Introduction
A maple leaf has five dominant points, but its smaller side notches determine whether the finished crochet shape looks botanical or merely star-shaped. This autumn maple leaf crochet pattern combines olive green, caramel brown, golden beige, and raised cream-colored veins. Made with cotton yarn and a 3.5 mm hook, the finished leaf is designed to measure approximately 20 cm from its upper tip to the end of its stem. Use it as a decorative coaster, table accent, or seasonal appliqué.
The Design: What Makes This Crochet Maple Leaf Different
The structure of this crochet maple leaf is based on five pointed lobes arranged around a central foundation. Each lobe is shaped individually, allowing the edges to form the characteristic angular silhouette of a maple leaf.
The second design feature is the autumn color arrangement. Olive green, caramel brown, and warm beige are distributed across the leaf to imitate seasonal color changes. Rather than using a single solid shade, the design combines several colors to emphasize the shape.
Raised cream-colored veins provide the third defining detail. These embroidered lines begin near the stem and extend toward the main leaf points.
One common mistake when crocheting maple leaves is making every point identical. Natural maple leaves have a longer central lobe and shorter lateral lobes. Maintaining this proportion produces a more recognizable silhouette.
Project Information at a Glance
| Project Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
| Estimated Time | 2–4 hours |
| Target Finished Size | Approximately 18–22 cm including stem |
| Hook Size | 3.5 mm |
| Yarn Weight | DK cotton |
| Main Technique | Shaped crochet lobes and surface embroidery |
| Construction | Five separately shaped lobes joined at the base |
| Best For | Autumn decorations, table accents, seasonal appliqués |
These are proposed project specifications. Finished measurements depend on yarn thickness, tension, blocking, and the final lobe arrangement.
Materials and Tools
Yarn
Choose smooth cotton yarn with clear stitch definition. Cotton helps the pointed edges maintain their shape after blocking.
- Olive green DK cotton — approximately 20 g: For selected leaf sections, edging, and stem.
- Caramel brown DK cotton — approximately 15 g: For autumn-colored lobe sections.
- Warm beige DK cotton — approximately 15 g: For lighter leaf sections.
- Golden yellow DK cotton — approximately 10 g: For additional color accents.
- Cream DK cotton — approximately 5 g: For the raised embroidered veins.
These quantities are estimates for one decorative leaf. Actual consumption should be measured after completing a sample.
Tools
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle for embroidery and assembly
- Stitch markers
- Sharp scissors
- Measuring tape
- Blocking mat
- Rustproof blocking pins
- Optional fabric stiffener for decorative use only
Crochet Abbreviations
All instructions use US crochet terminology.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | Magic ring |
| ch | Chain |
| sc | Single crochet |
| hdc | Half double crochet |
| dc | Double crochet |
| tr | Treble crochet |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| inc | Increase |
| dec | Decrease |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| FO | Fasten off |
| RS | Right side |
| WS | Wrong side |
An invisible decrease is made through the front loops of two adjacent stitches; it is not required for the main leaf construction.
Understanding the Maple Leaf Construction
The leaf is assembled from five crocheted lobes attached to a small central foundation. The middle lobe is the longest, the two upper side lobes are slightly shorter, and the two lower lobes are the smallest.
Each lobe begins at its pointed tip and widens toward its base. This creates a tapered shape without requiring complicated short-row shaping.
The assembled lobes are outlined with olive green yarn. Cream-colored veins are embroidered across the surface after assembly.
Finally, a narrow green stem is attached to the lower center.
Important: This construction is a simplified interpretation of the photographed maple leaf. The color placement and lobe geometry will vary from the reference image.
Free Autumn Maple Leaf Crochet Pattern – Step by Step
Part 1: Central Maple Leaf Lobe (Make 1)
Yarn: caramel brown or warm beige.
The central lobe is the longest section of the leaf.
Foundation: Ch 2.
