If you’re looking for a striking autumn-themed crochet project, this maple leaf doily is the perfect choice. With its intricate lacy structure, eye-catching pointed tips, and bold central stem, this crochet leaf brings both the beauty and warmth of fall indoors. The doily features a series of radiating segments with openwork that mimics the natural vein patterns of a maple leaf. Its vibrant orange shade, crisp pointed lobes, and carefully defined edges make it a memorable decorative piece. Whether used as a table centerpiece, wall hanging, or seasonal accent, this maple leaf motif captures the spirit of autumn in yarn.
This project is especially fun for crocheters seeking a slightly challenging shape and an opportunity to play with negative space within motifs. It’s highly decorative and versatile—imagine it brightening up your table for Thanksgiving, adding a festive touch to your walls, or even serving as a base for other maple-themed crafts. It’s an engaging way to get creative with color and texture as you bring the outdoors inside.
Project Overview
The maple leaf doily is worked in one piece, starting with a magic ring at the center. The leaf is crocheted in the round using increases and specialty stitches to build out eleven pointed lobes. The signature deep leaf ‘veins’ are created using chains and openwork. After establishing the main body and points of the leaf, a long stem is added separately and attached to finish. There are no separate motifs or appliqué pieces—everything is worked as a continuous expanding motif with some backtracking for the stem.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This pattern is ideal for those comfortable with working in the round, increasing, reading lace patterns, and using a combination of basic stitches and openwork. Some experience with shaping and pointed edge finishes is helpful; beginners may find the intricate decreases and vein spacing challenging. Confident advanced beginners willing to try new stitch arrangements can also attempt this pattern.
Materials
- Worsted weight cotton yarn (Category 4), approximately 70 grams (one ball) in rich orange or color of your choice
- Suggested fiber: 100% cotton for crisp stitch definition and easy blocking
- Crochet hook size: 4.0 mm (G/6) or size needed to meet gauge
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and attaching the stem
- Small, sharp scissors
- Stitch markers (helpful for marking points or vein sections)
- Blocking pins and mat
Finished Size
Approximate finished size: 30 cm (12 inches) wide from tip to tip, and 33 cm (13 inches) tall including the stem.
To adjust the size, use a lighter yarn with a smaller hook for a smaller leaf, or a heavier yarn and larger hook for a bigger statement piece. Note that changing yarn and hook size will alter the measurements considerably.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical, but for reference: 16 double crochets and 8 rows in 10 cm (4 inches) square, measured flat after blocking. Small differences in gauge will affect your finished size, but the openwork design is forgiving.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- MR – magic ring
- inc – increase (work 2 sts into the same st)
- dec – decrease (work 2 sts together as one)
- picot – (ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook)
Important Pattern Notes
- Chains at the beginning of rounds count as the first stitch unless otherwise specified.
- Work in joined rounds: join each round with a slip stitch to the top of the starting ch or designated st.
- Use stitch markers to help keep track of the center vein lines and lobe points.
- When changing sections (for points and veins), ensure your tension remains even for symmetrical result.
- Right side faces you at all times. Block when finished to sharpen the leaf points and open up lacy spaces.
- If your stitches seem tight or the leaf is curling, relax your tension or use a slightly larger hook.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Center Foundation
- Round 1: Make a MR. Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), work 15 dc into ring. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (16 dc)
- Round 2: Ch 3, 1 dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (32 dc)
- Round 3: Ch 3, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (48 dc)
(You now have a flat, dense center to anchor the openwork veins.)
Part 2: Establishing Veins and Openwork
- Round 4: Ch 4 (counts as tr), tr in same st, ch 3, skip next 2 sts, *2 tr in next st, ch 3, skip next 2 sts*; repeat from * to * around. Join. (16 sets of 2 tr with ch-3 spaces)
- Round 5: Sl st into next tr and ch-3 space. Ch 4 (counts as tr), (tr, ch 3, tr) in same ch-3 space, *in next ch-3 space: (tr, ch 3, tr, ch 3, tr); repeat from * in each ch-3 space around. Join. (You now have 16 openwork ‘veins’ radiating.)
