Crochet Maple Leaf Pattern – Free Autumn Crochet Pattern

There is something quietly magical about the way a maple leaf catches the light in October. The warm reds, the burnt oranges, the rich golds — autumn is a season that feels made for crochet. And if you have ever wanted to bring that seasonal beauty into your yarn work, this free crochet maple leaf pattern is exactly what you need. Whether you are making a garland for your mantle, decorating a autumn wreath, embellishing a hat or bag, or simply enjoying a satisfying small project on a crisp afternoon, this pattern works up quickly and looks stunning in any fall colorway.

This tutorial is written for crocheters of all skill levels. If you are a beginner, do not be intimidated by the shape of the maple leaf — the construction is more straightforward than it looks. If you are an experienced crocheter, you will breeze through these leaves and probably find yourself making a whole basket of them before the week is out.

Let’s get into everything you need to know.

Why Crochet Maple Leaves?

Before we dive into the pattern itself, let’s talk about why maple leaves are such a wonderful crochet project.

First, they are small and portable. You can tuck your yarn and hook into a bag and work on leaves while you are watching a movie, sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee, or waiting for an appointment. A single leaf can be completed in anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes depending on your pace, which makes them deeply satisfying in the way that small, finishable projects always are.

Second, they are incredibly versatile. A crocheted maple leaf can become part of a seasonal garland strung across a fireplace. It can be sewn onto a plain tote bag for a cozy autumn accessory. It can be pinned onto a wreath with a few other fall elements for a front-door decoration. You can use them as gift toppers, bowl fillers, table scatter, or bookmarks. You can make a mobile for a nursery or a child’s room in soft, muted colors that work year-round. The possibilities really are endless.

Third, maple leaves are a great way to use up scrap yarn. Because each leaf is small, you do not need much yarn at all. This is the perfect project for that little bit of rust-colored worsted weight you have left from a previous project, or the handful of golden yellow that has been sitting in your stash waiting for its moment.

Materials You Will Need

Getting the supplies together for this project is simple. Here is what you will need before you begin.

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn works beautifully for this pattern and gives you a leaf that is a nice, realistic size — roughly four to five inches across when finished. You can also use bulky weight for larger, more dramatic leaves, or fingering weight with a smaller hook for delicate miniature versions. For autumn colors, think burnt orange, deep red, golden yellow, rust brown, amber, and earthy green. A single leaf uses only a small amount of yarn, so this is a great stash-busting project.

Hook: A size 5mm (US H/8) crochet hook pairs well with worsted weight yarn. Adjust your hook size up or down depending on the yarn weight you choose. The gauge is not critical for this project since you are not making a garment, so feel free to experiment.

Scissors: You will need a pair of sharp scissors to cut your yarn when you finish.

Tapestry needle: A blunt tapestry needle is essential for weaving in your ends neatly so your finished leaves look polished.

Stitch markers (optional): These can be helpful when you are learning the pattern, particularly for marking the beginning of rounds or keeping track of where you are in the leaf lobes.

Blocking mat and pins (optional): If you want a crisp, flat finished leaf, a quick wet block makes a noticeable difference. This is optional but recommended if you are making leaves for display.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

This pattern uses standard US crochet abbreviations. Here is a quick reference guide.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble crochet
st — stitch
sp — space
sk — skip
rep — repeat
yo — yarn over

If you are accustomed to UK crochet terminology, please note that US single crochet equals UK double crochet, US double crochet equals UK treble crochet, and so on. This pattern uses US terms throughout.

Pattern Notes

Before you begin, there are a few things worth knowing about how this leaf is constructed.

The maple leaf is worked from the stem upward. You begin with a foundation chain that becomes the stem, then work outward through a series of lobes to create the characteristic pointed shape of a maple leaf. Each lobe is worked individually, which gives you that lovely dimensional look.

The pattern creates a flat leaf, but because of the way the lobes are constructed, it has a natural slight curl that makes it look very realistic. If you prefer a completely flat leaf for appliqué purposes, a light blocking will flatten it out nicely.

The leaf is worked in a single color, but feel free to experiment with color changes between lobes for an ombre effect or a more painterly look. Autumn leaves are rarely a single flat color in nature, and your crochet version does not have to be either.

The Free Crochet Maple Leaf Pattern

Foundation: Ch 13 (this forms the stem).

Rounding the Stem: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next 10 ch. You should now be at the base of the leaf with 1 ch remaining. This will be your center point.

Now you will work the five lobes of the maple leaf. Each lobe is worked off the center stem and then you return to the main chain to begin the next one.

Lobe 1 (Bottom Right):

Ch 6. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook to form a small picot point. Sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, dc in next ch. Sl st back into the center stem ch at the base. This creates the first small side lobe.

Lobe 2 (Right Middle):

Ch 9. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook. Sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch. Sl st back into the base ch to join. This creates a medium lobe on the right side.

Lobe 3 (Top Center — The Tallest Point):

Ch 13. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook. Sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 3 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next 2 ch, sl st in next ch. Sl st back to base ch. This is the signature tall center point of the maple leaf.

Lobe 4 (Left Middle):

Ch 9. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook. Sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch. Sl st back into the base ch to join. This mirrors Lobe 2 on the left side.

Lobe 5 (Bottom Left):

Ch 6. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook. Sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, dc in next ch. Sl st back into the base ch. This mirrors Lobe 1 on the left side.

Finishing the Outer Edge:

Now you will work back along the outer edge of the entire leaf to neaten it and give the leaf a clean, defined border. Starting from the base of the last lobe, work a row of slip stitches along the outer edge of each lobe, working around each picot point and back down the other side. This step is what gives the leaf its finished, professional look.

When you have worked all the way around, join with a sl st to the base of the stem and fasten off.

Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle. If you wish, wet block the leaf by lightly misting it with water, shaping it flat, and pinning it to a blocking mat. Allow it to dry completely before unpinning.

Tips for Making Your Maple Leaf Look Its Best

A few small details can take your finished leaves from good to truly beautiful.

Tension matters even on small projects. Try to keep your tension even throughout, especially along the lobes. If you find one lobe is noticeably larger than the others, it may be because your tension loosened as you got more comfortable. A light block will help even things out.

Weave in your ends carefully. Because the leaf is small, a bulky woven end can affect the way it lies. Try to weave the end in along the direction of the stitches rather than across them, and trim as close as you can without risking the end pulling through.

Use a yarn with some structure for the crispest results. Very soft, drapey yarns like bamboo blends or certain acrylics can make the leaf look a bit limp. A yarn with some natural fiber content — cotton, wool, or a wool blend — will hold the shape of the lobes more cleanly. That said, many all-acrylic yarns work just fine, especially if you block them.

Try a wired stem for wreath-making. If you plan to use your leaves on a wreath or as a floral arrangement element, you can insert a short length of floral wire into the stem before you fasten off, then fold the end of the wire back on itself and secure it with a few slip stitches. This makes the leaf poseable and much easier to attach to a wreath form.

Color Ideas for Autumn Maple Leaves

One of the most joyful parts of this project is choosing your colors. Here are some combinations that work beautifully together if you plan to make a set of leaves as a collection.

A classic autumn palette uses deep crimson, burnt orange, golden yellow, and earthy brown. Make a dozen leaves across these four colors and they will look stunning together on a garland or wreath.

For a more sophisticated, muted approach, try dusty terracotta, sage green, warm taupe, and antique gold. This palette feels a bit more modern and works well in contemporary home décor.

If you want something unexpected, consider a monochromatic set in shades of burgundy — from deep wine to soft blush. It is an unusual take on the autumn leaf that feels both seasonal and elegant.

For children’s projects or a whimsical touch, bright and bold colors like tangerine, sunshine yellow, and apple red make cheerful leaves that children love to help arrange in a bowl or string into a garland.

Project Ideas Using Crochet Maple Leaves

Once you have a handful of finished leaves, the real fun begins. Here are some of the most popular ways to use crocheted maple leaves.

Autumn Garland: String leaves together on a length of jute twine or thin cotton rope, tying each leaf in place with a small knot. Alternate colors as you go. A garland of twenty to thirty leaves makes a gorgeous mantle decoration, staircase swag, or window hanging.

Fall Wreath: Start with a plain grapevine wreath from a craft store. Arrange your crocheted leaves across the front and sides of the wreath, mixing colors and sizes. Use a hot glue gun or hand-sewing to secure them. Add a few faux berries, pinecones, or twigs for a full, layered look.

Tote Bag Embellishment: Sew a cluster of two or three leaves onto the front of a plain canvas tote bag for a seasonal accessory that is entirely unique. A simple whipstitch around the edge of each leaf is all you need.

Hat and Scarf Decoration: A crocheted maple leaf makes a lovely embellishment on an autumn beanie or the end of a scarf. Sew it on securely with a tapestry needle and matching yarn.

Gift Wrapping: Use a single leaf in place of a bow on top of an autumn birthday gift or a Thanksgiving hostess present. Tie it on with a bit of twine for a charming, handmade touch.

Place Cards: Sew or glue a small tag to a finished leaf and write a guest’s name on it for a beautiful Thanksgiving table setting. They double as a favor guests can take home.

Seasonal Bowl Filler: Fill a wooden or ceramic bowl with a mix of crocheted leaves in autumn colors and place it on your coffee table or dining table as a seasonal centerpiece. Add a few small gourds or pinecones to complete the look.

Scaling the Pattern Up or Down

One of the great things about this pattern is how easily it scales. To make larger leaves suitable for a bold wreath statement or a wall hanging, simply move up in yarn weight and hook size. Using bulky yarn with a 6.5mm hook will give you a leaf nearly twice the size of the worsted weight version.

For truly tiny leaves — lovely as gift embellishments or for miniature autumn scenes — use fingering or lace weight yarn with a 2.25mm or 2.75mm hook. These take a bit more patience but are absolutely adorable.

You can also add an extra lobe to the pattern on each side for a fuller, rounder leaf shape, or remove the bottom side lobes entirely for a more stylized, simplified version. There is no single right way to make a crochet maple leaf, and once you understand the basic construction, you will find it easy to adapt the pattern to your own vision.

Sharing Your Makes

If you make this pattern, please share your finished leaves! Tag your projects on Instagram and Pinterest so other crafters can find inspiration in your color choices and creativity. The crochet community is wonderfully generous and supportive, and seeing how other makers interpret the same pattern — different yarns, different colors, different applications — is endlessly inspiring.

If you are a blogger or content creator and would like to share this pattern, you are welcome to link to it and share a photo of your finished project. Please do not copy the pattern text in full without permission.

Final Thoughts

There is a reason that autumn is so many crafters’ favorite season. The colors, the textures, the sense of coziness and warmth — everything about it invites you to pick up your yarn and make something beautiful. A crochet maple leaf is one of the simplest ways to channel that seasonal energy into something tangible and lasting.

Whether you make one leaf or a hundred, whether you use them for décor or gifts or pure creative pleasure, this little pattern has a way of bringing genuine joy. The finished leaves are realistic enough to delight, quick enough to keep your attention, and versatile enough to fit into almost any project you can imagine.

So brew yourself a warm drink, pull out your favorite fall-colored yarn, and get crocheting. The leaves are waiting.