Bring the colors of fall to your table with this beautiful crochet set, featuring a large maple leaf trivet surrounded by six matching round coasters. The set bursts with earthy shades of rust, brown, mustard, olive, and cream, perfectly echoing the cozy palette of the autumn season. The prominent maple leaf in the center is intricately shaded and shaped, while the round coasters are adorned with cheerful rings and contrasting borders. Whether you use them for hot drinks or simply as a decorative accent, these crochet pieces make any autumn gathering feel extra special.
This project stands out for its mix of striking geometry and organic form. The leaf motif features bold, radiating veins created with clever color changes and shaping. Each coaster offers a delightful pop of coordinated color and texture, worked in clever rounds and finished with a neat border. Perfect for adding warmth and charm to your kitchen, coffee table, or holiday gatherings, this set also makes a wonderful handmade gift. You’ll enjoy practicing both motif and round construction, colorwork, and assembly techniques—making it a satisfying and visually rewarding project.
Project Overview
The set is comprised of two main components: the large maple leaf trivet and the round harvest coasters. The maple leaf is made by crocheting separate leaf sections (each a chevron-shaped panel) and joining them as you go, then adding a stem and final edging. The round coasters are worked in joined rounds, with simple color changes to create the radiating dot pattern. All pieces use worsted weight yarn for a sturdy, practical finish.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project requires familiarity with basic stitches, color changes, increasing and decreasing, as well as crocheting motifs and joining sections neatly. The leaf shaping and assembly are moderately challenging, but the rounds for the coasters are suitable for advanced beginners as well.
Materials
- Worsted weight cotton/acrylic blend yarn in 5 autumnal colors:
- Dark brown – approx. 100g
- Burnt orange – approx. 60g
- Mustard yellow – approx. 40g
- Olive green – approx. 30g
- Cream – approx. 30g
- US H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Sharp scissors
- Stitch markers (8 or more recommended)
- Measuring tape
Finished Size
- Maple leaf trivet: approx. 26 cm across at widest (10.25 inches), stem adds about 6 cm (2.4 inches)
- Round coasters: 11 cm diameter (4.25 inches)
To adjust the size, change yarn weight and hook size proportionally or add/subtract stitches as desired in the patterns. Thicker yarn yields a larger set.
Gauge
Approximate gauge in single crochet: 16 sts and 18 rows = 4″ (10 cm) square. Gauge is not critical for this pattern, but maintaining a consistent tension will keep shapes even and the set proportional.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- sc2tog – single crochet two together (decrease)
- inc – increase (2 sc in same st)
- MR – magic ring
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- [ ] – repeat instructions within brackets as specified
Important Pattern Notes
- Ch 1 at the start of a row/round does not count as a stitch unless specified.
- Rounds for coasters are joined with a sl st to the first st, unless stated otherwise.
- For color changes, pull new color through on the last yarn over of the previous stitch. Drop unused yarn to the back to avoid carrying over color in front.
- Mark the right side (RS) for leaf sections—this ensures a neat join.
- Use stitch markers to mark increases, points of the leaf, and joining points as needed.
- Weave in all ends for a tidy finish. Block final pieces for smoothing and shaping.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Maple Leaf Trivet — Creating the Leaf Segments
The maple leaf is constructed from 7 chevron-shaped segments, which are then seamed together and bordered. Each segment is crocheted in a striped pattern, echoing the colors of autumn.
Segment Pattern (Make 7):
- With color A (burnt orange), ch 2.
- Row 1 (RS): 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (2 sts)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, 2 sc in next st. (4 sts)
- Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (4 sts)
- Row 4: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in last st. Change to color B (mustard yellow) at end. (6 sts)
- Row 5: Ch 1, turn. With B, sc in each st across. (6 sts)
- Row 6: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in each st until last, 2 sc in last st. (8 sts)
- Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. Change to color C (olive green) at end. (8 sts)
- Row 8: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in each st until last, 2 sc in last st. (10 sts)
- Row 9: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (10 sts)
- Row 10: Ch 1, turn. With color D (cream), repeat Row 8. (12 sts)
- Row 11: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (12 sts)
- Row 12: Ch 1, turn. With color E (brown), repeat Row 8. (14 sts)
- Row 13: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (14 sts)
- Row 14: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in each st until 2 left, sc2tog. (12 sts)
- Row 15: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in each st until 2 left, sc2tog. (10 sts)
- Row 16: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in each st until 2 left, sc2tog. (8 sts)
- Row 17: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in each st until 2 left, sc2tog. Fasten off. (6 sts)
Repeat the above, rotating stripe colors among the seven segments so each segment showcases all colors. For a symmetrical look, keep the order consistent across segments, or alternate from the center outward.
