Bring the colors of fall indoors with this free crochet maple leaf pattern.

With five pointed lobes, deep little valleys, a narrow stem, and optional embroidered veins, this crochet leaf is designed to capture the recognizable shape of a real maple leaf while still being quick enough for a relaxing seasonal project.

Make one in warm mustard.

Crochet another in burnt orange.

Add rust, burgundy, olive, brown, and cream, and suddenly you have an entire collection of handmade autumn leaves ready for decorating.

Use your finished leaves for:

Fall garlands
Thanksgiving table decor
Autumn wreaths
Gift toppers
Napkin decorations
Bag appliqués
Seasonal displays
Handmade cards
Fall wall decor

And because each leaf uses only a small amount of yarn, this is also a wonderful scrap-yarn crochet project.

Why You’ll Love This Crochet Maple Leaf

This pattern is:

Quick to crochet
Great for yarn scraps
Made in one main piece
Designed with five distinct lobes
Easy to customize
Beautiful in many fall colors
Perfect for garlands
Lightweight for wreaths
Useful for Thanksgiving decor
Easy to batch-make

The finished leaf looks detailed, but the shape is created mainly by changing stitch heights.

Skill Level

Easy / Advanced Beginner

You’ll use:

Chain
Slip stitch
Single crochet
Half double crochet
Double crochet
Treble crochet
Double treble crochet
Simple picot
Working into chain spaces

If you already know basic crochet stitches, the taller stitches are easy to learn.

Materials

Yarn

Use a small amount of:

Category 4 worsted-weight yarn

For one leaf, approximately:

15–25 yards

should be plenty.

Actual yardage depends on tension and leaf size.

Recommended Yarn Colors

For a classic autumn palette, try:

Burnt orange
Rust
Mustard
Deep red
Burgundy
Olive green
Moss green
Warm brown
Camel
Cream

Making every leaf a slightly different color creates a beautiful natural-looking collection.

Best Fiber

Both cotton and acrylic work well.

Cotton

Cotton produces:

Crisp stitches
Defined points
Cleaner edges
Excellent blocking

Acrylic

Acrylic creates:

Softer leaves
Slightly fuller texture
Affordable seasonal decor
Lots of color choices

Crochet Hook

4.0 mm crochet hook

A slightly firm fabric helps the leaf points maintain their shape.

If your stitches feel too tight, try:

4.5 mm

Other Supplies

Yarn needle
Scissors
Blocking mat
Rust-resistant pins
Measuring tape

Optional:

Fabric stiffener or starch

Crochet Abbreviations

This pattern uses US crochet terminology.

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

dc – double crochet

tr – treble crochet

dtr – double treble crochet

sl st – slip stitch

sp – space

st – stitch

Special Stitch: Picot

For a standard picot:

Ch 3, sl st into the first chain of those 3 chains.

The picot creates a sharper point at the end of each maple leaf lobe.

Double Treble Crochet

For a double treble crochet:

Wrap the yarn around the hook:

3 times

before inserting the hook into the stitch or space.

Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Then yarn over and pull through:

2 loops at a time

until only one loop remains.

This extra-tall stitch helps create the long central maple leaf point.

Finished Size

Using worsted yarn and a 4 mm hook, the finished leaf measures approximately:

5–5½ inches wide

and approximately:

5–6 inches tall including the stem

after blocking.

Your finished size may vary.

How the Maple Leaf Is Constructed

A maple leaf doesn’t have five identical points.

That’s important.

For the recognizable maple shape, we’ll make:

One tall center lobe
Two medium upper-side lobes
Two shorter lower lobes

The stitches increase in height as you move toward each point and then decrease again.

This creates the valleys and pointed silhouette.

FREE CROCHET MAPLE LEAF PATTERN

Start

Make a:

Magic ring

Round 1 – Create the Five Lobe Spaces

Ch 1.

Work the following into the magic ring:

Sc, ch 5

Repeat:

[sc, ch 5]

four more times.

You should have:

5 sc

and:

5 ch-5 spaces

around the center.

Pull the magic ring closed.

Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Check Your Work

Count your large chain spaces.

You must have:

Each one will become one maple leaf lobe.

We’ll work them in this order:

Lower right lobe
Upper right lobe
Tall center lobe
Upper left lobe
Lower left lobe

Round 2 – Shape the Five Maple Lobes

We’ll work each lobe differently.

This variation is what creates the maple leaf silhouette.

Lobe 1 – Lower Right

In the first ch-5 space work:

hdc

picot

hdc

Sl st into the next sc from Round 1.

This creates the first short lower lobe.

