This pattern is SUPER QUICK, incredibly impressive, and unlike anything else in your project queue. Seriously, you can finish this tiny sunflower nose cuff in one sitting and end up with a wearable piece of art that stops people mid-conversation. The miniature scale makes it perfect for using up those precious scraps of thread you have been saving.
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If you have never tried thread crochet before, this is actually a fantastic first project. The motifs are small, the techniques are straightforward, and the payoff is huge. Plus, it makes an unforgettable gift for anyone who loves unique accessories.
I am so excited to walk you through every step. Let’s turn some cotton thread into the cutest floral nose cuff you have ever seen.
About This Sunflower Nose Cuff Pattern
This miniature thread crochet accessory features one dominant golden sunflower positioned near the nostril, a smaller sunflower across the bridge of the nose, two tiny amber buds near the top, olive leaves throughout, and a soft cream chain foundation with a rounded nostril side loop. The design climbs diagonally along the nose for a botanical cascade effect.
The finished piece measures approximately 42 to 50 mm long, making it delicate enough to wear comfortably while still being a stunning statement piece. Because faces and nose shapes vary, all measurements serve as a starting point. You will make the foundation to fit the intended wearer and attach the motifs only after checking the placement.
Important wearability note: This is a decorative accessory, not a piercing or medical device. The loop should sit beside the nostril, never inside it, and must not interfere with breathing. Remove it if it feels tight, scratchy, painful, or irritating.
Skill Level
This pattern is rated intermediate thread crochet. You should be comfortable working with very fine thread, tiny hooks, and small motifs. The stitches themselves are basic, but the miniature scale requires patience and good lighting.
Materials Needed
Gathering the right supplies makes this project so much easier. Here is everything you will need:
Thread: Size 20 or 30 mercerized cotton in the following colors:
Hook: 0.75 to 1.00 mm steel crochet hook. Choose the smallest size that still lets you work comfortably.
Needle: Fine blunt tapestry or beading needle that passes through the stitches.
Other supplies: Small sharp scissors, fine pins, ruler, optional blocking mat, and fabric safe clear stiffener only if needed.
Gauge and Scale
Exact stitch gauge is less important than achieving the miniature scale. With size 30 thread and a 0.85 mm hook, aim for these approximate measurements:
If your motifs are larger than these measurements, reduce your hook size or switch to finer thread.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
Let me walk you through every abbreviation used in this pattern. If you are new to reading crochet patterns, bookmark this section.
ch = chain. This is the foundation stitch that creates a series of loops.
sl st = slip stitch. Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion.
sc = single crochet. Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
hdc = half double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
dc = double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops) twice.
tr = treble crochet. Yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops) three times.
st/sts = stitch or stitches.
MR = magic ring. This adjustable loop lets you start working in the round and pull the center closed tightly.
FO = fasten off. Cut the yarn and pull the tail through the final loop to secure.
Foundation Strip and Nostril Side Loop
The foundation is a slender cream chain that runs diagonally along the nose bridge. Make it first, fit it, then attach the floral motifs.
Step 1: Main bridge chain. With cream thread, ch 34 to 42, or until the relaxed chain measures about 36 to 44 mm. Do not pull the chain tight while measuring.
Step 2: Stabilize the chain. Starting in the second ch from hook, sl st loosely in each ch back toward the beginning. This makes a flat, cord like strip without much bulk. FO, leaving a 12 cm tail.
Step 3: Make the nostril side loop. Join cream into the lower end of the foundation. Ch 15 to 19, depending on desired loop diameter. Form a soft oval beside the nostril and sl st back into the same join point. Work 1 sl st in each loop chain if extra stability is needed. FO and weave the tail through the back of the foundation.
Step 4: Fit check. Lay the strip diagonally along the outside of the nose. The loop should curve around the outer side of the nostril without entering the nostril or pulling on the nose tip. Add or remove chain stitches now, before attaching flowers.
Tip: For a flatter back, steam lightly from a distance or damp block the cream strip under a soft cloth. Do not over stiffen the loop.
Large Sunflower (Make 1)
This is the star of the show, positioned near the nostril. The finished diameter is approximately 12 to 14 mm.
Center, Round 1: With chocolate brown, make MR, ch 1, work 8 sc into ring. Pull ring closed. Join with sl st to first sc. (8 sts)
Center, Round 2: Ch 1. Work 2 sc in each st around. Join. (16 sts) FO, leaving a sewing tail.
Optional spiral texture: Using the starting brown tail, make 3 to 4 tiny surface sl sts or couch the tail in a short spiral over the center. Secure on the back.
Petals: Join sunflower yellow in any center stitch. Ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sl st into the next center stitch. Repeat around until 16 narrow pointed petals are formed. Join and FO.
Honey highlights (optional): With pale honey thread, add a tiny straight stitch or surface sl st over the outer third of 4 to 6 petals. Keep this subtle.
Tip: Shape petals between fingertips while slightly damp so the points angle outward rather than curling under.
Small Sunflower (Make 1)
This flower sits halfway up the bridge of the nose. The finished diameter is approximately 8 to 10 mm.
