This autumn maple hexagon afghan started with a pile of warm-toned yarn I had been saving for “someday.” Classic hexagons in rich fall colors, a crisp cream border, and dimensional maple leaf appliqués turn a modular project into pure seasonal coziness. The motifs work up fast and stay portable, so you can crochet while binge-watching without losing your place. If you have ever made a granny square, you already understand the basic idea.
Why You Will Love This Autumn Hexagon Afghan Crochet Pattern
Solid hexagon motifs in burnt orange, burgundy, rust, and mustard join with a cream border, then get topped with scattered maple leaves. The hexagons use basic stitches worked in continuous rounds from the center out. Instead of squares, you create six-sided shapes that nest together with almost no gaps.
What makes this afghan special: portable motifs you can take anywhere, simple join-as-you-go or seamed options, a stunning color gradient from stash yarn, dimensional leaf appliqués, and a clean cream frame. The finished blanket measures about 50 by 60 inches—perfect for the couch or the end of a bed.
IMO the maple leaves are the detail that pushes it from pretty to pure autumn magic.
Materials Needed for Your Maple Hexagon Afghan
Gather these supplies:
- Worsted weight yarn (category 4)
- Color A: Burnt orange — about 400 yards
- Color B: Deep burgundy or wine — about 400 yards
- Color C: Rust or terracotta — about 350 yards
- Color D: Golden mustard — about 350 yards
- Color E: Cream or off-white for borders — about 300 yards
- Color F: Bright orange for leaves — about 100 yards
- Color G: Red for leaves — about 75 yards
- 5.5 mm (US I/9) crochet hook for the hexagons
- 5.0 mm (US H/8) hook for the maple leaves
- Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, blocking mats and pins (optional but helpful)
Gauge: Each finished hexagon measures about 6 inches from flat edge to flat edge after blocking. Any medium-weight acrylic or acrylic blend works well and holds up to washing.
Skill Level and Techniques
This pattern sits at intermediate level because of the hexagon shaping and appliqué work. Confident beginners who have finished a few projects can still tackle it successfully.
Stitches you will use include chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, and the magic ring. If magic rings feel tricky, chain 4 and slip stitch to join instead.
Solid Hexagon Motif Pattern
Make about 35 hexagons total. A good color mix is 9 burnt orange, 9 burgundy, 9 rust, and 8 mustard, but adjust to whatever is in your stash.
Start with a magic ring and work continuous rounds of double crochet, placing increases at six evenly spaced points so the shape becomes a true hexagon. Each round adds more stitches between the corners until the motif reaches about 6 inches across. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
If the hexagon cups or curls, try a larger hook. If it ruffles, go down half a size. It should lie flat on its own.
Here is a finished hexagon ready for its cream border.
render_generated_image with prompt is hyper detailed 8K resolution photograph of a solid autumn-colored crochet hexagon motif in progress, double crochet rounds with clear corner increases, hands holding the work, soft natural lighting, ultra sharp yarn texture and even stitches, professional process photography on wooden surface orientation is portrait
Cream Border for Each Hexagon
Join cream yarn in any corner of a completed hexagon. Work a round of single crochet, placing three stitches in each corner so the edges stay straight and the corners stay sharp. This border unifies all the colors and creates clean lines for joining.
Your bordered hexagon now has clearly defined sides that nestle together beautifully.
render_generated_image with prompt is hyper detailed 8K resolution of a cream single crochet border being added to an autumn hexagon motif, hands working the corner stitches, soft natural light, extreme detail on yarn and stitches, professional craft photography orientation is landscape
Maple Leaf Appliqué Pattern
These dimensional leaves turn the afghan into a true autumn statement. Make 5 to 7 leaves in bright orange and red.
Chain a short foundation for the central vein, then work a series of pointed leaf lobes that branch off the stem. Finish with a small stem at the bottom. Block the leaves gently so the points open up and the shape looks natural.
Scatter them across the surface once the hexagons are joined.
render_generated_image with prompt is hyper detailed 8K resolution close-up of bright orange and red crochet maple leaf appliqués being shaped, pointed lobes and stem visible, hands holding the leaves, soft natural lighting, ultra sharp yarn texture, professional process photography orientation is portrait
Assembling Your Autumn Afghan and Final Border
Lay out all 35 hexagons in a honeycomb arrangement—five across and seven rows works well. Snap a photo so you remember the placement. Join the motifs either with an invisible whip stitch through the back loops or with a visible single crochet ridge for extra texture.
Once everything is joined, work a simple single crochet border around the entire afghan, placing three stitches in each outer corner. Finish with a reverse single crochet (crab stitch) round for a neat rope-like edge.
Position the maple leaves on several hexagons, avoiding the outer edges. Pin them, then sew around the outer edges with matching yarn, leaving the points slightly free for dimension.
Here is the finished afghan with its rich autumn hexagons and scattered maple leaves.
render_generated_image with prompt is hyper detailed 8K resolution of the complete autumn maple hexagon afghan, multi-colored hexagons in burnt orange burgundy rust and mustard with cream borders, dimensional maple leaf appliqués scattered across the surface, soft natural light, ultra sharp yarn detail, professional product photography style on wooden surface orientation is portrait
Care Instructions
Machine wash on gentle cycle with cold water. Tumble dry on low or lay flat to dry. Acrylic softens beautifully with each wash.
Store the afghan folded loosely so the leaves and hexagons do not crease.
Pattern Notes and Variations
For a smaller throw, make 20 hexagons (four across, five rows) for a lap blanket about 36 by 45 inches. For a larger blanket, make 54 hexagons (six across, nine rows) for a generous queen-size throw. Swap the autumn palette for pastels and flower appliqués for spring, or blues and snowflakes for winter. Skip the leaves entirely if appliqué work is not your thing—the hexagon blanket still looks stunning on its own.
FYI, locking stitch markers help keep track of the increase points on every hexagon round.
FAQ’s
Is this pattern good for intermediate crocheters?
Yes. If you are comfortable with double crochet and basic increases, you can handle the hexagons. The maple leaves are the only new-looking technique, and they work up quickly once you try the first one.
How long does the afghan take?
Most makers finish in two to three weeks of steady sessions. The motifs are portable, so you can work on them during short pockets of time.
Can I sell the finished afghans?
Usually yes for handmade items as long as you credit the designer. Always check the original terms if you plan larger sales.
What if my hexagons do not lie flat?
Adjust your hook size. Too tight and they cup; too loose and they ruffle. Blocking after the cream border also helps them settle.
Can I change the colors?
Absolutely. Any seasonal or neutral palette works. The construction stays the same no matter which shades you choose.
Do I need the maple leaves?
No. The hexagon blanket stands beautifully on its own. The leaves simply add that extra autumn flair.
Final Thoughts
This autumn maple hexagon afghan 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. Thanks for making it with me. When you finish yours, share a photo so the rest of us can admire those rich fall colors and dimensional leaves. Happy crocheting, friend—you have got this.
