by Bring the beauty of nature into your home with this Crocheted Sycamore Leaf Coaster — a unique, eye-catching piece inspired by the broad, lobed leaves of the majestic sycamore tree. Whether you’re setting your autumn table, adding rustic décor to your living space, or gifting something handmade, this leaf-shaped coaster is the perfect blend of functional and artistic.
This project is ideal for intermediate crocheters, but adventurous beginners can also enjoy it with a little patience and care.
🧶 Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in natural tones (e.g., tan, olive green, golden brown) Cotton is recommended for coasters due to its absorbency and heat resistance.
- Hook: 4.0 mm or size recommended on your yarn label
- Tapestry needle for sewing ends
- Scissors
- Blocking pins (optional)
- Measuring tape
🍁 Skills Required
- Magic ring
- Chain (ch)
- Single crochet (sc)
- Half double crochet (hdc)
- Double crochet (dc)
- Treble crochet (tr)
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Increases and decreases
- Working in rows and rounds
📏 Finished Size
Approximately 5–6 inches wide by 6–7 inches long including the stem (adjustable with yarn and hook size).
🍃 Pattern Overview
The sycamore leaf shape is achieved by working a central spine, adding lobes on each side with varied stitches, and finishing with a stem. The final piece is flat enough to serve as a coaster but with enough detail to showcase the natural leaf structure.
🧵 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Central Spine (Foundation Chain)
- Ch 17 (this will be the center vein of the leaf).
- Work back across the chain as follows:
- Sc in 2nd ch from hook
- Sc in next 4 ch
- Hdc in next 4 ch
- Dc in next 5 ch
- Tr in last 2 ch
- Fasten off and weave in the starting tail.
✅ You now have the central backbone of the sycamore leaf.
🔸 Step 2: First Side of Leaf Lobes
You’ll now build lobes on one side of the spine, working into the side loops of the foundation stitches.
- Join yarn at the base (beginning ch of spine).
- Work the following across the left side of the spine:
- (sc, hdc, dc) in the first 2 stitches
- (dc, tr, ch 2, sl st into top of tr) to form first lobe
- (sc, hdc) to round out between lobes
- (dc, tr, ch 3, sl st into top of tr) for second lobe
- (hdc, sc) to transition
- (dc, dc, ch 2, sl st) for upper lobe
- Sl st into the very tip (last tr at the top of spine)
🔸 Step 3: Second Side of Leaf Lobes
Repeat the same process mirrored on the other side of the spine. Join yarn at base and work your way up, reversing the stitch structure:
- (sc, hdc, dc) for bottom
- (dc, tr, ch 2, sl st into tr) for first lobe
- (sc, hdc) in between
- (dc, tr, ch 3, sl st) for larger center lobe
- (hdc, sc) then upper small lobe (dc, dc, ch 2, sl st)
- Sl st into the same tip of the spine to finish
🔸 Step 4: Stem
- From the base of the spine, join yarn to the first ch.
- Ch 10, then work back:
- Sc in each ch down to the base
- Sl st to secure and fasten off.
- Weave in all ends neatly.
🧼 Finishing Touches
Optional: Blocking
To sharpen the shape and smooth the curves:
- Dampen the leaf slightly.
- Pin each lobe into shape on a blocking board.
- Let it dry fully before using.
🌟 Customization Tips
- Color choices: Use variegated yarn for natural-looking leaves or solid fall tones for an autumn aesthetic.
- Edge detailing: Add crab stitch (reverse sc) around the edge for a rustic, finished look.
- Leaf veins: Surface crochet or embroidery with contrasting thread to highlight veins.
- Join multiple leaves to create a table runner or wall hanging.
🪴 Creative Uses
- Coasters for mugs, jars, or plant pots
- Seasonal table settings
- Appliqués for pillows, bags, or garments
- Wall art or garland for fall decor
- Handmade gifts or gift tags
Video tutorial:
✅ Final Thoughts
The Crocheted Sycamore Leaf Coaster is a charming and practical way to bring nature into your home. It’s a small, satisfying project with big visual impact—and once you make one, you’ll want a whole forest of them!
Use them year-round or bring them out during autumn for cozy, rustic vibes. With endless possibilities for colors and embellishments, each leaf you create will be uniquely your own.
