Fall brings some of my favorite cozy reading moments, and there is nothing quite like opening a good book to a handmade touch of autumn. This little crochet maple leaf bookmark is designed to peek right out of your pages with its lovely pointed lobes and charming wooden bead dangling from a long chain tail. It works up in just a few minutes using basic stitches and makes a thoughtful gift for book club friends, teachers, or yourself.
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Easy beginner-friendly
- Finished size: Leaf is approx. 3.5 inches (9 cm) wide by 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall; total length with chain is 11 inches (28 cm)
- Yarn: Sport or light DK weight 100% cotton yarn (approx. 15 yards / 14 meters per bookmark)
- Hook: 2.5 mm (US B/1 or C/2) crochet hook
- Stitches used: ch, sl st, sc, hdc, dc, tr
- Time to make: 30 to 45 minutes
Size customization tips are included further down the page so you can adjust your bookmark length easily.
What Makes This Crochet Maple Leaf Bookmark Special
This design relies on clever shaping within a single round of mixed tall stitches to create the distinct pointed lobes of a sugar maple leaf without complicated sewing. The sturdy cotton yarn keeps the leaf crisp and flat so it rests gently between book pages without adding unwanted bulk. A simple long chain tail finished with a natural wooden bead adds a polished, rustic touch that hangs gracefully from the bottom of your closed book.
Skill Level
- Required skills: Working into a foundation chain, basic stitches (sc, hdc, dc, tr), working in rows and rounds, slip stitch joins.
- If you know how to make a basic slip knot and chain, you are ready to stitch this adorable fall gift!
Finished Measurements
| Measurement | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Width | 3.5 in | 9.0 cm |
| Leaf Height | 3.0 in | 7.5 cm |
| Total Length (including stem/tail) | 11.0 in | 28.0 cm |
Materials You Will Need
| Material | Detail | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Yarn (Color A – Autumn Rust) | Sport / Light DK 100% Cotton | 15 yds / 14 m |
| Yarn (Color B – Mustard Gold) | Sport / Light DK 100% Cotton | 15 yds / 14 m |
| Yarn (Color C – Forest Green) | Sport / Light DK 100% Cotton | 15 yds / 14 m |
| Crochet Hook | 2.5 mm (US B/1 or C/2) | 1 hook |
| Notions | Yarn needle, scissors, wooden craft beads (10mm with large hole) | 1 bead per bookmark |
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Weight | Skein Yardage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schachenmayr Catania | Sport (Fine 2) | 137 yds (125 m) per 50g | Crisp stitch definition, vibrant non-fading colors |
| Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4 | Fingering / Sport | 185 yds (170 m) per 50g | Wide color palette, smooth 100% mercerized cotton |
| Drops Safran | Sport (Fine 2) | 175 yds (160 m) per 50g | Soft matte finish, wonderful drape |
⚠️ Note: Avoid fuzzy acrylic or mohair yarns for this project. Cotton yarn is essential here because it holds a crisp shape, lies completely flat inside books, and will not pill or transfer fuzz to your paper pages.
Gauge
- 24 sts and 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet using a 2.5 mm hook.
- Gauge is not overly critical for bookmarks, but maintaining even, slightly firm tension ensures your leaf points stay sharp.
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Term |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | treble crochet |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| sk | skip |
| rep | repeat |
| inv dec | invisible decrease |
UK terminology note: UK sc = US dc, UK hdc = US tr, UK dc = US dtr. This pattern is written in standard US terms.
Special Stitches Explained
- Picot: Ch 3, work 1 sl st into the back bump of the first ch made.
- Invisible Decrease (inv dec): Insert hook into the front loop only of the next stitch, then insert hook into the front loop only of the following stitch. Yarn over and pull through both front loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops on hook.
Pattern Instructions
Section 1: Stem and Tail Chain
Using 2.5 mm hook and chosen yarn color, leave a 6-inch tail for securing the bead later.
* Row 1: Ch 55. Slip bead onto the end of the chain, push it down near the hook, and secure with a knot (or simply work a slip knot right above the bead). Alternatively, ch 55, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across back to the base of the leaf. Fasten off.
💡 Designer Tip: If you want a longer bookmark for large heavy-duty books, simply increase your starting chain to 70 stitches.
Section 2: Maple Leaf Motif
Note: The maple leaf is worked in a continuous shaping sequence around a central small ring of chains, creating the lower base and upper lobed points.
- Round 1: Ch 6, sl st in 1st ch to form a small ring. Ch 1, work 12 sc into the ring, join with sl st to 1st sc (12 sc).
- Round 2 (Leaf Lobes & Points):
- First Point: Ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch, sk next st on ring, sl st in next st on ring.
- Second Point: Ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next 2 ch, sk next st on ring, sl st in next st on ring.
- Top Center Point: Ch 10, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, tr in next 2 ch, sk next st on ring, sl st in next st on ring. Ch 10, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, tr in next 2 ch, sk next st on ring, sl st in next st on ring..
- Third Point (Right side): Ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next 2 ch, sk next st on ring, sl st in next st on ring.
- Fourth Point: Ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch, sk next st on ring, sl st in next st on ring.
- Base fill: Sl st across remaining 2 sts of ring to complete the lower leaf base (5 leaf points created with intervening sl sts).
✅ Checkpoint: You should have 5 distinct leaf points radiating outward: two smaller side points, two medium upper-side points, and one tall center point.
Assembly and Finishing
- Attach the finished stem/tail chain securely to the bottom base of the maple leaf using your yarn needle and remaining yarn tails.
- Weave in all loose ends securely on the back side of the leaf.
- Lightly steam or block the leaf under a damp cloth with an iron on low cotton setting to keep the leaf points crisp and flat.
Size Customization Tips
- Making a wider leaf: You can scale up the hook to a 3.0 mm and use DK weight yarn for a slightly larger statement bookmark.
- Adjusting tail length: Add or subtract chains in multiples of 5 to make your tail custom-fitted to pocket-sized paperbacks or thick hardcover novels.
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in lukewarm water with mild soap. Lay flat on a clean towel to dry, pressing the leaf points into sharp shape with your fingers while damp. Do not bleach or tumble dry.
FAQ
Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?
While you can use acrylic, cotton yarn is strongly recommended because it provides the stiffness and flat profile required for a bookmark. Acrylic tends to be too springy and bulky between book pages.
How do I secure the wooden bead so it doesn’t fall off?
Slide the bead onto the end of your chain tail, tie a secure double knot tightly right beneath the bead, and dab a tiny drop of fabric glue or clear craft glue onto the knot for extra permanence.
Are these bookmarks suitable for children’s books?
Yes! They make wonderful, durable gifts for kids. Just ensure the wooden bead is securely knotted and checked if given to very young children.
Happy Crocheting!
I hope you enjoy stitching up a whole bunch of these charming autumn bookmarks for your cozy reading sessions. Be sure to save this pin on Pinterest to your favorite crochet boards, and leave a comment below letting me know which fall colors you chose for yours!
📄 Your free PDF pattern