Today I’d like to invite you to crochet with me these beautiful simple autumn leaves!
Last fall, I made maple leaves, and that tutorial is already available on my channel. The leaves I’ll be making today are similar, they use the same crochet technique, but they’re actually much easier to make than the maple ones.
If you master these simple leaves, you’ll be ready to move on to the maple version in no time.
If you’d like to make the maple leaves, I have a full step-by-step tutorial available for free on my YouTube channel. It walks you through the entire process, so you can follow along with ease.
If you prefer working from a written pattern, you can find the PDF version in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.
I love both kinds. The maple leaves make wonderful coasters, while these smaller leaves are perfect as appliqués, bookmarks, garlands, or any type of autumn décor you can imagine.
Summer is such a wonderful time to crochet delicate, nature-inspired pieces — and this season I found myself dreaming up a set of bookmarks inspired by wildflowers and garden leaves. That’s how this sweet little crochet dandelion flower and leaf set came to life!
These bookmarks are just the right mix of fun and functional. They make lovely handmade gifts, thoughtful keepsakes, or even cheerful additions to your own summer reading stack.
This crochet set includes two separate patterns: a dandelion leaf and a dandelion flower.
You can use them together as a complete bookmark, or separately for other creative projects.
Personally, I think they’d look amazing sewn onto a linen pouch or scattered across a cushion cover for a botanical touch.
Materials Used
For both pieces, I used:
Yarn: YarnArt Begonia (100% mercerized cotton, Category 2 sport weight)
Hook: D / 3.25 mm
Tapestry needle, scissors
You’re welcome to substitute a similar cotton yarn — just keep in mind that fiber and hook size will affect the final size and structure.
Both the dandelion leaf and the flower have step-by-step video tutorials on my YouTube channel, so you can follow along easily, even if you’re a visual learner or just starting out.
If you'd like a printable PDF pattern with both written instructions, you can find it in my shops:
I’m excited to share a lovely little project I recently designed — a crochet lavender bookmark that’s as quick and fun to make as it is pretty.
Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful handmade gift or just want to add a bit of charm to your summer reading, this bookmark is a joy to crochet.
The design is inspired by the soft, calming beauty of lavender stems. It’s worked using a small amount of 100% mercerized cotton yarn — I used YarnArt Begonia — and a 3.25 mm (D) hook. You can also use size 3 mercerized cotton thread if you prefer a more delicate look.
The finished size is about 12 inches long with the tassel, or 10 inches without, and about 1 inch wide at the widest part of the flower. It works up quickly, making it a great stash-busting project or a last-minute gift idea.
I love it tucked inside a book or used as a little decoration on a wrapped present — you can even add it to sachets, cards, or other handmade items for an extra special touch.
This pattern is beginner-friendly and includes both a written pattern and a video tutorial to help guide you through the process.
✨ The pattern and full video tutorial are now available in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.
📌 You’ll find all the links below — thank you so much for supporting my work and helping me keep designing and sharing beautiful crochet projects like this one!
Hi friends! I’m excited to share my newest crochet pattern with you — a simple leaf bookmark that’s quick, fun, and perfect for using up small amounts of yarn.
I designed this project to be easy and relaxing — the kind of thing you can make in an afternoon. It’s also a great choice for a last-minute crochet gift.
If you sell at craft fairs or markets, this is a perfect little item to make in batches — it works up fast, costs very little to make, and really catches the eye of shoppers.
And of course, you can always make one (or a few!) just for yourself — sometimes it’s fun to crochet something cute and whimsical, no special occasion required!
The pattern is worked with a size D (3.25 mm) hook and 100% mercerized cotton yarn in category 2.
I used YarnArt Begonia, but you can also use 100% mercerized cotton thread size 3.
What I love most about this little project is its versatility. You can use it as a bookmark, of course — but also as a decorative leaf or an appliqué for other projects. Think little girls’ summer hats, dresses, cushion covers, gift tags, cards, and more. The possibilities are endless!
I’ve included both a written pattern and a video tutorial to guide you through the process — perfect for all skill levels.
If you’d like to try this project, you can find the pattern in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.
If you're just getting into crocheting doilies and feeling a little nervous about those tiny threads and steel hooks — you're definitely not alone! A lot of crocheters want to try lace projects, but the idea of working with size 10 thread and microscopic hooks can be super intimidating at first.
So here’s my advice: Start with cotton yarn instead of thread!
Specifically, I recommend using a lightweight 100% mercerized cotton yarn category 2, like YarnArt Begonia, and a 3.5 mm hook. It’s much easier to see your stitches, way more forgiving, and you still get that pretty, lacy look without the frustration.