Part 2: Joining the Maple Leaf Segments
- Lay all seven segments side by side, with their increases facing outward and decreases to the bottom (point).
- With the RS facing up, join color E (brown) at the bottom point of two adjacent segments, working through both thicknesses. Sl st or sc across the matching edges to join. Repeat for all segments, so they radiate outward in a classic maple leaf shape.
- Seam the top edges of adjacent segments for about 2 cm (0.75 in) for extra shaping.
Part 3: Leaf Vein Edging & Stem
Edging A: Leaf Outline
- Attach color E (brown) to any outer edge, RS facing. Sc evenly around the entire outer edge of the leaf, making 3 sc at each tip and at valleys between segments. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Leaf Vein Raised Surface
- With RS facing, use color D (cream). Surface slip stitch from the leaf base/spine through the middle of each segment up toward the tip, creating the appearance of leaf veins. Repeat for all 7 segments. (Optional: use tapestry needle and contrasting yarn to embroider veins for more definition.)
Stem
- With color E (brown), join yarn to the center base of the leaf. Ch 16, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch back. Sl st to leaf base to secure. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Part 4: Round Harvest Coasters (Make 6)
Each coaster is worked in the round, starting with the darkest color and building outward in colorful stripes.
- With color E (brown), make a MR. Ch 1, work 6 sc into ring, join to first sc. (6 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, join. (12 sts)
- Round 3: Change to color D (cream). Ch 1, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] around, join. (18 sts)
- Round 4: Change to color C (olive green). Ch 1, [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] around, join. (24 sts)
- Round 5: Change to color B (mustard). Ch 1, [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] around, join. (30 sts)
- Round 6: Change to color A (burnt orange). Ch 1, [sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] around, join. (36 sts)
- Round 7: Change to color E (brown). Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (36 sts) Fasten off and weave in all ends.
For a slightly larger coaster, add another round of sc in the last color, increasing every 6th st if needed to keep coaster flat.
Part 5: Assembly
- Block the leaf gently to flatten out any rippling or curling. Pin it in shape and mist with water or steam on the reverse if desired.
- Block round coasters in the same way to encourage a smooth, circular finish.
- Weave in all yarn ends with a tapestry needle, tucking them between stitches on the WS for a seamless appearance.
- Arrange your set as shown: the maple leaf trivet in the center, with coasters radiating around it—perfect for serving mugs or placing small dishes.
Customization Ideas
- Color Variations: Choose classic reds and oranges for fall, or experiment with greens, purples, or even metallic thread for a unique touch.
- Size Changes: Use bulky yarn for extra-large trivets, or sport weight for dainty tea coasters.
- Project Ideas: Join multiple leaf motifs together for a table runner or wall hanging, or sew several coasters together as a placemat. Coasters alone make lovely gifts or festive seasonal décor.
- Edging Styles: Personalize the borders with picot or shell edging, beads, or crocheted appliqués for extra flair.
- Functional Upgrades: Add a layer of felt or cork to the back of trivets/coasters for extra heat resistance or non-slip grip.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Piece curling: Block items firmly. If leaf segments curl, stretch and pin before joining.
- Uneven edges: Keep consistent tension and check increases/decreases are worked in correct stitch locations.
- Motif too large/small: Revisit your gauge, adjust hook size up or down. Thicker yarn or looser stitches = bigger pieces.
- Loose color changes: Always pull the new yarn color snug when making the switch; weave in ends securely as you go.
- Uneven tension: Relax your hands, re-familiarize with stitches, and work slowly when mapping vein placement.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash gently in lukewarm water with mild detergent.
- Lay flat to dry, reshaping if necessary.
- Avoid wringing or stretching while wet.
- Cotton/acrylic blends can be spot cleaned as needed.
Final Notes
For best results, check your stitch and row counts frequently, and adjust your tension to keep geometric shapes true. Refer to the finished photos as a guide for color placement and shape. Don’t hesitate to make this project your own by experimenting with shades and size. The cozy, vibrant look of the autumn leaf and harvest coasters will add joyous seasonal charm to any table!
