Pattern & Copyright Note: Crochet patterns may vary slightly depending on your yarn, hook size, and personal tension. Use the measurements and instructions as a guide, and adjust your tension as needed. This CrochetFloria tutorial, including its instructions, photos, and original content, is protected by copyright. You’re welcome to make the finished project for personal use or as a gift. Please do not copy, republish, or redistribute the pattern or photos. To share it, please link to the original CrochetFloria article.
Affiliate Disclosure: We earn from qualifying purchases made through the affiliate links in this article, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products that may be useful for your crochet projects.
Few flowers look as calm and graceful as the calla lily. There are no layered petals or ruffles, just one smooth, curved white petal wrapped around a slim yellow center. That simplicity is what makes it so striking in a vase, and it is also what makes it a satisfying flower to crochet. The shape is clean, so every stitch counts, and the finished piece feels polished rather than busy.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to crochet a calla lily from two small pieces: a white petal worked in rounds and a soft yellow pistil. The petal’s final rounds are worked around a thin wire, which lets you shape the edge and bend the flower into a natural pose. The pistil is wired as well, and both parts join at the stem, which is then wrapped in green floral tape. The result is a sturdy, poseable flower that stands up in a vase without any extra support.
Along the way, you’ll find a full materials list, an abbreviations guide, step-by-step instructions matched to your photos, tips for neat wire work, fixes for common problems, color ideas, and styling suggestions. If you’re new to reading patterns, our guide to crochet symbols and abbreviations is a helpful companion to keep open while you work. And once you’ve made your first calla lily, you can build a mixed bouquet with other flowers from CrochetFloria, including crochet lavender and a crochet tulip.
Save This on Pinterest!
Don’t have time to read this tutorial on crochet symbols and abbreviations right now? Save it on Pinterest so you can come back later and use this how to crochet a calla lily
Why Calla Lilies Are Worth Crocheting
A calla lily is a good project to add to your crochet flower collection, and not only because it looks elegant.
- It’s a statement flower. Most crochet flowers work best in clusters, but a single calla lily looks complete on its own in a tall vase.
- It stands up without a vase tricks. The wired stem means you can pose it upright, angle it, or lay it in a bouquet.
- It’s a different shape from most patterns. Many beginner flowers are flat and round, like daisies. The calla lily is a curved, cup-like form, so it adds variety to a bouquet.
- It suits many styles. White and cream calla lilies feel modern and formal, while colored ones feel playful and romantic.
- It makes a thoughtful handmade gift. A few stems tied with ribbon read as a proper bouquet.
Crochet Calla Lily Pattern Overview
| Detail | Info |
| Project type | Crochet flower with wire stem |
| Yarn | Cotton 8 |
| Colors | White (petal), soft yellow (pistil) |
| Hook | Size B (1.90 mm) |
| Wire | 0.6 mm (petal) and 0.8 mm (pistil) |
| Stem covering | Green floral tape |
| Pistil size | About 6 cm wide |
| Parts | 1 petal, 1 pistil |
| Terminology | US crochet terms |
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
- Cotton 8 in white for the petal.
- Cotton 8 in soft yellow for the pistil.
- Crochet hook, size B (1.90 mm).
- Wire, 0.6 mm, worked into the final round of the petal.
- Wire, 0.8 mm, inserted into the base of the pistil to form the stem.
- Green floral tape to cover the stem.
Why these materials work: Cotton has a smooth, slightly crisp finish, which suits the clean look of a calla lily. It also keeps its shape well around a wire edge. White shows every irregularity, so it helps to work with even tension and to keep your yarn clean while you crochet.
Why two wires? The thinner 0.6 mm wire goes into the petal edge, where it needs to be flexible and fully covered by stitches. The sturdier 0.8 mm wire goes into the pistil and forms the backbone of the stem.
A note on safety. Wire ends can be sharp. Make sure all ends are covered or tucked away, especially if you plan to give the flowers as gifts or display them around children or pets.
Crochet Supplies Quick Links
Explore useful supplies and tools for your crochet projects. These shopping links make it easier to find materials and accessories for your next handmade creation
- Cotton Yarn – Find cotton yarn in different colors for your flower.
