This crochet shamrock pattern is perfect for adding a little lucky charm to any project! Make it with any weight yarn for a shamrock garland, brooch, keychain, hat decoration, or appliqué.
Scroll down for the free written pattern and video tutorial, or purchase the ad-free, print-friendly PDF here.
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Where To Get This Pattern
Option 1: Scroll on down to get this pattern for free!
Option 2: Purchase the easy-to-read, print-friendly PDF:
Why I Love This Crochet Shamrock Pattern
There’s something so fun about making small crochet motifs, and this St. Patrick’s Day crochet shamrock is one of my favorites! It’s a quick and simple make that you can add to just about anything – turn it into a shamrock garland, sew it onto a hat, or attach a pin to wear as a lucky brooch.
The best part? You can make this crochet shamrock pattern using any yarn and hook size you like! I used worsted weight cotton yarn with a 5mm (H-8) hook, but feel free to experiment with different yarns for various sizes.
Skill Level
This bite-size pattern is pretty easy and a great opportunity to practice all the basic crochet stitches. You’ll need to know how to work a magic ring, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet.
With these stitches under your belt you’ll have no problem whipping up a bunch of these little shamrocks!
OK, Let’s Make This Shamrock!
1. Gather Your Materials
Yarn
I used worsted weight cotton yarn for a sturdy, slightly textured shamrock. If you want a smaller or larger appliqué, simply switch to lighter or heavier yarn with a matching hook size.
Great Yarn Options:
- Cotton yarn (great for durability and stitch definition)
- Acrylic yarn (soft and flexible, perfect for garlands)
- Wool or wool blends (adds warmth if using as an appliqué on hats or scarves)
Hook
- 5mm (H-8) crochet hook (adjust depending on your yarn choice)
Other Supplies
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
- Optional: Safety pin or keychain ring if making a brooch or keychain
2. Grab Your Pattern
Before starting, take a moment to read through the pattern so you know what to expect!
This St. Patrick’s Day crochet pattern works up quickly in just two rounds! Here’s an overview of what you’ll do:
- Foundation: Begin with a magic ring or chain loop and create a mini shamrock
- Stem: Add the stem with a chain and some slip stitches
- Leaves: Create the signature shamrock shape using different height stitches
That’s it! Just a few minutes of crocheting, and you’ll have a lucky little shamrock ready to use however you like.
3. Tips & Tricks
Gauge
Gauge isn’t critical for this pattern – just choose a hook that works well with your yarn for a nice, even shape.
Customizations
- Use bulky yarn for a large statement shamrock.
- Make a tiny shamrock with lace-weight yarn for delicate jewelry.
- String several together for a crochet shamrock garland.
Assembly Tips
- If attaching to clothing, I like to use a safety pin attached to the back of the shamrock for a less permanent option!
- For keychains, stiffen the shamrock slightly by blocking with starch or Mod Podge.
Crochet Shamrock Video
Crochet Shamrock Pattern
Pattern Notes
Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.
Skill Level
Easy
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- puff st = puff stitch (see Special Stitch below)
- sc = single crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- sp = space
- st = stitch
Magic Circle Tips
- Leave a longer tail when starting the magic circle – this gives you more flexibility to adjust and secure it at the end
- Work your stitches over both the tail and the circle to provide extra stability.
- Allow a little space in the magic circle until you are completely finished the project – this makes it much easier to work into.
- When ready to close, pull the working tail slowly and evenly to prevent distortion
- Weave in the tail in multiple directions to ensure it stays secure
Finished Measurements
This pattern is written for one size. Finished measurements using #4/worsted weight yarn:
- Width: 2.75″ / 7cm
- Length: 3″ / 7.5cm
Final project measurements will vary if using different weight yarn. Gauge is not critical for this project.
Materials
Yarn
You can use any yarn and a suitable hook for this project. Sample pictured in Drops Paris (82yds/75m per 50g skein; #4/Worsted/Medium; 100% Cotton).
One shamrock requires approx. 8yds/7.5m.
Yarn suggestions (all #4/worsted):
Cotton
- Drops Paris (82yds/75m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
- WeCrochet Dishie (190 yds/174m per 100g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream (94yds / 86m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (186 yds/170m per 100g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran (93 yds / 85m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Rico Creative Cotton Aran (93 yds / 85m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
Wool/Wool Blend
- WeCrochet Wool of the Andes Tweed (110yds/101m per 50g skein; 80% Peruvian Highland Wool, 20% Donegal Tweed)
- Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino (220yds (201m)/100g; 100% Merino Wool)
Acrylic
- WeCrochet Brava Worsted (218yds/199m per 100g skein; 100% Premium Acrylic)
- WeCrochet Brava Tweed (218yds/199m per 100g skein; 97% Premium Acrylic, 3% Viscose)
- Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran (201yds (184m)/100g; Weight: #4/Worsted/Medium; 100% Acrylic)
Hook
Use any crochet hook that works with your chosen yarn. For reference, I used a 5mm (H/8) hook with my worsted weight yarn.
The suggested hook sizes here are guidelines and may vary based on your yarn and how tightly/loosely you crochet.
| Yarn weight | Suggested hook |
|---|---|
| #1/Super Fine | 2.25mm (B/1) |
| #2/Fine | 3.25mm (D/3) |
| #3/DK | 4mm (G/6) |
| #4/Worsted | 5mm (H/8) |
| #5/Bulky | 6mm (J/10) |
| #6/Super Bulky | 8mm (L/11) |
Other Items
- Yarn needle
Special Stitches
Puff Stitch (puff st)
Step 1: Yarn over, insert hook into indicated st, yarn over and pull up a long loop. [3 loops on hook]
Step 2: Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. [5 loops on hook]
Step 3: Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. [7 loops on hook]
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops, ch 1 to finish the st (this ch-1 is the ‘top’ of the puff st).
Written Pattern
Make a magic circle.
Round 1: [ch 3, puff st in circle, ch 3, sc in circle] 3 times, sl st into circle. [6 sts, 18 ch]
Shamrock Stem: Ch 7, sl st in second ch from hook and each ch across, sl st into circle. [7 sl sts]
Shamrock Leaves: [(sc, hdc, dc, ch 1, dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-3 sp, sk next st] 6 times, sl st to circle. [36 sts, 6 chs]
Fasten off (leaving a long tail if attaching a safety pin).
Finishing
Detachable Shamrock Applique
To make a detachable applique – use the tail to attach a safety pin to the back of your shamrock.
Weave in remaining ends.
Shamrock Garland
The video tutorial also includes instructions on how to create the garland → How to Crochet a Shamrock Garland
- Make your Shamrocks
- Crochet as many shamrocks as you’d like for your garland.
- You can use different shades of green (or even gold/white) for variety.
- Block lightly if needed to help them lay flat.
- Create the Garland String
- Use a smaller hook than for your shamrocks as this will give you a nice, neat chain. (I used a 4mm/G-6 crochet hook with my worsted weight yarn).
- Chain any number to start (I started with 30 chains).
- Attach the Shamrocks
- Slip stitch into the top of one shamrock petal.
- Chain 4, slip stitch into the second petal.
- Chain 15 before adding the next shamrock.
- Finish the Garland
- After attaching the last shamrock, chain the same number as at the start of the string.
- Weave in ends.
- Drape your garland on a mantel, doorway, or shelf for a festive touch. 🍀
If you wish, you can purchase an inexpensive, ad-free PDF version of this pattern through Ravelry or Etsy.
I hope you have enjoyed this pattern, if you have questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. And be sure to tag your finished project on Instagram or Facebook using @nedandmimi or #nedandmimi!
Happy crocheting!
Sarah