Introduction
This crochet project showcases a beautifully textured, oversized maple leaf bursting with all the rich hues of autumn—deep oranges, rust reds, olive greens, and golden yellows. The leaf features well-defined lobes radiating from a pronounced vein in the center, and a slender stem at the base. Each radiating lobe is sharply pointed with slight indentations, giving the motif an authentic maple-leaf silhouette. With its warm palette and detailed shaping, this piece is perfect for seasonal home décor.
Whether placed as a striking table centerpiece, used as a festive placemat, or hung on the wall among other fall accents, this maple leaf brings a touch of woodland charm indoors. The project is an engaging blend of color changes and shaping techniques, making it an interesting, rewarding make for crocheters who love playing with detailed motifs and textured stitches.
Project Overview
The maple leaf is worked from the center out in separate sections: a central stem, followed by radiating leaf lobes (worked individually), and finished with a textured border around the entire piece. Each lobe is crocheted in rows, starting from the main vein outwards, then the piece is assembled and outlined for a crisp finish. Some colorwork is involved, and the veins are created with strategic increases, decreases, and surface slip stitching. The stem is crocheted separately and attached last. The project combines motif construction and gentle shaping for a natural effect.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This pattern requires comfort with basic stitches and shaping (increases, decreases, and picots), color changes, and working individual motifs that are later joined. Familiarity with surface slip stitching and light assembly is helpful but explained in the pattern. Confidence in counting stitches and maintaining tension will ensure a beautiful result.
Materials
- Worsted weight (category 4) cotton yarn in four shades: Burnt Orange (approx. 40g), Rust Red (approx. 30g), Golden Yellow (approx. 30g), and Olive Green (approx. 25g). Choose smooth yarn for crisp, defined stitches.
- US size G/6 (4mm) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing parts
- Sharp scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, for marking increase points and edges)
- Pins and blocking mat (for shaping and finishing)
Finished Size
The completed maple leaf measures approximately 32 cm tall by 26 cm wide (12.5 x 10.25 inches) not including the stem. Stem adds another 7–8 cm (3 inches) in length. Adjust size by using lighter or heavier weight yarn and appropriately sized hook; ensure all sections are resized proportionally.
Gauge
Approximately 17 single crochet stitches and 18 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) in sc, after light blocking. Gauge is not critical but deviations may affect overall size and proportions.
Stitches and Abbreviations (US Terminology)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- inc – increase (2 sts in same stitch)
- dec – decrease (single crochet 2 together)
- picot – (ch 2, sl st in first ch)
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
Important Pattern Notes
- Unless specified, ch 1 at the start of each row does NOT count as a stitch.
- Work each lobe individually from the center vein outward, then join at the final border.
- Use color changes as desired or as indicated for autumn effect. Change color on the final yarn-over of previous stitch for a neat transition.
- We recommend blocking the finished leaf gently to help colors blend and points sharpen.
- Use a stitch marker to identify the start of each section or place at increases for symmetry.
- The RS is the visible/textured side you want to display.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Center Vein and Stem
- Leaf Stem:
- With chosen stem color (example: Rust Red), ch 35.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (34 sc). Turn.
- Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st. Fasten off, leaving a 12cm/5” tail for sewing.
- Vein Foundation:
- With Gold, join yarn to the top of stem (opposite end from long tail).
- Ch 5, sl st to top of stem to form a loop.
- Ch 26 (this becomes the central vein and base for leaf lobes).
- Mark end of ch with a stitch marker.
Part 2: Maple Leaf Lobes (Work 5 Large & 6 Small Lobes)
The leaf is constructed symmetrically with five large primary lobes and six smaller secondary lobes in between. Begin each lobe by attaching yarn at the corresponding points along the central chain foundation.
A. Large Primary Lobes (5 points)
- Each large lobe starts from the central vein. Place markers at the following chains: 3, 8, 13, 18, 23 (from base of vein; stem end). Attach autumn color at each marked point.
- For each lobe:
- Row 1 (RS): Attach color, ch 1, sc in same ch and next 2 ch (3 sc). Turn.
- Row 2: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc in each st until 1 remains, inc in last st (5 sc). Turn.
- Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st (5 sc). Turn.
- Row 4: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc in each st until 1 remains, inc in last st (7 sc). Turn.
- Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st (7 sc). Turn.
- Row 6: As Row 4 (9 sc). Turn.
- Row 7: As Row 3 (9 sc). Turn.
- Row 8: As Row 4 (11 sc). Turn.
- Row 9: Ch 1, dc in each st (11 dc). Turn.
- Row 10: Ch 2, tr in next 2 sts, dc in next 2, hdc in next 3, sc, hdc in next 2 (total 11 stitches).
Shape the lobe point: Work a picot into the middle dc of Row 10 for accent. - Fasten off and weave in ends.
Note: For rich autumn effect, alternate colors with each lobe—e.g., Rust Red, Olive Green, Gold, Burnt Orange, etc.
B. Small Secondary Lobes (6 points)
- Mark between each large lobe, evenly spacing 6 points along the chain foundation. Attach color at each new mark.
- For each lobe:
- Row 1 (RS): Attach color, ch 1, sc in same ch, sc in next ch (2 sc). Turn.
- Row 2: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc in next, inc in last (4 sc). Turn.
- Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st (4 sc). Turn.
- Row 4: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across, inc in last (6 sc). Turn.
- Row 5: Ch 1, hdc in each st (6 hdc). Turn.
- Row 6: Ch 1, sc dec across first 2, sc in each st to last 2, sc dec (4 sc). Turn.
- Row 7: Ch 1, sc across, create picot at tip (ch 2, sl st in first ch). Fasten off.
You should now have a radiating, symmetrical set of leaf lobes along the central vein foundation chain, creating the classic maple leaf shape. All points should feature slightly different color segments for dimension.
Part 3: Border and Detailing
- Border: With any autumn shade (or all four in random sequence), join at the base of one lobe.
- Work sc evenly around all edges of the leaf, placing 2–3 sc in each pointed tip, and 1 sc along row ends.
- At each lobe indentation, work a sc2tog to form deeper valleys between points.
- Surface Vein Detailing (Optional but recommended for texture):
- With a contrasting color, use surface slip stitch along the base of the main stem up the center vein and branching out into each lobe. Weave in ends neatly at the back.
- This adds visual depth and further mimics the look of real leaf veins.
Part 4: Assembly
- If any lobes feel loose, use the tails to lightly whip-stitch down to secure to the foundation chain at the base.
- Sew the stem securely to the very base (on the RS), with slight overlap so the top of the stem is hidden beneath the center of the leaf.
- Weave in all yarn tails on the back, keeping the RS clean and neat.
Part 5: Blocking and Shaping
- Saturate the leaf in cool water, gently squeeze excess water out, and pin every lobe tip and indentation to a blocking mat, arranging the shape as symmetrical as possible.
- Allow to dry completely for crisp edges and a flat, professional look.
Customization Ideas
- Alternate Colors: Use pastels for spring, icy blue/white for winter, or go monochrome for a modern twist.
- Different Yarn Weights: Work in DK or sport yarn for a more delicate effect, or bulky for a playful rug or mat.
- Projects: Sew multiple leaves together for a table runner, coaster set, bag panel, or festive bunting. Attach to a wooden dowel for a unique wall hanging. Use as a large placemat or under a centerpiece bowl.
- Add Surface Embroidery: Embroider extra veins in metallic yarn for sparkle or sew on beads for added detail.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Piece Curling: Block the finished piece. If curling persists, try working looser stitches or adjusting your hook size up.
- Uneven Edges: When adding the border, ensure the same number of stitches along symmetrical lobes. Mark each lobe’s tip before border work.
- Motif Size Issues: If too large or small, adjust hook or yarn weight. Match your gauge to suggested size.
- Loose Color Changes: Always change color on the final pull-through of previous st. Pull snugly and weave ends diagonally at the back.
- Uneven Tension: Pause and stretch work slightly as you go. Practice surface slip stitches on scrap if needed before applying to veins.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash gently in cold water with mild detergent.
- Lay flat to dry, reshape as needed after washing to keep points sharp.
- Avoid machine drying or harsh chemicals, as these may fade colors or distort stitches.
Final Notes
Count stitches carefully in each lobe and across the central vein for evenness. Adjust your stitch tension for best results, and use the image above as a color and shape reference. Gentle blocking truly brings out the naturalistic details in your maple leaf. Enjoy the process and the vibrant autumn décor you create!