- Cotton 8 Yarn – Browse yarn options for small crochet projects.
- Crochet Hooks – Find the right hook for your crochet work.
- Floral Wire – Useful for shaping petals and making flower stems.
- Green Florist Tape – Wrap and finish your crochet flower stems.
- Shop LoveCrafts – Discover more yarn and craft supplies.
Crochet Stitches and Abbreviations
This pattern uses US crochet terms. The petal is worked in rounds from a small ring. If any of the stitches are unfamiliar, our beginner-friendly guide to crochet symbols and abbreviations explains them in detail.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| ch | Chain |
| st | Stitch (used here for the joining stitch, or slip stitch) |
| sc | Single crochet |
| dc | Double crochet |
| Rnd | Round |
| … | Repeat the instructions between the asterisks |
Before you start: Read through the whole pattern once, including the wire steps. The wire is added partway through the petal, so it helps to know when to prepare it.
How to Crochet a Calla Lily Step by Step
The calla lily is made in two parts: the petal and the pistil. Make both, then join them with their wires and finish the stem.
Step 1: Crochet the Petal
Use white cotton and the 1.90 mm hook.
- Rnd 1: Begin with 5 ch. Join with 1 st to form a ring. Work 2 sc together in each chain. Join with 1 st.
- Rnd 2: 3 ch + 1 dc together, then 2 dc together in each stitch.
- Rnd 3: 3 ch + 1 dc together, then 2 dc together in each stitch.
- Rnd 4: 3 ch + 1 dc together. 1 dc, 2 dc together. Repeat. Join with 1 st.
- Rnd 5: 3 ch + 1 dc together. 2 dc, 2 dc together. Repeat. Join with 1 st.
What you should see: A small, smooth cup that widens gradually with each round. Because the increases are spread out, the petal grows in a rounded shape rather than a flat circle.
Step 2: Add the Wire to the Petal Edge
Before the final rounds, prepare the 0.6 mm wire.
- Rnd 6: Make 39 sc, 3 dc together, then 39 sc, incorporating the wire as you work.
- Rnd 7: Work sc all around the petal. Break off the yarn.
Alternative finish: If you’d like a different edge texture, work the final round in crab stitch instead.
Tip: Keep the wire snug inside your stitches so it’s fully covered. The wire is what lets you shape the petal edge, so you want it hidden and secure along the whole round, with no sharp ends poking out.
Step 3: Crochet the Pistil
Use soft yellow cotton.
- Begin with 5 ch. Join with 1 st to form a ring.
- Work 2 sc together in each chain.
- Work 180 sc in a circle (about 6 cm wide).
- Join with 1 st. Break off the yarn.
What you should see: A small yellow piece about 6 cm wide, which becomes the center of the flower.
Step 4: Attach the Wire to the Pistil
Insert a 0.8 mm wire into the base of the pistil and twist the ends of the wire together.
Step 5: Join the Pistil to the Petal
- Insert the pistil into the base of the petal.
- Twist the corresponding wires together.
Step 6: Shape the Flower and Finish the Stem
Bend the base of the petal toward the pistil. This gives the flower its classic calla lily look, with the petal wrapping around the center.
Finally, cover the stem with green floral tape, working along the twisted wires so the stem looks smooth and neat.
Video Tutorial
A video tutorial is available for this pattern. If you’d rather watch the wire and assembly steps than read them, embed the video here, just below the finished flower.
Tips for Making Realistic Crochet Calla Lilies
- Keep your tension even. Smooth, consistent stitches make the petal look clean. This matters on a flower with no ruffles or texture to hide small mistakes.
- Cover the wire completely. Work the stitches firmly around the 0.6 mm wire so it doesn’t show along the petal edge.
- Twist the wires neatly. Tight, tidy twists make the stem stronger and easier to wrap with tape.
- Shape slowly. Bend the petal toward the pistil gradually. A gentle curve looks more natural than a sharp fold.
- Wrap the tape smoothly. Stretch the floral tape slightly as you wind it so it clings to the stem without gaps.
- Keep the white clean. Wash your hands before you start, and store the finished petal in a clean place while you make the pistil.