Why Cotton Yarn is Great for First Doilies:
Easier to handle than tiny thread
Stitches are visible, so you learn faster
Still looks delicate and beautiful
You can use leftover yarn from other projects
Great for practicing before diving into “real” thread crochet
To help you get started, I designed a small beginner-friendly doily pattern that uses just a little bit of cotton yarn — perfect for trying out the feel of doily-making, without the pressure.
I had some leftover YarnArt Begonia in my stash, and it was more than enough to make one of these doilies. The pattern works up quickly (you can finish it in about an hour), and it’s a great intro to working in the round and getting comfortable with basic lace stitches.
Beginner Friendly Doily
Olga Poltava (c) December, 2024
Abbreviations:
ch chain
sl st slipt stitch
st stitch
sc single crochet
dc double crochet
Ch 8. Join with a slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.
Round 1: 3 ch (counts as first dc), 23 dc into the ring. (24 dc total including beginning ch-3).
Join with sl st in the top of beginning ch-3.
Round 2: 4 ch (counts as dc and ch 1), *dc in next dc, ch 1* around. Join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-4.
Round 3: 8 ch (counts as dc and ch 5), *kip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 5* around, but don’t make last ch 5, instead at the end, 2 ch, dc in 3rd ch of beginning ch-8 (this creates final ch-5 space and bring yarn and hook into position for the next round).
Round 4: 6 ch (counts as dc and ch 3), dc in same st, 2 ch, sc in next dc, *2 ch, (dc, 3 ch, dc) all in 3rd ch of next ch-5 loop, 2 ch, sc in next dc* around, end with 2 ch, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-6.
Round 5 – Shell Round: sl st into next ch-3 space, 3 ch (counts as first dc), (3 dc in, 3 ch, 4 dc) all in same ch-3 space (beginning shell made), *skip next ch-2 spaces, (4 dc, 3 ch, 4 dc) all in next ch-3 space (it’s the space between two dc)* around, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3.
At this point, you may fasten off for a smaller doily (approx. 5 in / 12.7 cm).
Optional Round 6 – Second Shell Round (for larger doily approx. 6.5 in / 16.5 cm): sl st into next 3 st and into ch-3 space, 3 ch (counts as first dc), (3 dc, 3 ch, 4 dc) all in same ch-3 space (beginning shell made), *(4 dc, 3 ch, 4 dc) all in ch-3 space of next shell* around, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3.
Fasten off. Weave in ends using a smaller hook or a tapestry needle. Block or gently press with a warm iron to shape if desired.
Once you try this out, you might just fall in love with doily-making — and then you’ll be totally ready to take on those thread projects with confidence!
If you enjoy this pattern, you can find more in my Etsy and Ravelry shops — or support me with a small tip on Ko-fi. It helps me keep sharing free content like this 💛
Have you seen the adorable miniature orchids that started appearing in local shops a couple of years ago? Orchids have always been stunning flowers, but these miniature varieties are especially delicate and captivating.
I love purchasing them and gifting them to family and friends. To make these gifts even more special, I often pair them with a handmade miniature crochet doily.
Today, I’d like to invite you to crochet along with me and create a beautiful six-inch doily. This delicate doily is worked with size 10 mercerized cotton thread and a 1.6 mm steel hook, making it the perfect addition to your home decor or as a heartfelt gift.
Whether you give them away, keep them for yourself, or even sell them, these small doilies are sure to be cherished.
A small doily can elevate the presentation of any decorative piece. Imagine placing a miniature orchid on top of a delicate lace doily—instantly, the charm and elegance are enhanced!
These doilies are not only beautiful but also practical and versatile. They make excellent gifts, wedding favors, or even table decorations for a countryside-themed wedding or a vintage tea party.
The materials for this doily cost less than fifty cents, yet the finished piece is worth much more. Handmade lace always carries a special allure, and I can easily see people purchasing these in bulk for special occasions.
If you're looking for a small yet profitable crochet project, these doilies are an excellent option.
You can complete this doily by following my step-by-step free video tutorial on YouTube.
Or if you prefer written instructions, you can purchase the pattern in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.
I’d love to see your finished doilies, so feel free to share your creations with me. Happy crocheting!
This autumn, I wanted to bring the beauty of falling leaves into my home through crochet. Using YarnArt Begonia, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn (category 2), and a 3.5 mm crochet hook, I created these gorgeous crochet maple leaves.
Each leaf measures about 7 by 6 inches, making them large enough to stand out as individual pieces or combined into larger projects like garlands or table settings.
YarnArt Begonia is a fantastic yarn to work with, especially for delicate, detailed projects like these leaves. The 100% mercerized cotton provides the right amount of structure for the leaf shape. With its category 2 weight, the yarn is lightweight yet durable, perfect for items that need a bit of definition, like these maple leaves.
I used a 3.5 mm crochet hook, which allowed me to achieve the perfect balance between flexibility and firmness. The leaves are soft enough to be pliable, yet firm enough to maintain their shape.
