Choosing the Best Substitute

Choose a smooth DK or 8 ply yarn that works comfortably with a hook of approximately 4–4.5 mm.

Cotton is especially suitable because it provides firm petals and clearly defined stitches. Softer acrylic or wool yarns will create a more flexible flower with greater drape.

Avoid highly fluffy or boucle yarns, as they may obscure the layered petal construction and make the front- and back-loop stitches difficult to see.

Colour Suggestions

• Traditional red petals, black ring and yellow centre
• White or cream outer square for a clean commemorative look
• Black outer square for stronger contrast
• Natural, stone or grey for a softer neutral background
• Deep red and burgundy petals for a tonal effect
• Green outer rounds when incorporating the square into a floral blanket

Care

Follow the care instructions on the selected yarn label. Hand washing or a gentle machine cycle is generally best for preserving the shape of the raised petals.

Reshape the flower and square while damp, then dry flat. Avoid pressing the petals heavily, as this may flatten the three-dimensional effect.