This autumn centerpiece layers dimensional maple leaves, acorns, berries, and small green leaves over an elongated cream lace base with a rust scalloped border. The motifs are sewn only at structural points so the leaves retain their texture.
This pattern has been mathematically reviewed, but the finished design has not yet been physically sample-tested. Check measurements and hardware before gifting or display.
Project details
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Yarn Weight: DK cotton
- Hook Size: 3.5 mm
- Finished Size: about 14 × 36 in / 36 × 91 cm
- Terminology: US
Materials
- DK cotton: 500 yd cream, 120 yd rust, and 40–60 yd each mustard, orange, burgundy, olive and brown
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
- Rustproof pins and blocking mat
- A small amount of stuffing for acorns
Gauge and sizing
One large blocked maple leaf measures about 5 in / 12.5 cm across; 18 dc in the lace base measure 4 in / 10 cm.
Abbreviations and special stitch
US terms: ch = chain; sl st = slip stitch; sc = single crochet; hdc = half double crochet; dc = double crochet; tr = treble crochet; inc = increase; dec = decrease.
Leaf point: work sc, hdc, dc, ch 2, sl st in the second chain, dc, hdc, sc into the indicated arch.
Pattern instructions
Oval lace base
Ch 73. Work around both sides of the chain: dc in the fourth chain and in each chain to the final chain, 7 dc in the end chain, dc back along the opposite side, and 6 dc in the first chain space; join. Continue 8 openwork rounds, placing increases evenly around both curved ends so the base lies flat. Finish with a rust scallop of 5 dc in one space, skip one space, sc in the next.
Maple leaf motif
Make a magic ring and work 10 sc. (10 sts) Round 2: work 2 sc in each stitch. (20 sts) Round 3: repeat sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch around. (30 sts) Form five lobes over the next round using graduated sc, hdc, dc and treble stitches, with a ch-2 picot at each point. Slip stitch back through 7 chains to form the stem.
Make 5 large leaves, 6 medium leaves and 6 small leaves in rust, orange, mustard, burgundy and olive. For a medium leaf omit the outer treble pair; for a small leaf omit both outer treble pairs.
Acorns and berries
For each acorn, work a 6-sc ring, increase to 12, work 4 rounds even, stuff lightly, and decrease closed. Crochet the cap separately in dark brown and sew it over the top. Make berry clusters from three 6-sc balls.
Assembly and finishing
Block the base and every leaf before assembly. Arrange the largest leaves first, then fill gaps with smaller leaves, acorns, berries and green leaves. Sew each motif at its center, stem, and two outer points so the edges remain dimensional. Physical table-use testing and laundering remain pending.
Blocking and care
Weave each end through several adjacent stitches. Block with rustproof pins, following the yarn label. Spot clean decorative hardware and reshape the crochet before air drying.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the yarn?
Yes, but make a gauge swatch and keep all components in the same yarn weight. A heavier yarn changes the finished scale and hardware requirements.
Can I sell finished pieces?
You may sell small quantities of finished pieces made from this pattern. Credit Tenderecipe as the pattern source; do not redistribute the written instructions.
