Autumn Maple Hexagon Afghan Free Crochet Pattern

I pulled out every warm-toned skein I had been hoarding for "someday" and decided that day had finally arrived. This afghan started as a challenge to myself. Could I combine classic hexagon construction with seasonal charm and create something that actually looked like fall spilled across my couch? I added the maple leaf appliqués on a whim, and honestly, I think they make the whole thing. This cozy hexagon blanket works up faster than you might expect, and the modular construction means you can crochet while binge-watching your favorite shows without losing your place.

Why You Will Love This Autumn Hexagon Afghan Crochet Pattern

This crochet pattern combines two techniques that pair beautifully together. Solid hexagon motifs in rich autumn colors, joined with a crisp cream border, then topped with adorable maple leaf appliqués scattered across the surface.

The hexagons themselves use basic stitches worked in continuous rounds from the center out. If you have ever made a granny square, you already understand the concept. Instead of squares, you are creating six-sided shapes that nest together with minimal gaps.

What makes this afghan special:

Portable hexagon motifs you can make anywhere

Simple join-as-you-go or seamed construction options

Stunning color gradient effect using stash yarn

Dimensional maple leaf appliqués for seasonal flair

Cream border that frames everything beautifully

The finished blanket measures approximately 50 inches by 60 inches, perfect for curling up on the couch or draping over a bed.

Materials Needed for Your Maple Hexagon Afghan

Yarn:

Worsted weight yarn, category 4

Color A: Burnt orange, approximately 400 yards

Color B: Deep burgundy or wine, approximately 400 yards

Color C: Rust or terracotta, approximately 350 yards

Color D: Golden mustard, approximately 350 yards

Color E: Cream or off-white for borders, approximately 300 yards

Color F: Bright orange for maple leaves, approximately 100 yards

Color G: Red for maple leaves, approximately 75 yards

I used Red Heart Super Saver for this project because the color range is perfect for autumn tones, and it holds up wonderfully to washing. Any medium weight acrylic or acrylic blend works great here.

Tools:

5.5mm (US I/9) crochet hook

5.0mm (US H/8) crochet hook for maple leaves

Tapestry needle for weaving ends

Scissors

Stitch markers

Blocking mats and pins (optional but helpful)

Gauge:

Each completed hexagon measures approximately 6 inches from flat edge to flat edge after blocking.

Skill Level and Techniques

This pattern is intermediate level due to the hexagon shaping and appliqué work. However, if you are a confident beginner who has completed a few projects, you can absolutely tackle this.

Stitches you will use:

Chain (ch): Wrap yarn over hook, pull through loop on hook. This creates the foundation for most crochet work.

Slip stitch (sl st): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion. Used for joining rounds.

Single crochet (sc): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.

Half double crochet (hdc): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops.

Double crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops. Creates a taller stitch.

Treble crochet (tr): Yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through two loops) three times.

Magic ring: An adjustable starting loop that closes tightly with no hole in the center. If you struggle with magic rings, chain 4 and slip stitch to join instead.

Solid Hexagon Motif Pattern

Make approximately 35 hexagons total. I distributed my colors like this: 9 in burnt orange, 9 in burgundy, 9 in rust, and 8 in mustard. Feel free to adjust based on your stash.

Round 1: Using your chosen main color, make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), work 11 dc into the ring. Sl st to top of beginning ch-3 to join. Pull magic ring closed. (12 dc)

Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same stitch. 2 dc in each stitch around. Sl st to join. (24 dc)

Round 3: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 3 stitches. *(2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 3 stitches)* repeat around. Sl st to join. (30 dc)

This is where we start creating the hexagon shape. The increases will happen at six evenly spaced points.

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 4 stitches. *(2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 4 stitches)* repeat around. Sl st to join. (36 dc)

Round 5: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 5 stitches. *(2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 5 stitches)* repeat around. Sl st to join. (42 dc)

Round 6: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 6 stitches. *(2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 6 stitches)* repeat around. Sl st to join. (48 dc)

Round 7: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 7 stitches. *(2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 7 stitches)* repeat around. Sl st to join. (54 dc)

Round 8: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 8 stitches. *(2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 8 stitches)* repeat around. Sl st to join. Fasten off and weave in ends. (60 dc)

You should now have a flat hexagon with six distinct corners where the increases stack.

Quick Tip for Beginners

If your hexagon is curling or cupping, your tension might be too tight. Try going up half a hook size. If it is ruffling or wavy, go down a hook size. The hexagon should lie flat naturally.

