Sweet autumn hair clips made from the tiniest bits of yarn are a wonderful way to bring handmade warmth to your accessories. Each leaf is worked around a short chain with stitches that grow taller to the middle and shorter again, giving a natural leaf shape with a center vein, then sewn onto a snap clip. Pack a trio on a card for a quick Thanksgiving gift.
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Easy
- Finished size: 3 inches (7.6 cm) long by 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) wide
- Yarn: Sport weight cotton yarn (such as Schachenmayr Catania), small scraps in rust, mustard, and olive green
- Hook: US B/1 (2.25 mm) crochet hook
- Stitches used: Chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc)
- Time to make: 30 minutes per clip
Size tips and customization options are included further down the page.
What Makes These Crochet Leaf Hair Clips Special
These crochet leaf hair clips combine simple shaping techniques with delicate surface details. By starting with a short chain and working stitches of increasing height (from single crochet up to double crochet) toward the center, then decreasing back down, you achieve an organic, symmetrical leaf silhouette without complicated shaping. A contrasting surface slip stitch creates a realistic center vein down the middle of each leaf, while sturdy snap clips ensure they stay securely in your hair.
Skill Level
- Basic crochet stitches (ch, sc, hdc, dc, sl st)
- Working into both sides of a foundation chain
- Simple embroidery/surface slip stitching
- Attaching finished crochet pieces to metal snap clips
If you can work basic stitches and follow a simple chain foundation, you can easily complete these cute fall hair clips crochet project.
Finished Measurements
- Length: 3 inches (7.6 cm)
- Width: 1.25 inches (3.2 cm)
Materials You Will Need
| Material | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Yarn A (Rust) | Sport weight cotton (approx. 50g / 125m per ball) | 5 yards (4.5 meters) |
| Yarn B (Mustard) | Sport weight cotton | 5 yards (4.5 meters) |
| Yarn C (Olive Green) | Sport weight cotton | 5 yards (4.5 meters) |
| Vein Yarn (Light Tan) | Embroidery floss or leftover sport cotton | 2 yards (1.8 meters) |
| Crochet Hook | US B/1 (2.25 mm) | 1 hook |
| Notions | Metal snap hair clips (2 inch / 5 cm size), tapestry needle, sewing thread matching yarn colors, scissors | As needed |
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Weight | Skein Yardage | Notes |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Schachenmayr Catania | Sport (Fine 2) | 137 yds (125 m) per 50g | 100% mercerized cotton, holds crisp stitch definition |
| Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4 | Sport (Fine 2) | 186 yds (170 m) per 50g | Wide color palette, excellent for small accessories |
| Katia Capri | Sport (Fine 2) | 136 yds (125 m) per 50g | Smooth finish with a lovely sheen |
⚠️ Note: Avoid fuzzy or acrylic yarns for these kids crochet gift clips. Cotton yarn maintains the sharp leaf edges and prevents fuzziness over time.
Gauge
- 24 sts x 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet using a US B/1 (2.25 mm) hook. Gauge is not critical for this scrap-busting project, but maintaining tight, even tension ensures your leaves hold their shape.
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rep | repeat |
| Rnd / Row | Round or Row |
| BLO | back loop only |
| RS | right side |
UK terms equivalent: sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr.
Special Stitches Explained
- Working Around a Foundation Chain: You will work down one side of the chain, make a tip increase, and then work along the opposite side of the chain loops to create a symmetrical leaf base.
Pattern Instructions
💡 Designer Tip: Make a set of three leaves in different fall colors (rust, mustard, olive) and mount them onto a small piece of kraft cardstock for an adorable handmade holiday gift.
Section 1: Autumn Leaf (Make desired quantity in Rust, Mustard, or Olive Green)
Row 1: Leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail for sewing, ch 11. Working in the back bumps of the chain, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 3 chs, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in next ch, work (sl st, ch 1, sl st) in the last ch of the foundation. Now, working along the opposite side of the starting chain, sl st in next ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 3 chs, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in final st. Join with a sl st to the first sl st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for attaching to the clip. (22 sts)
Section 2: Center Vein Embroidery
Step 1: Thread your tapestry needle with the Light Tan vein yarn (or embroidery floss).
Step 2: Starting from the base of the leaf, bring your needle up through the center right between the left and right sides of the leaf.
Step 3: Work a series of straight stitches or a surface chain stitch straight up the middle of the leaf to the tip, mimicking a natural leaf vein. Secure tightly at the back and weave in ends.
Section 3: Assembly
Step 1: Position your finished crocheted leaf on top of the metal snap hair clip, aligning the center vein with the middle of the clip.
Step 2: Using matching sewing thread and a sharp needle, stitch securely through the crochet stitches around the edges of the metal clip frame, taking care not to gum up the snap mechanism.
Step 3: Trim all remaining yarn tails securely on the wrong side.
Size Customization Tips
To make a slightly larger leaf for a larger barrette, start with a foundation chain of 15 instead of 11, working dc in the middle 5 stitches instead of 3. Each increase of 4 chain stitches adds approximately 0.75 inches (2 cm) to the total length of the finished leaf.
Care Instructions
Spot clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not submerge metal hair clips in water for prolonged periods to prevent rusting. Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight.
FAQ
Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?
While you can use acrylic, 100% mercerized cotton is recommended because it provides crisp stitch definition and prevents the leaf from curling or stretching out of shape.
How do I attach the leaf securely to the metal clip?
Using regular sewing thread that matches your yarn color works best. Whipstitch tightly around the outer metal perimeter of the snap clip through the back stitches of the leaf base.
Are these hair clips safe for toddlers?
Yes, but always ensure all yarn ends are securely woven in and knots are tied tightly. For infants or children under age 3, adult supervision is recommended while wearing hair accessories.
Happy Crocheting!
I hope you enjoyed making these charming leaf hair clips! They are such a satisfying quick crochet project for autumn and Thanksgiving gift-giving. Be sure to save the pin on Pinterest for your next yarn shopping trip, and leave a comment below to let me know which fall colors you chose for your leaves!
📄 Your free PDF pattern