A super realistic knitting pattern for a daffodil/narcissus with step by step written instructions
Every year, close before Easter, daffodils are turning the spring meadows here in Europe into a yellow-golden ocean of elegant delight. Bumblebees are clumsily climbing into their wide-open corona seeking the sweet pollen within, and some will end up decorating our dinner tables and entry halls. So, of course, I had to add a knitted daffodil to my knitting pattern collection.
This daffodil knitting pattern comes with 12 pages full of step-by-step written instructions, and big pictures showing you all the important steps in greater detail. Of course, the pattern has been extensively testknit (you can see the results on Ravelry) and I’m reasonably sure any intermediate knitter will be able to finish them.
I do have to say that I’m super pleased with this pattern. It doesn’t happen often that I surprise myself in such a way but I can still remember my partner (who’s quite used to all my makings) saying “wow…those are gorgeous!”. I guess it’s shameless self-praise but every time I walk past them, they paint a big smile on my face.
Of course, we need to talk about the fact that you knit them with lace yarn and on 2.00mm knitting needles. So, it might be a lovely little challenge for you. However, half of it is actually knit flat. So, if you are scared of knitting in the round on these tiny needles, then can I assure you that it’s nothing to worry overly much about.
Plus, you will find video tutorials for all techniques used in this pattern here on my blog. The more challenging part is probably putting things together. You will need to reinforce your finished knitting with wire – otherwise, these daffodils would never be able to stand the way they do.
Personally, I love this kind of project but I do want you to know that you will need some quiet time to get these delicate flowers into shape. There are not a lot of tails to weave in or any major seaming but you do need to support each petal and leaf with a bit of wire.
Note: Check out my other spring flower patterns. I also have tulips, snowdrops, crocuses, and hyacinths available for download.
Size & Gauge
The finished daffodil will be around 22 cm (8.7 in) tall and the actual flower around 13 cm (5 in) wide. My gauge for a 2,5 x 2,5 cm swatch in flat stockinette stitch is 10 stitches x 13 rows. I wouldn’t worry too much about the gauge, though. Some daffodils are smaller and some bigger in nature as well. So, as long as you pick a thin light fingering or lace yarn, and 2.00mm needles you should be fine.
Knitting techniques
I already mentioned that only about half of this daffodil knitting pattern is done in the round. The petals and leaves are actually knit using double-stockinette stitch. I wouldn’t say it super easy but it’s not like it’s super hard either. I’d grade it as a pattern suitable for intermediate knitters.
- K = knit
- P = purl
- Sl1p wyif = slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in front
- SSK = Slip Slip Knit
- K2tog = knit two together
- K3tog = knit three together
- KLL = Knit left loop
- KRL = Knit right loop
- A standard longtail cast-on
- A picot-bind off
Click on the links to access the (video) tutorials for all these techniques. I need about 6 hours to finish knitting one full daffodil.
Materials you will need for this daffodil knitting pattern
Note: I earn a small commission for purchases made through links in this article.
- 35 meters of the Wollmeise lace in yellow & 25 meters in green – or any other lace yarn scraps for needles size 2.0mm. You can also finish the corona with a different color.
- Double-Pointed Knitting needles 2.0 mm. Frequent readers probably already know that I am a huge fan of the Knitter’s Pride Karbonz because they are the only ones that don’t end up crooked after 5 minutes.
- A tapestry needle and scissors.
- Thin wire and a wire plier
- (Blocking) pins
Again, the printable pdf is 12 pages long and every single step is described in great detail. I hope you can already tell from this page that all my patterns don’t leave you hanging in the middle of a sea of cryptic abbreviations and short-hand instructions.
It’s also available on Etsy if you are not a big fan of Ravelry. Recently, I got a lot of messages from readers who don’t like to or can’t access that platform, so I decided to offer another option so you can decide for yourself.
Anyway, that’s all you need to know about my daffodil knitting pattern. Do comment below in case you have any questions.