Row 1: Work 2 sc into the second chain from the hook. (2 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Work 2 sc in each stitch. (4 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first stitch, inc in next 2 stitches, sc in last stitch. (6 sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each stitch. (6 sc)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first stitch, inc, sc in next 2 stitches, inc, sc in last stitch. (8 sc)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (8 sc)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first stitch, inc, sc in next 4 stitches, inc, sc in last stitch. (10 sc)
Rows 8–10: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (10 sc each row)
Row 11: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 6 stitches, sc2tog. (8 sc)
Row 12: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (8 sc)
Row 13: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 4 stitches, sc2tog. (6 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a 25 cm sewing tail.
The narrow starting edge forms the pointed tip. The wider middle section creates the body of the lobe.
Part 2: Upper Side Lobes (Make 2)
Yarn: olive green and caramel brown.
These lobes should be slightly shorter than the central section.
Foundation: Ch 2.
Row 1: Work 2 sc into the second chain from the hook. (2 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Inc in each stitch. (4 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first stitch, inc in next 2 stitches, sc in last stitch. (6 sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (6 sc)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first stitch, inc, sc in next 2 stitches, inc, sc in last stitch. (8 sc)
Rows 6–8: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (8 sc each row)
Row 9: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 4 stitches, sc2tog. (6 sc)
Row 10: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (6 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a 25 cm tail.
Make the second lobe using the same stitch counts.
Position the two lobes diagonally on either side of the central lobe during assembly.
Part 3: Lower Side Lobes (Make 2)
Yarn: warm beige, caramel brown, or olive green.
The lower lobes are shorter and broader in proportion to their length.
Foundation: Ch 2.
Row 1: Work 2 sc into the second chain from the hook. (2 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Inc in each stitch. (4 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first stitch, inc in next 2 stitches, sc in last stitch. (6 sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (6 sc)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first stitch, inc, sc in next 2 stitches, inc, sc in last stitch. (8 sc)
Rows 6–7: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (8 sc each row)
Row 8: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 4 stitches, sc2tog. (6 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a 25 cm sewing tail.
Repeat for the second lower lobe.
Part 4: Central Leaf Foundation
Yarn: olive green.
This small circular foundation provides a stable attachment point for the five lobes.
R1: Make MR and work 6 sc into the ring. (6)
R2: Inc in each stitch around. (12)
R3: Repeat (1 sc, inc) six times. (18)
R4: Repeat (2 sc, inc) six times. (24)
Fasten off, leaving a 30 cm tail.
Place the foundation beneath the five lobes during assembly. Its edges should remain hidden behind the leaf sections.
Part 5: Assembling the Maple Leaf Shape
Place the circular foundation on a flat surface.
Position the central lobe vertically with its pointed end facing upward.
Arrange the two upper side lobes diagonally, one on each side of the central lobe.
Place the two shorter lower lobes beneath them, angled outward.
Overlap the narrow bases of all five lobes over the circular foundation.
Pin the pieces in position and check the overall silhouette before sewing.
Use the remaining yarn tails to attach the lobes securely to the foundation.
Stitch along overlapping edges where necessary, leaving the outer pointed sections free.
The assembled leaf should form five dominant points with visible indentations between them.
Part 6: Olive Green Crochet Border
Yarn: olive green.
Join green yarn at the lower edge of the assembled leaf.
Border R1: Work sc evenly around the outer perimeter, placing additional stitches at pointed tips and skipping stitches where necessary inside deep notches.
At each main leaf tip, work (sc, ch 2, sc) into the tip stitch.
At each indentation between lobes, use a slip stitch to maintain a defined inward angle.
Continue around the entire leaf and join with sl st.
Border R2: Work sl st around the perimeter, following the shaped edge and maintaining the ch-2 points.
Fasten off and weave in the yarn tail.
The border stitch count depends on the final arrangement and overlap of the five lobes. Count the perimeter stitches after the first border round if you plan to make multiple identical leaves.
Part 7: Raised Cream Leaf Veins
Yarn: cream.
The reference photograph features prominent raised veins that extend from the central stem toward the leaf points.
