Creating a beautiful crochet tribute to Van Gogh’s famous sunflowers is a rewarding project that combines artistic appreciation with crafting skills. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a complete 3D artwork featuring a crocheted vase filled with vibrant sunflowers, set against a textured background that recalls the famous painter’s style.

About This Van Gogh Pattern

This free Van Gogh pattern was developed by Clube Entrelinhas, a unique club that combines literature and amigurumi crafting. Each month, members read a literary work together and create crochet projects inspired by the reading. The commercial use of this pattern is prohibited, and it’s protected by copyright law (Lei n°9.610/1998). If you share your completed project, please use the hashtag #clubeentrelinhas and tag the creators so they can appreciate your work.

Van Gogh Materials Needed

Crochet hook (size of your preference)
Yarn in the following colors:
- Yellow (for sunflower petals and upper part of vase)
- Dark brown (for sunflower centers and bottom part of vase)
- Light brown (for table/base)
- Dark green (for stems)
- Light blue (for background)
Basic supplies: stuffing, tapestry needle, scissors, pins, stitch markers
Acetate, cardboard or plastic for backing
Biscuit clay or similar for weight
Galvanized wire (for stems)
Optional: white glue or hot glue

Van Gogh The Vase

Start with brown yarn:

Make 6 sc in a magic ring
Increase to 12 sc
Work [1 sc, inc] six times = 18 sts
[2 sc, inc] six times = 24 sts
[3 sc, inc] six times = 30 sts
[4 sc, inc] six times = 36 sts
Work 36 sc (either in spiral or joined rounds)
Work 36 sc
[5 sc, inc] six times = 42 sts
Work 42 sc
[6 sc, inc] six times = 48 sts 12-13. Work 48 sc for 2 rounds

Switch to mustard/yellow yarn: 14. Work 48 sc in back loops only (don’t pull tight) 15. Work 48 sc in back loops only 16. [7 sc, inc] six times = 54 sts 17. [8 sc, inc] six times = 60 sts 18. [8 sc, dec] six times = 54 sts 19. Work 54 sc 20. [7 sc, dec] six times = 48 sts 21-22. Work 48 sc for 2 rounds 23. [6 sc, dec] six times = 42 sts 24. [5 sc, dec] six times = 36 sts 25. Work 36 sc 26. Work 36 sc in crab stitch

Fasten off and weave in ends. Place some biscuit clay inside the vase for weight and stability, which will prevent it from tipping over when the sunflowers are added.

Sunflower Types

You’ll make three different styles of sunflowers for variety:

Sunflower Type 1

For the center (with brown yarn):

Make 6 sc in a magic ring
Increase to 12 sc
[1 sc, inc] six times = 18 sts
Work 18 sc

Switch to yellow yarn: 5. Work 18 sc in back loops only 6. Work [2 sc, 1 picot st] nine times around

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sunflower Type 2

For the center (with brown yarn):

Make 6 sc in a magic ring
Increase to 12 sc

Switch to yellow yarn: 5. Work 12 sc in back loops only For petals (1-12): Work [7 ch, 2 sc in second ch from hook, 2 sc, 2 hdc] 6 times

Apply glue or fabric stiffener to the petals and fold them down to create a wilted flower effect.

Sunflower Type 3

For the center (with brown yarn):

Make 5 sc in a magic ring
Increase to 10 sc

Switch to yellow yarn: 5. Work 10 sc in back loops only

For back petals (1-10): Work [6 ch, 1 sc in second ch from hook, 1 sc, 3 hdc] 5 times For front petals (1-9): Work same pattern to create overlapping petals

Arrange some sunflowers with curved petals (as in the original painting) and others with straight petals for visual interest.

Stems

Cut pieces of wire in various lengths and wrap them with dark green yarn. Attach the upper part to the back of each sunflower with glue.

Back of Flowers

Using moss green yarn:

Make 6 sc in a magic ring
Increase to 12 sc
[1 sc, inc] six times = 18 sts
[2 sc, picot] nine times

Fasten off and hide yarn tails. Attach to the back of each sunflower, covering the beginning of the stem.

Background Panel

This will be worked in flat crochet rows. Important: Do NOT chain 1 to turn your work.

Start with mustard/yellow yarn: 1-17. Work 48 sc for 17 rows 18. Work 48 sc in front loops only 19-24. Work 48 sc for 6 rows

Switch to aqua blue yarn: 25-67. Work 48 sc for 43 rows

Fasten off and weave in all ends. The row worked in front loops only creates a fold line for the 3D effect.

Block the piece to ensure it’s well-stretched and even. You can use crepe tape to attach the background to a surface of your choice.

Assembly

The assembly is intuitive and simple:

First, line the vase with brown yarn to simulate soil.
Arrange the taller sunflowers at the back of the arrangement. Place the Type 1 sunflower on the left side and the Type 2 sunflower on the right.
Fill in the front with the remaining sunflowers, positioning one with curved petals prominently in the center.
Feel free to arrange the flowers according to your preference, taking inspiration from the images provided.

Final Touches

Block your completed 3D artwork so it stays properly stretched. Use crepe tape to secure the background to a display surface if desired.

This delightful crochet tribute to Van Gogh’s “Twelve Sunflowers” combines artistic inspiration with crochet craftsmanship. Whether you’re a fan of fine art, amigurumi, or both, this project creates a charming piece that celebrates the beautiful intersection of literature, art, and handcraft.

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Conclusion

The crocheted Van Gogh sunflower arrangement represents more than just a crafting project—it’s a beautiful intersection of fine art appreciation and fiber arts. By completing this piece, you’ve created a three-dimensional tribute to one of history’s most beloved paintings while developing your crochet skills through varied techniques.

This project demonstrates how traditional art can inspire contemporary crafting, allowing you to experience the essence of Van Gogh’s vision through yarn and hook. The combination of different sunflower styles—some perky, some drooping—captures the authentic character of real flowers in various stages, just as Van Gogh depicted in his famous works.

The finished piece serves as both a decorative display and a conversation starter about art history. Whether displayed on a shelf, desk, or wall, your crocheted sunflowers bring warmth and artistic charm to your space with the added satisfaction of being handmade.

By participating in this Clube Entrelinhas project, you’ve joined a community that values the connection between literature, art, and crafting—enriching your creative experience while honoring a masterpiece that has inspired generations of artists and art lovers alike.