Nothing says autumn quite like maple leaves, warm yarn colors, and a quick crochet project you can finish in one sitting.
This Crochet Maple Leaf Pattern creates a textured five-point leaf with a defined center, pointed lobes, subtle vein detailing, and a narrow crochet stem.
Use the finished leaves as fall appliqués for blankets, pumpkins, scarves, hats, tote bags, wreaths, garlands, table décor, gift wrapping, or seasonal wall hangings.
The pattern uses only a small amount of yarn, which also makes it a lovely scrap-yarn project for all those leftover autumn shades sitting in your stash.
The main sample is made in burnt rust, but mustard, olive, burgundy, cream, terracotta, and copper all work beautifully.
Pattern at a Glance
| Pattern Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Confident Beginner |
| Crochet Terms | US terminology |
| Yarn | DK / Light #3 |
| Hook Size | 3.5 mm |
| Construction | Worked from a center ring |
| Shape | Five-lobed maple leaf |
| Main Stitches | sc, hdc, dc, tr, sl st |
| Finished Size | Approx. 4–4½ in / 10–11.5 cm |
| Time | Approx. 25–40 minutes |
| Best Uses | Appliqué, garland, wreath, fall décor |
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Maple Leaf
This pattern is small enough to make quickly but detailed enough to become a beautiful focal point.
You can use the same instructions again and again in different autumn colors.
The finished leaves are ideal for:
- Fall garlands
- Crochet pumpkins
- Blankets
- Scarves
- Tote bags
- Table décor
- Wreaths
- Gift wrapping
- Autumn wall hangings
- Thanksgiving decorations
Because each leaf uses such a small amount of yarn, it is also excellent for leftover DK yarn.
Materials
For one leaf:
- Small amount of DK / Light #3 yarn
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch marker, optional
- Blocking pins, optional
For a full autumn collection, try:
Burnt Rust
Mustard Gold
Warm Cream
Muted Olive
Terracotta
Deep Burgundy
Cotton or a cotton-acrylic blend gives the leaf excellent stitch definition.
Crochet Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | Magic Ring |
| ch | Chain |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
| sc | Single Crochet |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet |
| dc | Double Crochet |
| tr | Treble Crochet |
| sp | Space |
| st / sts | Stitch / stitches |
| FO | Fasten Off |
Part 1: Make the Leaf Center
Create a magic ring.
Round 1
Ch 1.
Work:
10 sc into MR
Pull the magic ring closed.
Join with a sl st to the first sc.
You should have 10 stitches.
Part 2: Create the Five Lobe Spaces
Round 2
Ch 1.
Work:
sc in next 2 sts, ch 5
Repeat around until you have created five ch-5 spaces.
Join with sl st.
These five chain spaces become the five maple-leaf lobes.
Think of them as:
1 large center lobe
2 medium upper-side lobes
2 smaller lower-side lobes
Part 3: Crochet the Large Center Lobe
Choose one ch-5 space as the top center of your leaf.
Into that space work:
sc, hdc, dc, 2 tr
Now create the pointed tip:
ch 3
Sl st into the second chain from the hook and then into the next chain.
Continue down the opposite side of the lobe:
2 tr, dc, hdc, sc
Sl st into the stitch between this lobe and the next ch-5 space.
You now have one large pointed center lobe.
Part 4: Crochet the Two Upper Side Lobes
In the next ch-5 space work:
sc, hdc, 2 dc, tr
For the tip:
ch 3
Sl st back down the two chains.
Then work:
tr, 2 dc, hdc, sc
Sl st between the lobes.
Repeat the same instructions in the ch-5 space on the opposite side of the center lobe.
You should now have three upper lobes.
Part 5: Crochet the Two Lower Lobes
In each remaining ch-5 space work:
sc, hdc, 2 dc
Create the tip:
ch 3
Sl st back down the two chains.
Then work:
2 dc, hdc, sc
Sl st between lobes.
These shorter lobes give the maple leaf its characteristic tapered lower shape.
Part 6: Add the Stem
Locate the space between the two lower lobes.
Join yarn there if necessary.
Ch:
10–12
For a narrow flexible stem, work:
sl st in each chain back toward the leaf
Fasten off.
If you want a thicker stem, work sc instead of sl st.
Part 7: Add the Crochet Veins
This step is optional, but it makes the leaf look much more realistic.
Use matching yarn or a slightly darker shade.
Insert your hook near the center of the leaf.
Work surface slip stitches from the center toward the tip of the main lobe.