From just one skein of YarnArt Begonia, I managed to create five crochet maple leaves. That makes this yarn not only a joy to work with but also quite economical for such a project. Each leaf took a small amount of yarn, and the quality of the mercerized cotton ensures that they’ll last for many seasons to come.
These crochet maple leaves are versatile and can be used in numerous ways.
String them together to make a beautiful autumn garland.
Use them as coasters or as table decor for a cozy fall setting.
Add a leaf as an appliqué to blankets, pillows, or bags.
Whether you’re looking for a new autumn-inspired crochet project or wanting to add a unique touch to your fall decor, these crochet maple leaves are a great option.
The written pattern (plus a video tutorial) is available in my Etsy and Ravelry shops!
For me - an immigrant who came to this country at the young age of 20, not speaking the language, not having any money, not having any education beyond high school, not having any skills - this is a very special day!
To me the 4th of July represents endless opportunities that the American land graciously offers to those who are willing to work hard, study, learn new things, and overcome their limitations!
I'm deeply grateful to this country for all the opportunities it has given me! I'm grateful to the American people of different backgrounds and ethnicities who I've met on my journey and who helped me, encouraged me, and motivated me to achieve my American dream!
Well... now that I think of it...
I did have one skill when I arrived to America, though back then I didn't think of it as such!
Can you guess what it was?
Crochet, of course!
With the advance of the Internet, that little skill of mine turned into something quite amazing - my own crochet blog, my own pattern shop, my own Youtube channel!
And for that too, I'm deeply grateful!
Happy 4th of July!
P.S. The doily featured in this post is my own design from a few years ago. See it on Ravelry.
I
recently discovered Sugar’n Cream cotton yarn by Lily. I think it’s quite
popular among crocheters, but somehow I only now made a complete crochet
project using this yarn.
I
have had an idea to make a bath mat for quite a while. Hundred percent cotton
yarn would be the best choice for such item, so that’s why I turned to Sugar’n
Cream.
My
bath mat is simple, though I had a lace trim in mind for it. Eventually I
rejected the notion because this is an item that will be washed regularly and,
therefore, a sturdier and tighter trim would be more practical.
The
alternating rows of double crochets made into back loops only and front loops
only gave me a beautiful ribbed texture.
Measurements:
27 by 17 inches
Big
ball of Sugar’n Cream by Lily (710 yards) Note, I didn’t use the entire ball of
yarn, I have about 1/3 of it left.
US
size hook H/8 (5 mm)
Ch
79.
Row
1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch across. Ch 3, turn.
Row
2: dc in front loop only in each dc across. Ch 3, turn.
Row
3: dc in back loop only in each dc across. Ch 3, turn.
Repeat
Row 2 – Row 3 until you have 24 rows in total.
Trim:
Make one round of sc evenly spaced around the mat. Then make one round of crab
stitches (reverse sc).
It turned out completely different than the way I
envisioned it when I first started this project. Lots of changes took place.
For example, I rejected the swirl flowers I was going to use. Also I intended
to make green flowers but ended up making leaves instead. In addition, I popped
in a bit of yellow to add liveliness to the cold green and blue palette.
I’m happy with my new cushion, and I like the way
it fits in my bedroom décor.
I didn’t write a detailed pattern, but here is a
rough description how I made it.
For the cover itself, I used single crochets in
back loops only. I started with a ring of 5 chains.
The first round was: ch 2, sc in ring, *ch 2, 2
sc* 3 times,ch 2, join with a sl st. And
in the following rounds, I just crocheted sc in back loops only, and (sc, ch 2,
sc) in corner spaces. I continued until I had a square of needed size.
I made two such squares and stitched them together
(right side outside) on three sides using single crochets. Then I put in my
pillow, and left the fourth side unstitched until all the flowers were
attached (I stitched them on using a tapestry needle). Then I stitched the last side using single crochets, and made another
round of single crochets in back loops only to make the trim a bit thicker.
Now to the flowers:
1. This is simple five petal flower. I made a small white
circle for the center and stitched it on.
2. I will post the pattern for this peony-like flower later. As
for the leaves, I can only offer you a symbol chart (see motif 4 here).
5. This is a bigger version of croco flower. I made one exactly
as in the pattern, and I also made a bigger one.
6. The pattern for the small four petal flower is here.
I’d say this flower cushion was more work than I expected.
I guess it’s always like that when you are not following a specific pattern but
trying to come up with your own creation. It takes lots of time to get every
single detail right.
P.S. Thank you for the get well wishes. I'm almost recovered now.
This blog/website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Hello and welcome! My blog started out of my love for crochet doilies and lace handkerchief edgings, but now you will find all kinds of crochet projects here.
.jpeg)
