Easy Crochet Leaf Pattern (Free Printable)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.This beginner-friendly crochet leaf pattern works up fast and looks gorgeous in fall table decor, garlands, wreaths, bouquets, and as an applique on hats, blankets, and more.
The leaf has a unique shape with rounded points that show off the natural beauty of your stitches.
The instructions use US crochet terms and include tips for making the leaf in various sizes.
Before You Get Started
A few quick notes to set you up for success:
- This is a basic leaf pattern worked around a foundation chain, then edged to create the points (veins).
- Work loosely and evenly—tight tension can distort the points.
- Leave a long tail at the end so you can sew your leaf onto home decor items (such as pumpkins, garlands, wreaths, or napkin rings) or incorporate it into a bouquet/floral arrangement.
- Abbreviations use US crochet terms (see chart below).
Tools & Materials
- Yarn: Small amounts of DK (Light 3) or worsted weight yarn (Medium 4). Scraps are perfect.
- Crochet hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4) crochet hook and/or 4.0 mm (US G/6) mm hook.
- Notions: Stitch marker, yarn/darning needle, scissors.
Tip: Different yarn weights/hooks = various sizes with the same pattern. See “Size & Yarn Options.”
Abbreviations (US)
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- rem – remaining
- rep – repeat
- st(s) – stitch(es)
Gauge & Notes
- Gauge: ~18 sc sts = 4″ (10 cm) in DK (not critical for this project).
- You’ll start in the 2nd ch from the hook, work down the first side of the chain, place multiple stitches in the last ch to turn, then mirror the sequence up the other side.
Free Crochet Leaf Pattern (Step-By-Step)
Hook & Yarn Used in Sample: 4.0 mm (US G/6) with DK yarn
Foundation
- Ch 20.
- Round 1 – Down first side of chain (start in 2nd ch from hook):
- 4 sc, 4 hdc, 5 dc, 5 tr.
- Tip turn: In the last ch, work 8 tr to curve around the tip.
- Round 1 – Up the second side (in the rem loops of the foundation chain):
- 5 tr, 5 dc, 4 hdc, 4 sc; sl st to the base to close Round 1.
Edging (creates the points)
Work the following steadily around.
Read it one step at a time—each “next st” is the stitch immediately ahead.
Round 2 – Down one side
- hdc in 1st sc of Round 1, skip 1 st.
- In next st: (3 dc, ch 3, sl st) – small point.
- sl st in next st, sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next.
- In next st: (3 tr, ch 4, sl st) – large point.
- sl st in next st, sc in next, hdc in next.
- 3 dc across next 3 sts.
- In next st: (3 tr, ch 4, sl st) – large point.
- sl st in next st, hdc in next.
- In next st: (2 tr, ch 4, sl st) – medium point.
- sl st in next st.
- In next st: (hdc, dc, tr) – begin the very tip.
Round 2 – Up the other side (mirror back)
12) In next st: (tr, dc, hdc), sl st in next st.
13) In next st: (sl st, ch 4, 2 tr) – medium point.
14) dc in next, hdc in next, sc in next, sl st in next.
15) In next st: (sl st, ch 4, 3 tr) – large point.
16) 3 dc across next 3 sts, hdc in next, sc in next, sl st in next.
17) In next st: (sl st, ch 4, 3 tr) – large point.
18) dc in next, hdc in next, sc in next, sl st in next.
19) In next st: (sl st, ch 3, 3 dc) – small point.
20) Skip 1 st, hdc in next, sl st in the last sl st of Round 1.
Stem
- Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next 3 ch; sl st to the leaf to secure.
- Fasten off; weave in ends (leave a long tail if sewing to a project).
That’s it—happy crocheting!
You’ve made a crisp, sculpted leaf with beautiful points and a neat stem.
Related Post: Crochet Acorn Garland Free Pattern
Size & Yarn Options (Various Sizes)
- Smaller leaf: Use lighter yarn (sport/cotton) and a 3.0–3.5 mm hook.
- Larger leaf: Use worsted weight yarn (or bulky) and a 4.5–5.5 mm hook.
- Super quick tweak: For a shorter leaf, start with ch 16–18 and keep the same stitch order (just work fewer repeats before the tip).
- Block lightly with steam to open the points and enhance the unique design.
Ways to Use Your Leaves (Inspiration)
- Garlands & wreaths: Mix leaves with mini pumpkins, pine cones, and fairy lights.
- Table decor: Scatter across runners, tie around napkins, or cluster in bowls.
- Applique: Stitch onto blankets, scarves, or tote bags for a “yarn garden” vibe.
- Bouquet & floral arrangements: Pair with crochet flowers (try a sunflower or crochet flower) for a forever-fresh centerpiece.
