During Memorial Day observances, you've likely seen groups selling artificial poppies to raise funds. This poignant custom stems from the 1915 poem "In Flanders Fields" by Canadian physician John McCrae, which immortalized the poppy as a symbol of soldiers lost in battle. Inspired by it, Moina Michael popularized wearing red poppies for remembrance. As noted on the official U.S. Memorial Day site, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) began national poppy sales in 1922. Crafting your own felt poppies is a meaningful way to participate in this tradition—drawing from my years of hands-on crafting experience, these durable designs last beyond a single day.
To make a poppy pin, use the provided template to cut four large red felt petals, two small red felt petals, and a 1-inch black felt circle. Begin by gluing one large petal to a wooden disk, facing inward.
Position the two remaining large petals in the opposite direction. Secure all four large petals firmly to the wooden disk with glue.
Place the two small red petals face-to-face in the flower's center. Top with the black felt circle, gluing everything securely.
Complete your pin by gluing a pinback to the reverse side of the wooden disk.
For a stemmed poppy, cut four large petals, two small petals, and a 1-inch black circle from felt. Fold a floral stem wire in half, twist it, and create a larger loop at the top. Bend the bottom end.
Apply hot glue to the base of one small petal, insert the wire loop, add more glue, and top with the second small petal to sandwich the wire. Allow to cool.
Repeat the process to attach two large petals to the center assembly. Let cool fully.
Glue the remaining two large petals around the center, ensuring all four surround it evenly. Secure and cool.
Starting at the top, wrap floral tape tightly around the petal base several times, smoothing as you go for a firm hold.
Continue wrapping down the stem, smoothing the tape. At the bottom, wrap back up to the top. Tear off and tuck the end securely.
Gently bend each petal downward for a natural bloom. Position the wire loop aside and hot-glue the black circle on top. Cool completely.
Tie a ribbon around the stem for presentation, or place in a small vase like a milk jug.