Lobe 2 – Upper Right

In the next ch-5 space work:

hdc

picot

hdc

Sl st into the next sc.

This lobe should be noticeably taller than the first.

Lobe 3 – Tall Center Point

In the center ch-5 space work:

hdc

dtr

Then make:

Ch 4

Sl st into the first chain of those four chains to form a larger picot.

Continue:

dtr

hdc

Sl st into the next Round-1 sc.

This should be the tallest lobe of the leaf.

Lobe 4 – Upper Left

Work into the next ch-5 space:

hdc

picot

hdc

Sl st into the next sc.

This mirrors Lobe 2.

Lobe 5 – Lower Left

In the final ch-5 space work:

hdc

picot

hdc

Sl st into the beginning of the round.

This mirrors Lobe 1.

Look at the Leaf Shape

You should now see:

One long center point
Two medium side points
Two smaller lower points

The motif may still look soft or slightly curled.

That’s completely normal.

Blocking will make the maple shape much clearer.

PART 2: CROCHET THE STEM

Do not fasten off.

Position yourself at the bottom center between the two short lower lobes.

Stem

Ch:

Work Back Along the Stem

Starting in the second chain from the hook:

Sl st in every chain back toward the leaf.

This creates a narrow sturdy stem.

Secure the Stem

Sl st into the base of the leaf.

Fasten off.

Leave enough yarn to weave in securely.

Weave In the Ends

Using a yarn needle:

Weave each yarn tail through the back of several stitches.

Trim carefully.

PART 3: ADD THE CENTER VEIN

This step is optional, but I strongly recommend it.

The raised vein makes the maple leaf look much more detailed.

Embroidered Main Vein

Cut a strand of matching yarn approximately:

18 inches long

Thread your yarn needle.

Begin near the lower stem.

Work a line of:

surface running stitches

from the base toward the tall center lobe.

Keep the stitches straight and slightly raised.

Add Side Veins

From the center vein, add four shorter lines:

One toward upper-right lobe
One toward lower-right lobe
One toward upper-left lobe
One toward lower-left lobe

Don’t pull tightly.

You want the leaf to stay flat.

Crochet Surface-Slip-Stitch Option

Instead of embroidery, you can use:

surface slip stitch

across the front of the leaf.

This creates a thicker raised vein similar to the leaves shown in the Pinterest design.

Blocking Is Important

Immediately after crocheting, the points may curl inward.

Blocking transforms the shape.

It helps:

Separate all five lobes
Sharpen the points
Deepen the valleys
Straighten the stem
Flatten the center
Improve symmetry

How to Block the Maple Leaf

Lightly dampen the finished leaf.

Place it on a blocking mat.

Pin the center first.

Then pin:

Tall center point
Upper-right point
Upper-left point
Lower-right point
Lower-left point

Finally:

Pin the stem straight.

Shape the Valleys

Use additional pins between the lobes.

Pull gently inward to make each valley more pronounced.

This gives the leaf a much more realistic maple silhouette.

Let It Dry Completely

Do not remove the pins until the leaf is:

completely dry

Once released, the leaf should hold a much cleaner shape.

Optional Stiffening

If you’re making:

Garland
Wall decor
Wreath decoration

you may want slightly firmer leaves.

Use a small amount of:

Fabric stiffener
Craft starch

according to the manufacturer’s directions.

For soft appliqués, skip the stiffener.

Burnt Orange Maple Leaf

Burnt orange is one of the most recognizable fall colors.

It pairs beautifully with:

Cream
Mustard
Brown
Deep red

Mustard Maple Leaf

Warm mustard makes the stitch texture particularly visible.

This color looks beautiful on:

Rustic wood
Cream fabric
Dark autumn backgrounds

Deep Red Maple Leaf

Try:

Cranberry
Burgundy
Brick red

for a rich late-autumn palette.

Olive Green Leaf

Not every fall leaf has already turned orange.

Adding one or two olive-green leaves makes a garland look more natural.

Brown Maple Leaf

Warm cinnamon or chestnut brown works beautifully alongside mustard and rust.

Cream Maple Leaf

Cream creates a softer modern fall look.

Combine:

Cream + camel + sage + rust

for neutral farmhouse autumn decor.

Create a Five-Color Collection

Try:

Rust
Mustard
Burgundy
Olive
Warm brown

Use the same pattern for every leaf.

The color variation creates the visual interest.

Make a Crochet Maple Leaf Garland

Crochet:

7–12 leaves

in several autumn colors.

Garland Chain

Using cream, brown, or rust yarn:

Ch approximately:

for the first hanging section.

