Introduction
Celebrate the warmth and color of fall with this eye-catching maple leaf crochet project! These gorgeous coasters are shaped like classic maple leaves and feature detailed, raised edging that makes each leaf pop with realistic elegance. Crafted in rich autumn shades—vivid red, burnt orange, golden yellow, and cream—these coasters add seasonal flair to any room. Their textured veins and points, combined with a softly ribbed surface, evoke the cozy feeling of a crisp autumn morning. Place them beneath your favorite mug, small plant, or decorative candle—these leaves are both beautiful and practical.
This project is ideal for those who love seasonal décor and want to showcase their crochet skills. The maple leaf shape makes each piece a striking accent for coffee tables, desks, or festive celebrations. Use them as coasters, make a set for gifting, or even decorate for Thanksgiving and cozy gatherings. Their naturalistic design is interesting to make—each vein and tip will help you practice shaping, color changes, and fine detail. Whether you’re relaxing with a cup of tea or decorating for autumn, these crochet leaves bring handmade charm into your home.
Project Overview
Each maple leaf is worked as a flat motif, using rows that radiate outward from a central ‘stem.’ The leaf is built in a single piece with strategic increases and short rows to create pointed edges and lobes. For added definition, surface slip stitches or raised stitches are added to represent the leaf veins. The project is constructed in one flat piece, starting at the bottom (the stem) and expanding out to form the leaf, with borders and accents worked directly onto the motif for a seamless finish.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate. This pattern uses basic crochet stitches, but requires shaping, working into the sides of rows, reading your work, and minimal surface slip stitching or front post stitches to replicate the leaf’s veins. Clear instructions and photos (if available) help guide you through every step.
Materials
- Yarn weight: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton yarn for a sturdy, absorbent coaster
- Fiber content: 100% cotton recommended for best durability and absorbency
- Yarn colors and amounts (approx. for 1 coaster each):
- Leaf color (rust red, burnt orange, mustard yellow, or cream): 20 g (ca. 40 m/44 yds)
- Optional accent color for vein detailing: scrap length (under 2 g)
- Crochet hook: 4.0 mm (G-6) or size needed for gauge
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends and optional embroidery)
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, useful for marking points or rows)
- Blocking mat and pins (optional, for shaping the finished leaf)
Finished Size
- Each finished maple leaf coaster measures approximately 14 cm x 14 cm (5.5 inches x 5.5 inches) across its widest point, including tips.
To adjust the size, simply use a lighter or heavier yarn and an appropriately sized hook, or change the number of rows in each section for a larger or smaller leaf.
Gauge
Approximately 16 sc x 17 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) in single crochet, slightly blocked. Gauge is not critical, but may affect finished size and yarn use.
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 sts in same stitch)
- dec – decrease (sc2tog)
- FLO – front loop only
- BPsc – back post single crochet (optional for veins)
- RS – right side
Important Pattern Notes
- Unless otherwise stated, chains do not count as stitches.
- You will turn your work at the end of most rows, except when working the border or surface slip stitch veins.
- Stitch markers can help you identify the start of each lobe or important increase points.
- When changing colors for decorative veins, fasten off the main color cleanly and pull through the new yarn as needed.
- Keep your tension even; too tight and the leaf will curl, too loose and it may lose shape.
Maple Leaf Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Leaf Stem (worked from bottom up)
- With chosen color, ch 17.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 15 ch. (16 sts). Turn.
- Rows 2–3: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (16 sts)
- Row 4: Ch 1, dec in first 2 sts, sc in next 12, dec in last 2 sts. (14 sts) Turn.
- Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (14 sts)
Your stem will look like a slim rectangle, gently narrowing at the top.
Part 2: Leaf Center & First Lobe
- Row 6 (set up for first lobe): Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (16 sts) Turn.
- Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (16 sts)
- Row 8: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc to last st, inc in last st. (18 sts) Turn.
- Row 9: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (18 sts)
- Row 10: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc to last st, inc in last st. (20 sts) Turn.
Part 3: Forming Maple Leaf Lobes (worked in sections)
You’ll now work three main sections (left lobe, center lobe, right lobe) to shape the leaf’s characteristic points. Mark the center stitch with a stitch marker.
