Original photo-inspired crochet interpretation • US terminology
A sculptural botanical hanging built from overlapping crochet leaves in cream and several greens. The leaves are gathered at the top and bottom to create a soft lantern shape, then finished with wooden beads and a tassel.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Finished Size: Approx. 28–34 cm (11–13.5 in) long including tassel; body about 13–15 cm wide.
Terminology: US crochet terms
Materials
DK or light worsted cotton yarn: cream, light green, medium green, dark green
3.0–3.5 mm crochet hook
2–4 natural wooden beads with holes large enough for cord
Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers
Optional: fabric stiffener or diluted PVA for crisper leaves
Strong hanging cord or matching yarn for the center suspension line
Abbreviations
MR = magic ring
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
inc = increase (2 sts in one st)
dec = decrease
BLO = back loop only
st/sts = stitch/stitches
R = round or row
FO = fasten off
Method
Work individual pointed leaves from a narrow foundation toward the widest point and back to a point. Use surface slip stitches to emphasize a center vein. Arrange the leaves around a hidden center cord, alternating colors and twisting them gently so they overlap in a three-dimensional lantern form.
Formation / Construction Plan
Make 8 large leaves and 4 smaller inner leaves.
Steam or lightly block each leaf so the point stays sharp.
Thread the top beads onto the hanging cord before assembly.
Gather leaf tips at the top around the cord. Offset lower leaf tips so the colors interlace.
Gather lower points around the cord, add two wooden beads, then attach the tassel.
Full Pattern
Pattern note: This is an original approximation developed from the visible design language of the reference image. Gauge and yarn choice can change the finished proportions, so compare your work to the listed size and adjust as needed.
Large Leaf (make 8): Ch 27. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next 4, dc in next 8, tr in next 4, dc in next 5, hdc in next 3, 5 sc in last ch. Working along opposite side of foundation: hdc in next 3, dc in next 5, tr in next 4, dc in next 8, hdc in next 4, sc in last. Join with sl st.
Large Leaf Round 2: Ch 1. Work sc evenly around, placing 3 sc in the very tip and 2 sc at each lower shoulder. Join.
Large Leaf Vein: With contrasting or same color, surface sl st from lower point to upper point along the center. Fasten off.
Small Inner Leaf (make 4): Ch 21. Repeat the large-leaf shaping in shorter sections: sc 1, hdc 3, dc 6, tr 3, dc 4, hdc 2, 5 sc in end; mirror along opposite side. Finish with one sc edging round.
Optional Rib Texture: On selected leaves, work one row of surface sl st parallel to each side of the center vein, 3–4 stitches away from the middle.
Tassel: Wrap dark green yarn around a 12 cm card 35–45 times. Tie firmly at the top, cut lower loops, wrap neck 1.5 cm below top, trim evenly.
Assembly and Finishing
Cut a 55–60 cm center cord. Fold it in half to make the hanging loop.
Slide two wooden beads down to the top of the ornament and secure with a knot below them.
Sew the top points of four large leaves around the cord. Add the remaining four between them, using alternating colors.
Position four small leaves inside the outer layer. Tack only at upper and lower points so the center remains airy.
Bring the lower points together about 16–18 cm below the top. Rotate neighboring leaves in opposite directions before stitching them to the cord.
Add one or two beads below the body and secure the tassel.
Adjustment Notes
For a fuller piece use 10–12 outer leaves. For a lighter ornament use mercerized cotton and omit stiffener. Keep all assembly stitches hidden along the center cord.