
Bring the rich, earthy tones of autumn right to your front door with this cozy, textured fall leaf wreath. Featuring overlapping maple and oak leaves in warm shades of rust, mustard, and deep burgundy, this piece makes a stunning seasonal welcome.
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Finished size: 14 inches (35.5 cm) in diameter
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Medium #4) acrylic or wool blend
- Hook: US H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Stitches used: ch, sl st, sc, hdc, dc, tr, picot
- Time to make: 5 to 7 hours
💡 Designer Tip: Size customization tips are included further down if you want to make a larger wreath for a double door!
What Makes This Autumn Door Wreath Special
This wreath combines classic seasonal motifs with a sturdy structural base. Rather than gluing flimsy fabric leaves to a form, every single maple and oak leaf is crocheted flat using sturdy worsted weight yarn to hold its shape. The leaves are then stitched densely onto a heavily padded single crochet ring that wraps entirely around a foam wreath form. This layered approach creates wonderful depth, texture, and a high-end handmade look from every angle.
Skill Level
- Working in rows and rounds
- Basic shaping with increases and decreases
- Seaming crocheted motifs securely
- Reassurance line: If you can work basic crochet stitches and follow a simple leaf chart, you will breeze right through this project!
Finished Measurements
| Dimension | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Wreath Outer Diameter | 14.0 in | 35.5 cm |
| Wreath Inner Diameter | 7.0 in | 17.5 cm |
| Ring Thickness | 3.5 in | 9.0 cm |
| Maple Leaf (Medium) | 4.0 in x 4.0 in | 10.0 cm x 10.0 cm |
| Oak Leaf (Small) | 3.5 in x 2.5 in | 9.0 cm x 6.5 cm |
Materials You Will Need
| Material / Color | Yarn Weight / Type | Yards | Meters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rust (Color A) | Worsted / Acrylic | 120 yds | 110 m |
| Mustard (Color B) | Worsted / Acrylic | 120 yds | 110 m |
| Burgundy (Color C) | Worsted / Acrylic | 100 yds | 91 m |
| Olive Green (Color D) | Worsted / Acrylic | 90 yds | 82 m |
| Foam Wreath Base (10 inch) | Craft Foam Form, 10 in | N/A | N/A |
| Tapestry Needle & Scissors | Notions | N/A | N/A |
| Stitch Markers | Notions | N/A | N/A |
- Hook: US H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Notions: 10-inch foam wreath form, tapestry needle, sharp scissors, locking stitch markers.
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Weight | Skein Yardage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice | Worsted (4) | 170 yds / 100g | Excellent stitch definition and holds leaf points crisp |
| Caron Simply Soft | Worsted (4) | 315 yds / 170g | Smooth drape with a gentle sheen |
| Red Heart Super Saver | Worsted (4) | 364 yds / 198g | Durable, weather-resistant acrylic for outdoor display |
⚠️ Note: Avoid novelty fuzzy or brushed yarns for the leaves, as they obscure the stitch texture and make the maple leaf points disappear. Stick to smooth, tightly plied acrylics or wool blends.
Gauge
- Leaf Gauge: One Medium Maple Leaf measures approximately 4 inches (10 cm) across widest points using a US H/8 (5.0 mm) hook.
- Wreath Ring Gauge: 14 sc and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet.
Abbreviations
- beg = beginning
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- dec = decrease (sc2tog)
- hdc = half double crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same st)
- rep = repeat
- rnd = round
- RS = right side
- sc = single crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- tr = treble crochet
- WS = wrong side
- [ ] = work instructions within brackets as directed
UK Terms Translation: sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr.
Special Stitches Explained
- Picot: Ch 3, sl st in the 3rd ch from the hook.
- Invisible Decrease (inv-dec): Insert hook into front loop only of next two stitches, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops.
- Maple Point (Maple Leaf Lobe): Worked over a specified number of chains and rows to form the characteristic notched points of a sugar maple leaf.
Pattern Instructions
Pattern Notes
- Working rounds are joined with a sl st unless otherwise specified.
- Turning chains do not count as stitches unless noted.
- Make leaves in a balanced mix of Rust, Mustard, Burgundy, and Olive Green. Total requirement: 14 Maple Leaves and 12 Oak Leaves.