Thread a yarn needle with cream-colored yarn.
Begin near the lower center of the leaf.
Use a chain stitch embroidery technique to create a raised central vein running toward the uppermost point.
Work slowly and keep the stitches approximately 4–5 mm long.
Do not pull the embroidery tightly enough to gather the crochet fabric.
Next, embroider four diagonal veins extending from the central base toward the upper and lower side lobes.
Secure the yarn tails on the wrong side of the leaf.
For a thicker raised effect, work a second line of chain stitches directly beside the first.
Part 8: Crochet Leaf Stem
Yarn: olive green.
Foundation: Ch 13. (13 ch)
Row 1: Sc in the second chain from the hook and in each remaining chain. (12 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (12 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (12 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a 25 cm sewing tail.
Fold the strip lengthwise and sew the long edges together to create a narrow stem.
Attach one end to the lower center of the leaf.
Stitch through the foundation circle and the lower edges of the adjoining lobes for additional support.
The stem should extend approximately 4–6 cm below the leaf, depending on yarn tension.
Assembly – 10 Steps
- Complete the long central lobe using the selected autumn yarn color.
- Crochet two matching upper side lobes.
- Make two smaller lower lobes.
- Complete the circular green foundation.
- Arrange all five lobes around the foundation and pin them in place.
- Sew the overlapping sections securely, preserving the pointed silhouette.
- Work the olive-green border around the assembled leaf.
- Embroider the raised cream-colored central and diagonal veins.
- Crochet and attach the narrow green stem.
- Weave in the remaining yarn tails, block the leaf, and allow it to dry completely.
The finished project is a flat decorative maple leaf with five shaped lobes, raised veins, and a narrow stem.
7 Technical Tips for a Better Crochet Maple Leaf
- Maintain the central lobe proportion. The middle lobe should extend farther than the side lobes. If all five points finish at the same height, the leaf may resemble a star rather than a maple leaf.
- Control the pointed tips. Place a stitch marker at the end of each lobe before working the border. Missing a tip stitch can make the outer edge appear rounded.
- Avoid puckering during assembly. Overlap the lobe bases without pulling them tightly together. Excessive tension around the central foundation can cause the leaf to cup.
- Keep embroidery tension consistent. Use approximately 4–5 mm chain stitches for the raised veins. Tight embroidery can shorten the lobes and distort their shape.
- Check border stitch distribution. Work additional stitches at outward points and fewer stitches inside deep indentations. Too many stitches along a straight edge can create unwanted waves.
- Block the leaf carefully. Pin the five main points and the stem separately. Allow the fabric to dry completely before removing the pins.
- Secure yarn tails thoroughly. Weave each tail through several centimeters of dense stitches and reverse direction. Avoid leaving loose ends beneath the embroidered veins.
How to Adjust the Maple Leaf Size
The size of the finished leaf depends on yarn weight, hook size, and the number of shaping rows.
| Leaf Size | Suggested Yarn | Suggested Hook |
|---|---|---|
| Small Appliqué | Sport / Fine | 2.5–3 mm |
| Medium Decoration | DK | 3.5 mm |
| Large Table Accent | Worsted | 4–4.5 mm |
| Oversized Decoration | Bulky | 5–6 mm |
These hook sizes are starting recommendations. Make a sample and measure the finished leaf before producing a matching set.
Choosing the Best Yarn for Crochet Maple Leaves
Cotton Yarn
Cotton is a practical option for decorative leaves because it produces defined stitches and relatively stable edges.
Choose smooth cotton yarn if the leaf will be used as a table decoration or appliqué.
Acrylic Yarn
Acrylic yarn is available in a wide range of autumn shades and can be suitable for decorative projects.
However, some acrylic yarns produce softer edges that may require additional blocking.
Cotton-Acrylic Blends
A cotton-acrylic blend can provide a balance between structure and flexibility.
Use yarns of similar thickness throughout the project to maintain consistent lobe dimensions.