- Make a matching set. If you plan a bouquet, crochet all the petals first, then all the pistils, then assemble. Working in batches helps keep sizes and shapes consistent.
Common Crochet Calla Lily Problems and How to Fix Them
The petal edge looks wavy or uneven. Check that the wire is evenly covered and that the stitches in the wired round are worked at a consistent tension.
The pistil slips out of the petal. Twist the corresponding wires together more firmly so the two parts hold as one stem.
The flower won’t hold its shape. Make sure the wire was caught in the stitches along the full wired round, then bend the petal gently into place.
The stem looks lumpy. Smooth the twisted wires with your fingers before wrapping them with floral tape.
The petal looks too flat. Check your increases in rounds 2 through 5, and bend the base of the petal toward the pistil to bring back the cup shape.
The white yarn looks gray or dingy. Keep the petal away from dark yarns and dusty surfaces while you work.
Color Ideas for Crochet Calla Lilies
This pattern uses white and soft yellow, which gives the classic, clean calla lily look. The same construction also works in other color pairings if you want to experiment.
| Combination | The effect |
| White + soft yellow | Classic, fresh, and elegant |
| Cream + pale yellow | Softer, slightly vintage |
| Blush pink + soft yellow | Romantic and gentle |
| Deep burgundy + gold | Dramatic and formal |
White suits modern and minimalist spaces, cream feels warmer and more traditional, and deeper tones make a stronger statement in a bouquet.
How to Make a Crochet Calla Lily Bouquet
A single calla lily looks complete on its own, but a small group has even more presence. Because the flower is wired, you can arrange the stems much as you would real flowers.
- Start small. Three calla lilies in a tall vase already look full and intentional.
- Vary the heights. Let the flower heads sit at different levels, and gently turn each petal in a slightly different direction.
- Add contrast in shape. The calla lily is smooth and sculptural, so it pairs well with flowers that are more textured or slender.
- Choose a tall, narrow vase. It keeps the stems upright and matches the elegant lines of the flower.
How to Use Crochet Calla Lilies
- Single stems in a tall vase for a simple, modern display.
- Wedding or event bouquets, especially in white and cream.
- Mixed crochet bouquets with lavender, tulips, and daisies.
- Handmade gifts, such as a small bouquet wrapped in kraft paper or ribbon.
- Home decor on shelves, console tables, or windowsills.
- Table centerpieces for spring and summer gatherings.
- Gift toppers, with a single stem tucked into the ribbon of a wrapped present.
Caring for Your Crochet Calla Lilies
Crochet calla lilies don’t wilt, so they keep their shape for as long as you want to display them. A few habits will keep them looking fresh.
- Keep them away from damp areas. Moisture can affect the wire and the floral tape.
- Avoid strong direct sun. Long exposure can fade colors over time, especially darker shades.
- Dust them gently. A soft, dry brush or a light shake keeps white petals looking clean.
- Store them carefully. If you put them away, lay them flat or stand them upright in a box so the petals don’t get crushed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What yarn is used for this crochet calla lily?
This pattern uses Cotton 8 in white for the petal and soft yellow for the pistil. A smooth cotton gives the flower a clean finish.
What hook size should I use?
Use a size B (1.90 mm) hook.
Why does the pattern use two different wires?
The thinner 0.6 mm wire is worked into the petal edge so it can be shaped. The sturdier 0.8 mm wire goes into the pistil and forms the stem.
Can I finish the petal differently?
Yes. The final round can be worked in crab stitch if you want a different edge.
How do I make the stem look finished?
Cover the twisted wires with green floral tape, winding it smoothly from top to bottom.
Can I make calla lilies in other colors?
Yes. The same construction works in other colors, though this tutorial uses white and soft yellow.
What if I don’t understand the abbreviations?
Our guide to crochet symbols and abbreviations explains common terms in plain language.
What other flowers go well with a crochet calla lily?
Crochet lavender, tulips, and daisies all pair well, since they add contrasting shapes and colors.
More Crochet Ideas & Inspiration
Looking for your next crochet project? Visit our shop to explore our crochet patterns and find your next handmade project.
Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for more crochet ideas and inspiration for your next project. We’d love to have you join our crochet community!