Section 1: Maple Leaf (Make 14 total: 4 Rust, 4 Mustard, 3 Burgundy, 3 Olive)
Row 1: Row 1: Ch 15, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next 2 ch, dc in next 3 ch, tr in next 3 ch, work (2 tr, ch 3, 2 tr) in last ch. Working along opposite side of foundation chain, tr in next 3 ch, dc in next 3 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, sc in last ch, turn. (22 sts)
Row 2: Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, [ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook – picot made], working into the ch-3 space of previous row work (2 dc, ch 5, sl st in 5th ch, 2 dc), dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in last 3 sts, turn. (26 sts plus picots)
Row 3: Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first 4 sts, hdc in next 3 sts, [ch 5, sl st in 5th ch from hook], skip next 2 sts, sc in next ch-5 space loop, [ch 5, sl st in 5th ch], skip next 2 sts, hdc in next 3 sts, sc in last 4 sts, fasten off leaving a 10-inch (25 cm) tail for sewing. (20 sts)
✅ Checkpoint: Each finished maple leaf should measure roughly 4 inches across and lie relatively flat. Steam block lightly if needed.
Section 2: Oak Leaf (Make 12 total: 3 Rust, 3 Mustard, 3 Burgundy, 3 Olive)
Row 1: Row 1: Ch 18, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, tr in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, sc in next 2 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, tr in next 2 ch, work (3 sc) in last ch. Working along opposite side of foundation chain, tr in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, sc in next 2 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, tr in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, sc in last ch, turn. (40 sts)
Row 2: Row 2: Ch 1, *sc in next 3 sts, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook (picot lobe), rep from * across to end, fasten off leaving a 10-inch (25 cm) tail for sewing.
Section 3: Padded Wreath Ring (Make 1)
Using Color D (Olive Green):
Row 1: Row 1: Ch 45, join with sl st to form a ring, taking care not to twist.
Rnds 1 to 45: Rnds 1 to 15: Sc in each st around (45 sc per round).
Note: As you work these rounds in a continuous tube, slide the tube over your 10-inch foam wreath form every 10 rounds to check the fit. Once the tube is long enough to wrap completely around the ring, seam the two open ends together using your tapestry needle. Stuff lightly with polyester fiberfill around the form if extra plumpness is desired before final closure. Fasten off.
Assembly
- Lay your padded wreath ring flat on a clean surface.
- Arrange the crocheted maple and oak leaves in clusters around the ring, overlapping the bases to completely hide the olive green foundation background. Distribute the Rust, Mustard, Burgundy, and Olive colors evenly so no single color clumps together.
- Using the 10-inch yarn tails left on each leaf, securely whipstitch the base of every leaf directly to the single crochet stitches of the padded ring. Stitch through both the leaf base and the ring core to ensure strong hold.
- Weave in all remaining loose ends on the back of the wreath. Attach a small hanging loop of yarn securely to the top back of the ring.
Size Customization Tips
- Larger Wreath: If you use a 14-inch foam ring base, increase your ring tube length proportionally (around 65 rounds) and crochet an additional 6 maple leaves and 6 oak leaves to maintain dense coverage.
- Mini Wreath: Use Sport weight yarn and a 3.5 mm hook with a 6-inch ring form for a charming miniature wall hanging.
Care Instructions
- Dust gently with a soft brush or use a hairdryer on a cool, low setting.
- Do not submerge in water unless using fully washable acrylic yarns. Spot clean stubborn marks with a damp cloth and mild soap.
FAQ
Can I use cotton yarn instead of acrylic?
Yes, cotton yarn works wonderfully and gives the leaves a crisp, matte finish. Keep in mind that cotton is heavier than acrylic, so your finished wreath will weigh slightly more.
How do I hang the wreath without damaging my door?
Use a heavy-duty over-the-door metal wreath hanger padded with felt on the contact points, or attach a sturdy adhesive command hook rated for at least 5 pounds to your door surface.
Can I spray the leaves with fabric stiffener?
You can lightly mist the back of the leaves with a fabric stiffener or spray starch if you live in a very humid climate and want extra rigidity in the leaf points.
Happy Crocheting!
I hope you love bringing this cozy slice of autumn to your doorstep. Save this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later, and drop a comment below letting me know which autumn color combination you chose for your door!
📄 Your free PDF pattern