Crochet Leaf Trio on Branch Free Pattern

Crochet Leaf Trio on Branch — Free Pattern

Introduction

This rustic wall hanging is for anyone who loves a little botanical texture on their walls — it's a great next step for confident beginners who have mastered single crochet and are ready to try the popcorn stitch. Three leaves in moss, lichen, and pale lichen tones are worked in a linen-blend yarn, giving each one a soft, matte, slightly nubby surface that looks like it was gathered from a real branch. The raised popcorn nubs alternate with flat single crochet bands, so the leaves feel bumpy and dimensional in the hand and catch the light beautifully. Tied to a natural 12-inch branch with twine, the finished piece is simple, farmhouse-friendly, and just moody enough for Halloween or year-round display.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (CYC 4) linen blend, approximately 50 yds total — 20 yds moss green (A), 15 yds lichen green (B), 15 yds pale lichen (C)
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, a natural branch approximately 12 inches long, and twine (about 2 yds, plus a 12-inch length for the hanging loop)
• Finished size: Large leaf 4 inches wide x 6 inches long; Medium leaf 3 inches wide x 4.5 inches long; Small leaf 2 inches wide x 3 inches long; branch approximately 12 inches long

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook
• sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
• popcorn — popcorn stitch: work 5 dc into the same stitch, remove the hook, insert it into the first dc of those 5, and pull the working loop through to close the group into a bump
• dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• [ ] x3 — repeat the instructions inside the brackets three times

Gauge

16 sts and 16 rows = 4 inches in popcorn stitch pattern. Work a small swatch in the round and measure across the middle; if your stitches are larger than this, drop to a 3.5 mm hook, and if smaller, move up to a 4.5 mm hook.

Tips Before You Start

• Each leaf is worked in continuous rounds from a 6-sc center — do not join or turn at the end of rounds, and use a stitch marker in the first stitch so you never lose your place.
• Popcorn stitches pull the fabric in, so keep your single crochet stitches relaxed and even; tight sc rows will make the leaf curl.
• Work the popcorn groups loosely enough that all 5 dc fit comfortably in one stitch — if it feels crowded, your hook is too small.
• Leave a generous 8–10 inch tail on every leaf; you'll use it to close the top and to tie the leaf to the branch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Large Leaf (Color A — Moss Green)

Rnd 1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts).

Rnd 2: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 3: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 4: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 5: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 6: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 7: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 8: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 9: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 10: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 11: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 12: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 13: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 14: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 15: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 16: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 17: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 18: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 19: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 20: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 21: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 22: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 23: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 24: sc in each st around (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Medium Leaf (Color B — Lichen Green)

Rnd 1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts).

Rnd 2: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 3: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 4: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 5: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 6: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 7: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 8: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 9: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 10: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 11: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 12: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 13: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 14: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 15: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 16: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 17: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 18: sc in each st around (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Small Leaf (Color C — Pale Lichen)

Rnd 1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts).

Rnd 2: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 3: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 4: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 5: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 6: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 7: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 8: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 9: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 10: sc in each st around (6 sts).

Rnd 11: [sc, popcorn] x3 (3 popcorns, 3 sc).

Rnd 12: sc in each st around (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Edging

No edging is required — the popcorn bands form the finished texture of each leaf.

Assembly and Finishing

1. Arrange the leaves: Lay the branch flat. Place the large leaf at one end, the medium leaf in the middle, and the small leaf at the other end, spacing them evenly.

2. Attach each leaf: Thread twine through the top of a leaf, wrap it around the branch several times, and tie securely. Repeat for the other two leaves.

3. Make the hanging loop: Cut a 12-inch length of twine, fold it in half, tie a knot at the ends, and attach it to the center of the branch.

4. Weave in ends: Use the tapestry needle to weave all yarn tails into the wrong side of each leaf, then trim.

5. Block: Mist the leaves lightly and pin them flat to shape, letting them dry fully before hanging so the popcorn texture sits evenly.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the palette: Work all three leaves in one color for a minimal look, or use deep rust and ochre for an autumn version.
• Change the branch: A driftwood piece or a painted dowel gives the hanging a cleaner, more modern feel.
• Make it a garland: Crochet extra small leaves and space them along a longer branch or a length of twine for a fuller wall display.