Repeat toward each side lobe.
You do not need perfectly straight lines.
Natural-looking slightly curved veins often look better.
For a more subtle finish, embroider the veins afterward using a yarn needle and backstitch.
Optional Contrast Veins
Try:
rust leaf + dark brown veins
mustard leaf + burnt orange veins
cream leaf + beige veins
olive leaf + dark moss veins
Blocking the Maple Leaf
Blocking makes a significant difference with pointed crochet appliqués.
Lightly dampen the leaf.
Place it on a blocking mat or folded towel.
Shape the central lobe.
Pull the two upper side lobes outward slightly.
Angle the lower lobes downward.
Straighten or gently curve the stem.
Pin each point.
Allow the leaf to dry completely.
Once dry, the pointed maple shape should remain much more defined.
How to Make the Leaf Larger
There are two easy options.
Use Thicker Yarn
Try worsted-weight yarn with a 4–4.5 mm hook.
Increase the Lobe Height
For the central lobe, add an additional treble crochet on each side of the tip.
You can also make the ch-5 spaces slightly longer.
How to Make a Mini Maple Leaf
Use fingering or sport-weight yarn and a 2.5–3 mm hook.
Keep the same pattern.
Mini leaves work beautifully for:
- Earrings
- Gift tags
- Bookmarks
- Small garlands
- Hair clips
- Fall cards
Autumn Color Ideas
Classic Maple
Burnt rust
Golden Autumn
Mustard gold
Neutral Cottage
Warm cream
Forest Fall
Muted olive
Deep Autumn
Burgundy
Pumpkin Spice
Terracotta
Vintage Leaf
Oatmeal + brown vein details
Make a Crochet Maple Leaf Garland
Once you have several finished leaves, turn them into easy seasonal décor.
Crochet 8–12 leaves.
Make a long chain approximately:
50–70 in / 127–178 cm
Space the leaves evenly along the chain.
Attach each stem using a yarn needle or small slip stitches.
Mix several colors for a natural autumn look.
Add a Leaf to a Crochet Pumpkin
This leaf works beautifully with handmade pumpkins.
Use olive, rust, mustard, or cream.
Place the leaf beside the pumpkin stem.
Sew the center and part of the stem securely to the pumpkin.
Leave the pointed lobes slightly loose so the leaf keeps its dimensional appearance.
Use the Leaf as an Appliqué
Attach it to:
- Tote bags
- Sweaters
- Cardigans
- Blankets
- Hats
- Scarves
- Pillows
Sew around the center and main vein rather than stitching every edge down.
This allows the points to remain slightly dimensional.
Make Autumn Table Decorations
Crochet several leaves in different shades.
Scatter them around:
- Candles
- Pumpkins
- Pinecones
- Wooden trays
- Thanksgiving place settings
Because the leaves are reusable, you can store them with your seasonal decorations and bring them out each autumn.
Tips for Better Maple Leaf Shapes
Keep the center lobe slightly longer than the others.
Make the lower lobes noticeably smaller.
Do not pull the picot tips too tightly.
Block every point individually.
Use smooth yarn so the stitches remain visible.
If the leaf curls too much, move up 0.5 mm in hook size.
For sharper points, gently pinch each tip while the leaf is still damp from blocking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Crochet Maple Leaf Pattern beginner friendly?
It is best for a confident beginner who already knows single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, and slip stitches.
How big is the finished leaf?
Using DK yarn and a 3.5 mm hook, expect approximately 4–4½ inches / 10–11.5 cm, depending on tension.
Can I use acrylic yarn?
Yes. Cotton gives especially crisp points, but smooth acrylic also works well.
Can I make the leaf without the veins?
Absolutely. The surface crochet veins are decorative.
Can I use these leaves for a garland?
Yes. They are ideal for autumn garlands and wreaths.
Can I sew one onto clothing?
Yes. Use matching yarn and secure the center and several parts of the outer edge.
How much yarn does one leaf need?
Only a small amount, making this an excellent scrap-yarn project.
Can I make several sizes?
Yes. Change the yarn weight, hook size, or lobe height to create a mixed-size leaf collection.
Save This Crochet Maple Leaf Pattern
Save this Crochet Maple Leaf Pattern to Pinterest for your fall crochet list.
With its five pointed lobes, textured veins, narrow stem, and endless autumn color possibilities, this small project is perfect for everything from garlands and pumpkins to bags, blankets, wreaths, and seasonal home décor.