Part 3: Building the Leaf Shape and Lobes
- Round 6: Sl st to ch-3 space. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same space, ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-3 sp, ch 2, *3 dc in next ch-3 sp, ch 2*; repeat around. Join. (16 groups of 3 dc, 16 ch-2 spaces)
- Round 7: Sl st to first ch-2 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same sp, ch 3, skip 3 dc, *3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 3*; repeat around. Join. (16 clusters, 16 ch-3 sps)
- Round 8: Sl st to first ch-3 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp (making a point), sk 3 dc, *3 dc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp; sk 3 dc*; repeat. Join. (16 points forming with clusters and extending chains)
From this round, begin to shape the five larger maple leaf lobes and six smaller spikes by adjusting increases and stitch counts between selected clusters.
Part 4: Defining and Shaping Points
- Round 9: Sl st to first point. Ch 1, (sc, hdc, dc, picot, dc, hdc, sc) in same point sp, sl st in next 2 sts (to anchor), *(sc, hdc, dc, picot, dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-3 point, sl st in next 2 sts*; repeat for all tips. Join to first sc. (11 tips: 5 large, 6 small)
- Round 10: Working around the leaf edge, sc in each st and ch-space, making (sc, ch 3, sc) at each tip for extra definition. Join. (Counts will vary slightly: maintain shape symmetry.)
Part 5: Adding the Stem
- With RS facing and using same yarn, attach yarn to base center point of the leaf’s bottom lobe with a sl st.
- Ch 26 (or adjust for desired stem length).
- Turn, starting in 2nd ch from hook: sc in each ch across. (25 sc)
- Sl st into base again to secure. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Part 6: Enhancing Veins (Optional for Texture)
- With tapestry needle and a strand of yarn, surface slip stitch along the main center vein if more definition is desired, running from leaf base to the tip.
- For extra 3D effect, embroider or slip stitch over two side veins radiating out from near the base area to about midway up each large lobe.
Assembly and Finishing
- Weave in all yarn ends gently with the tapestry needle, ensuring each is threaded into the body for minimal visibility.
- Lay the leaf flat on a blocking mat, pinning out every tip and lobe to achieve crisp, defined edges and open up the lace.
- Lightly spray with water or use a steam iron (hovering above, not pressing) to open the spaces and set the points.
- Let dry completely before removing pins.
- If you’ve added the stem separately, use a matching strand to tack it neatly at the back if necessary to prevent drooping.
Customization Ideas
- Colors: Try deep reds, golds, browns, or even a variegated autumn yarn for a realistic fall look.
- Yarn Weight: For a delicate lace overlay, use crochet thread and a smaller hook. For a placemat or trivet, opt for a bulky cotton.
- Functional Uses: Sew to a solid backing for a pillow, frame the finished leaf as wall art, use as a table centerpiece, or join several for a runner. Smaller versions make stunning coasters.
- Appliqué: Attach the motif to tote bags, blankets, or scarves for a fall theme.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Curling Piece: Block your leaf firmly, or relax tension if it’s curling inward.
- Uneven Edges: Add an extra round of single crochet after shaping to smooth out the outer points.
- Motif Too Large/Small: Change hook size or yarn weight and swatch a small section to predict size.
- Loose Color Changes: Pull yarn snugly at joins and weave in ends using a sharp needle.
- Unsteady Tension: Pause and stretch your work gently to keep stitches even as you go, especially at points.
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed to maintain sharp leaf points and overall shape. Avoid wringing or twisting to prevent distortion.
Final Notes
Double-check stitch counts after each round, especially when working lobes and points for a balanced final piece. Adjust your tension if the lace feels too tight or too loose. Let the visual reference guide you in blocking and shaping for outstanding results. Enjoy watching your maple leaf motif take shape—it’s an autumn accessory to be proud of!
