This year I decided to crochet a sakura mochi* to celebrate the cherry blossom season. I made it into a pin and wore it to see the cherry blossoms at Toronto’s largest park.

Yarn: worsted or DK/Sport weight in pink and green

Hook: if using worsted – 3.5mm; DK – 3mm

Note: for the sakura mochi pictured, I used Bernat Satin (worsted) for the mochi and Mary Maxim Mellowspun (DK) for the leaf, because those are just the colours I have in my stash. So I think if the same weight of yarn is used for both the mochi and the leaf, the leaf might look relatively bigger. But I don’t think it matters. In fact I would actually like my leaf to be bigger, so it would stand out more and look more like a sakura mochi.

Other materials and tools: 2 round black beads for eyes (I used 4mm), pink embroidery thread, stuffing, tapestry needle, sewing needle.

I apologize in advance if this is ridden with mistakes – please let me know if you see any. This is the first time I’m writing a pattern and I’m worried that I’m not doing it right or something… so any advice/help/comment/feedback/constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated!

Sakura (or cherry blossom) mochi is a Japanese dessert made with pink, cherry-scented rice granules, stuffed with red bean paste, and wrapped in a cherry leaf. Often enjoyed to celebrate the cherry blossom season.