🍃 CROCHET LEAF COASTER/APPLIQUE — FREE PATTERN FOR BEGINNERS
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Finished Size (approximate):
- Length: 10-11 cm (4-4.3 inches) from stem to tip
- Width: 9-10 cm (3.5-4 inches) at widest point
- Thickness: ~3-4 mm
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
📦 MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn (main — sage green) | Cotton yarn, DK weight (8 ply), ~20-25g / 50-60m — sage green, dusty mint, or eucalyptus |
| Crochet hook | 3.5 mm (US E/4) |
| Stitch markers | 2-3 pieces (optional but helpful) |
| Yarn needle | For weaving in ends |
| Scissors | — |
Recommended Yarn Brands:
- Drops Paris
- Scheepjes Catona
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
- Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8
- Paintbox Cotton DK
📖 ABBREVIATIONS GUIDE:
Before we begin, here are all the abbreviations used in this pattern with full explanations:
| Abbreviation | Full Term | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| ch | chain | Basic foundation stitch — yarn over, pull through loop |
| sc | single crochet | Insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops |
| hdc | half double crochet | Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops |
| dc | double crochet | Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through (3 loops), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through last 2 loops |
| tr | treble crochet | Yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over, pull through, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 3 times |
| sl st | slip stitch | Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch AND loop on hook |
| inc | increase | Work 2 stitches into the same stitch |
| ch-sp | chain space | The space created by a chain stitch |
| st(s) | stitch(es) | — |
| BLO | back loop only | Work only in the back loop of the stitch |
| FO | fasten off | Cut yarn and secure |
🍃 CROCHET LEAF PATTERN
This leaf features a central vein detail and scalloped edges for a realistic look.
FOUNDATION:
Ch 15 — this will be the center vein of your leaf.
FIRST SIDE OF LEAF:
Row 1 (Right Side): Starting in 2nd ch from hook:
- Sl st in 1st ch
- Sc in next 2 ch
- Hdc in next 3 ch
- Dc in next 4 ch
- Tr in next 2 ch
- (Tr, 3 dc, tr) all in last ch — this creates the leaf tip
Do NOT turn. You will now continue working down the opposite side of the foundation chain.
SECOND SIDE OF LEAF (continuing in same round):
Working along the opposite side of the foundation chain:
- Tr in next 2 ch
- Dc in next 4 ch
- Hdc in next 3 ch
- Sc in next 2 ch
- Sl st in last ch
You should now be back at the beginning (stem end).
STEM:
Ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each of next 6 ch back to leaf base, sl st into base of leaf.
FO, weave in ends.
OPTIONAL: SCALLOPED EDGE VARIATION
For a more decorative edge, you can add a scalloped border:
Join yarn at stem base.
Rnd 1:
- Sc evenly around entire leaf edge
- At the tip, work 3 sc into the center dc for smooth shaping
- Sl st to join
Rnd 2 (Scallops):
- Skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st (shell made), skip 1 st, sl st in next st
- Repeat * around entire leaf
- Adjust spacing as needed for even scallops
FO, weave in ends.
ADDING CENTER VEIN DETAIL (as shown in photo):
Using the same yarn and needle:
- Thread yarn needle with ~40cm of yarn
- Insert needle at stem base, coming up at center of leaf
- Make long straight stitches from center to outer edge, creating vein lines
- Work 4-5 veins on each side, angling from center rib toward edges
- Secure and weave in ends on back
Tip: Use the foundation chain as your guide — each vein extends from a chain stitch outward.
💡 TIPS FOR BEGINNERS:
✅ Keep consistent tension — not too tight or the leaf will curl
✅ Count your stitches in the foundation chain carefully
✅ Block with steam — pin the leaf flat and steam lightly for a professional finish
✅ Use stitch markers at the tip to track where to work your increases
✅ Practice the foundation chain&— this is the "spine" of your leaf
✅ Don't pull tight on vein embroidery — keep it loose for texture without puckering
✨ VARIATIONS:
🍂 Autumn Leaf: Use rust, burnt orange, or mustard yellow yarn
🌿 Spring Leaf: Use lime green or bright apple green
🍁 Variegated: Use self-striping or gradient yarn for natural color variation
📏 Size adjustments:
- Smaller leaf: Use ch 12 and 2.5mm hook
- Larger leaf: Use ch 18 and 4.0mm hook
🎨 PROJECT IDEAS:
- Coasters (make 4-6)
- Table runner (join multiple leaves)
- Applique for bags, clothing, pillows
- Bookmark
- Gift tags
- Wall hanging (frame or mobile)
- Garland (string multiple leaves together)
Congratulations! Your beautiful leaf is complete! 🍃
A little calm, a little beauty — from my screen to yours 🌷 krismicrostocker