Left Lobe
- With RS facing, join in first 6 sts only (leave remaining sts unworked). Ch 1, sc in each of 6 sts. Turn. (6 sts)
- Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 2, sc2tog. (4 sts) Turn.
- Ch 1, sc2tog twice. (2 sts) Turn.
- Ch 1, sc2tog. Fasten off. (1 st)
Optional: to make the lobe pointer, ch 4 from final st, sc back down to leaf (makes tip). Sl st to base to secure.
Right Lobe
- Join yarn to last 6 sts on opposite edge. Ch 1, sc in each of 6 sts. Turn. (6 sts)
- Repeat left lobe instructions (Rows 1–4 above) to shape this lobe.
Central Top Lobe
- Join yarn to center 8 sts (between left/right lobes). Ch 1, sc in 8 sts. Turn. (8 sts)
- Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 4, sc2tog. (6 sts) Turn.
- Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in 2, sc2tog. (4 sts) Turn.
- Ch 1, sc2tog twice. (2 sts) Turn.
- Ch 1, sc2tog. Fasten off. (1 st)
- To add a sharp top tip: ch 5 from the last st, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 3, sl st to lobe to secure.
Part 4: Outer Lobes and Side Points
There are two smaller lobes between the large points, for a total of 5 major points. Work the following for each gap between lobes:
- Join yarn into a space between lobes. Ch 1, sc in same st and next 1. Turn. (2 sts)
- Ch 1, inc in both sts. (4 sts) Turn.
- Ch 1, sc2tog twice. (2 sts) Turn.
- Ch 1, sc2tog. Fasten off. (1 st)
- Optional: Ch 3, sl st back down to base to give a pointy end.
Part 5: Leaf Edging and Vein Detail
- With RS of leaf facing, join main color at stem base. Ch 1.
- Work evenly spaced sc around the entire leaf, working 2 sc in each tip. At the base of the stem, sc 3 times to reinforce the curve. Sl st to first sc to close the round. Fasten off and weave in ends.
- For the raised veins (optional, for visual effect):
- Using a contrasting or same color, use surface slip stitches (insert hook through fabric, yo, pull up loop, sl st along leaf surface) to trace a center vein from stem to top, and additional veins to the side lobes. Weave in all ends neatly on back of coaster.
- If preferred, embroider the veins using a tapestry needle threaded with yarn.
Assembly and Finishing
- After finishing all leaves, weave in any remaining ends with a tapestry needle.
- To block: Dampen the leaf gently, lay it flat on a blocking mat, and pin into shape—making sure lobes and points are symmetrical. Allow to dry fully for crisp edges.
- Check that the motif lies flat; if needed, press lightly with a warm (not hot!) iron protected by a cloth.
- If making a set, block all leaves to a uniform size.
Customization Ideas
- Colors: Try variegated yarn for a marbled autumn effect, or use green for spring leaves.
- Yarn Weight: Use DK or sport weight yarn for delicate leaves, or bulky yarn for a larger trivet.
- Projects:
- Stitch several motifs together to form a table runner.
- Make one with thicker yarn to use as a hot pad.
- Sew a loop at the tip for a hanging ornament or wall décor.
- Join a single leaf motif to a pillow front for unique home décor.
- Make mini versions as garland or layered embellishments for gift wrap.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Leaf curling: Too tight tension or skipped increases. Loosen your tension and check stitch counts.
- Wavy or uneven edges: Try adding or subtracting edging stitches, or block thoroughly after finishing.
- Motif too large/small: Adjust your hook size or yarn weight. Take note if gauge is far off from the pattern.
- Loose color changes in veins: Always weave in vein ends snugly and work surface sl sts evenly—not too tight or too loose.
- Uneven tension: Practice consistent stitch height, especially on stems and peaks for the sharpest shape.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash gently in cool to lukewarm water with mild detergent.
- Dry flat to preserve shape; re-block as needed.
- If cotton, these can withstand gentle machine washing, but always try to protect delicate surface details and blocking shape.
Final Notes
Check your stitch counts and tension after shaping each lobe to ensure a symmetrical and vibrant maple leaf. Adjust your crochet style as needed for even edges and crisp points. Use the photo as a visual guide—match the vein placement and overall proportions for a realistic effect. Have fun customizing your colors and set size to make the perfect cozy set for your autumn table!
