12 Free Knit and Crochet Leaf Patterns

Now that Fall is here and we are thinking about our Thanksgiving holiday I wanted to share with you some cute leaf patterns that I found. They would be perfect for decorations in your own house or as a host gift for whomever you are sharing the holiday with.

12 FREE Leaf Theme Knit and Crochet Patterns

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12 FREE Leaf Patterns in Knit and Crochet

Leaf Patterns:

Woman seated on a couch, wrapped in a colorful crocheted throw with textured stitches in orange, blue, brown, and gray.Caring Comfort Crochet Throw

Designed By: Jessie Rayot

Download the Caring Comfort Crochet Throw

Materials:


Lacy brown and blue shawl with leaf motifs, draped over a woman's shoulders, displayed against a colorful wall.Falling Leaves Shawl

Designed By: Renee Rodgers

Download the Falling Leaves Shawl Pattern

Materials:


Crocheted autumn leaves wreath featuring orange, green, and yellow leaves on a striped base.Autumn Leaves Wreath

Designed By: Michele Wilcox

Download the Autumn Leaves Wreath Pattern

Materials:

  • Red Heart® Super Saver®: 1 skein each 256 Carrot A, 624 Tea Leaf B, 254 Pumpkin C, 320 Cornmeal D, 365 Coffee E, 947 Marrakesh F, 321 Gold G and 336 Warm Brown H (947 Marrakesh is DISCONTINUED)
  • Susan Bates® Crochet hook: 4mm [US G-6]
  • 12″ (30½ cm) straw wreath; stuffing; glue gun

Red maple leaf scrubbing cloth next to a plate of waffles topped with syrup and raspberries on a granite countertop.Maple Leaf Scrubby

Designed By: Salena Baca

Download the Maple Leaf Scrubby Pattern

Materials:


Gray knit mittens with red maple leaf design and striped cuffs, resting on a rustic wooden background.Maple Leaf Mittens

Designed By: Cathy Payson

Download the Maple Leaf Mittens Pattern

Materials:


Colorful crochet leaves in red, orange, yellow, and purple, strung together as a fall banner.Fall Leafy Banner

Designed By: Jennifer Pionk

Download the Fall Leafy Banner Pattern

Materials:


Crocheted autumn maple leaves in tan, golden yellow, and orange, arranged on a rustic wooden background.Fall Maple Leaves

Designed By: The Painted Hinge Farmhouse

Materials:


Crochet leaf pattern in various shades of green, arranged around a wooden crochet hook.Crochet Leaf Pattern

Designed by: Repeat Crafter Me

Download the Crochet Leaf Pattern

Materials:


Lace-knit cowl in light gray, featuring delicate floral patterns, worn around the neck by a smiling person.Fir Trees Cowl

Designed By: Marly Bird

Download the Fir Trees Cowl Pattern


Cozy gray and black knitted socks with a maple leaf design, worn with jeans, perfect for reading.Maple Leaf Reading Socks

Designed By: Americo Original Design Team

Download the Maple Leaf Reading Socks Pattern

Materials:

  • 1 skein of Americo Eco Alpaca DK (100% Superfine Alpaca) 100g / 262 yards (240 m)
  • 1 skein of Americo Eco Alpaca DK (100% Superfine Alpaca) 100g / 262 yards (240 m)
  • 3 skeins of Americo Aran (50% Llama / 50% Wool) 100 g /109 yards (100 m)
  • 1 skein of Americo Aran (50% Llama / 50% Wool) 100 g /109 yards (100 m)
  • 5.5 mm (US 9) set of 4 or 5 double-pointed Needles
  • Yarn needle
  • Stitch holder

Red knitted beret hat featuring fern leaf lace stitch, worn by a smiling woman in a gray turtleneck.Fern Leaf Hat

Designed By: Mary Catherine Black

Download the Fern Leaf Hat Pattern

Materials:

  • Debbie Macomber Cashmere Fleur de Lys (90% extra fine merino, 10% cashmere; 93 yards /50 g) • 416 Courage – 2 balls
  • US Size 9 (5.5 mm) 16” circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge
  • US Size 7 (4.5 mm) 16” circular needle (or size 2 sizes smaller than larger size)
  • Tapestry needle

Small lace bag in rich purple with intricate lace stitches and a drawstring closure, resting on a wooden table.Small Lace Bag

Designed By: Hayley

Download the Small Lace Bag Pattern


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Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of leaf projects can I knit or crochet?

Beautiful botanical options! Individual leaf appliques in various shapes (oak, maple, fern, tropical). Leaf motifs worked into colorwork patterns for sweaters and accessories. Autumnal garlands of crocheted or knitted leaves in fall colors. Leaf-shaped pot holders and kitchen items. Leaf-decorated shawls and wraps. Jewelry with small crocheted leaf pendants. Botanical home decor with leaf arrangements. The 12 patterns here span these uses in both knit and crochet, from simple beginner leaves to more detailed botanical designs.

What are the basic steps to crochet a simple leaf?

A basic crochet leaf starts with a foundation chain, then works into both sides of that chain (one side for each half of the leaf), builds height along the center to create the midrib, and ends with a slip stitch join at the base. The exact stitch sequence creates the characteristic leaf shape with a pointed tip and rounded base. Single crochet along the edges and taller stitches in the center create the characteristic leaf profile. Start with a smaller leaf in contrasting yarn to practice before working one to attach to an actual project.

What yarn colors work for botanical leaf projects?

Naturalistic greens are the obvious choice… but don’t stop there! Autumn leaf projects in burnt orange, rusty red, golden yellow, and brown are gorgeous for fall decor. Spring leaves in fresh bright greens. Tropical leaves in deep jewel-toned greens. Silver and grey for a sophisticated metallic leaf. Variegated yarn that transitions through green shades creates beautiful organic-looking leaves. And completely fantastical colors… purple leaves, teal leaves, rainbow leaves… work for whimsical applications. Let the intended use and your aesthetic guide the color choice.

What are leaf motifs most commonly used for?

Applique is the most versatile use! Crochet leaf appliques on hats, bags, cardigans, baby items, and home goods add a botanical touch that’s instantly charming. Garland of autumn leaves as seasonal home decor. Coordinating leaf motifs worked into a larger project like a shawl border. Leaf-shaped potholders and coasters for nature-themed kitchen decor. Botanical wreaths combining crocheted leaves with other elements. Gift embellishments instead of bows. And standalone decorative pieces… a beautiful bowl of handmade autumn leaves is a lovely seasonal decoration.

Are leaf patterns good for using up leftover yarn?

Perfect! Individual leaf appliques use tiny amounts of yarn… perfect for those scraps that aren’t enough for anything else but too pretty to throw away. A collection of leaves in different shades of green and autumn colors from various project leftovers creates a beautiful organic mix when arranged together. Making leaves is a wonderful way to keep yarn scraps productive and preserve the memory of past projects in small but beautiful new forms. Your leaves could become ornaments, garlands, or gift embellishments for years to come.

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The One and Only, Marly

Marly is a knitwear and crochet designer (and yarn addict) that is here to help you learn how to knit and crochet in a way that's fun and approachable.

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