Bring the warm colors of fall into your handmade décor with this beautiful crochet maple leaf pattern. With its pointed shape, textured stitches, and rich autumn color, this crochet leaf is perfect for fall table decorations, garlands, wreaths, Thanksgiving décor, gift wrapping, and seasonal crochet projects.
This pattern works especially well in burgundy, burnt orange, mustard yellow, olive green, rust, and warm brown. Make just one statement leaf or crochet several in different fall colors to create an entire autumn collection.
Skill Level
Easy to Intermediate. The project uses common crochet stitches with increases, chain spaces, and different stitch heights to create the characteristic pointed maple-leaf shape.
Materials You’ll Need
- DK or light worsted-weight cotton yarn
- 3.0–4.0 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch marker if needed
- Blocking mat and pins
- Optional fabric stiffener for decorations
Recommended Yarn Colors
- Deep burgundy
- Burnt orange
- Mustard yellow
- Rust
- Olive or forest green
- Warm brown
- Natural cream
Abbreviations
- MR – Magic Ring
- CH – Chain
- SC – Single Crochet
- HDC – Half Double Crochet
- DC – Double Crochet
- TR – Treble Crochet
- DTR – Double Treble Crochet
- SL ST – Slip Stitch
- ST – Stitch
- SP – Space
Finished Size
Using DK cotton yarn and a 3.5 mm crochet hook, one finished maple leaf should measure approximately 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) from the top point to the bottom of the leaf, excluding the stem.
The final dimensions will vary depending on your yarn weight, hook size, and tension.
Pattern Notes
The leaf is worked primarily from the center outward. Different stitch heights are used to form the pointed lobes.
The center section creates the foundation, while chains and tall stitches build the five main maple-leaf points.
A final edging helps sharpen the points and gives the leaf a clean, defined silhouette.
Round 1 – Create the Center
Using your chosen autumn color, make a Magic Ring.
CH 3. This counts as the first DC.
Work 11 DC into the ring.
Pull the ring closed.
Join with a SL ST to the top of the beginning CH 3.
You should now have a small circular center that will become the heart of the maple leaf.
Round 2 – Create the Main Sections
CH 3.
Work 1 DC into the same stitch.
CH 2.
Work 2 DC into the next selected stitch.
Continue around, creating groups of tall stitches separated by chain spaces.
The goal is to establish five primary sections for the five main points of the maple leaf.
Creating the First Small Side Point
SL ST into the first chain space.
Work:
SC, HDC, DC, TR.
CH 3.
SL ST into the first chain to form a small pointed picot.
Then work:
TR, DC, HDC, SC.
This creates one of the smaller outer lobes.
Create the First Large Maple Leaf Point
Move into the next chain space.
Work:
SC, HDC, DC, TR, DTR.
CH 3.
SL ST into the first chain to create the sharp tip.
Then work:
DTR, TR, DC, HDC, SC.
This section should be noticeably taller than the previous one.
Create the Center Point
The central point should be the tallest and most prominent section of the maple leaf.
Into the next designated space, work:
SC, HDC, DC, TR, 2 DTR.
CH 4.
SL ST into the first chain.
Then work:
2 DTR, TR, DC, HDC, SC.
The extra height gives the center lobe the elongated shape associated with a maple leaf.
Create the Second Large Point
Repeat the large-point sequence:
SC, HDC, DC, TR, DTR, CH 3, SL ST into first CH, DTR, TR, DC, HDC, SC.
This point should mirror the large point on the opposite side.
Create the Final Side Point
Repeat the smaller point sequence:
SC, HDC, DC, TR, CH 3, SL ST into first CH, TR, DC, HDC, SC.
You should now see the basic five-lobed maple-leaf silhouette.
Shape the Lower Leaf Sections
Work several SC and SL ST stitches around the lower edges to create the smaller pointed sections near the base of the leaf.
Use short chains followed by SC, HDC, and DC stitches to create additional angular details.
Keep both sides approximately symmetrical.
Define the Maple Leaf Points
Work one final edging around the leaf.
Use SC along the sides of each lobe.
At each major tip, work:
SC, CH 2, SC.
At the valleys between the lobes, use a SL ST or tightly worked SC.
This combination emphasizes the peaks and valleys and gives the crochet leaf its distinctive shape.
Crochet the Stem
When you reach the bottom center of the leaf, do not fasten off.
CH approximately 12–18, depending on your preferred stem length.
Starting in the second chain from the hook, SL ST back along the entire chain.
Join the stem back to the bottom of the leaf with a SL ST.
Fasten off and weave in the yarn tail.
Alternative Thicker Stem
For a more substantial stem, CH 15.
Starting in the second chain from the hook, work SC in each chain.
SL ST back into the base of the leaf and fasten off.
This creates a thicker stem that works particularly well for larger decorative leaves.
Blocking the Crochet Maple Leaf
Blocking is one of the most important finishing steps for this pattern.
Lightly dampen the finished leaf and place it on a blocking mat.
Pin the center first.
Next, gently stretch and pin the central point.
Pin the two large side points, followed by the smaller outer points.
Finally, straighten the stem.
Allow the leaf to dry completely before removing the pins.
How to Make Sharper Leaf Points
If you want dramatic, well-defined maple-leaf tips, make the final chain picot slightly longer.
For example, use CH 4 instead of CH 3 on the central point.
Blocking the finished motif carefully will also make a significant difference.
