Okay, this bracelet is SERIOUSLY stunning and works up SO much faster than you’d think! I’m talking a few hours from start to finish, and you end up with a gorgeous autumn maple leaf piece that looks like it belongs in a jewelry boutique. The tiny lobed leaves in fall colors, the little buds, the adjustable sliding closure — it’s one of those projects that makes people say “wait, you MADE that?” Perfect for gifts, perfect for treating yourself, and absolutely perfect for using up those pretty thread scraps you’ve been saving.
About This Crochet Bracelet Pattern
Let me walk you through what makes this bracelet so special. The design is a delicate autumn branch with multiple lobed maple leaves in rust, burnt orange, golden yellow, and burgundy. Each leaf has five pointed lobes just like the real thing. Brown crocheted branches connect everything together, and tiny gold and olive buds add that realistic touch.
The bracelet band itself uses a neat corded technique in warm caramel brown. You’ll notice the adjustable sliding knot closure with sweet little tassels and antique gold beads at the ends. This design sits beautifully on the wrist with the leafy motif as a stunning focal point.
Skill level: Intermediate. You should be comfortable working in small rounds and joining tiny pieces. If you’ve made crochet motifs before, you’ve got this!
Materials You Will Need
Gather these supplies before you begin: Yarn/Thread:
- Crochet thread, size 10 or lace weight yarn in the following colors:
– Rust (approximately 15 yards)
– Burnt orange (approximately 10 yards)
– Golden yellow (approximately 10 yards)
– Burgundy (approximately 5 yards)
– Brown (approximately 20 yards)
– Olive green (approximately 5 yards)
– Warm caramel brown for the band (approximately 25 yards)
Hook:
- Steel crochet hook, size 7 (1.65mm) or size needed to achieve tight, neat stitches
Notions:
- 2 antique gold beads (4mm with holes large enough for thread)
- Tapestry needle
- Small sharp scissors
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful)
- Fabric stiffener (optional, for shaping leaves)
Gauge and Finished Measurements
Gauge isn’t critical for jewelry, but your stitches should be tight and even so the leaves hold their shape.
Finished bracelet: Approximately 7 inches long when fully extended, adjustable down to about 5.5 inches. The leafy motif measures roughly 2 inches wide by 1.5 inches tall.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Let me break down every stitch you’ll need:
ch = chain. Wrap yarn over hook and pull through the loop on your hook. This creates the foundation for most crochet work.
sl st = slip stitch. Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion. Used for joining and moving across stitches invisibly.
sc = single crochet. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. A short, tight stitch.
hdc = half double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Slightly taller than single crochet.
dc = double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops. Creates a medium height stitch.
magic ring = adjustable starting ring. Creates a tightly closed center for working in the round. If you’re not comfortable with magic rings, you can chain 4 and slip stitch to join instead.
How to Crochet the Maple Leaves
You’ll need approximately 5 to 7 leaves total. Mix the colors — rust, burnt orange, golden yellow, burgundy — for a real autumn look. Don’t worry if they’re not all identical — real maple leaves aren’t either!
Maple Leaf (make 5 to 7)
Center:
Using your chosen leaf color, make a magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, work 5 sc into the ring, sl st to first sc to join. Pull ring closed tightly. (5 sts)
Round 2 (lobes): Ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next 2 chs, sl st in next st of center ring — repeat from * 5 times to create 5 pointed lobes. Sl st to base of first lobe to join.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Each lobe should fan out like a real maple leaf.
Stem: Join thread at the bottom center of the leaf. Ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off. (6 sl sts)
Helpful tip: If your lobes curl too much, a light application of fabric stiffener helps them lay flat. Just let them dry completely before assembling. A quick steam block works wonders too.
How to Crochet the Buds
These tiny additions make your bracelet look incredibly realistic. Make 4 to 6 buds.
Golden Bud
Using golden yellow thread, ch 4.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. (3 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. The piece will naturally curl into a tiny bud shape.
