FREE Remembrance Poppy Knitting Pattern - using straight needles

Knit a meaningful remembrance poppy with this free knitting pattern, worked flat on straight needles. The finished flower has three shaped red petals, a coiled black centre and a separate green leaf, making it a thoughtful project for wearing, commemorative displays, charity events and community knitting groups.

The pattern uses knit, purl, simple increases and decreases, followed by a small amount of assembly. It is best suited to an advanced beginner who is comfortable following row-by-row instructions.

Download the Free Remembrance Poppy PDF Pattern

The pattern can be read free on this page. The PDF is an optional printable copy available through the free checkout.

About This Knitted Poppy Pattern

The poppy begins with nine stitches divided into three sections using stitch markers. Each petal is shaped separately with increases and decreases, then the cast-on edge is gathered to form the centre of the flower. A short knitted black strip is coiled into the centre, while the shaped leaf is worked separately and attached at the back.

• Worked flat on straight knitting needles
• Three separately shaped petals
• Uses knit, purl, kfb and p2tog
• Separate coiled centre and shaped leaf
• Approximately 6 × 8cm (2 × 3 inches) when finished
• Suitable for advanced beginners

There is no single correct way to position or wear a poppy. Choose the placement that feels right for you and allows the finished flower to sit securely.

If you would like to support the annual appeal, you can visit the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Materials Needed

• Scheepjes Catona 4-ply cotton yarn
  • 1 × 10g Ball of Poppy Rose #390
  • 1 × 10g Ball of Forest Green #412
  • 1 × 10g Ball of Jet Black #110
• 3mm knitting needles (UK 11)
• Tapestry needle
• 2 stitch markers
• Safety pin
• Scissors

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Stitch Directory

• k - knit
• p - purl
• kfb - knit into the front and back of the next stitch (increase)
• p2tog - purl the next 2 stitches together (decrease)
• SM - stitch marker
• ( ) - repeat the instructions within the brackets the specified number of times

Pattern Notes

• Tension gauge: 26 sts × 36 rows = 4 × 4 inches (10 × 10cm)
• Finished poppy size: approximately 6 × 8cm (2 × 3 inches)
• Skill level: Advanced Beginner
• The poppy is worked flat

Free Remembrance Poppy Knitting Pattern

Poppy - Using Poppy Rose #390

Cast on 9 sts

Row 1 - k9. (9 sts)

Place a stitch marker after the 3rd and 6th sts, dividing the 9 sts into three groups of 3.

Poppy Petals

Work the following instructions across the first group of 3 sts only, stopping at the stitch marker. Leave the remaining 6 sts unworked while you complete the first petal.

Row 2 - k3. (3 sts)

Row 3 - (kfb) 3 times. (6 sts)

Row 4 - p1, k1, (kfb) 2 times, k1, p1. (8 sts)

Row 5 - kfb, p6, kfb. (10 sts)

Row 6 - p1, kfb, (k1, kfb) 4 times. (15 sts)

Row 7 - p15. (15 sts)

Row 8 - p1, k13, p1. (15 sts)

Row 9 - p2tog, p3, p2tog, k1, p2tog, p3, p2tog. (11 sts)

Row 10 - p2tog, k7, p2tog. (9 sts)

Row 11 - p2tog, p5, p2tog. (7 sts)

Row 12 - p2tog, p3, p2tog. (5 sts)

Cast off knitwise, fasten off and secure the end.

Remove the stitch marker at the end of the first group.

Reattach the yarn to the first stitch of the next group of 3 sts. Work Rows 2-12 across these 3 sts to form the second petal, then remove the stitch marker. Reattach the yarn to the first stitch of the final group of 3 sts and work Rows 2-12 once more to form the third petal.

Poppy Centre - Using Jet Black #110

Cast on 18 sts, then cast off knitwise.

Leaf - Using Forest Green #412

Cast on 3 sts

Row 1 - kfb, k1, kfb. (5 sts)

Row 2 - k1, p3, k1. (5 sts)

Row 3 - kfb, k3, kfb. (7 sts)

Row 4 - k1, p5, k1. (7 sts)

Row 5 - kfb, k5, kfb. (9 sts)

Row 6 - k1, p7, k1. (9 sts)

Row 7 - kfb, k7, kfb. (11 sts)

Row 8 - k1, p9, k1. (11 sts)

Row 9 - k11. (11 sts)

Row 10 - p11. (11 sts)

Row 11 - p2tog, k7, p2tog. (9 sts)

Row 12 - k1, p7, k1. (9 sts)

Row 13 - p2tog, k5, p2tog. (7 sts)

Row 14 - k1, p5, k1. (7 sts)

Row 15 - p2tog, k3, p2tog. (5 sts)

Row 16 - k1, p3, k1. (5 sts)

Row 17 - p2tog, k1, p2tog. (3 sts)

Cast off purlwise.

Assembly and Finishing

1. Thread the cast-on yarn tail through the 9 cast-on sts. Pull firmly to gather the centre, then secure the yarn.
2. Use the reattached yarn tails nearest the centre to join the edges of the three petals across Rows 2-3.
3. Arrange the three petals evenly around the gathered centre. Secure them and weave in the remaining yarn tails.
4. Coil the black knitted strip into a circle. Secure the coil with its yarn tail, then sew it over the gathered centre of the poppy.
5. Position the cast-on edge of the leaf behind the gathered centre of the poppy. Sew it securely in place, leaving the shaped end visible beyond the petals, then weave in the yarn tails.
6. Sew the fixed side of the safety pin securely across the back of the poppy, making sure the fastening side remains free to open and close.

Attach the poppy securely in your preferred position. There is no single correct way to position or wear a remembrance poppy.

Ideas for Using Your Knitted Poppies

A single poppy can be attached securely to a coat or bag, while a group of finished flowers can be arranged into a wreath, table display or commemorative installation. They can also be made for charity projects, schools, churches, care homes and community remembrance events.

When adding a safety pin, sew it firmly to the back and check that the sharp point closes securely. For displays intended for young children, use a safer attachment or keep pins out of reach.

Download the Free Printable Pattern

The free PDF includes the complete row-by-row instructions, materials, abbreviations and finishing guidance in a print-friendly format. Add it to your basket and complete checkout; if your basket total is £0.00, you will only be asked for your name and email address and will not need to enter payment details.

Get the Free Remembrance Poppy PDF

Prefer crochet? Explore the free Remembrance Poppy crochet pattern.

Let’s make something beautiful together.