Cream Border for Each Hexagon

This border unifies all your colorful hexagons and creates clean lines for joining.

Join Color E (cream) in any corner stitch of your completed hexagon.

Border Round: Ch 1, 3 sc in corner stitch (this marks your corner), sc in each stitch along the side until you reach the next corner. *3 sc in corner, sc along side* repeat around entire hexagon. Sl st to first sc to join. Fasten off. (72 sc total: 6 corners with 3 sc each = 18 sc in corners, plus 9 sc per side x 6 sides = 54 sc along sides)

Your bordered hexagon should now have clearly defined corners and straight edges that will nestle together beautifully during assembly.

Maple Leaf Appliqué Pattern

These charming leaves transform your afghan from a lovely hexagon blanket into a true autumn statement piece. Make 5 to 7 leaves total, scattered across your afghan.

Using the smaller 5.0mm hook and Color F or G, chain 12.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, tr in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in last ch. Do not turn. (10 stitches)

First Leaf Point: Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in last ch. Sl st into the 4th stitch of your main stem (the first dc you made).

Second Leaf Point: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, tr in last ch. Sl st into the 6th stitch of your main stem (the treble crochet in the center).

Third Leaf Point: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, tr in last ch. Sl st into the 8th stitch of your main stem.

Fourth Leaf Point: Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in last ch. Sl st into the base of your starting chain.

Stem: Ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in remaining 4 ch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Your leaf should have a central vein with four points branching off, plus a small stem at the bottom. Block gently to open up the shape.

Assembling Your Autumn Afghan

Lay out all 35 hexagons in your desired arrangement before joining anything. I recommend 5 hexagons across and 7 rows, offset like a honeycomb pattern. Snap a photo of your layout so you remember the placement.

Method 1: Whip Stitch Seaming

Thread your tapestry needle with cream yarn. Hold two hexagons with right sides together. Working through the back loops only of both pieces, whip stitch along one flat edge. The stitches should be nearly invisible from the right side.

Method 2: Single Crochet Join

Hold two hexagons with wrong sides together. Insert hook through both layers, join cream yarn with a sl st. Sc evenly along the edge, working through both hexagon borders. This creates a visible ridge on the right side, which adds texture.

Either method works beautifully. Choose based on whether you want an invisible seam or a decorative raised join.

Final Border

Once all hexagons are joined, add a finishing border around the entire afghan edge.

Round 1: Join cream yarn in any corner of the afghan. Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire perimeter. Work 3 sc in each outer corner to turn smoothly. Sl st to join.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, placing 3 sc in each corner. Sl st to join.

Round 3: Ch 1, working from left to right (reverse direction), sc in each stitch around for a reverse single crochet (crab stitch) edge. This creates a lovely rope-like border. Sl st to join. Fasten off.

Attaching the Maple Leaves

Position your maple leaves across the afghan surface. I placed mine on 5 different hexagons, avoiding the edges where they might get caught or folded. Pin in place before sewing.

Using matching thread or yarn and your tapestry needle, tack each leaf down with small invisible stitches around the outer edges. Leave the leaf points slightly loose so they have dimension.

Care Instructions

Machine wash on gentle cycle with cold water. Tumble dry on low or lay flat to dry. Acrylic yarn softens beautifully with each wash. Store folded loosely to prevent creasing.

Pattern Notes and Variations

Smaller throw: Make 20 hexagons (4 across, 5 rows) for a lap blanket approximately 36 by 45 inches.

Larger blanket: Make 54 hexagons (6 across, 9 rows) for a generous queen-size throw.

Different seasons: Swap the autumn palette for pastels and flower appliqués for spring, or blues and snowflakes for winter.

No appliqués: The hexagon blanket stands beautifully on its own if appliqué work is not your thing.

This autumn maple hexagon afghan crochet pattern creates a stunning seasonal piece that showcases your color choices and careful craftwork. The modular construction makes it ideal for working on during commutes, waiting rooms, or cozy evenings at home.

Thank you so much for choosing this pattern for your next cozy project. I genuinely hope you love making it as much as I loved designing it. If you give this afghan a try, I would absolutely love to see your version. Tag me on Instagram or share in my Facebook group so I can cheer you on!

If this pattern caught your eye, go ahead and pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it when you are ready to start. And please drop a comment below if you make one. I read every single comment and love hearing which colors you chose.