The Ember & Ash Harvest Wreath: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Autumn Leaf Wreath

Welcome the Season with a Handmade Harvest Wreath

There’s something magical about crafting your own autumn decor. The Ember & Ash Harvest Wreath is more than just a decoration—it’s a cozy project that brings the warmth of fall into your home. This textured leaf wreath combines rich, earthy colors with a variety of crochet stitches to create a lush, heirloom-quality piece. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or a beginner looking for a rewarding challenge, this pattern will guide you through every step. Let’s get started!

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact yarn weight and hook size will ensure your leaves are uniform and your wreath holds its shape beautifully.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in these colors:
  • A) Burnt Orange – approx 100 yards
  • B) Deep Rust – approx 80 yards
  • C) Golden Yellow – approx 60 yards
  • D) Forest Green – approx 50 yards
  • E) Cream/Tan – approx 40 yards
  • Small amount of brown for the vine and hanging loop
• Hook: Size G/4.0mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Gauge: First 4 rounds of a leaf = 2 inches in diameter. Exact gauge isn’t critical, but consistency is key for uniform leaf sizes.
• Additional: 24-inch piece of sturdy floral wire, yarn needle, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Creating the Wreath Base

The base is a crocheted circle that you’ll fold into a crescent shape and reinforce with wire. This gives the wreath its structure and stability.

1. Start with a magic ring using brown yarn.
2. Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet), then work 11 double crochet into the ring. Slip stitch to the top of the chain-3 to close. (12 double crochet)
3. Round 2: Chain 3, double crochet in the same stitch. Then work 2 double crochet in each stitch around. Slip stitch to the top of the chain-3. (24 double crochet)
4. Round 3: Chain 3, double crochet in the same stitch. *Double crochet in the next stitch, then 2 double crochet in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Slip stitch to close. (36 double crochet)
5. Continue increasing in this pattern: each round, add 12 double crochet evenly (by working one double crochet in the first stitch, then two in the next, etc., adjusting as needed to keep the circle flat). Keep going until the circle measures 12 inches in diameter. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 18 inches) for sewing.
6. Shape the wreath: Cut a 24-inch piece of sturdy floral wire. Fold the crocheted circle in half to form a crescent or wreath shape. Insert the wire along the inner curve of the crescent—this will help the wreath hold its shape. Using the long yarn tail, sew the two halves of the circle together along the inner curve, encasing the wire completely. Your wreath base is now ready.

Part 2: Crocheting the Leaves

You’ll make approximately 20–25 leaves in varying colors and sizes. Mix and match colors A through E to create a rich, organic look. Each leaf is worked in rows along a foundation chain, then turned and worked back down the other side.

Small Leaf (Use Color A, B, or C)

1. Chain 10.
2. Row 1 (right side): Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, treble crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, single crochet. Chain 1, turn.
3. Row 2 (wrong side): Working back down the other side of the foundation chain: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, treble crochet, double crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, single crochet. Slip stitch to the first single crochet of Row 1. Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for sewing.

Medium Leaf (Use Color A, B, C, or D)

1. Chain 12.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd chain from hook: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, treble crochet, treble crochet, double crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, single crochet. Chain 1, turn.
3. Row 2: Working back down: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, treble crochet, treble crochet, double crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, single crochet. Slip stitch to first single crochet. Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Large Leaf (Use Color A, B, D, or E)

1. Chain 14.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd chain from hook: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, treble crochet, double treble crochet, treble crochet, treble crochet, double crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, single crochet. Chain 1, turn.
3. Row 2: Working back down: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, treble crochet, double treble crochet, treble crochet, treble crochet, double crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, single crochet. Slip stitch to first single crochet. Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Pro Tip: Make a mix of small, medium, and large leaves. Aim for about 8 small, 10 medium, and 7 large for a full, lush wreath. Vary the colors as you go—don’t make all the large leaves the same color.

Part 3: Assembling Your Wreath

1. Arrange the leaves on the wreath base. Start by placing the largest leaves first, spacing them evenly around the crescent. Then fill in with medium and small leaves, overlapping them slightly for a dense, organic look. Play with the arrangement until you’re happy—some leaves can curl outward for extra dimension.
2. Sew each leaf securely to the wreath base using its long tail. Weave the needle through the base and the leaf’s center, making a few tight stitches. For leaves you want to curl outward, sew only the base of the leaf and let the tip lift away from the wreath.
3. Create a hanging loop: With brown yarn, chain 20. Sew both ends of the chain to the back of the wreath (at the top center of the crescent). Weave in all remaining ends with your yarn needle.
4. Final check: Gently fluff the leaves and adjust any that are lying flat. Your wreath is ready to hang!

Enjoy your handmade Ember & Ash Harvest Wreath—a beautiful, textured tribute to autumn that you’ll be proud to display year after year.