Crochet Maple Leaf Pattern: A Free Fall Decor Tutorial

Make a crochet maple leaf with this free fall pattern. Clear stitch lists, photos and tips for coasters, garlands and decor.

A crochet maple leaf is one of the most satisfying small projects of the season. It is flat, quick and pretty, and a handful of them can turn into a garland, a set of coasters or a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

This free pattern builds the leaf from five small pointed lobes: one long lobe at the top, two medium lobes at the sides and two short ones at the bottom. You then sew them together around the center and add a slim stem. Every lobe is listed stitch by stitch, so you always know where you are.

If you enjoy small seasonal makes, you may also like our other fall crochet patterns for Thanksgiving. Pick a warm yarn color and let's begin.

Why you'll love this crochet maple leaf

• Fast: it takes about an hour from the first chain to the last stitch.
• Simple stitches: chains, slip stitches, sc, hdc and dc are all you need.
• Great for scraps: one leaf uses roughly 10 g of yarn.
• Flexible: make coasters, garlands, brooches, wreath leaves or place cards.
• Pretty in any shade: red, orange, mustard, rust or brown all look good.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn (US 4 / UK aran) in red, orange or mustard, about 10 g per leaf
• 3.5 mm hook (US E-4)
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Optional: embroidery thread for the veins

Abbreviations (US terms)

ch: chain · sl st: slip stitch · sc: single crochet (UK double crochet) · hdc: half double crochet (UK half treble) · dc: double crochet (UK treble) · sts: stitches

Crochet Maple Leaf Pattern: Step by Step

Top leaf (make 1)

The top leaf is the longest lobe of the maple leaf. Work it in the yarn color you chose for the whole leaf.

1. Leave a 15 cm starting tail, then ch 9.
2. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, work along the top of the chain (Side 1): sl st, sc, hdc, dc, dc, hdc, sc (7 sts).
3. Work 3 sc in the last ch to turn the corner and make the rounded end of the leaf.
4. Now work back along the bottom loops of the chain (Side 2): sc, hdc, dc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st (7 sts).
5. Fasten off and weave in the end at the pointed tip. Keep the starting tail for joining.

Side and lower leaves (make 4)

Two medium side leaves and two short lower leaves give the leaf its classic maple outline.

1. Side leaves (make 2): leave a 15 cm starting tail, then ch 8.
2. Side 1, starting in the 2nd ch from hook: sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc (6 sts).
3. Work 3 sc in the last ch.
4. Side 2, along the bottom loops: sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st (6 sts). Fasten off and weave in the tip end.
5. Lower leaves (make 2): leave a 15 cm starting tail, then ch 6.
6. Side 1, starting in the 2nd ch from hook: sl st, sc, hdc, sc (4 sts).
7. Work 3 sc in the last ch.
8. Side 2, along the bottom loops: sc, hdc, sc, sl st (4 sts). Fasten off and weave in the tip end.

Assembly and stem

1. Lay the five leaves out like a maple leaf. The center leaf points straight up, the two side leaves point out to the upper left and upper right, and the two short lower leaves point down and outward.
2. Bring the rounded ends together in the middle. Use the starting tails to sew them to each other, going through each rounded end twice so the center is firm.
3. Sew neighboring leaves to each other along their sides for about 3 stitches, so there are no gaps near the center.
4. Stem: leave a 15 cm tail, ch 8. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each ch across (7). Fasten off.
5. Sew the stem to the center, pointing down. Weave in all the ends.
6. Optional veins: with a thread of the same or a contrasting color, embroider a straight line from the center up the middle of each leaf.

Tips for a neat maple leaf

• Crochet with fairly firm tension so the lobes stay flat and keep their points.
• Do not make the starting chain too tight, because you will work back along its bottom loops.
• Always leave a starting tail of about 15 cm for sewing the lobes together.
• Press the finished leaf flat under a heavy book, or steam it gently, to even out the shape.
• If you are new to crochet, the crochet overview explains the stitches used here.

Ideas for your finished leaves

• Sew several leaves onto a cord for a fall garland.
• Make a set of four coasters in different autumn colors.
• Add a leaf to a gift as a handmade tag.
• Attach a pin back to the reverse for a brooch.
• Sew a leaf to a pillow, basket or tote for quick seasonal decor.

More fall crochet to try

Want more seasonal projects? Browse the Thanksgiving crochet patterns, make the Orange Citrus Bat or the Baby Bat for Halloween, or see our crochet flower patterns.

Frequently asked questions

Is this crochet maple leaf pattern good for beginners?

Yes. It uses only basic stitches and very little sewing, and every lobe is listed stitch by stitch, so it works well as a first small project.

Can I print this free pattern?

Yes. Use the Print pattern button at the bottom of the page, then choose your printer or Save as PDF in your browser.

What else can I crochet for fall?

Pumpkins, acorns, small amigurumi, flowers, coasters and bandanas all work well. Browse our Thanksgiving and Amigurumi categories for more ideas.

How much yarn does one leaf need?

About 10 g of worsted weight yarn, or roughly 20 meters. A garland of eight leaves needs around 80 g.

Final thoughts

This crochet maple leaf is a cozy, quick way to bring fall colors into your home. Choose your favorite autumn shades, make a few leaves in different sizes of yarn, and enjoy the season one small project at a time.

💡 Tick off each round as you go. Your progress isn't saved when you leave the page.

Hi, I'm Luma

I share verified free crochet patterns to help you find inspiration for your next blanket, amigurumi, hat or handmade gift, and bring them together here so you can skip the endless scrolling and start making.

More about me →

Connect with me

Follow along for daily pattern finds and cozy inspiration.

P