Attach the First Leaf

Insert your hook near the upper portion of the leaf or stem junction.

Sl st to attach.

Space the Leaves

Ch:

20–25

between each leaf.

Attach the next leaf.

Continue until all leaves are connected.

Finish the Garland

After the final leaf:

Ch another:

Fasten off.

Garland Color Sequence

Try:

Rust → Mustard → Olive → Burgundy → Cream → Rust → Brown

Avoid arranging identical colors directly beside each other.

Mantel Decor

Drape your maple leaf garland across:

Fireplace
Bookshelf
Entry table
Window

Add:

Pumpkins
Pinecones
Dried flowers
Warm lights

for a complete autumn display.

Thanksgiving Table Decor

Scatter several leaves down the center of your dining table.

Combine them with:

Linen napkins
Mini pumpkins
Natural wood
Candles
Pinecones

Napkin Decoration

Place one crochet maple leaf on top of each folded napkin.

Tie it with:

natural twine

for a handmade Thanksgiving table setting.

Place Cards

Attach a small kraft-paper name tag to the leaf stem.

Write each guest’s name.

After dinner, the leaf can become a small keepsake.

Crochet Leaf Wreath

Make:

10–15 leaves

in different fall colors.

Attach them around a simple wreath base.

Overlap the lobes slightly.

Add:

Small crochet pumpkins
Crochet acorns
Neutral bow

if desired.

Gift Topper

Tie one leaf onto:

Kraft-paper gift
Fall gift basket
Hostess gift
Thanksgiving treat box

The leaf replaces disposable ribbon decoration.

Bag Appliqué

Skip stiffening.

Sew the leaf securely onto:

Tote bag
Crochet bag
Market bag

Use matching yarn around the central section.

Blanket Appliqué

Make smaller leaves using DK yarn.

Sew them onto:

Fall blanket
Pillow cover
Seasonal throw

Fall Pillow Decoration

Crochet several leaves.

Arrange them across the front of a plain pillow.

Use:

Rust
Mustard
Burgundy

for a strong autumn palette.

Autumn Wall Hanging

Attach several maple leaves to:

Natural wooden dowel
Branch
Crochet cord

Vary the hanging lengths.

Add tassels underneath.

Make Smaller Maple Leaves

Use:

DK or sport-weight yarn

with approximately a:

3–3.5 mm hook

The stitch sequence can remain the same.

Your finished leaf will simply be smaller.

Make Large Maple Leaves

Use:

Category 5 bulky yarn

with approximately:

6 mm hook

This creates bold leaves suitable for:

Large garlands
Wall decor
Oversized wreaths

Use Crochet Thread

Fine crochet thread creates delicate maple leaves.

These can work for:

Cards
Small ornaments
Table decorations

However, thread is less beginner-friendly than worsted yarn.

Turn It Into an Ornament

Add a hanging loop near the top of the center lobe.

Ch:

15–20

and join back to the leaf.

Hang it from:

Seasonal branch display
Thanksgiving tree
Fall wreath

Use as a Coaster?

A large cotton version can be used decoratively under an ordinary mug if it lies flat.

However, the pointed irregular shape and raised veins make this pattern primarily a decorative leaf, not a heat-protective trivet.

For very hot cookware, use a pattern specifically designed for heat protection.

Best Yarn for Fall Garland Leaves

For garlands, almost any smooth yarn works.

Acrylic is ideal when you want:

Many inexpensive colors
Lightweight leaves
Easy batch-making

Cotton is especially good when you want:

Crisp points
Strong stitch definition
Flatter motifs

Scrap-Yarn Project

This is an excellent way to use leftover yarn.

You don’t need enough of any one color for a large project.

Small amounts of:

Orange
Yellow
Brown
Red
Green

are perfect.

Batch Crochet Method

Making 12 leaves?

Don’t necessarily finish one leaf at a time.

Try:

Step 1

Make all Round 1 centers.

Step 2

Complete all five-lobe rounds.

Step 3

Add every stem.

Step 4

Weave in all ends.

Step 5

Add veins.

Step 6

Block all leaves together.

This makes garland production much easier.

Make Every Leaf Slightly Different

Real autumn leaves aren’t identical.

Try changing:

Yarn color
Stem length
Blocking angle
Vein color

while keeping the main stitch pattern the same.

Two-Tone Maple Leaf

Use one color for the main leaf.

Embroider the veins in a contrasting color.

Examples:

Rust leaf + dark brown veins

Mustard leaf + burnt-orange veins

Cream leaf + camel veins

Burgundy leaf + rust veins

Variegated Yarn

A fall-colored variegated yarn can create beautiful natural color transitions.

