Crochet Maple Leaf Table Runner Pattern: Fall Placemat & Coaster Set (PDF Download)

There is something deeply satisfying about sitting down at a table adorned with something you made yourself. When autumn rolls around and the trees begin their annual transformation into shades of amber, russet, and gold, the urge to bring that warmth inside becomes almost irresistible. This crochet maple leaf table runner pattern is exactly the kind of project that bridges the gap between the beauty happening outdoors and the cozy atmosphere you want to create in your home. Whether you are an experienced crocheter looking for a seasonal showpiece or an intermediate maker ready to try something with a little more texture and detail, this pattern has everything you need to create a stunning fall tablescape from scratch.

This post covers the complete crochet maple leaf table runner pattern along with a matching placemat and coaster set, all available as a PDF download so you can print it out, save it to your tablet, or pull it up on your phone right at your craft table. Let’s dive into everything you need to know before you pick up your hook.

Why a Maple Leaf Table Runner Is the Perfect Fall Project

The maple leaf is one of the most iconic shapes in nature, and it translates beautifully into crochet. Unlike generic rectangular table runners that simply feature fall colors, a maple leaf design adds genuine dimension and artistry to your table. The pointed lobes of the leaf create natural visual interest, and when several leaves are joined together in a runner, the effect is genuinely stunning.

Beyond aesthetics, this project is practical. A crocheted table runner protects your table surface from heat, scratches, and moisture, while the matching coasters and placemats make your dining area feel cohesive and intentional. If you have ever hosted a Thanksgiving dinner, a harvest party, or even just a casual fall brunch, you already know how much a thoughtful table setting elevates the entire experience.

This pattern is also wonderfully versatile. You can make the runner in traditional autumn colors — deep oranges, warm reds, golden yellows, and earthy browns — or you can go more neutral with cream, taupe, and rust tones for a more modern farmhouse aesthetic. The choice is entirely yours, and the pattern accommodates almost any color combination you can dream up.

Materials You Will Need

Before you start crocheting, gather everything on this list so you are not hunting for supplies mid-project.

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in your choice of fall colors. You will need approximately 400 yards for the full table runner (about 36 inches long), 150 yards per placemat, and 50 yards per coaster. Cotton yarn works especially well for table linens because it is durable, washable, and has just enough stiffness to help the leaves hold their shape. That said, an acrylic blend or a cotton-acrylic mix gives you wonderful color options and tends to be more budget-friendly. Recommended brands include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK (held double), or Caron Simply Soft.

Hook: Size 5mm (H/8) crochet hook. If your gauge runs loose, try a 4.5mm hook. If your gauge runs tight, move up to a 5.5mm.

Additional supplies: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers, rust-proof blocking pins if you plan to block the finished pieces, and a spray bottle of water for wet blocking.

Optional: A piece of foam blocking mat or a clean towel for blocking the finished leaves flat.

Gauge

Gauge matters more in this pattern than in something like a cozy blanket because you want your leaves to look like actual leaves. An incorrectly sized leaf will either look stubby and round or spindly and elongated.

For this pattern, the gauge is approximately 14 stitches and 16 rows in single crochet to 4 inches using a 5mm hook and worsted weight yarn.

For a single maple leaf motif, the finished leaf should measure approximately 4.5 inches wide at the widest point and 5 inches tall from the base to the tip of the center lobe. If your leaf is coming out larger or smaller, adjust your hook size accordingly and swatch before cutting into your full yarn supply.

Understanding the Maple Leaf Construction

The most elegant thing about this pattern is the way the maple leaf is constructed. Rather than working from side to side in rows and then adding embellishments, the leaf is built from the center outward using a combination of increases, decreases, and surface crochet for the veins.

Each leaf begins with a foundation chain that forms the stem. From there, you work outward into five distinct lobes using a series of chains, slip stitches, and single crochet decreases. The veining detail is added last using surface slip stitches in a slightly darker or lighter shade of the main leaf color, or in a contrasting tone like brown or tan. This technique is optional but adds tremendous depth to the finished piece.