Olive Leaf Bud
Using olive green thread, ch 5.
Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. (4 sts)
Fasten off with a tail. These represent the unopened buds with their green casings.
How to Crochet the Branches
The branches connect all your elements. This is where the design comes together!
Main Branch
Using brown thread, ch 25.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (24 sts)
Fasten off with a long tail.
Small Branch Offshoots (make 3 to 4)
Using brown thread, ch 8.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 sts)
Fasten off with tails for attaching.
Assembly tip: The branches should look organic and natural. When you attach the smaller branches to the main one, angle them at different points rather than evenly spacing them.
How to Crochet the Bracelet Band
This is the adjustable cord portion that wraps around your wrist.
Making the Cord
Using warm caramel brown thread, ch 6.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (5 sts)
Rows 2 onwards: Ch 1, turn. Sc in back loop only of each st across. (5 sts)
Continue until your cord measures approximately 14 inches long. This creates a neat ribbed texture.
Alternatively, you can create a simple i-cord or twisted cord if you prefer. The key is making it sturdy enough to hold the sliding closure.
Fasten off and weave in one end.
Creating the Sliding Knot Closure
This beginner friendly closure makes the bracelet adjustable.
1. Fold your cord so the ends overlap by about 2 inches. 2. Using a separate piece of caramel thread (about 12 inches), wrap tightly around both cord pieces about 10 to 12 times. 3. Thread the tail through your wraps using a tapestry needle to secure. 4. Repeat on the other side where the cords overlap.
The wrapped sections should slide along the cords to adjust the fit.
Adding the Tassels and Beads
1. Cut 6 strands of caramel thread, each about 3 inches long. 2. Thread one cord end through an antique gold bead. 3. Fold 3 strands in half and attach below the bead using a lark’s head knot. 4. Trim tassel ends evenly to about half an inch. 5. Repeat for the other cord end.
Assembling Your Bracelet
Now comes the fun part! Lay out all your pieces before you start sewing.
Step 1: Arrange your main branch in a gentle curve.
Step 2: Position the smaller branch offshoots at natural angles along the main branch. Sew in place using brown thread and a tapestry needle.
Step 3: Place your maple leaves along the branches, mixing the fall colors. The largest leaves look best near the center. Sew each leaf securely to the branch structure.
Step 4: Tuck the buds between leaves and at branch tips. These fill gaps and add realism.
Step 5: Attach the completed leafy motif to the center of your bracelet band. Sew through the back of the branch structure into the cord, making sure your stitches don’t show from the front.
Step 6: Try on the bracelet and adjust the sliding knots for fit.
Care Instructions
Your handmade crochet bracelet deserves gentle care:
- Store flat or hanging to prevent crushing the leaves
- Spot clean only with mild soap if needed
- Keep away from water and humidity
- Handle the delicate lobes carefully when putting on and taking off
Customization Ideas
Once you’ve mastered this pattern, try these variations:
Spring version: Swap the fall colors for fresh greens and tiny cream blossoms
Winter accessory: Make it in deep burgundy and gold for holiday sparkle
Bridal accessory: Make an all-cream version with pearl beads instead of gold
Hair accessory: Attach the leafy motif to a hair clip or headband instead
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Leaves won’t lay flat: Use fabric stiffener or try blocking them while damp. Pinning them to a foam board while drying helps.
Stitches too loose: Drop down a hook size. Thread work requires tighter tension than regular yarn.
Branches look stiff: Gently roll them between your fingers to soften. They’ll become more flexible with handling.
Assembly looks messy: Take photos of real autumn branches for reference. Nature isn’t perfectly symmetrical, so don’t stress about exact placement.
I really hope you love making this autumn maple leaf bracelet as much as I do. It’s one of those projects that feels like a tiny accomplishment every time you finish a new leaf. If you make one, I would absolutely love to see it!
If this pattern caught your eye, go ahead and save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you’re ready to start. And please drop a comment below if you give it a try. I read every single one and love hearing how your projects turn out!
