purlJam

# Autumn Leaf Garland Scarf

A delicate beginner-friendly scarf made from individual crocheted leaves joined together by neat chain stitches. Wear it long, doubled, or loosely knotted as a botanical accent.

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## Skill Level
Beginner

## Finished Measurements
- **Length:** approximately 163 cm (64 in)
- **Leaf width:** approximately 4 cm (1½ in)
- **Leaf length:** approximately 9 cm (3½ in)

## Materials
- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Aran) yarn, approximately 100 g (180 m / 197 yds) in a leaf colour of your choice (forest green, russet, gold, or a variegated autumn shade work beautifully)
- **Hook:** 5.0 mm (UK 6 / US H-8) crochet hook
- **Notions:** Tapestry/yarn needle, scissors

## Tension (Gauge)
14 dc x 16 rows = 10 cm (4 in) square in plain double crochet using a 5.0 mm hook.
Tension is not critical for this project, but it will affect finished size and yarn quantity.

## Abbreviations (UK terms)
- **ch** — chain
- **ss** — slip stitch
- **dc** — double crochet (US: sc)
- **htr** — half treble (US: hdc)
- **tr** — treble (US: dc)
- **st(s)** — stitch(es)
- **sk** — skip

> **Note on terminology:** This pattern uses **UK crochet terms**. If you are used to US terms, please convert before beginning.

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## Pattern Notes
- The scarf is made of **12 individual leaves** joined together by short lengths of chain stitches.
- Each leaf is worked along both sides of a foundation chain, with a small picot at the tip.
- You may make more or fewer leaves to adjust the length — each leaf adds about 9 cm and each chain join adds about 5 cm.

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## The Leaf (make 12)

**Foundation:** Ch 11.

**Round 1 (right side):** Working into the back bump of the chain:
- 1 ss in the 2nd ch from hook
- 1 dc in the next ch
- 1 htr in the next ch
- 1 tr in each of the next 3 ch
- 1 htr in the next ch
- 1 dc in the next ch
- In the last ch (tip): work (1 dc, ch 3, ss in 3rd ch from hook to form picot, 1 dc) — *this is the leaf tip*

Now continue along the **opposite side** of the foundation chain:
- 1 dc in the next ch
- 1 htr in the next ch
- 1 tr in each of the next 3 ch
- 1 htr in the next ch
- 1 dc in the next ch
- 1 ss in the same ch as the very first ss (the base of the leaf)

**Stitch count check:**
Side A: 1 ss + 1 dc + 1 htr + 3 tr + 1 htr + 1 dc = 8 sts
Tip: 1 dc + picot + 1 dc = 2 sts (+ picot)
Side B: 1 dc + 1 htr + 3 tr + 1 htr + 1 dc = 7 sts
Closing ss into base = 1
**Total: 18 sts around the leaf body + 1 picot at tip ✓**

Fasten off the **first leaf only**, leaving a 10 cm tail for weaving in.
For all subsequent leaves, **do not fasten off** — proceed directly to the joining instructions below.

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## Joining the Leaves

After completing a leaf (and without fastening off), work as follows:

**Chain join:** Ch 10.

**Begin next leaf:** Continue with the chain you've just made by working ch 11 more (you now have a working ch of 11 for the new leaf foundation), then work Round 1 of "The Leaf" as above. The 10-ch join attaches naturally at the base of the new leaf.

> **Tip for beginners:** It can be easier to fasten off each leaf separately, then rejoin the yarn with a slip stitch into the base of a finished leaf, ch 10, ss into the base of the next leaf, and fasten off. Either method gives a tidy result — choose whichever feels more comfortable.

**Repeat** for all 12 leaves, joining each new leaf to the previous one with a 10-ch length.

**Math check:**
- 12 leaves × 9 cm = 108 cm
- 11 chain joins × ~5 cm = 55 cm
- **Total length ≈ 163 cm (64 in) ✓** (within target 60–70 in)

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## Finishing

1. Fasten off the final leaf and weave in all yarn ends using the tapestry needle. Take care to weave ends along the underside of each leaf so they do not show.
2. **Optional blocking:** Pin the scarf out flat on a blocking mat or towel, gently shaping each leaf into a pointed oval. Spray lightly with cool water and allow to dry completely. Blocking really brings out the leaf shape and makes the scarf lie beautifully flat.
3. **Optional embellishment:** Add a small contrast-coloured stem at the base of each leaf by embroidering a few straight stitches in brown or gold yarn, if desired.

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## Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool detergent. Squeeze out excess water (do not wring), reshape, and dry flat.

## Customisation Ideas
- **Multi-colour scarf:** Make leaves in a mix of green, gold, orange and red for an autumnal look.
- **Longer scarf:** Add 2–3 extra leaves for a wrap-around length.
- **Choker/necklace version:** Make just 5–6 leaves for a botanical neck accent.
- **Decorative garland:** Skip wearing — drape it across a mantelpiece for seasonal home décor.

Enjoy your handmade leaf scarf! 🍃