Maple Leaf Motif

I'm still playing around with the outside-in concept of crochet motifs, and here's the latest iteration: a quick, fun little maple leaf. Mine measures about 5 1/2" across and was made with a size N hook and some leftover super-chunky yarn. (Leftover from what, you ask? Why, the next pattern, of course. All will be revealed in tomorrow's post.)

This motif would make a cute adornment for a fall gift. And I happen to know it looks great on the ends of an autumn scarf...

Any yarn should work, with the appropriate size hook.

LOOSELY chain 7. Do not turn.

Working in back loops only, single crochet in
next chain from hook, hdc, double crochet,
double crochet. First lobe made. (You will
have 2 chains hanging off the end of the first lobe.
They'll get used later.)

Loosely chain 5...

And repeat above steps to make next lobe
(sc, hdc, dc, dc - all in back loops only).
Make 3 more lobes for a total of 5. They will
look like a little strip of bunting.
Chain 2. Do not turn.

See the holes between each lobe? That's where
your hook will be going.

Yarn over, and insert hook into first hole...

Pull yarn through, then yarn over and pull through
2 loops on hook. You will have 2 loops left.

Repeat with next 3 holes. Now you should have
6 loops on your hook. Insert hook into 1st chain
(way over there on the left)...

Yarn over, and gently pull yarn through all loops on hook.
We have a leaf!

Chain as many stitches as you like to make a stem.
I wove the starting yarn up through my chain.
If you start with a long enough tail you can
double it up with your working yarn and chain
with both strands. (Now she tells us!)

Happy autumn.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~