- Lucky clovers: Make 4 small leaves and stitch tips together for four-leaf clovers/leaf clover motifs.
- Pumpkin accents: Add a leaf and stem to any amigurumi pumpkin.
FAQs & Tips
Q: Can I use other stitches?
A: Yes—swap a few dc for hdc to soften the edges, or add extra tr for a sharper point.
Q: My points look wavy. Help?
A: Try one fewer chain in the picot (e.g., ch 3 → ch 2) or block gently.
Q: Which side is “right”?
A: The edging round defines the “right side,” but choose whichever you prefer—consistency matters more.
Q: Are these truly beginner-friendly?
A: If you’re comfortable with sc, hdc, dc, tr, and sl st, this is an easy pattern. Place a marker at the tip if you lose track.
Can you share your work with us?
I love seeing your finished projects on social media.
If you enjoyed making the leaves, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, tag me @handylittleme.
I’d love to see your work!
Free Printable
Want to keep this tutorial handy while you crochet? Grab the free printable version of the pattern below!
Whether you’re curled up on the couch or taking your project on the go, this easy-to-follow card makes it simple to work through each round at your own pace.
*For personal use only.
Leaf Crochet Pattern
This beginner-friendly crochet leaf pattern uses US crochet terms. Start in the 2nd ch, work sc/hdc/dc/tr down and back up the chain, then add a slip-stitch stem. Great for garlands, wreaths, and blanket appliqué.
Materials
- Yarn: Small amounts of DK (Light 3) or worsted weight yarn (Medium 4).
- Scraps are perfect.
Tools
- Crochet hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4) crochet hook and/or 4.0 mm (US G/6) mm hook.
- Notions: Stitch marker, yarn/darning needle, scissors.
Instructions
Free Crochet Leaf Pattern (Step-By-Step)
Hook & Yarn Used in Sample: 4.0 mm (US G/6) with DK yarn
Foundation
- Ch 20.
- Round 1 – Down first side of chain (start in 2nd ch from hook):
- 4 sc, 4 hdc, 5 dc, 5 tr.
- Tip turn: In the last ch, work 8 tr to curve around the tip.
- Round 1 – Up the second side (in the rem loops of the foundation chain):
- 5 tr, 5 dc, 4 hdc, 4 sc; sl st to the base to close Round 1.
Edging (creates the points)
Work the following steadily around.
Read it one step at a time—each “next st” is the stitch immediately ahead.
Round 2 – Down one side
- hdc in 1st sc of Round 1, skip 1 st.
- In next st: (3 dc, ch 3, sl st) – small point.
- sl st in next st, sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next.
- In next st: (3 tr, ch 4, sl st) – large point.
- sl st in next st, sc in next, hdc in next.
- 3 dc across next 3 sts.
- In next st: (3 tr, ch 4, sl st) – large point.
- sl st in next st, hdc in next.
- In next st: (2 tr, ch 4, sl st) – medium point.
- sl st in next st.
- In next st: (hdc, dc, tr) – begin the very tip.
Round 2 – Up the other side (mirror back)
12) In next st: (tr, dc, hdc), sl st in next st.
13) In next st: (sl st, ch 4, 2 tr) – medium point
14) dc in next, hdc in next, sc in next, sl st in next.
15) In next st: (sl st, ch 4, 3 tr) – large point.
16) 3 dc across next 3 sts, hdc in next, sc in next, sl st in next.
17) In next st: (sl st, ch 4, 3 tr) – large point.
18) dc in next, hdc in next, sc in next, sl st in next.
19) In next st: (sl st, ch 3, 3 dc) – small point.
20) Skip 1 st, hdc in next, sl st in the last sl st of Round 1.
Stem
- Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next 3 ch; sl st to the leaf to secure.
- Fasten off; weave in ends (leave a long tail if sewing to a project).
That’s it—happy crocheting!
You’ve made a crisp, sculpted leaf with beautiful points and a neat stem.
Notes
Abbreviations (US)
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- rem – remaining
- rep – repeat
- st(s) – stitch(es)
Gauge & Notes
- Gauge: ~18 sc sts = 4" (10 cm) in DK (not critical for this project).
- You’ll start in the 2nd ch from the hook, work down the first side of the chain, place multiple stitches in the last ch to turn, then mirror the sequence up the other side.
Size & Yarn Options (Various Sizes)
- Smaller leaf: Use lighter yarn (sport/cotton) and a 3.0–3.5 mm hook.
- Larger leaf: Use worsted weight yarn (or bulky) and a 4.5–5.5 mm hook.
- Super quick tweak: For a shorter leaf, start with ch 16–18 and keep the same stitch order (just work fewer repeats before the tip).
- Block lightly with steam to open the points and enhance the unique design.
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