Autumn Color Combinations
The photographed design combines olive green, caramel brown, golden beige, and cream.
For a traditional fall palette, use burnt orange, rust red, mustard yellow, and dark brown.
A woodland-inspired version can combine moss green, walnut brown, and warm beige.
For a brighter maple leaf, use golden yellow with orange and crimson accents.
Color placement can vary between lobes. However, keeping the raised veins in one contrasting color helps preserve the recognizable leaf structure.
Ways to Use Crochet Maple Leaves
Autumn Table Decorations
Place completed crochet leaves beneath small decorative objects or arrange several leaves along a seasonal table runner.
If using a leaf beneath a mug, choose heat-resistant cotton yarn and avoid bulky raised embroidery directly under the mug base. This decorative pattern has not been tested for heat resistance or stability as a functional coaster.
Fall Garland
Make several leaves in different autumn colors and attach them to a crocheted chain.
Space the leaves approximately 10–15 cm apart, adjusting the arrangement according to their finished dimensions.
Seasonal Wall Decorations
Attach crochet maple leaves to a fabric banner or decorative wall hanging.
Use lightweight yarn for hanging projects to reduce stretching.
Gift Wrapping Accents
Smaller crochet leaves can be attached to reusable gift bags or fabric ribbons.
Secure the stem with removable stitching if the decoration will be reused.
Washing and Care Instructions
Follow the care instructions provided by the yarn manufacturer.
For cotton leaves, gentle hand washing may be suitable when permitted by the yarn label.
Use cool water and mild detergent. Avoid twisting or wringing the leaf, particularly around the embroidered veins.
Press excess water out with a towel and reshape the five points while damp.
Lay the leaf flat to dry, using rustproof pins if necessary to maintain the pointed silhouette.
Do not expose acrylic yarn to excessive heat during blocking.
Store finished leaves flat to prevent the tips and stems from curling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this crochet maple leaf suitable for beginners?
The pattern is recommended for intermediate crocheters because it involves shaping individual lobes, assembling several pieces, and adding surface embroidery.
A confident beginner can practice the central lobe before completing the full leaf.
What yarn works best for a crochet maple leaf?
Smooth cotton yarn is a practical choice for defined stitches and stable edges.
DK cotton with a 3.5 mm hook is the suggested starting combination for this adaptation.
How large is the finished maple leaf?
The target finished size is approximately 18–22 cm, including the stem.
The exact dimensions depend on yarn thickness, crochet tension, and blocking.
Can I make the leaf in one color?
Yes. The five lobes can be crocheted in one solid color without changing the stitch instructions.
Use a contrasting color for the veins if you want them to remain prominent.
Can I use this pattern as a coaster?
The finished leaf can be used as a decorative table accent. However, its raised embroidery and irregular edges may prevent a mug from sitting level.
For functional coaster use, test stability and heat resistance with the selected yarn and finish.
How do I stop the leaf edges from curling?
Check stitch tension, distribute border stitches evenly, and block the finished leaf.
For purely decorative use, a suitable fabric stiffener may help maintain the pointed shape.
Can I make a matching set of autumn leaves?
Yes. Repeat the same construction using different combinations of green, yellow, orange, and brown yarn.
Keep the hook size and yarn weight consistent if the leaves need to match in size.
Conclusion
This autumn maple leaf crochet pattern combines five shaped lobes, an olive-green border, and raised cream-colored veins to create a decorative fall leaf. The main technical requirements are accurate lobe proportions, stable assembly, and consistent embroidery tension. Complete one sample, block it, and measure the finished dimensions before making additional leaves. For a coordinated autumn display, repeat the design in several seasonal color combinations while keeping the same yarn weight and hook size.
Share your finished maple leaf on Pinterest or Instagram using #AutumnMapleLeafCrochet. Include your yarn choice, hook size, and finished measurements so other crocheters can compare their results.
Would you keep the olive-green border shown in this design, or use burnt orange for a stronger autumn contrast?