Once you have made several individual leaves, they are joined together using a simple join-as-you-go method. The leaves interlock at their edges, creating a sturdy and attractive seam that lies flat without bulking up the runner.

The Maple Leaf Motif Pattern

Here is the complete pattern for one maple leaf motif. The table runner uses 12 leaves joined together in a single row. The placemat version uses 6 leaves arranged in a 2×3 grid. Each coaster is a single large leaf.

Abbreviations used:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
sc2tog = single crochet two together (decrease)
sp = space
rep = repeat
sk = skip
RS = right side

Pattern begins:

Make a slip knot and ch 5. This is your stem.

Row 1 (stem): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch across. (4 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 3 (begin leaf base): 2 sc in first sc, sc in each sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc. (6 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 4: Sc in each sc across. (6 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 5: 2 sc in first sc, sc in each sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc. (8 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 6: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 7: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Now you will begin shaping the first set of lobes. The maple leaf has five lobes in total: two small ones at the base, two medium ones in the middle, and one large center lobe at the top.

Row 8 (first lobe separation): Sc in first 2 sc, ch 4, sk next 4 sc, sc in last 2 sc. Ch 1, turn. (You have created the opening for the first lower lobe division.)

Row 9: Sc in first 2 sc, sc in each of the 4 ch, sc in last 2 sc. (8 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Rows 10-12: Work even in sc. Ch 1, turn after each row.

Row 13 (second lobe separation): Sc in first 3 sc, ch 3, sk next 2 sc, sc in last 3 sc. Ch 1, turn.

Row 14: Sc in first 3 sc, sc in each of the 3 ch, sc in last 3 sc. (9 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Rows 15-17: Work even in sc.

Row 18 (center lobe begins): 2 sc in first sc, sc to last sc, 2 sc in last sc. (11 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 19: Sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 20: Sc2tog, sc across to last 2, sc2tog. (9 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 21: Sc2tog, sc to last 2, sc2tog. (7 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 22: Sc2tog, sc to last 2, sc2tog. (5 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 23: Sc2tog, sc1, sc2tog. (3 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 24 (tip of center lobe): Sc2tog, sc1. (2 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 25: Sc2tog. (1 sc) Fasten off, leaving a short tail.

Now go back and work the side lobes:

Left lower lobe: With RS facing, join yarn to the left side of the ch-4 space from Row 8. Work sc evenly around the lobe opening, then work 4 rows of sc, decreasing 1 stitch at each end every other row until 2 stitches remain. Sc2tog and fasten off.

Right lower lobe: Work as for Left lower lobe on the opposite side.

Left middle lobe: Join yarn to the left side of the ch-3 space from Row 13. Work sc evenly around, then work 5 rows decreasing at each end every other row. Fasten off when 1 stitch remains.

Right middle lobe: Work as for Left middle lobe on the opposite side.

You now have a complete maple leaf with five defined lobes. Weave in your ends and lightly mist with water. Pin to a flat surface in a natural leaf shape and allow to dry completely before joining.

Adding the Vein Detail

This is the step that takes your maple leaf from lovely to extraordinary. Using a slightly darker shade of yarn (or a contrasting brown, tan, or cream), thread your yarn needle or use a small hook to work surface slip stitches along the center of each lobe, following the natural vein lines of a real maple leaf.

Start at the base of the stem and work a line of surface slip stitches up through the center of the leaf to the tip of the center lobe. Then work smaller branching lines out into each of the four side lobes. Keep your tension even and do not pull too tightly or you will pucker the leaf fabric underneath.

If you prefer a simpler finish, you can also use a fabric marker or embroidery floss to add the veins, though the crocheted surface slip stitch method gives the most professional and durable result.

Joining the Leaves for the Table Runner

Once you have made 12 leaves, it is time to assemble your table runner. Lay the leaves out on a flat surface in a single row, alternating the direction of each leaf slightly so that some point left and some point right. This creates a natural, flowing look that mimics the way leaves fall from branches.

