I’m learning to quilt and have come across a lot of modular and triangular patterns known as stars. I immediately thought that this patterns could easily be converted into crochet granny square patterns using two-colored squares. A particular motif I loved was the maple leaf, which is much more recognizable than most other leaves in square and triangle quilt form due to its angularity.

I used a traditional autumnal color scheme with an emphasis on the reds and oranges unique to maple leaves. This creates a lovely contrast with the neutral background.

I found that the blanket worked up very quickly in worsted weight yarn. Each leaf consists of nine squares, so the blanket can easily be made larger or smaller by adding or removing squares while maintaining the overall rectangular shape. I originally planned on making a 3x3 blanket (3 leaves x 3 leaves, 9 x 9 squares, 63” by 63”), but found that 2x3 (42” by 63”) was plenty large for its purpose as a throw. For a coverlet, especially for a larger bed, 3x4 (63” by 84”) or 4x4 (84” by 84”) may be desired. That would require more yarn, of course.

Pattern download includes main pattern as well as a PDF containing more detailed tutorials on the methods with more photos and instructions written out. The main pattern uses standard US crochet abbreviations.

Lion Brand Pound of Love comes in large quantities, so 2 skeins of the main (background, shown in beige) color and 1 skein of each of the contrast colors can be used for the 2x3 size with plenty left over. The same would be enough for the 3x3 size, while another skein of the main color would be necessary for any larger.

Gauge: 7 rounds created a 7” x 7” square for me. That leaves each stitch at about 0.5” high.

Surface crochet can be used to create stems for the leaves. I left these off as I prefer the more abstract shapes, but instructions are included for this option.