Center: With brown, MR, ch 1, work 6 sc in ring. Pull tight and join. (6 sts)
Petals: Join yellow. Ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, sl st into next center st. Repeat 6 times for 6 compact petals. For a fuller flower, place 2 petals into alternating center spaces for 8 total petals. FO.
Add 2 to 3 tiny pale honey tip stitches if desired. Keep the back flat by knotting and weaving tails through the center only.
Tiny Amber Buds (Make 2)
These sweet little buds add dimension near the top of the nose cuff. Keep them around 4 to 5 mm long.
Bud: With amber or gold thread, ch 4. In 2nd ch from hook work sl st, then sc, then hdc in last ch. Fold this tiny strip in half lengthwise and secure the base with 1 to 2 whip stitches so it forms a narrow closed bud. FO, leaving a sewing tail.
Green base: With olive, make 2 tiny straight stitches or 2 surface chains around the bud base to suggest sepals.
Tip: Make the two buds slightly different in height for a natural cluster effect.
Pointed Olive Leaves (Make 4 to 6)
Use smaller leaves near the upper buds and larger leaves around the main sunflower.
Leaf: With olive, ch 6. Starting in 2nd ch from hook: sl st, sc, hdc, sc, then 3 sc in last ch. Rotate to work down the unused loops on the opposite side of the foundation chain: sc, hdc, sc, sl st. Join to first sl st. FO, leaving a sewing tail.
Raised center vein: Thread the tail onto a fine needle and make one long straight stitch from leaf base to tip along the center. Return to the back and secure.
For a smaller leaf, begin with ch 5 and use sl st, sc, sc, 3 sc in end, then mirror back.
Assembly Map
Arrange all motifs on the cream strip before sewing. The visual balance should rise from the largest flower near the nostril toward the two tiny buds at the upper bridge.
Placement order:
Position A: Large sunflower. At the lower near side, just above and slightly forward of the nostril loop. Angle it outward so the center faces the viewer.
Position B: Large leaves. Place 2 to 3 leaves behind the large sunflower, pointing diagonally upward and outward.
Position C: Small sunflower. Halfway up the bridge strip, offset slightly toward the near side.
Position D: Small leaves. Place 1 to 2 leaves around the small sunflower.
Position E: Two buds. Near the upper end of the strip, staggered vertically, with one small olive sepal or leaf beside each.
Sewing method: Use each motif tail to catch only the back loops of the motif and the stabilized cream strip beneath it. Make 2 to 4 tiny attachment stitches per motif. Avoid sewing through visible petal tips. Knot once on the back and weave the tail lengthwise through the cream strip, then trim closely.
Flat back check: Turn the piece over. No thick knots or loose tails should remain under areas that will touch skin. If a knot feels raised, unpick and re secure it farther inside a flower center.
Final Shaping and Fitting
1. Lightly mist the finished accessory with water. Pin the cream strip straight, arrange the petals and leaves, and let it dry completely. Avoid heavy starch on parts that touch skin.
2. Test the fit for only a few minutes at first. The strip should rest on the nose rather than squeeze it. The lower loop should curve beside the nostril and remain clear of the airway.
3. If the loop is too large, undo the join and remove 1 to 3 chain stitches. If it is too small, remake the loop with 2 to 4 additional chains.
4. If the floral strip lifts away from the skin, shorten the foundation by 1 to 2 chains or move a heavy flower closer to the strip centerline.
5. After the fit is correct, weave every end at least 10 to 15 mm through dense stitches and trim flush.
Color Recipe at a Glance
Here is your quick reference for thread colors:
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Flowers look too large: Use finer thread, reduce hook size, or remove one round from the center.
Petals curl: Damp block each flower and reduce tension on the petal chain.
Leaves look bulky: Switch to size 30 thread and omit hdc on the smallest leaves.
Back feels scratchy: Re weave tails inside flower centers and foundation. Avoid exposed knots.
Cuff slides: Shorten the main foundation slightly. Keep the loop soft rather than tight.
Accessory twists: Sew motifs to the centerline of the foundation and block the strip flat.
Condensed Stitch Sequence
Here is a quick reference once you are comfortable with the pattern:
Foundation: ch 34 to 42, sl st back across, make ch 15 to 19 nostril side loop and join.
Large sunflower: brown MR 8 sc, 2 sc in each equals 16, yellow 16 pointed chain petals.
Small sunflower: brown MR 6 sc, yellow 6 to 8 miniature chain petals.
Bud x2: ch 4, sl st/sc/hdc, fold and secure, add olive sepal stitches.
Leaf x4 to 6: ch 6, sl st, sc, hdc, sc, 3 sc in end, mirror back, add center vein stitch.
Assembly: large flower low, small flower mid bridge, buds high, sew flat to cream strip, weave all ends.
You Did It!
Thank you so much for choosing this sunflower nose cuff crochet pattern. I hope you love making it as much as I loved designing it. This tiny project packs such a big visual punch, and I cannot wait to see your version.
If you found this pattern helpful, save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again later. And please leave a comment below if you make one. I would absolutely love to see your finished nose cuff on Instagram or Facebook. Happy crocheting!
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