Two Chain-Based Leaves: Short and Long Practice Versions

Working along both sides of a chain makes a leaf with a shared central spine. The short version below starts with eight chains; the longer version uses twelve and a wider run of double crochet stitches. Both finish with a small chain-space tip and leave an attaching tail at the narrow starting end.

What these instructions cover

These are two count-checked written practice versions. No physically tested sample, fixed two-and-a-half-to-four-inch size or verified photo match is claimed. They replace an earlier outline that named round, maple and pointed leaves without complete shaping instructions. A lobed maple leaf is a different project and is not included here.

Use yarn, a compatible hook, a yarn needle and scissors. US terms: ch = chain; sc = single crochet; hdc = half double crochet; dc = double crochet; sl st = slip stitch. The tip chains and finishing sl st are excluded from the worked-stitch totals.

Short leaf: fourteen worked stitches

1. Ch 8. Starting in the second chain from the hook, work sc in the first available chain and hdc in the next.
2. Work dc in each of the next three chains, then hdc in the next chain. Six foundation positions have now been used.
3. In the last chain work [sc, ch 2, sc]. Both sc belong in that same end chain.
4. Turn around the chain end and work into the unused underside loops of the previous six chains: hdc, dc, dc, dc, hdc, sc.
5. Sl st to the first sc to finish. Leave a tail suitable for sewing and secure the beginning tail.

The outward side makes eight stitches, including the two sc at the tip; the return makes six. That gives fourteen worked stitches plus one ch-2 tip space. The return follows the original foundation, not the tops of the new stitches.

Long leaf: twenty-two worked stitches

1. Ch 12. Starting in the second chain from the hook, work sc, then hdc in the next chain.
2. Work dc in each of the next seven chains, then hdc in the next. Ten foundation positions have now been used.
3. In the last chain work [sc, ch 2, sc].
4. Along the underside of the previous ten chains, work hdc, dc in each of the next seven positions, hdc, sc.
5. Sl st to the first sc, finish and leave an attaching tail.

The outward side contains twelve worked stitches, the return ten, for a total of twenty-two plus the ch-2 space. Count the seven dc on each side before attaching the leaf.

Find the return loops before pulling the work tight

If the foundation’s underside is hard to see, inspect it after the first few stitches rather than waiting until the tip. The central chain has two sides; follow its remaining loops back toward the starting end. Do not insert return stitches into neighbouring new dc merely because their tops are easier to identify.

A twisted leaf may come from working the return on the wrong edge or from pulling one side tighter. Check its path and counts first. Do not assume aggressive blocking will correct a mistaken foundation.

Place and sew the narrow end

Lay the finished leaf beside the intended bloom or motif and decide which side faces outward. Sew its narrow starting end through several firm stitches in the receiving piece. For a flat applique, additional underside anchors may be useful; plan them without pulling the blade inward.

If a leaf is part of a stem display, use a complete compatible stem construction. These soft leaves do not supply wire protection, a rigid support or a universal adhesive method.

Record the difference, not a promised size

Make both in the same yarn and hook if comparing their silhouettes. Treat them according to the yarn label, then record actual length, width and attachment. A different fibre or hook changes the result, so the twelve-chain version should not automatically be assigned a fixed inch measurement.

For a project using a leaf alongside a small flower, see the low-profile potted-flower practice pattern. Its mounting method is separate from these leaf instructions.