The Enchanted Woodland Aster Brooch: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Layered Floral Pin

Bring a Touch of Woodland Magic to Your Wardrobe

There's something truly enchanting about a handmade flower—especially one that looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook forest floor. The Enchanted Woodland Aster Brooch is a free crochet pattern that combines texture, dimension, and delicate colorwork into a stunning, heirloom-quality accessory. Using a unique blend of puff stitches and picot edging, this layered floral pin captures the whimsical spirit of a woodland glade. Whether you're dressing up a simple cardigan, adding charm to a hat, or creating a thoughtful handmade gift, this brooch is sure to become a treasured piece. Best of all, it's beginner-friendly and works up quickly, making it the perfect weekend project.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The gauge is not critical for this project, but it's important to keep your stitches tight and even for a crisp, professional finish.

• Yarn: Fingering weight yarn in two colors:
  • Color A (deep plum/aubergine) – approximately 20 yards
  • Color B (soft sage green) – approximately 20 yards
• Hook: 2.5mm crochet hook
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, brooch pin or safety pin for backing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes: This pattern is worked in continuous rounds. Do not join rounds unless specifically instructed. All stitches are worked in the round without turning.

Flower Center (Color A – Deep Plum)

1. Make a magic ring. Leave a 6-inch tail for sewing later.
2. Round 1: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the ring tight to close. (6 stitches)
3. Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
4. Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
5. Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
6. Round 5: Sc in each stitch around. (24 stitches)
7. Fasten off Color A, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing the brooch pin later. Weave in the starting tail from the magic ring.

Petals (Color A – Deep Plum)

1. Join Color A with a slip stitch (sl st) to any stitch on Round 5 of the center.
2. First petal: Chain 4. Work 3 puff stitches into the 4th chain from the hook (the chain closest to the center). To make a puff stitch: yarn over (yo), insert hook into the chain, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yo, insert hook into the same chain, yo, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook). Yo, insert hook into the same chain, yo, pull up a loop (7 loops on hook). Yo, pull through all 7 loops. Chain 1 to close the puff stitch.
3. Skip the next 2 stitches on the center, then slip stitch into the following stitch.
4. Repeat from * to * (as described in the pattern) around the entire center. You will make a total of 8 petals. Each petal is separated by skipping 2 stitches and slip stitching into the next.
5. After the last petal, slip stitch into the first stitch of the round to join. Fasten off Color A. Weave in the end.

Picot Edging (Color B – Soft Sage Green)

1. Join Color B with a slip stitch to the tip of any petal (the chain-4 space at the top of the petal).
2. First picot: Chain 3, then slip stitch into the 3rd chain from the hook (this creates a small picot point).
3. Single crochet into the same tip (the chain-4 space). Chain 1.
4. Single crochet into the tip of the next petal.
5. Repeat from * to * around all 8 petals: *Chain 3, sl st into 3rd ch from hook (picot), sc into same tip, ch 1, sc into next petal tip.*
6. After the last petal, slip stitch to the first picot to join. Fasten off Color B. Weave in all ends.

Leaves (Color B – Soft Sage Green) – Make 2

1. Chain 10.
2. Row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook. Half double crochet (hdc) in the next chain. Double crochet (dc) in the next 3 chains. Half double crochet in the next chain. Single crochet in the next chain. Chain 1, turn.
3. Row 2: Single crochet in the first stitch. Half double crochet in the next stitch. Double crochet in the next 3 stitches. Half double crochet in the next stitch. Single crochet in the last stitch.
4. Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for sewing.

Assembly

1. Position the leaves on the back of the flower center. Place them slightly offset from each other (not directly opposite) for a natural, organic look. Use the tails to sew each leaf securely to the back of the flower center. Weave in the ends.
2. Attach the brooch pin to the back of the flower center using the long tail left from the flower center (Round 5). Sew the pin securely in place, making sure it is centered and will not wiggle. Weave in the end.
3. Weave in all remaining ends on the back of the brooch. Trim any excess yarn.

Your Enchanted Woodland Aster Brooch is now complete! Pin it to a jacket, bag, or scarf and enjoy the handmade magic. Happy crocheting!