A handmade Maple Leaf Crochet Coaster is a small project that can completely change the mood of a fall table.
This design combines a soft cream circular coaster with dimensional maple leaves in classic autumn shades—burnt orange, rust, mustard gold, cinnamon brown, and terracotta. A neat warm-gold edging frames the finished piece and gives it a polished, handmade look.
The result works beautifully beneath coffee mugs, candles, small bowls, or seasonal décor, and it is also a lovely project for housewarming gifts, Thanksgiving tables, fall markets, and autumn gift baskets.
For the main sample, I’d use a warm ivory base with five raised maple leaves spaced around the edge.
Pattern at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Confident Beginner / Intermediate |
| Crochet Terms | US terminology |
| Yarn | DK / light worsted cotton |
| Hook | 3.5 mm |
| Construction | Circular base + separate maple-leaf appliqués |
| Finished Size | Approx. 6–7 in / 15–18 cm |
| Main Stitches | MR, ch, sc, hdc, dc, tr, sl st |
| Best Uses | Coasters, mug rugs, fall décor, gifts |
The Design
The project is worked in two main sections.
First, you crochet a dense circular base from the center outward.
Then you make several small maple-leaf appliqués separately and attach them around the outer section of the coaster.
The basic construction is:
CENTER → ROUND BASE → BORDER → MAPLE LEAVES → ASSEMBLY
This separate-piece method makes it easy to change colors or rearrange the leaves before sewing them permanently in place.
Materials
Use DK or light worsted cotton yarn in warm ivory for the main base, plus small amounts of several autumn shades for the leaves. You’ll also need a 3.5 mm crochet hook, yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers, and optional blocking pins.
Cotton is especially good for coasters because it gives the base structure and keeps the small leaf details crisp.
Crochet Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | Magic Ring |
| ch | Chain |
| sc | Single Crochet |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet |
| dc | Double Crochet |
| tr | Treble Crochet |
| inc | Increase |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
| st / sts | Stitch / stitches |
Part 1: Crochet the Circular Base
Using warm-ivory yarn, begin with a magic ring.
Round 1
Work 12 dc into the MR.
Join with a sl st.
Round 2
Work 2 dc in each stitch around.
You now have 24 stitches.
Round 3
Repeat:
1 dc, inc
around.
Round 4
Repeat:
2 dc, inc
around.
Round 5
Repeat:
3 dc, inc
around.
Continue the increase rhythm until the coaster base measures roughly 5½–6 inches across.
The circle should lie flat without cupping or rippling.
Part 2: Add the Outer Border
Once the base is large enough, work one stabilizing round of single crochet.
Switch to mustard-gold or another warm accent color.
Work one decorative round around the outside.
A simple option is to alternate small chain spaces and single crochet stitches to create a light frame.
If you prefer a cleaner design, work one firm round of sc instead.
The border should stay relatively narrow because the maple leaves will become the decorative focal point.
Part 3: Crochet the Maple Leaves
Each leaf is made separately.
Begin with a short foundation chain and build several pointed lobes from the center.
Use a combination of:
sc → hdc → dc → tr
to make the lobes grow taller toward the middle.
The center lobe should be the longest.
Two medium lobes sit on either side, followed by two smaller lower lobes.
Finish with a short chain stem.
The finished shape should have:
- one tall center point
- two medium side points
- two smaller lower points
- one short narrow stem
Gently pull and shape each point after fastening off.
For the main coaster, make five leaves in different colors.
Part 4: Arrange the Leaves
Before sewing, place all five leaves around the coaster.
Try a balanced autumn arrangement such as:
12 o’clock – mustard gold
2 o’clock – cinnamon brown
4 o’clock – rust red
6 o’clock – terracotta
9 o’clock – burnt orange
Rotate each leaf slightly so the arrangement feels natural.
Avoid positioning every leaf at exactly the same angle.
Leave enough of the ivory base visible so the coaster does not become visually crowded.
Part 5: Attach the Leaves
Thread a yarn needle with a matching leaf color.
Sew through the center spine of each leaf.
Add a few hidden stitches near the base of the lobes so the leaf remains secure while the edges stay slightly raised.
This gives the motif a more dimensional appearance than sewing every edge completely flat.
Weave the yarn ends securely into the back.
Blocking the Finished Coaster
Light blocking helps the circular base stay flat and makes the leaves look sharper.
Dampen the finished coaster lightly.
Pin the center and outer edge first.
Then shape each maple-leaf point individually.
Do not stretch the leaves too aggressively; you want them to retain some dimensional texture.
Allow the coaster to dry completely before use.
Autumn Color Ideas
The classic warm ivory base is only one option.
You can create several coordinating versions using oatmeal, warm taupe, muted sage, rust, burgundy, charcoal, or dusty pumpkin as the main background.
The leaf colors can also change from coaster to coaster.
A set where every base is neutral but every leaf arrangement is different would look especially attractive on an autumn table.
Ways to Use the Maple Leaf Coaster
This motif works for much more than coffee cups.
Use it beneath a candle for seasonal table décor, place one beneath a small autumn vase, include several in a Thanksgiving place setting, or stack a set with ribbon for a handmade gift.
A matching set of four or six would also work well as a housewarming or hostess gift.
Make a Matching Mug Rug
Continue the circular base for a few additional rounds and turn the shape into a larger mat.
Or adapt the idea into an oval or rectangular mug rug with several maple leaves along one edge.
The same fall palette keeps the collection coordinated.
Make Mini Maple Leaf Coasters
Use sport-weight cotton and a smaller hook.
Reduce the number of base rounds.
Mini versions work well for espresso cups, fall ornaments, garlands, or decorative gift tags.
Create a Thanksgiving Table Set
For a full seasonal table, make several coasters using the same ivory base but vary the leaf colors.
Try combinations like mustard + rust, burgundy + copper, sage + terracotta, or pumpkin + cinnamon.
Add matching cloth napkins and simple cream dinnerware to keep the crochet details visible.
Tips for a Better Finish
The coaster should remain flat before you add the leaves. Keep your circular increases evenly spaced, use small amounts of cotton yarn for crisp leaf lobes, secure only the center and lower parts of each leaf so the tips retain dimension, and block the finished coaster after assembly.
If making a set, measure each base before adding the leaves so all the coasters finish at approximately the same size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Maple Leaf Crochet Coaster beginner friendly?
A confident beginner should be comfortable with the circular base. The leaf shaping is slightly more detailed but uses familiar crochet stitches.
What yarn works best?
Cotton yarn is particularly suitable because it gives structure and good stitch definition.
How large is the coaster?
Approximately 6–7 inches / 15–18 cm, depending on yarn, hook and tension.
Can I use just one maple leaf?
Yes. One larger leaf positioned near the edge creates a more minimalist coaster.
Can I make the base in another color?
Absolutely. Cream, oatmeal, sage, pumpkin, brown and burgundy are all excellent fall options.
Should the leaves be sewn completely flat?
Not necessarily. Leaving the outer leaf points slightly raised gives the design more texture.
Save This Maple Leaf Crochet Coaster Pattern
Save this Maple Leaf Crochet Coaster Pattern to Pinterest for your fall crochet projects.
Its warm circular base, colorful dimensional maple leaves, and cozy autumn palette make it perfect for seasonal coffee tables, Thanksgiving décor, handmade gifts, and fall craft markets.
