Bring the warmth and magic of fall to your home with a stunning crocheted maple leaf table mat. This decorative project features a vibrant array of autumnal hues – deep reds, burnt oranges, golden yellows, and rustic greens – radiating in segmented sections to capture the iconic symmetry and detail of a real maple leaf. Each spoke of the leaf is carefully defined, and the special edging forms the signature pointed shape. Whether placed beneath a seasonal candle, centerpiece, or under a mug of steaming cocoa, this crochet maple leaf is sure to become a conversation starter and a cherished symbol of autumn.
Made in medium-weight cotton, this project boasts bold, color-blocked veins and intricate textural stitches, including openwork holes and crisp ridge lines, that give the leaf lively dimension and visual interest. The piece is perfectly sized as a table topper, a statement placemat, or even as whimsical wall art. Its combination of colors is fully customizable to coordinate with your home or the changing leaves outside.
Project Overview
The maple leaf mat is constructed by working from the stem into the leaf’s center and then creating seven radiating lobes (“spokes”) in separate, color-blocked sections. Each leaf segment is crocheted outward and shaped using increases, chains, and strategic stitch placement to achieve sharp points and realistic indentations. The open spaces running along each segment mimic natural veins. Finally, a sturdy stem is crocheted and attached, and the finished piece is bordered and shaped for crisp, professional definition.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project involves working across varying directions, managing color changes, increasing, shaping sharp points, and adding openwork. It’s suitable for confident crocheters with experience reading patterns, changing colors, and maintaining stitch counts.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category #4) 100% cotton yarn for crisp stitch definition and washability
- Total estimated yarn needed: About 150–180g in total
- Colors:
- Burnt Orange: 40g
- Deep Red: 40g
- Golden Yellow: 40g
- Olive Green: 40g
- (Optional: small amount of brown for the stem)
- Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm (G-6) or size needed to achieve gauge
- Tapestry Needle: for weaving in ends and sewing parts
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers: helpful for marking segment starts or increase points
- Blocking Mats and Pins: for shaping
Finished Size
- Approx. 38 cm wide x 42 cm tall (15″ x 16.5″)
To adjust the size, work the initial rows/rounds longer or shorter for bigger or smaller segments, respectively. Ensure segment stitch counts remain proportional for symmetry.
Gauge
Approx. 16 sc x 18 rows = 10 cm (4″) square in main leaf stitch pattern, lightly blocked. Matching exact gauge is less crucial for décor, but significant variations will affect the finished size and stitch counts.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- inc – increase (2 stitches in one stitch)
- dec – decrease (single crochet 2 together, sc2tog)
- MR – magic ring
Important Pattern Notes
- Turning chains do not count as stitches unless otherwise stated.
- Color changes are best made in the final yarn-over of the previous stitch; carry yarn tails along the row for minimal ends.
- The leaf is worked primarily in sections: center vein, then lobes, then border.
- Work each segment with the right side facing.
- Use stitch markers to ensure correct point and vein placement.
- Ch-spaces in pattern form the open “vein” details; skip these spaces as instructed in pattern.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Stem and Central Vein
- Stem: With red yarn (or brown if you prefer a more realistic stem), ch 27.
- Row 1: Beginning in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (26 sc).
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (26 sc).
- Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog (24 sc).
- Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (24 sc).
- Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing. Set aside for now.
- Central Vein: With golden yellow, ch 6.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (5 sc).
- Rows 2-36: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (5 sc). [Repeat, working lengthwise, to reach about 38 cm (15″). Adjust number of rows if needed.]
- Fasten off with a tail for later border join.
Part 2: Leaf Segments (7 Lobes)
All lobes are worked outward from the central vein panel. Each segment uses color blocking to replicate fall gradients. You will alternate colors between rows according to your aesthetic preference or refer to the visible color pattern in the photo: each lobe is majorly one color with two secondary color highlights and natural, uneven transitions. For guidance, you can work as follows:
- Lobe 1 (center left): yellow/green
- Lobe 2 (center right): red/orange
- Lobe 3 (lower left): green/orange
- Lobe 4 (lower right): orange/yellow
- Lobe 5 (top left): orange/yellow
- Lobe 6 (top right): green/red
- Lobe 7 (very top center): yellow/orange
To make each lobe:
- With chosen color, attach yarn to edge of central vein at desired point (using needle or hook), working through both loops.
- Follow the sequence below – repeat for each of the seven leaf lobes, spacing them evenly along the center vein panel and following the color map above. The segments alternate left and right for visual balance.
General Lobe Segment Formula:
- Row 1: Ch 1, work 2 sc in side of center vein starting just above the stem. (2 sc)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next, ch 1, skip 1 st, sc in last st (4 sc + 1 ch-sp)
- Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, [2 sc in ch-sp], sc in each st to end. (5 sc)
- Row 4: Change color as desired. Ch 1, turn, sc in first st, 2 sc in next, ch 2, skip next st, 2 sc in next st, sc in last. (7 sc + 1 ch-2 sp)
- Row 5: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first st, sc in each st to ch-sp, [2 sc in ch-sp], sc in remaining sts to end. (9 sc)
- Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each of next 3 sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in each remaining st across. (9 sc, 1 ch-2 sp)
- Row 7: Change color if desired. Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first st, sc across to ch-sp, [2 sc in ch-sp], sc in remaining sts. (11 sc)
- Row 8: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st to middle 3 sts, ch 3, skip 3 sts, sc in each remaining st (11 sc, 1 ch-3 sp)
- Row 9: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first st, sc to ch-sp, [3 sc in ch-sp], sc to end (13 sc)
- Rows 10-14: Continue in this pattern, alternating regular increases (2 sc in ends), occasionally inserting a ch-sp with skipped sts to replicate the openwork vein. Add (1) extra st per row up to a peak of around 15–17 sc per row.
- Shape ends by using sc2tog or skipping a st at the row beginning and end for sharper points; insert ch-2 or ch-3 spaces in upper rows for decorative holes.
- For center top lobe, work additional rows, making the point higher, and sharpen the point by making last two rows:
- Row 15: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog (decrease row).
- Row 16: Ch 1, turn, sc across. Fasten off.
Repeat for all seven lobes, arranging them to mirror the maple leaf shape. Use stitch markers to plan the exact spacing before attaching and crocheting each lobe for symmetry.
Part 3: Border and Leaf Points
- With olive green or your preferred border color, attach to any outer leaf “point.” Ch 1, sc evenly all the way around the leaf, placing 2 sc in sharp outward points and sc2tog at deep valleys between lobes for definition.
- Where you reach a ch-sp from earlier openwork, make (sc, ch 1, sc) in the ch-sp to preserve the vein-hole effect.
- Join with a sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Part 4: Attach Stem
- Using tapestry needle and starting at the base center backside, sew the stem securely to the lower center of the maple leaf’s midrib (about 2 rows of overlap). Weave in ends. The stem should point outward, mimicking the natural structure of the leaf.
Assembly and Finishing
- Gently steam block or wet block your finished maple leaf to flatten and shape points.
- Lay the leaf on blocking mats, pinning each point and valley to form crisp angles, and let dry completely for best results.
- Weave in all loose yarn ends on the back with a tapestry needle.
- Lightly tug the border as it dries to sharpen the silhouette.
- To keep the motif centered and neat, do a final alignment check before the piece dries fully.
Customization Ideas
- Color Play: Try a neutral palette for a modern look, or use just two contrasting colors for simplicity.
- Yarn Substitutions: Use chunkier acrylic for a larger wall hanging or smaller threads for a doily-sized version.
- Project Variations: Attach a loop to turn your leaf into a wall hanging. Join several leaves together for a table runner. Make with lightweight yarn for seasonal coasters, or attach as an applique to a pillow or tote bag.
- Personalization: Embroider initials or motifs on a solid-color section as a gift.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Curling: Block the mat thoroughly; increase stitch counts slightly in border if curling persists.
- Loose Color Changes: Always change color on last yarn over; weave in tails for stability.
- Uneven Edges: Place 2 sc in points and sc2tog in valleys during border to stabilize shape.
- Motif Too Large/Small: Adjust hook size or yarn weight; double-check that stitch multiples remain consistent when resizing.
- Tension Issues: Try a smaller hook for tighter stitches, or a larger for looser feel and drape.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash or gentle machine wash your cotton maple leaf on cold.
- Lay flat to dry and reshape as needed. Avoid direct ironing – steam lightly if blocking is needed again.
- Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals.
Final Notes
Before starting, gather all your materials and study the shape closely; check stitch counts after each segment to keep your leaf symmetrical. Use the reference image as a visual guide for color placement and final shape. Adjust tension as necessary, and enjoy the creative process – every maple leaf is unique, just like the fall season itself!