Look for combinations containing:

Red
Orange
Mustard
Brown

Solid colors generally show the stitch structure more clearly, though.

Handmade Autumn Gift

Make:

5 crochet maple leaves

in coordinated colors.

Tie them together with natural twine.

Package them as:

Handmade Fall Decorations

The recipient can use them for:

Table decor
Garland
Gifts
Wreaths

Thanksgiving Hostess Gift

Pair a set of crochet leaves with:

Fall candle
Tea towel
Small pumpkin
Mug

for a cozy handmade hostess gift.

Craft Fair Idea

Crochet leaves can be displayed as:

Individual appliqués
Sets of five
Garland sets
Wreath decorations
Gift toppers

Small projects also make it easy to offer several color combinations.

Photographing Crochet Maple Leaves

For Pinterest photographs, use a warm rustic background.

Good props include:

Weathered wood
Cream knit fabric
Acorns
Pinecones
Dried flowers
Real fall leaves

Keep the crochet leaves larger and sharper than the props so it’s obvious which objects are the handmade project.

Why the Center Point Is Taller

One of the easiest ways to accidentally create a star instead of a maple leaf is to make all five points identical.

The center lobe should be:

clearly tallest

The two upper side lobes are:

medium

The two lower lobes are:

shortest

That hierarchy creates the maple-leaf appearance.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Making All Five Lobes the Same

Follow the different stitch heights carefully.

This is the most important shaping detail.

Wrong Number of Chain Spaces

Round 1 must contain:

5 ch-5 spaces

Count before continuing.

Points Looking Rounded

Make sure the picot sits at the center of every lobe.

Blocking will sharpen them further.

Center Lobe Too Short

Check that you’re using:

double treble crochet

around the center point.

Leaf Curling

Some curling before blocking is normal.

Block before deciding something is wrong.

Overblocking

Stretch gently.

If you pull too hard, the stitches may become thin and distorted.

Stem Twisting

Pin the stem straight while blocking.

Veins Pulling the Leaf

Keep embroidery tension loose.

The leaf should remain flat.

How Long Does One Maple Leaf Take?

Once you’re comfortable with the taller stitches, the motif works up quickly.

Current maple-leaf patterns are commonly positioned as quick seasonal projects suitable for garlands, appliqués, table settings, and wreaths.

For your first leaf, focus on shaping rather than speed.

Can Complete Beginners Make It?

If you’re brand-new to crochet, practice:

first.

Then try:

tr
dtr
picot

The actual construction is short, so this makes a useful project for learning different stitch heights.

Can I Skip the Double Treble?

Yes.

Replace the dtr stitches in the center lobe with:

Your leaf will have a slightly shorter central point.

Can I Skip the Veins?

Absolutely.

The five-lobed shape works without them.

The veins simply add extra texture and realism.

Can I Skip Blocking?

You can, but I don’t recommend it.

For a shaped motif like a maple leaf, blocking greatly improves the final appearance.

Can I Make a Garland With Different Leaf Sizes?

Yes.

Mix:

Worsted
DK
Sport

versions of the same pattern.

Different sizes can make the garland feel more natural.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points should a crochet maple leaf have?

This pattern uses five main lobes: one tall center lobe, two medium upper lobes, and two shorter lower lobes.

What yarn weight is used?

Category 4 worsted-weight yarn.

What hook size is used?

4.0 mm.

How large is the finished leaf?

Approximately 5–5½ inches wide after blocking.

Is it worked in the round?

The main leaf begins around a center ring and the five lobes are worked outward.

Is blocking necessary?

Strongly recommended. It sharpens the points and creates deeper valleys.

Can I use scrap yarn?

Yes. One leaf requires only a small amount.

Can I make a garland?

Yes. Crochet several leaves and connect them with a long chain.

Can I use cotton?

Yes. Cotton is especially good for crisp, well-defined maple leaves.

Final Thoughts

Autumn crochet doesn’t have to mean starting a large blanket or sweater.

Sometimes one little handmade leaf is enough to bring the season into your home.

This free crochet maple leaf pattern uses different stitch heights to create five distinct lobes, one tall center point, two shorter side sections, and a narrow stem.

Add embroidered veins for extra texture.

Block the finished leaf carefully.

Then make another in a different autumn color.

Before long, you can have an entire collection of rust, mustard, burgundy, green, and brown maple leaves ready for garlands, Thanksgiving tables, wreaths, gifts, and cozy fall displays.

Save this easy crochet maple leaf pattern for your autumn project list!