Using your yarn needle and a length of matching yarn, sew the leaves together at their touching edges using a whipstitch or mattress stitch. Take care to align the leaves so that the runner lies flat. If any leaves are curling or cupping, a light blocking with a damp cloth and a warm iron (on the appropriate setting for your fiber content) will help them behave.

For a fully joined runner with no sewing, you can use the join-as-you-go method: when working the border round of each leaf, use a slip stitch to attach it to the neighboring leaf’s border in the appropriate places. This creates a seamless join that is especially tidy on the back of the runner.

The Matching Placemat and Coaster Patterns

Placemat: The placemat uses 6 leaves arranged in a 2×3 grid. Make 6 leaves following the motif pattern above, then join them in two columns of three. Add a single round of sc border around the entire joined piece for a clean, finished edge. The finished placemat should measure approximately 12 x 18 inches.

Coaster: For a single-leaf coaster, work the leaf motif as written but consider using a slightly thicker yarn or holding two strands together for added thickness and absorbency. A single leaf coaster measures approximately 4.5 x 5 inches, the perfect size to protect a coffee mug or wine glass.

Finishing and Care Instructions

Block all pieces before using them on your table. Blocking a cotton or cotton-blend piece is as simple as getting it damp, shaping it gently, and letting it air dry flat. For acrylic yarn, use the steam blocking method: hold a steam iron just above the surface without touching the yarn, then gently shape while the fibers are warm.

For care, most cotton and cotton-blend table runners are machine washable on a gentle cycle in cold water. Lay flat to dry to preserve the shape of the leaves. Avoid putting crocheted table linens in the dryer unless your yarn’s label specifically says it is dryer-safe, as heat can cause shrinkage and distortion.

Tips for Making This Pattern Your Own

The pattern as written is just the beginning. Here are a few ways to personalize your maple leaf table runner and make it truly your own.

Mixing colors throughout a single runner creates a stunning ombre or rainbow-of-autumn effect. Make each leaf in a different shade, moving from deep green through chartreuse, yellow, orange, and finally deep red or burgundy. When you join the leaves, the color progression tells the story of fall in a single glance.

You can also vary the size of your leaves by changing your yarn weight. Fingering weight yarn and a 2.5mm hook will give you delicate, miniature leaves perfect for a coaster. Bulky yarn and a 6mm hook will produce oversized, dramatic leaves that make a bold statement on a long farmhouse table.

Adding a fringe border of yarn or even a trim of purchased lace can give the runner a romantic, cottage-style look. Alternatively, edging the entire piece in a round of crab stitch gives it a sporty, polished finish that works beautifully for a more modern table setting.

About the PDF Download

The full printable PDF download for this pattern includes the complete written instructions for the leaf motif, placemat, and coaster, a full stitch abbreviation guide, a materials list, gauge information, a photo tutorial of the key construction steps, assembly diagrams showing the join placement, and tips for blocking and care. The PDF is formatted for easy reading whether you print it at home or view it on a screen, with a clean layout and plenty of white space for making your own notes.

Once you purchase the download, you will have the file permanently and can print as many copies as you like for your personal use. The pattern is written for personal use only and is not licensed for resale or commercial production, though you are absolutely welcome to sell finished items that you make from it.

Final Thoughts

There is a reason fall is the favorite season for so many crafters. The colors are intoxicating, the urge to nest and make things beautiful is at its peak, and the cooler weather makes sitting with yarn in your lap feel like exactly the right thing to do. This crochet maple leaf table runner pattern gives you a project that is challenging enough to hold your attention but achievable enough to finish before your Thanksgiving table needs setting.

Whether you are making it for yourself, giving it as a hostess gift, or selling finished pieces at a craft fair, the combination of the table runner, matching placemats, and coasters creates a complete and cohesive set that looks like it came from a high-end home goods boutique. The PDF download means you will always have the pattern at your fingertips, ready for the next time autumn comes knocking and you want to welcome it in style.

Happy crocheting, and may your fall table be as warm and beautiful as the season itself.