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Learning how to crochet a lily pad is easier than you might think, and it’s a fantastic little project for both beginners and seasoned crocheters.
You can crochet a lily pad using just a few basic stitches, some green yarn, and a bit of patience.
Whether you want to make a cute coaster, a decorative piece for a pond-themed blanket, or a base for a crochet frog, knowing how to crochet a lily pad opens up a world of creative possibilities.
In this post, we’ll walk through the exact steps to crochet a lily pad, share tips for shaping those iconic notches, and help you pick the right materials.
Let’s grab your hook and get started.
Why You Should Learn to Crochet a Lily Pad
Learning to crochet a lily pad is a wonderful way to practice working in the round while creating something instantly recognizable.
When you crochet a lily pad, you’re essentially making a flat, slightly wavy circle with a distinctive wedge cut out of one side.
That cut gives the lily pad its classic frog-ready look, and it’s surprisingly simple to achieve.
Plus, crocheting a lily pad uses very little yarn, so it’s a perfect scrap-busting project.
You can crochet a lily pad in under an hour, and the result is a charming, nature-inspired piece you’ll love showing off.
Let’s look at why this pattern is so popular and what you’ll gain from making one.
1. It’s a Great Beginner-Friendly Pattern
If you know how to make a magic ring, single crochet, and double crochet, you already have all the skills needed to crochet a lily pad.
The pattern is repetitive and forgiving, which makes it perfect for practicing tension and stitch consistency.
You’ll also learn how to increase stitches evenly, a crucial technique for any flat circle project.
Once you’ve made one, you’ll feel confident tackling more complex shapes like leaves or flowers.
That’s why I always recommend crocheting a lily pad to anyone looking to build their crochet confidence.
2. The Notch Is Easier Than You Think
The most distinctive feature of a lily pad is that little V-shaped cut, and you crochet a lily pad notch by simply leaving a section of the round unworked.
Instead of continuing in a spiral, you’ll work in rows across the flat part after completing most of the circle.
This creates a clean, straight edge that mimics the natural split in a real lily pad.
When you crochet a lily pad this way, you get a professional-looking shape without any complicated stitching.
The key is knowing where to stop and turn, and I’ll show you exactly how to do that in the steps below.
Materials You Need to Crochet a Lily Pad
Before you crochet a lily pad, gather a few simple supplies that you likely already have in your stash.
Here’s what you’ll need to crochet a lily pad successfully.
1. Yarn and Hook
Any medium-weight worsted yarn works beautifully when you crochet a lily pad.
Green shades are the obvious choice, but you can also use variegated yarn for a more whimsical look.
Pair your yarn with a hook that matches the label recommendation, typically a 5.0mm or 5.5mm.
If you want a smaller lily pad, use sport weight yarn and a smaller hook.
Remember, when you crochet a lily pad in different sizes, you simply add or remove rounds.
2. Other Tools
You’ll need a yarn needle for weaving in ends and a pair of scissors for trimming.
Stitch markers are helpful to keep track of your rounds, especially if you’re new to working in the round.
A blocking mat and pins are optional but great for shaping your lily pad into a perfectly flat circle.
With these basics, you’re all set to crochet a lily pad that looks neat and polished.
Step-by-Step: How to Crochet a Lily Pad
Now let’s get into the actual process of learning how to crochet a lily pad from start to finish.
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a gorgeous lily pad in no time.
The pattern below is written in US terms and uses single and double crochet stitches.
1. Start With a Magic Ring
To crochet a lily pad, begin by making a magic ring with your green yarn.
Chain one, then work 8 single crochets into the ring.
Pull the tail to close the ring tightly, and slip stitch to join the round.
This forms the center of your lily pad.
You’ll now have a small circle that will expand outward in the next round.
This first step sets the foundation for everything else.
2. Increase Evenly for a Flat Circle
For round two, chain one and work 2 single crochets into every stitch around.
You’ll have 16 stitches by the end of this round.
Slip stitch to join, then chain one for the next round.
In round three, work 1 single crochet in the first stitch, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch.
Repeat this pattern all the way around, giving you 24 stitches total.
Continue increasing in this manner for as many rounds as you need to crochet a lily pad at your desired size.
A typical lily pad has about 6 or 7 rounds, but you can go bigger if you like.
3. Add Double Crochets for Wavy Edges
When your circle reaches the size you want, it’s time to create the gentle wave around the edge.
On the final round of increases, alternate single crochets and double crochets to add texture.
For example, work 1 single crochet in the first stitch, then 2 double crochets in the next stitch.
Repeat this around the entire circumference.
This technique gives your lily pad a charming, organic ruffle that mimics nature.
It also helps when you crochet a lily pad that sits flat without curling.
4. Create the Notch by Working in Rows
Now you’ll create the signature V-cut that defines the lily pad.
Instead of working in the round, you’ll crochet back and forth across a portion of the circle.
Start by identifying a spot where you want the notch to be, usually opposite the end of your round.
Slip stitch to that point, then chain one and work single crochets across about one-third of the circle.
Turn your work and repeat, decreasing one stitch at each end of every row.
Continue this until you’ve crocheted a shallow wedge shape.
This is the trickiest part of learning how to crochet a lily pad, but it’s totally doable.
5. Fasten Off and Weave in Ends
Once your notch reaches the depth you like, cut your yarn leaving a long tail.
Pull the tail through the last loop and tighten to secure.
Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave it through the back of your lily pad stitches.
Trim the excess yarn close to the surface.
Repeat this for the starting tail from your magic ring.
Now you’ve officially learned how to crochet a lily pad, and it looks amazing.
Give it a gentle steam block if needed to flatten the edges perfectly.
Tips for Perfecting Your Crochet Lily Pad
When you crochet a lily pad, small tweaks can make a big difference in the final look.
Here are some expert tips to keep in mind.
1. Use a Smaller Hook for Tight Stitches
If your lily pad waves too much or curls at the edges, try going down a hook size.
Tighter stitches create a firmer fabric that holds its shape well when you crochet a lily pad.
Conversely, if your circle is too stiff, go up a hook size for softer drape.
Always do a tension swatch before starting your full project.
2. Blocking Helps Flatten the Notch Area
The notch can sometimes pucker slightly because of the row work.
After you finish crocheting a lily pad, wet block it by pinning it to a foam mat.
Spray with water and let it dry completely.
This relaxes the fibers and makes the notch lie flat and even.
Blocking is a game-changer when you crochet a lily pad for a gift or display.
3. Play With Different Sizes and Colors
Don’t feel limited to just one size when you crochet a lily pad.
Make a tiny version with fine yarn for a coaster, or a giant one with bulky yarn for a floor cushion.
You can also crochet a lily pad in dark teal, light mint, or even yellow-green for variety.
Mix and match different shades to create a whole pond scene.
This keeps the pattern fresh and fun every time you make one.
So, How Do You Crochet a Lily Pad?
You crochet a lily pad by starting with a magic ring, increasing in the round for a flat circle, adding a ruffled edge, and then working short rows to form the notch.
That’s the whole process simplified into a few key steps.
Whether you’re making one for a frog amigurumi or just for fun, the technique is quick to learn and endlessly reusable.
Now that you know how to crochet a lily pad, grab your hook and give it a try today.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly this charming little shape comes together in your hands.