Forest Green Leaf Edging Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This Forest Green Leaf Edging is a sweet, beginner-friendly crochet border made of repeated pointed leaf motifs, perfect for anyone who has just learned single and double crochet and wants a finished-looking project. Each little leaf is worked in worsted weight yarn in a deep forest green with a warm rust chain base, so the strip looks like a row of leaves gathered along a twig. It is quick to make, uses only small amounts of yarn, and adds a cozy woodland, hygge touch to blankets, pillows, and throws. The finished strip is flat and soft, about 2 inches tall, and you can make it as long or as short as you like.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton or acrylic. Color A (forest green): about 50 yards. Color B (rust): about 20 yards.
- Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8).
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing motifs, scissors, and a measuring tape.
- Finished size: Each leaf motif is about 1.5 inches wide by 2 inches tall. The edging length is adjustable by the number of motifs.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- RS – right side (the front, public side of the work)
Gauge
4 single crochet = 1 inch and 4 rows = 1 inch. To check, crochet a small square in single crochet and measure a 1-inch section; adjust your hook size if your stitches are much larger or smaller.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your turning chains loose so the outer edges of each leaf stay flat and easy to join later.
- The stitch heights change every row to shape the leaf, so count your 9 stitches at the end of each row before moving on.
- Work all motifs with the same tension so the leaves line up evenly along the strip.
- Leave a 6-inch tail when you fasten off the rust base so you have plenty of yarn to weave in or sew motifs together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Leaf Motif (make as many as needed)
With B (rust), ch 10.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (9 sc). Fasten off B.
Join A (forest green) with sl st in first sc.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 2 sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next 2 sc, hdc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc (9 sts).
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first sc, sc in next sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next 3 sts, hdc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc (9 sts).
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first sc, sc in next sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next st, tr in next st, dc in next st, hdc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc (9 sts).
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first sc, sc in next sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next 2 sts, tr in next st, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next sc, sc in next sc (9 sts).
Row 6: Ch 1, sc in first sc, sc in next sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next 3 sts, hdc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc (9 sts).
Row 7: Ch 1, sc in first sc, sc in next 2 sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc (9 sts).
Row 8: Ch 1, sc in each sc across (9 sc). Fasten off A.
Joining Motifs
Continuous strip: Repeat Rows 1–8 along the edge, joining each new motif to the previous one by working a sl st in the corresponding sts of the last row.
Individual motifs: Make the desired number of motifs, then sew them together along their short edges with a tapestry needle.
Optional Edging
With B (rust), work sc evenly along the top and bottom edges of the strip, and along the side edges if desired. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
If you made individual motifs, sew them together along their short edges with matching yarn and a tapestry needle, keeping the leaves flat and evenly spaced. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working the tails into nearby stitches so they do not show. Block the finished strip lightly by misting it with water and pinning it flat to the measurements (about 2 inches tall per leaf); let it dry completely. If you are attaching the edging to a blanket or pillow, pin it in place first, then sew or crochet it on along the edge.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Change color A to autumn gold or deep plum for a different seasonal look, keeping the rust base for contrast.
- Work the leaves in a lighter cotton for a crisp summer border, or a soft acrylic for a cozier feel.
- Make a single long leaf as a bookmark or add a small chain loop at the top of one motif to turn it into a hanging ornament.
