DK or worsted weight yarn (or use fingering held double) in red, scraps of green and black (black eyelash wool looks great!)
3.5-4mm circular, DPN or straight needles (your choice), size depending on yarn weight (size down, as we want poppy fabric to be tight)
You will be making a shallow tube of K2P2 ribbing.
cast on 60 sts. If using circular or DPN needles, join in a round. K2P2 ribbing for 10 rows.
Row 11: K2tog to end of row. 30 st remain.
Row 12: [sl1 pw wyib, K2tog, psso] to end of row. 10 st remain.
Break yarn, leaving tail. Run tail through sts remaining on needle and pull tight to gather. If knit flat, sew seam up the short side.
Center: using green, cast on 8 sts and knit a square in stocking stitch (approx 10 rows). Bind off, leaving a long tail. Using this tail, run a line of running stitch around the edge of the square and pull tight to form a round center, with the wrong side out (ie. Reverse stocking stitch shows). Sew to center of poppy.
Using black (optional: eyelash), enbroider stamens around center.