Crochet Fern Leaf

I designed these delicate fern leaves as a component for my crochet Winter Wreath. They would also make a very pretty addition to a crochet flower corsage or brooch project (I can picture them with roses and daisies!)

I've used merino yarns for my leaves, using both DK and 4ply weights with a 3mm hook. The finished leaf measures 10cm in length.

They are made using a combination  of chain stitches and slip stitches.

Slip stitch [Sl st] :: insert hook into the chain stitch, yarn over, hook the yarn back through the chain stitch and then through the loop on the hook.

The leaf is started with a foundation chain, then worked from the top down one side of the foundation chain, then back up the other side (single loops) of the foundation chain.

:: To begin :: Chain 24. In the pattern, this will be referred to as the foundation chain.

:: First side ::

Sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 2 chains.

Chain 3,  sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next chain {1st small leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains (shown above)

Chain 3,  sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next chain {2nd small leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains (shown above)

Chain 4, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 2 chains {1st medium leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains.

Chain 4, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 2 chains {2nd medium leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains (as above)

Chain 5, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 3 chains {1st large leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains.

Chain 5, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 3 chains {2nd large leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains (as above)

Chain 6, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 4 chains {1st X-large leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains.

Chain 6, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 4 chains {2nd X-large leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains.

Chain 6, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 4 chains {3rd X-large leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 3 chains (as above)

You should have reached the bottom of the foundation chain now (I hope you have!)

Chain 2.

:: Second Side ::

You will now be working up the opposite side of the foundation chain, picking up remaining single loops only (as shown above) and mirroring the leaves made on the first side.

Sl st in each of the first 3 chain stitches (this forms the bottom of the stem)

Chain 6, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 5 chains {1st X-large leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains.

Chain 6, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 5 chains {2nd X-large leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains.

Chain 6, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 5 chains {3rd X-large leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains (as above)

Chain 5, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 3 chains {1st large leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains.

Chain 5, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 3 chains {2nd large leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains.

Chain 4, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 2 chains {1st medium leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains.

Chain 4, sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next 2 chains {2nd medium leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains.

Chain 3,  sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next ch {1st small leaf made}

In foundation chain, sl st in next 2 chains.

Chain 3,  sl st in 2nd chain from hook, sl st in next ch {2nd small leaf made}

Fasten off and darn in ends.

Your fern leaf will naturally curl a bit, which is quite nice and fern like (!) but if you prefer, you can pin out the leaves and lightly steam with a cool iron to create a more open/flat leaf shape.

I know that for new crocheter's, slip-stitching can sometimes be quite tricky to do as there is a little bit of fiddle in getting the yarn to hook through without catching threads or losing it altogether. It takes a bit of practice and a certain twisting manoeuvre of the hook, but once you've got it, you'll be away with this quick and easy little pattern. It might be an idea to practice with slightly thicker yarn and bigger hook (ie a standard DK weight with a 4mm hook) until you get the hang of it.

Good luck!

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Comments

[Suzy Compton]

The national emblem of New Zealand is the silver fern leaf so I think lots of Kiwi crocheters would love this pattern! Even though I am a knitter I will now have to learn how to make these for my daughter, who spent a year in NZ and loves the country very much. Thank you so much for the wonderful pattern and step by step instructions.

[Jacqueline Ford]

Lucy, I am in awe of your crocheted leaves, and your wreath is coming on so well. Thank you for sharing and loving your blogs.

[Pat Gerace]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful leaf. I love it. I'm crocheting it with DMC Cecelia number 20 crochet thread.

[Marie]

Thank you for sharing this lovely pattern. I am definitely going to give this a go! :)

[Marlies]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful pattern. They are lovely!

[Rebecca S Stacks]

Thank you. I can hardly wait to try making these and your wreath. Your talent is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing. Rebecca

[Kristina]

These are just beautiful, will definitely have a go! Thanks Lucy.

[Frances]

You are amazing .., what a delicate beautiful little fern leaf - I just made one wow I love it thank you

[ELDA DA FONSECA]

LOVE THEM, SO SIMPLE, SO NICE

[Danielle]

Can't wait to try this! Thank you for sharing your pattern.