Crochet Maple Leaf Placemat – Autumn Décor Pattern

Introduction

This crochet project brings the beauty of autumn right onto your table with a strikingly realistic maple leaf placemat. The leaf, crafted in a rich, rusty orange with a subtle gold border and a dimensional brown stem, captures the texture and intricate veining of a real maple leaf. Each segment and point is carefully shaped for accuracy, while the vibrant colors add warmth and coziness to your décor. This crocheted leaf makes a charming seasonal placemat, centerpiece mat, or even a wall hanging, setting the perfect mood for autumn gatherings or Thanksgiving tablescapes.

With its crisp pointed edges, radiating veins, and organic leaf structure, this project stands out as both beautifully decorative and a celebration of nature’s forms. The texture is created through a combination of basic stitches, gentle increases, and crisp picot points. Whether you use it for a festive holiday table, to brighten your kitchen, or as a thoughtful handmade gift, this crochet maple leaf will catch everyone’s eye. The project is especially satisfying for those who love texture, colorwork, and shaping, offering plenty of interesting techniques in a manageable size.

Project Overview

The maple leaf placemat is constructed in sections, radiating outward from the center with distinctive ‘veins.’ The leaf is worked in rows—each lobe or segment is crocheted outward from the central join, allowing precise shaping and textural interest. The stem is crocheted separately and sewn to the base, while a finishing round in a contrast color gives the crisp leaf outline. The points and indentations are all shaped using increases and decreases, capturing the iconic maple leaf silhouette.

Skill Level

Intermediate. While the basic stitches are accessible to advanced beginners, the shaping, strategic increases/decreases, working in sections, and neat color changes make this a solid intermediate-level crochet project. Experience with stitching in rows, following stitch counts, and constructing shaped motifs is helpful.

Materials

• Yarn: DK weight (Category 3) cotton yarn is recommended for stitch definition and durability. Acrylic or blend yarn can also be used, but cotton keeps the placemat flat and crisp. You will need:
  • Main color (rust orange): approx. 70–80 g
  • Border color (golden yellow): approx. 10 g
  • Stem color (medium brown): approx. 5 g
• Crochet hook: 3.5 mm (E) or size needed to achieve a firm, flat fabric
• Tapestry needle: for sewing in ends and attaching the stem
• Scissors
• Stitch markers: helpful for keeping track of vein rows and shaping points
• Blocking tools: pins and blocking mat for the final shaping

Finished Size

Approximate finished size:

• Width: 32 cm (12.5 inches) across the widest part
• Height: 36 cm (14 inches) including stem

For a smaller or larger leaf, adjust your hook size and yarn weight, or reduce/increase the number of rows in each segment. Keep ratio consistent for a realistic leaf shape.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical but for best results:

• 22 sc and 24 rows = 10 cm (4 in) in single crochet, unblocked.

A slightly denser, firmer fabric will ensure the placemat lies flat and holds its shape. Minor differences will only alter the finished size slightly.

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 st)
• dec – single crochet decrease (sc2tog)
• picot – (ch 3, sl st in first ch)
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• RS – right side

Important Pattern Notes

• Turning chains do NOT count as stitches.
• The leaf is worked outward from the base, one section at a time. Each section begins from a shared base chain.
• For a neat finish, always join new yarn colors at the edge of the piece (not in the center or stem).
• Sew the stem on after completing and blocking the leaf.
• Right side (RS) is the front of leaf; work all sections on RS for visual consistency, unless stated.
• Use stitch markers at the start of each new section to keep placement organized.

Detailed Crochet Pattern

Part 1: Base Chain and Center

With rust orange yarn:

1. Ch 25. Mark this chain as your leaf “spine.” This is the main vein through center of the leaf. You will work sections (leaf lobes) off this base.
2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 23 ch. (24 sc)

Part 2: Center Leaf Lobe (Top)

Work from base chain, starting in last sc (farthest from stem):

1. Mark center 4th st at the tip with a stitch marker.
2. Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across to tip. At tip, work: (sc, ch 3, sl st in first ch [picot], sc) in tip sc. This forms the pointed lobe apex.
3. Ch 1, turn, sc in each st back to start. (24 sc, plus picot at tip)
4. Ch 1, turn. Begin shaping decreases: Sc2tog, sc across to 2 before tip, sc2tog, work tip as before. (Decrease at both sides of center lobe, keep making picot at tip each time.)
5. Repeat previous row, decreasing at both sides every row, for a total of 10 rows, or until 4 sc remain including tip stitch. Fasten off and weave in yarn end.

Note: The center lobe forms a long, narrow triangle ending in a picot point. Adjust number of decrease rows to achieve the desired length.

Part 3: Side Lobes (Left and Right)

Work side lobes from the base chain. There are two larger outer lobes (right and left) and intermediate lobes. Start each lobe by joining yarn at the appropriate base stitch and working outward.