Optional Fabric Stiffening
If the leaves will be used as hanging decorations, garlands, wreath embellishments, or gift toppers, you can apply a small amount of fabric stiffener.
Apply it lightly, shape the leaf, pin every point into position, and allow it to dry completely.
Avoid excessive stiffener because you still want the crochet texture to remain visible.
Burgundy Crochet Maple Leaf
Deep burgundy creates a rich and elegant autumn leaf. It looks especially beautiful when combined with natural cream, mustard yellow, and burnt orange decorations.
This color is ideal for sophisticated fall tablescapes and Thanksgiving décor.
Mustard Yellow Maple Leaf
Mustard or golden-yellow yarn creates the appearance of a bright autumn leaf at peak color.
Combine it with burgundy and orange leaves for a realistic seasonal palette.
Burnt Orange Maple Leaf
Burnt orange is one of the most recognizable fall colors and works beautifully for crochet leaf garlands, table runners, wreaths, and seasonal centerpieces.
Forest Green Version
Not every autumn leaf needs to be orange or red.
Adding a few olive or forest-green leaves to your collection creates a more natural transition from late summer into fall.
Create an Autumn Leaf Collection
Make several leaves using the same pattern in different colors.
A beautiful coordinated palette could include:
- 2 burgundy leaves
- 2 burnt-orange leaves
- 2 mustard-yellow leaves
- 2 olive-green leaves
- 1 warm cream leaf
Arrange them together to create a handmade autumn display.
Crochet Maple Leaf Garland
Make approximately 8–12 leaves.
Crochet a long chain using brown, beige, or cream yarn.
Attach the leaves approximately 5–8 inches apart.
Hang the finished garland across a fireplace mantel, window, staircase, shelf, or doorway.
Autumn Table Decoration
Scatter several crochet maple leaves along the center of your dining table.
Combine them with small pumpkins, pinecones, dried flowers, candles, and natural wood accessories.
The crochet texture adds warmth without making the table arrangement feel overly complicated.
Create a Crochet Autumn Table Runner
You can also sew individual maple leaves onto a simple crochet or fabric table runner.
Arrange the leaves along the edges or create a flowing vine-like composition through the center.
Mix different sizes and colors for a more natural look.
Make Crochet Coasters
Use thicker cotton yarn and a slightly larger hook to create sturdy maple-leaf coasters.
Block each leaf carefully so it lies completely flat.
A set of four or six autumn-colored leaves makes a beautiful seasonal gift.
Thanksgiving Place Settings
Create one small crochet leaf for each guest.
Place the leaf on top of a folded napkin or dinner plate.
You can also attach a small paper name tag to the stem and use the crochet leaves as reusable Thanksgiving place cards.
Autumn Wreath Decoration
Make several maple leaves in burgundy, orange, mustard, cream, and olive green.
Attach them around a grapevine or simple yarn-covered wreath.
Add pinecones, berries, dried flowers, or a natural linen bow to complete the design.
Use Crochet Leaves as Gift Toppers
Wrap gifts in kraft paper and natural twine.
Attach one crochet maple leaf underneath the bow.
The leaf becomes part of the gift and can later be reused as seasonal décor.
Turn the Leaf Into a Hanging Ornament
Instead of finishing after the stem, add a small chain loop at the top or base.
The leaf can then be hung from an autumn branch arrangement, wreath, seasonal tree, or decorative hook.
Make a Crochet Leaf Mobile
Crochet leaves in several sizes and colors.
Hang them from a natural wooden branch using neutral cotton thread.
Vary the hanging heights to create a soft cascading autumn display.
Use the Pattern for Scrap Yarn
Because each maple leaf requires relatively little yarn, this is an excellent project for leftover yarn from larger crochet projects.
Small amounts of red, orange, green, yellow, brown, and cream yarn can quickly become a coordinated autumn decoration set.
Choosing the Best Yarn
Cotton yarn is particularly suitable for decorative leaves because it provides excellent stitch definition and responds well to blocking.
Mercerized cotton produces sharper details, while regular cotton creates a softer and more rustic appearance.
Acrylic yarn can also be used, especially for garlands and decorations that do not need to remain perfectly flat.
Adjusting the Size
To make smaller leaves, use fingering-weight yarn with a 2.0–2.5 mm crochet hook.
For larger statement leaves, use worsted or chunky yarn with an appropriately sized hook.
You can combine several sizes in the same decorative arrangement for a more organic appearance.
Tips for a Neat Finished Leaf
Keep your center stitches relatively firm so the middle does not become loose.
Relax your tension slightly when working the taller stitches in the points.
Count the stitches carefully so the two sides remain balanced.
Do not worry if the leaf looks slightly curled immediately after crocheting. Careful blocking will help define the final shape.
Care Instructions
For cotton crochet leaves, gently hand wash in cool or lukewarm water using mild detergent.
Press out excess moisture with a clean towel without twisting the crochet.
Reshape and block the leaf while damp.
Allow it to dry completely before storing or displaying.
Final Thoughts
This free crochet maple leaf pattern is a versatile seasonal project that can be completed in many beautiful autumn colors. The pointed lobes and textured stitches create a recognizable maple-leaf silhouette while still keeping the project small and enjoyable.
Make one burgundy leaf as a simple decoration or crochet an entire collection in rust, mustard, orange, cream, brown, and green. Use them for fall garlands, Thanksgiving tables, wreaths, coasters, gift toppers, or a beautiful handmade autumn table runner.