November 11th is Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honor and remember those who have served in the armed forces, particularly those who lost their lives in the line of duty. The day marks the end of hostilities in World War I, which officially ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In Great Britain, the day is symbolized with poppies as a way to commemorate the sacrifice of those who fought and died in the war.

Knitted poppies are a meaningful handmade way to mark Remembrance Day and honour those who served. Whether you want to make a simple poppy brooch, a ruffled flower, a flat-knit design or a small remembrance decoration, these knitted poppy patterns offer several beautiful styles to choose from.

Red poppies are widely worn throughout Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and other Commonwealth countries as a symbol of remembrance. They also make thoughtful charity knitting projects, small handmade gifts and quick seasonal makes for knitters of many skill levels.

Below you will find a collection of knitted poppy patterns, from easy beginner-friendly designs to more detailed flowers with layered petals,

A handmade knitted poppy is a small but meaningful way to mark Remembrance Day, Anzac Day or another commemorative occasion. These free poppy knitting patterns include simple flowers for beginners, gathered and ribbed designs, layered poppies and brooches that can be pinned to a coat, scarf or bag.

Most knitted poppies require only a small amount of red and black yarn, making them an ideal scrap-yarn project. You can knit a single poppy to wear, make several for family and friends or contribute them to an approved community or charity display.

The red poppy became closely associated with remembrance after poppies grew across former battlefields in Europe following the First World War. Today, poppies are worn and displayed in many Commonwealth countries to remember those who served and died in war.

Below you will find a selection of poppy styles, followed by a complete beginner-friendly knitted poppy pattern you can make with basic knitting skills.

What You Need to Knit a Poppy

Your exact supplies will depend on the pattern, but most knitted poppies use:

• Red DK, 8-ply or light worsted-weight yarn
• A small amount of black or dark green yarn
• Knitting needles suitable for your yarn
• A yarn needle
• Scissors
• A black button, bead or embroidered centre, if desired
• A brooch pin or safety pin for the back

Tension is generally not important for a decorative poppy. Changing the yarn weight or needle size will simply create a larger or smaller flower.

Easy Free Knitted Poppy Pattern

This simple poppy is knitted flat using DK yarn. The wide cast-on edge creates fullness, while the decrease rows gather the stitches into a rounded flower.

Finished Size

Approximately 9–11 cm across, depending on your yarn, needles and knitting tension.

Materials

• Small amount of red DK or 8-ply yarn
• Small amount of black yarn
• 3.75 mm knitting needles
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Brooch pin or safety pin

Abbreviations

K: Knit
K2tog: Knit two stitches together
Sts: Stitches

Poppy Body

Using red yarn, cast on 72 stitches.

Rows 1–4: Knit every stitch.

Row 5: Knit 2 stitches together across the row.
36 stitches remain.

Rows 6–8: Knit every stitch.

Row 9: Knit 2 stitches together across the row.
18 stitches remain.

Row 10: Knit 2 stitches together across the row.
9 stitches remain.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.

Thread the tail through a yarn needle and pass it through the remaining stitches. Remove the knitting needle and pull the yarn firmly to gather the stitches.

Bring the side edges together and sew the seam from the gathered centre toward the outside edge. Fasten securely and weave in the end.

Gently shape the knitting into a rounded flower, arranging the folds so they sit evenly.

Knitted Poppy Centre

Using black yarn, cast on 12 stitches.

Cast off all stitches.

Roll the narrow knitted strip into a small spiral. Stitch through the base several times to hold the spiral together.

Sew the black centre firmly over the gathered middle of the red flower.

Alternatively, replace the knitted centre with a black button.

Finishing the Brooch

Sew a brooch pin to the back of the poppy.

Place the pin slightly above the centre rather than directly across it. This helps the poppy sit upright when attached to clothing.

Weave in any remaining yarn ends and gently reshape the petals.

How to Make a Smaller Knitted Poppy

To create a smaller flower:

• Use fingering-weight or 4-ply yarn.
• Choose smaller needles.
• Cast on 60 stitches instead of 72.
• Work three initial knit rows rather than four.

Keep the same decrease sequence, checking that your stitch count remains divisible by two.

How to Make a Fuller Poppy

For a larger, more ruffled flower:

• Cast on 96 or 120 stitches.
• Add another two to four rows before beginning the decreases.
• Use a soft DK yarn that drapes easily.
• Arrange the gathered folds before securing the centre.

One established charity-style pattern begins with 120 stitches and reduces the knitting in several stages to create a full gathered flower.

Choosing Yarn for Knitted Poppies

DK yarn is a practical choice because it is widely available, works up quickly and creates a flower that is substantial without feeling too bulky.

Cotton gives the petals crisp definition, while acrylic is lightweight and economical when making a large number of poppies. Wool creates a softer, more traditional appearance.

Gathered’s poppy collection also recommends DK yarn for several of its beginner patterns and notes that tension is not especially important for these small decorative projects.

Scrap yarn is perfectly suitable, provided the different colours are close in thickness.

Which Colour Should a Remembrance Poppy Be?

Red is the colour most commonly associated with remembrance poppies.

You may also see poppies made in other colours for particular causes or commemorations. Because the meanings and fundraising arrangements can differ between organisations, check the guidance of the charity or event you are supporting before making or selling alternative-coloured poppies.

Can You Sell Knitted Poppies for Charity?

Do not assume that finding a free knitting pattern automatically gives permission to sell the finished poppies.

A pattern may be free for personal use while still restricting commercial use or fundraising. Check the individual designer’s terms and obtain permission when required.

When knitting for an established organisation, also confirm:

• Whether it is currently accepting handmade poppies
• Which colours and dimensions it requires
• Whether brooch pins should be attached
• Where completed poppies should be delivered
• Whether the organisation permits independent sales using its name

This is especially important for older online patterns, where the original campaign may have ended.

How Long Does It Take to Knit a Poppy?

A simple gathered or ribbed poppy can often be completed in around 20 to 45 minutes once you are familiar with the pattern.

Layered poppies, shaped petals and knitted leaves take longer because they involve extra sections and assembly.

These small patterns make excellent portable knitting projects and can be worked from leftover yarn between larger projects.

Ideas for Using Knitted Poppies

Knitted poppies can be used to make:

• Coat or scarf brooches
• Remembrance wreaths
• Community art installations
• Table displays
• Knitted garlands
• Bag decorations
• Commemorative wall hangings
• Charity fundraising displays

When creating an outdoor installation, ask the organiser whether the yarn needs to be weather-resistant and how the flowers should be attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are knitted poppies suitable for beginners?

Yes. Many poppy patterns use only knit stitches, purl stitches and simple decreases. A gathered garter stitch poppy is generally the easiest version for a new knitter.

Can I knit a poppy with straight needles?

Yes. Most beginner poppy patterns are knitted flat on two straight needles and then joined with a small seam.

What size knitting needles should I use?

For DK yarn, needles between approximately 3.5 mm and 4 mm usually work well. Use the needle size recommended on your yarn label when substituting a different yarn weight.

Does a knitted poppy need a black button?

No. The centre can be made from black yarn, embroidery, felt, beads or a knitted spiral. Make sure any decorative pieces are attached securely.

Can I use chunky yarn?

Yes, but the finished flower will be much larger and heavier. Chunky yarn is better suited to wreaths and displays than to a small lapel brooch.

Should I block a knitted poppy?

Blocking is optional. Light steam or damp blocking can help flatten uneven petals, but avoid pressing too firmly because this may remove the flower’s texture.

Knitted poppies are quick to make, use very little yarn and can become a thoughtful part of a personal or community remembrance project.

Choose a simple gathered pattern for your first flower, then experiment with ribbing, layered petals, leaves and different centre treatments. Before donating or selling your poppies, check the current requirements of the organisation you plan to support.

Looking for more knitting patterns for Poppies? Check these out on Etsy.

Did you know, specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next? Or how about our VIP Knitting Group with free knitting pattern access including vintage and Etsy designer patterns for less than $1 a month?

Knitters have taken up the poppy as a symbol of remembrance as well, and there are several great patterns for poppies out there.

Katy Sparrow’s Remembrance Poppy” – This beautiful pattern, designed by Katy Sparrow, features a unique design with two rows of ruffles for the petals and a separate center that is knit and joined. This is a perfect way to honor and remember those who have served.

“The Knit Flat, No-Sew Poppy” – This pattern by Suzanne Resaul is a simple yet elegant design that is worked in garter stitch and short rows to form the petals. This is a great option for knitters who want to make a poppy without sewing.

“The Knit Guru’s Poppy Flower Brooch” – A quick and easy pattern that uses individual petals worked in two colors that are sewn together to make the flower. This is a unique way to show your remembrance and could also be a great gift.

“Woman’s Weekly Poppy” – This versatile pattern can be worked in either knit or crochet and includes a bit of green branch to make a knit corsage. This four-petaled poppy is perfect to honor and remember on Remembrance Day

“In Flanders Fields” – A beautiful circular-shaped poppy designed by Bebere, accented with a button, is a perfect way to remember and honor those who have served. This is a timeless design, that you will be proud to wear or display.

All these patterns are a great way to honor and remember those who have served on Remembrance Day.