Large Left Lobe:

1. Join yarn in 6th st from the base chain’s bottom (stem end).
2. Ch 1, sc in each of next 9 sts toward leaf tip. (9 sc)
3. Ch 1, turn. Sc across. At ‘outer edge,’ work (sc, ch 3, sl st in first ch [picot], sc).
4. Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog (first two sts), sc across to last 2, sc2tog, work tip as before.
5. Repeat previous row, decreasing at both ends, for a total of 7 rows or until 3 sc remain. Fasten off.

Large Right Lobe: Repeat instructions for left lobe, joining yarn to the 6th st from the other end of the base chain (symmetrical placement).

Intermediate Left Lobe:

1. Join in 12th st from stem, sc in next 5 sts.
2. Work as for large lobe but with 5 starting sc sts.
3. Make decreases at each side, as for other lobes, working a picot point at outer tip. Repeat to shape. Fasten off.

Intermediate Right Lobe: Mirror as above, joining in 12th st from tip.

Lower Left and Lower Right Lobes: These are smallest segments at the leaf’s base corners:

1. Join in 19th st from stem, sc in next 3 sts.
2. Sc2tog at start and end of every row, work as above, with picot at tip for 3 rows. Fasten off.
3. Repeat symmetrically on other side.

Part 4: Leaf Veins and Texture

• Optional: For more realistic texture, run a slip stitch or surface crochet line up the center of each lobe, following the base rows. Use the same or a slightly darker shade for subtlety. This mimics the leaf’s veins.
• You may also thread a single strand of yarn with a tapestry needle and work surface backstitch up each lobe.

Part 5: Leaf Border

With golden yellow yarn:

1. Attach yarn to any point of the leaf edge. Work one round of sc evenly across the edge, placing extra sc and (sc, ch 3, sl st in first ch, sc) picot at each “point” (tip) and fewer sts in the valleys/indentations between leaf lobes.
2. Ensure smooth coverage—add extra sc at corners, and skip one or two stitches only where needed to create definition at valleys between points. This round crisply outlines each point and indent.
3. Sl st to first sc to join, fasten off, and weave in end carefully at border color junction.

Part 6: Stem

With brown yarn:

1. Ch 19.
2. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 8 ch, hdc in next 5 ch, dc in next 4 ch. (18 sts)
3. Turn, sl st down the opposite side of foundation chain to thicken stem.
4. If desired, sc, then dec over last 2, fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Part 7: Assembly

1. Lay leaf flat, RS up. Pin all corners and valleys for shaping.
2. Using tail from stem, sew stem to base of leaf at the bottom center stitch, curving slightly as in nature. Secure well and weave in any ends.
3. Block whole leaf dampened to proper dimensions, pinning out each lobe’s points and indentations to finalize shape. Let dry thoroughly before use.

Assembly and Finishing

• After blocking, check all edges for loose yarn ends and weave these into the back with a tapestry needle.
• Trim any stray tails tightly for the neatest finish.
• Ensure the border round is smooth and even; if needed, add or remove a stitch in valleys when bordering.
• If using as a placemat or doily, consider spraying lightly with water and pressing with a cloth and warm (not hot) iron for the crispest finish. Avoid direct heat on acrylics.

Customization Ideas

• Use yellow, red, or green as the main leaf color to match different maple varieties or a multi-color autumn palette.
• Work the entire leaf with variegated yarn for a marbled, blended fall effect.
• Make smaller versions using fingering weight yarn for coasters, or larger with worsted for placemats or wall hangings.
• Join four or more leaves at the stems to create a seasonal table runner with interlocking points.
• Sew a felt or fabric backing to the finished piece for extra sturdiness (especially for hot dishes).
• Attach a loop to a leaf tip to use as a wall or window hanging.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Curling: If the leaf curls, your tension is tight or your hook is too small. Gently block, stretch lobes, or remake with a larger hook.
• Uneven edges: Count your stitches carefully on each lobe. If a point seems wonky, block and shape the picot tip more sharply.
• Motif too large/small: Switch yarn or hook size, or adjust number of rows/lobe stitches evenly among all segments.
• Loose color changes at border: Always change border yarn at a valley or back seam; securely weave in ends and tighten first border sts.
• Uneven tension: Practice keeping stitches snug but not stiff; blocking will help but consistent sc tension is key for flatness.

Care Instructions

• Hand wash in cool water with mild soap for best results.
• Lay flat to dry, reshaping leaf points with fingers or pins.
• Avoid wringing or twisting, especially for cotton yarns.
• If needed, steam-block gently under a cloth. Do not iron directly.

Final Notes

Take your time as you shape each lobe to keep stitch counts consistent and mirror-image lobes symmetrical. Keep checking the overall leaf shape as you go—blocking at the end will perfect the maple silhouette, but attention during making will minimize adjustments. Refer to the photo as needed for proportion and placement of points and valleys. With careful color changes and crisp border edging, your crocheted maple leaf placemat will bring warmth and seasonal spirit to any home!