Crochet maple leaf pattern – free and beginner friendly
This crochet maple leaf pattern is an easy, advanced beginner-friendly applique that works up quickly with simple stitches and a small amount of yarn. It’s a fun little fall project for décor, garlands, gifts, and handmade seasonal accents.
Quick answer
This crochet maple leaf pattern is an advanced beginner-friendly applique made with worsted weight yarn and a G-6 (4 mm) crochet hook. The finished leaf measures about 4 inches wide by 4 inches tall (10 x 10 cm) and works well for fall décor, garlands, gifts, appliques, and seasonal crochet projects.
Best for: Advanced beginners
Style: Small crochet maple leaf applique
Includes: Pattern details, written instructions, and FAQs
Ways to use your crochet maple leaf
This crochet maple leaf is small, festive, and easy to use in lots of fall projects. Here are a few fun ways to use it:
- Appliques — Sew them onto hats, scarves, bags, or blankets for a seasonal touch
- Garlands — String a set together in fall colors for mantels, doorways, or windows
- Coasters — Make a set in cotton yarn for a festive and functional autumn accent
- Table décor — Scatter them across your Thanksgiving table or use them as napkin ring accents
- Gift toppers — Add one to a wrapped present for a handmade finishing touch
With so many possibilities, this free crochet maple leaf pattern is a fun seasonal project you’ll want to make again and again.
Crochet maple leaf pattern details
Here’s a quick overview of the materials, finished size, gauge, and pattern notes before you begin.
Skill level
Advanced beginner — This pattern uses basic stitches and simple shaping, making it a great project if you’re comfortable with the crochet basics and ready to try something a little more detailed.
Materials you’ll need
- Crochet hook size G-6 (4 mm) — Adjusting your hook size will change the finished size of the leaf; larger hooks make bigger leaves, smaller hooks make smaller ones.
- Worsted weight yarn (#4) — Use your favorite fall colors for realistic or decorative leaves.
- Yarn needle — For weaving in ends neatly.
- Scissors — To cut your yarn.
- Stitch markers (optional) — Helpful for keeping track of rounds and stitch counts.
Finished size
The leaf applique measures approximately 4 inches (10 cm) wide by 4 inches (10 cm) tall.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this applique since the finished size does not need to be exact.
Crochet abbreviations
- dc = double crochet
- tr = treble crochet
- sc = single crochet
- ch / chs = chain / chains
- st / sts = stitch / stitches
- sl st = slip stitch
Pattern notes
- This flat maple leaf is worked in the round
- Chain 1 at the start of each round does not count as a stitch
- Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch
- The pattern is written in US terms
Free crochet maple leaf pattern instructions
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to crochet the maple leaf. This quick project works up fast and is perfect for fall decor, gifts, garlands, and more!
Round 1:
Make a magic circle. Ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (6 sts)
Round 2:
Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join. (12 sts)
Round 3:
Ch 1, *2 sc in first/next st, sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (18 sts)
Round 4:
Ch 1, *2 sc in first/next st, sc in next 2 sts; repeat from * around. Join. (24 sts)
Round 5:
Ch 2, *2 sc in first/next st, sc in next 3 sts; repeat from * around. Join. (30 sts)
Round 6 (shaping the leaf):
- Stem: Ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next 2 chs. Sl st in next 2 sts.
- Point 1: In next st (sc, hdc). In next st (dc, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook). Dc in next st. In next st (hdc, sc). Sl st in next st.
- Point 2: In next st (hdc, dc). In next st (tr, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook). Tr in next st. In next st (dc, hdc). Sl st in next 2 sts.
- Point 3: In next st (hdc, dc, tr). In next st (tr, tr, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook). 2 tr in next st. In next st (tr, dc, hdc). Sl st in next 2 sts.
- Point 4: In next st (hdc, dc). In next st (tr, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook). Tr in next st. In next st (dc, hdc). Sl st in next st.
- Point 5: In next st (sc, hdc). In next st (dc, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook). Dc in next st. In next st (hdc, sc). Sl st in last st. Join.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Frequently asked questions
How do you crochet a maple leaf for beginners?
This free crochet maple leaf pattern is designed for advanced beginners. If you’re comfortable with basic stitches like single crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet, you’ll be able to make this leaf with ease. The simple shaping makes it a great project to build confidence.
Can I make the maple leaf bigger or smaller?
Yes! The finished size of your maple leaf crochet applique will change depending on the yarn and hook you use. A larger hook and thicker yarn will give you a bigger leaf, while a smaller hook and thinner yarn will create a smaller applique.
What yarn is best for this crochet maple leaf pattern?
Worsted weight (#4) yarn works perfectly for this project, but you can experiment with cotton yarn for coasters or acrylic yarn for appliques and garlands. Using fall colors like red, orange, yellow, and brown makes the leaves look especially seasonal.
What can I use crochet maple leaf appliques for?
These crochet leaves are versatile! You can turn them into coasters, sew them onto hats and scarves as appliques, string them together for a garland, scatter them across your Thanksgiving table, or use them as gift toppers.
How long does it take to make one crochet maple leaf?
This free crochet maple leaf pattern works up quickly—most crocheters can complete one leaf in just 15–20 minutes.
More free crochet applique patterns
Love quick projects? Explore my free crochet applique patterns for easy, beginner-friendly designs you can use to decorate hats, bags, blankets, and home décor.
Let’s connect!
I’d love to see what you’re making! Share your finished project and follow along for more free crochet patterns and tutorials.
📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa
