Crochet Oak Leaf Pattern (Free) — A Rustic Autumn Leaf Appliqué
Nothing says autumn quite like an oak leaf, so I've created this free crochet oak leaf pattern to bring a little seasonal cosiness indoors. It's quick to make and also perfect for using up stash scraps. Make it in greens, golds, oranges or browns, then turn your rustic leaves into garlands, wreaths, table decorations or appliqués.
The crochet leaf is worked in just two rounds, first working around a foundation chain, then adding those wavy oak-leaves by moving between short and tall crochet stitches. It's a satisfying make for confident crocheters, and once you've got the hang of the second round, you'll want to make a whole pile of them.
FREE Pattern PDF to download and save on your own device, until Tuesday 29th September 2026. Scroll down to end of post for free pattern.
Quick Look: Free Crochet Oak Leaf Pattern
- Skill Level: Experienced.
- Construction: Worked in 2 rounds, with a built-in stem.
- Techniques Used: Chains, UK dc + htr + tr + dtr + ttr/ US sc + hdc + dc + tr + dtr.
- Time To Make: ~ 15-20 minutes.
- Yarn: Small amounts of double knitting (8-ply; light worsted weight).
- Extras: Wool needle; removable stitch marker; tiny seed beads for eyes.
- Hook: 3mm (US D/3).
- Finished Size: ~ Approx 11.5cm (4.5in) long x 5cm (2in) wide.
- Pattern Type: Flat crochet motif.
- Perfect For: Wreaths, appliqué, junk journalling, bunting embellishments, brooches, card toppers.
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Why You'll Love This Free Crochet Oak Leaf Pattern
- Just two rounds: The whole leaf, with stem included, is made in only two rounds.
- Stash-friendly: Each leaf uses only a small amount of yarn, so it's ideal for leftover DK scraps.
- No tension worries: It doesn't matter if your leaf turns out slightly larger or smaller.
- Endlessly useful: Make garlands, wreaths, table decorations, appliqués, gift tags and more.
- Easy to resize: Change your yarn weight and hook to make mini leaves or super-size ones.
- A great skill builder: It's perfect practice for tall stitches like the US double treble crochet (UK triple treble crochet).
Crochet Oak Leaf Pattern: Level of Difficulty and Why
This crochet oak leaf pattern is rated experienced because the leaf gets its shape from frequent changes in stitch height. You'll switch between different stitches within the same round to create the curved edges of the oak leaf. To enjoy making it, you should feel comfortable with:
- Working in rounds, including working along the spare loops on the opposite side of a foundation chain.
- Following a written pattern closely and counting stitches carefully, as placement matters for getting a symmetrical leaf.
- Keeping your tension consistent as you move between short and tall stitches, so the edges lie flat.
If you're newer to crochet, don't let this put you off completely, because once you've got the rhythm of it, the rest will come much more quickly.
How to Get Your Free Crochet Oak Leaf Pattern
Find the full pattern instructions written out below. You don’t need to sign up or log in because it’s free right here on the blog. The pattern is written in full using both US and UK crochet terms. US pattern is given first, which is then followed by UK pattern.
FREE Pattern PDF to download and save on your own device, until Tuesday 29th September 2026. Scroll down to end of post for free pattern.
Copyright
Please read the copyright terms, which apply globally, before using or downloading your pattern:
The contents of this page, including the pattern instructions and images, are published under copyright to me ©Lynne Rowe 2026 under my brand Knit Crochet Create® and are for your own personal use only.
You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern for charity fundraising purposes, or to gift them to family and friends, but selling small numbers for profit is only allowed with permission.
- You can email: lynne@knitcrochetcreate.com for permission.
Materials
- Yarn: Small amounts of double knitting (8-ply; light worsted weight) in any colour.
- I used Scheepjes Stonewashed, and also 4-ply (sock) yarn held together with mohair.
- Hook: 3mm (US D/3).
- Extras: Wool needle; removable stitch marker; optional spray starch to stiffen your motif (this is not essential).
Gauge or Tension
Is not critical for this project, because it doesn't matter if your oak leaf turns out a slightly different size than given below.
Finished Size Of Crochet Oak Leaf
- Approximately 11.5cm (4.5in) from tip of leaf to tip of stem, and approximately 5cm (2in) across the widest section, using double knitting (8-ply; light worsted weight) and a 3mm (US D/3) hook.
Top Tips for the Best Results
- Use your stitch marker: Mark the first stitch of each round as instructed, because it makes finding your joining stitch so much easier.
- Check your count: Make sure you have 38 stitches at the end of Round 1 before you start Round 2. Every stitch in Round 2 has its own job, so an extra or missing stitch will throw the shaping out.
- Work Round 2 in sections: The round is split into the first side, the stem and the second side. If you're using the PDF, tick off each section as you go.
- Notice the mirror image: The second side of the leaf mirrors the first, so if something looks lopsided, compare the two sides stitch by stitch.
- Block for a crisp finish: Spray your leaf with cold water and pin it flat to dry. For a firmer leaf, use spray starch.
Crochet Abbreviations US terms
- ch(s) = chain or chain stitches.
- dc = double crochet.
- dtr = double treble crochet.
- hdc = half double crochet.
- sc = single crochet.
- slst = slip stitch.
- st(s) = stitch(es).
- RS = right side.
- tr = treble crochet.
- [ ] = repeat instructions within brackets as stated.
FREE Crochet Oak Leaf Pattern Begins — US terms
Using US D/3 (3mm) hook, make 19 ch.
Round 1 (foundation round):
- After making first stitch, mark it with a stitch marker.
- 2sc in second ch from hook, 1sc in next 16 ch, 3sc in last ch, then continue along opposite side of chain stitches (working into the spare loop of each ch), 1sc in next 16 ch, 1sc in same ch as first 2sc, slst in first sc to join, then remove marker. (38 sts)
Round 2: After making first stitch, mark it with stitch marker.
- Ch1 (does not count as a st), 3sc in first st (this is the tip of the leaf), 1sc in next st,
- [slst, ch2, 1hdc] all into next st, 1dc in next st, ch3, slst in next st, 1sc in next st,
- [1hdc, ch4, 1tr] all into next st, 1tr in next st, 1dc in next st, 1hdc in next st, 1sc in next st,
- [1hdc, ch5, 1dtr] all into next st, 1dtr in next st, 1tr in next st, 1dc in next st, 1hdc in next st, 1sc in each of next 3 sts,
- in next st work stem as follows: [2sc, ch8, slst in second ch from hook, slst in each of next 6ch, 1sc into same st at base of ch8], then continue with second side of leaf as follows:
- 1sc in each of next 3 sts, 1hdc in next st, 1dc in next st, 1tr in next st, 1dtr in next st,
- [1dtr, ch5, 1hdc] all into next st, 1sc in next st, 1hdc in next st, 1dc in next st, 1tr in next st,
- [1tr, ch4, 1hdc] all into next st, 1sc in next st, slst in next st, ch3, 1dc in next st,
- [1hdc, ch2, slst] all into next st, 1sc in next st, join with slst in first dc, then remove stitch marker.
To Finish
- Cut yarn then fasten off.
- Weave yarn ends into wrong side then trim.
- Spray all leaves with cold water then pin flat to dry.
- Leave to dry completely before using.
Mix It Up: Variations & Creative Ideas To Try
- Seasonal colours: Go fresh green for spring and summer, or mix mustard, rust, burnt orange and chocolate brown for fall (autumn).
- Variegated or speckled yarn: Let the colour shift across the leaf for a natural, dappled look.
- Two-tone leaves: Work Round 1 in one colour and Round 2 in another for a subtle gradient effect.
- Soft and fuzzy: Hold a 4-ply (sock) yarn together with mohair, as I did, for a pretty halo.
- Mini leaves: Use 4-ply yarn with the same 3mm (US D/3) hook for a smaller leaf.
- Super-size leaves: Use chunky yarn with a 5.5mm (US I/9) hook for a bold statement motif that you can use as a coaster.
Crochet Abbreviations UK terms
- ch(s) = chain or chain stitches.
- dc = double crochet.
- dtr = double treble crochet.
- htr = half treble crochet.
- slst = slip stitch.
- st(s) = stitch(es).
- RS = right side.
- tr = treble crochet.
- trtr = triple treble crochet.
- [ ] = repeat instructions within brackets as stated.
FREE Crochet Oak Leaf Pattern Begins — UK terms
Using 3mm hook, make 19 ch.
Round 1 (foundation round):
- After making first stitch, mark it with a stitch marker.
- 2dc in second ch from hook, 1dc in next 16 ch, 3dc in last ch, then continue along opposite side of chain stitches (working into the spare loop of each ch), 1dc in next 16 ch, 1dc in same ch as first 2dc, slst in first dc to join, then remove marker. (38 sts)
Round 2: After making first stitch, mark it with stitch marker.
- Ch1 (does not count as a st), 3dc in first st (this is the tip of the leaf), 1dc in next st,
- [slst, ch2, 1htr] all into next st, 1tr in next st, ch3, slst in next st, 1dc in next st,
- [1htr, ch4, 1dtr] all into next st, 1dtr in next st, 1tr in next st, 1htr in next st, 1dc in next st,
- [1htr, ch5, 1trtr] all into next st, 1trtr in next st, 1dtr in next st, 1tr in next st, 1htr in next st, 1dc in each of next 3 sts,
- in next st work stem as follows: [2dc, ch8, slst in second ch from hook, slst in each of next 6ch, 1dc into same st at base of ch8], then continue with second side of leaf as follows:
- 1dc in each of next 3 sts, 1htr in next st, 1tr in next st, 1dtr in next st, 1trtr in next st,
- [1trtr, ch5, 1htr] all into next st, 1dc in next st, 1htr in next st, 1tr in next st, 1dtr in next st,
- [1dtr, ch4, 1htr] all into next st, 1dc in next st, slst in next st, ch3, 1tr in next st,
- [1htr, ch2, slst] all into next st, 1dc in next st, join with slst in first dc, then remove stitch marker.
To Finish
- Cut yarn then fasten off.
- Weave yarn ends into wrong side then trim.
- Spray all leaves with cold water then pin flat to dry.
- Leave to dry completely before using.
Crochet Oak Leaf Pattern FAQs
It's written in UK terms. If you usually crochet in US terms, here's a quick conversion: UK dc = US single crochet (sc), UK htr = US half double crochet (hdc), UK tr = US double crochet (dc), UK dtr = US treble (tr), and UK trtr = US double treble (dtr).
t's rated experienced because of the frequent changes between short and tall stitches. If you're confident with the basic stitches and want a challenge, practise the US dtr or UK trtr on a swatch first, then give it a go.
Wrap the yarn around your hook three times, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (five loops on hook). Then [yarn round hook and pull through two loops] four times until one loop remains.
A little curl is normal. To flatten your motif, spray with cold water and pin it flat until completely dry. For a firmer finish, use spray starch on wrong side and leave to dry.
FREE PDF to download and save on your own device
Click the link below, to download the file instantly. You can then save it somewhere safe on your own device, so that you can use it when you're ready.
What to Make Next?
If you enjoyed my free oak leaf appliqué pattern, and are looking for more free patterns, you might also like:
- Crochet Spider Appliqué Motif
- Crochet Flower Appliqué Motif
- Crochet Shamrock Appliqué Motif
- More Free Crochet Patterns
Share Your Makes
If you love this pattern, then I’d love to see your finished projects! Tag me on Instagram [@knitcrochetcreate] so I can admire your creations.
About Lynne from Knit Crochet Create
Lynne Rowe is a UK‑based knitting and crochet designer and best‑selling author, recognised for her clear, easy‑to‑follow patterns and also her dedication to making knitting and crochet accessible to everyone. She is the founder of Knit Crochet Create, with a strong focus on stash‑busting projects that promote sustainable, mindful making. Lynne’s work encourages the use of your yarn stash — therefore helping you transform small leftovers into joyful creations.
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