(updated April 2021)

 

With ANZAC Day coming up it’s a good time to revisit some red poppy patterns.

I know they’re traditionally worn as a symbol on Remembrance Day, but this striking red flower is increasingly being used as part of Anzac Day observances too.

According to the Australian War Memorial:

“During the First World War, red poppies were among the first plants to spring up in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium. In soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground…

…In English literature of the nineteenth century, poppies had symbolised sleep or a state of oblivion; in the literature of the First World War a new, more powerful symbolism was attached to the poppy – the sacrifice of shed blood.”

The story of how the red poppy came to be the floral symbol worn on Armistice Day (and now Anzac Day as well) is an interesting read. Find the full story here.

 

Why crochet a red poppy?

When I first published* this pattern round-up in April 2020, we were in the early days of home isolation due to Covid-19 and no public dawn services or veterans marches were held that year. I thought making a red poppy to wear or display on our homes could be a small way we could still honour the service of our Defence Forces personnel from the safety of our homes. Our homes which are safe because of their service and sacrifice.

Over the years many crafters have also made red poppies to sell to raise funds for veterans groups such as Legacy or their local RSL.

While Anzac Day services and marches are going ahead this year (at least here in my part of the world – our thoughts are with those still in lockdown), they’ll be significantly smaller due to Covid restrictions still in place.

Perhaps you could crochet a red poppy to wear this Anzac Day or if you have time to make a few more, create a wreath to hang on your front door.

 

Free Crochet Red Poppy Patterns

There are quite a few patterns out there to choose from, depending on your preferences for style and difficulty-level, although most look suitable for beginners. I’ve collated six free red poppy crochet patterns that I like the look of. All of them should take very little time and yarn, making it a quick small project.

To get the patterns click/tap the pattern name indicated by the blue text in the list below. Full credit to the designers of each of these patterns.

 

1. 3 petal poppy by Clare from bobwilson123

I’m loving the swirl formation of the petals on this design. It also features an interesting green pod-like centre that’s added at the end, although you could leave that part out if you wanted. At over 30mins long, the video tutorial is thorough, showing each step in detail.

 

2. Poppy free crochet pattern by Spin A Yarn Crochet

A slightly flatter design that would be great for a brooch. This pattern uses the magic ring to create the black centre then four petals worked in rows. Both written pattern & video.

 

3. Crochet Poppy from Lincraft

This quick and easy pattern gets it done in four rounds with no magic ring required.

 

4. Lest We Forget by Khandi Pandi

Designed to pin on your jacket, this pattern is a tad more involved as it features some interesting extra details of sewn stamen and a crochet leaf, and the option for using a bit of black felt and a doll safety eye (like those used in amigurumi) at the centre. In UK crochet terms.

 

5. Crochet Poppy for Charity by Cut Out+Keep

Ruffled edges and a button centre create interest in this pattern, which was designed to raise funds for The Royal British Legion. (UK crochet terms obvs).

 

6. Button Poppy Free Crochet Pattern by Maggies’ Crochet 

A fuller looking flower with layers of petals. Great for lefties as this one includes video tutorials for both right-handers and left-handers plus the written pattern. Also features a button centre.

 

Which pattern did I use?

I made the poppy pictured above using one of the simpler patterns but I used a hook slightly larger than the size specified. The details of my make are:

Pattern:  by Spin A Yarn Crochet (number 2 on the list above)

Yarn: 4 Seasons Stallion 8ply, red

Hook: 3.5mm

 

Will you crochet a red poppy for Anzac Day?

Which of these designs takes your fancy? I’ve saved them on a Pinterest board called ‘crochet flowers’ here, so you can re-pin them for later if you like. (Be sure to follow me on Pinterest while you’re there!)

If you do make any red poppies, I’d love to see what you do with them. Post a photo in the comments below or tag @littlebuttonblue on social media.

 

 

This Anzac Day I’ll be thinking of those who’ve risked their lives for our safety, and know very well what it’s like to be separated from loved ones for months at a time.

Do you have a friend or family member serving?

 

 

*This post was first published as ‘Iso crafting for Anzac Day’ in April 2020. The original version can be read here.