How to Crochet an Orange Maple Leaf Snowflake Ornament (Free Pattern)

Brighten your seasonal decor with this striking Orange Crochet Maple Leaf Snowflake Ornament. Combining the warm, fiery tone of autumn foliage with the intricate geometry of a winter snowflake, this handmade crochet motif makes a stunning addition to autumn mantel displays, Thanksgiving tables, Christmas trees, or seasonal garlands.

This comprehensive, step-by-step tutorial covers everything you need to craft a crisp, symmetrical, and durable ornament.

Pattern Overview & Details

• Skill Level: Intermediate / Ambitious Beginner
• Finished Size: Approximately 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) in diameter (varies slightly based on yarn weight and tension)
• Primary Color: Vibrant Orange (Pumpkin, Burnt Orange, or Terracotta)
• Design Features: A textured circular center radiating into 6 pointed leaf petals with an elongated lower accent point.

Materials & Tools

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) or DK weight (Category 3) in Orange (Pumpkin, Burnt Orange, or Vibrant Tangerine)
• Crochet Hook: Size 3.0 mm to 3.5 mm (use a slightly smaller hook than usual for tight, structured stitches)
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in loose ends
• Scissors: Sharp yarn scissors
• Optional Blocking Tools: Blocking mat, rust-proof pins, and fabric stiffener or spray water bottle
• Hanging Loop: Cream ribbon, jute twine, or a matching orange yarn chain
• Accent Palette Options: Pair your main orange motif with secondary accents in mustard, cream, rust, or deep burgundy.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• tr: treble crochet
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rep: repeat

Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions

Step 1: The Circular Center Ring

This circular foundation holds the core of the motif, setting up the base for all surrounding points.

1. Start: Form a magic ring (adjustable loop) using your orange yarn.
2. Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet). Work 11 double crochets directly into the magic ring.
3. Close: Pull the yarn tail tightly to close the central hole completely. Join with a slip stitch into the top of your initial chain-3.
   • Total Count: 12 double crochets.

Step 2: Building the Radial Petal Foundations

This round creates the initial graduated height peaks that will form the surrounding leaf structure.

1. Chain 3 (counts as first dc).
2. In the next stitch, work the sequence: 1 dc, 1 tr, 1 dc. This creates your first central point foundation.
3. Continue working around the ring: position taller stitches (treble crochets) at the peaks and shorter stitches near the valleys between sections.
4. Maintain an even distribution of these graduated stitch groups across all 12 center stitches.
5. Finish the round by joining with a slip stitch to the top of the opening chain-3.

Step 3: Shaping and Defining the Outer Leaf Points

Build out the outer pointed edges that give the ornament its distinct snowflake-leaf silhouette.

Work across each individual petal section with symmetrical stitch heights:

1. Attach Yarn: Join your orange yarn at the base of a section using a slip stitch.
2. Ascend: Chain 3, then work double crochets along the ascending side of the leaf segment.
3. Form Peak: Work taller stitches (1 or 2 treble crochets) into the tip to create a sharp, defined peak.
4. Descend: Work back down the opposite side of the segment using decreasing stitch heights (dc, then hdc).
5. Anchor: Fasten the base of the point with a slip stitch into the foundation row.
6. Repeat: Continue around until every outer point is fully formed and radiating evenly from the center.

Step 4: Adding Lacing and Openwork Details

Delicate chain spaces between sections give the ornament a light, lacy appearance.

1. Locate the valley between two adjacent points.
2. Work: 1 slip stitch, chain 2, skip 1 stitch, 1 slip stitch directly into the gap between points.
3. Repeat this openwork sequence completely around the motif.

Step 5: Constructing the Elongated Lower Point

Add the signature downward-facing extension at the base to finalize the classic maple leaf profile.

1. Locate Base: Identify the bottom-most center point between the lower leaf lobes. Attach orange yarn at this stitch.
2. Foundation Chain: Chain 3 to establish the working height.
3. Graduated Stitches: Work double crochets increasing to treble crochets toward the point’s center, then decrease back down using double crochets and half double crochets.
4. Tip Extension: Chain 3 to 4 stitches at the bottom peak to create a narrow downward extension.
5. Secure with a slip stitch back into the main body.

Step 6: Finishing & Wet Blocking

1. Fasten Off: Cut yarn leaving a 4-inch tail and pull it through the final loop.
2. Weave Ends: Use a tapestry needle to securely weave all yarn tails through the back of the stitches.
3. Block into Shape:
   • Lay the orange motif flat on a blocking board. Pin out each individual leaf tip outward to create crisp symmetry.
   • Lightly spray with water or a starch/fabric stiffening mixture.
   • Allow to dry completely before unpinning.
4. Add Hanger: Attach a length of twine, satin ribbon, or an orange yarn loop through the top point for hanging.

Styling & Crafting Ideas

• Fall Garland: Make 5 to 8 orange motifs, pair them with cream and mustard leaves, and string them onto a rustic jute rope.
• Sparkle Finish: Carry a thin strand of metallic gold thread alongside your orange yarn for a subtle festive sparkle.
• Gift Topper: Tie a blocked orange leaf motif onto wrapped holiday gifts as a reusable, handmade keepsake.

Pro Tip for Clean Results

Because orange yarn highlights stitch definition, keep your tension even throughout the treble crochet rounds. If your leaf tips curl forward, a quick wet-blocking session with pins will flatten them out permanently.