By Molly Hart
Plant lovers, this one is for you! There is something incredibly satisfying about bringing a touch of the tropics indoors, especially when you don’t have to remember to water it. This free, easy crochet Monstera pattern works up in a flash and is the perfect way to use up those leftover skeins of green cotton yarn in your stash.
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Whether you want to create a set of botanical coasters for your coffee table, string them together for a summery garland, or use them as appliques on a plain tote bag, this stylized Monstera deliciosa leaf is incredibly versatile. The pattern uses basic stitches and clever chain spaces to create those iconic leaf splits (called fenestrations) without any complicated shaping.
What You’ll Need
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) 100% cotton yarn in your favorite shade of green. You’ll need approximately 25 yards per leaf. Cotton is highly recommended if you plan to use these as coasters!
- Hook: US H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle and scissors
Tips Before You Start
- Gauge check: Exact gauge isn’t critical here. If your leaf is curling slightly, don’t panic! A quick blocking session at the end will flatten it out beautifully.
- Anatomy of the leaf: We will start by crocheting a central vein (the foundation chain), and then work in rounds around both sides of that chain to build the oval shape.
- Reading the pattern: The splits are created in Round 2 by chaining and skipping stitches. In Round 3, you simply crochet into those chain spaces to flesh out the leaf.
Tropical Oasis Monstera Pattern
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sk: skip
- sl st: slip stitch
- sp: space
- st: stitch
Notes
Ch 1 at the beginning of a round does not count as a stitch. Stitch counts are provided in bold at the end of every round.
Instructions
Foundation: Ch 16.
Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next 2 ch, dc in next 9 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Rotate your work to crochet down the opposite side of the foundation chain. Hdc in next 2 ch, dc in next 9 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, sc in last ch (this is the same ch as your very first sc). Sl st to first sc to join. (31 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, do not turn. Sc in next 2 sts, ch 4, sk next 3 sts, dc in next 3 sts, ch 4, sk next 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next st. [Tip of leaf:] Sc in next st, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next st, sc in next st. [Left side of leaf:] Sc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts, ch 4, sk next 3 sts, dc in next 3 sts, ch 4, sk next 3 sts, sc in next 2 sts. Sl st to first sc to join. (22 sts)
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Rnd 3: Ch 1, do not turn. Sc in next 2 sts, 4 sc in next ch-4 sp, sc in next 3 sts, 4 sc in next ch-4 sp, sc in next 3 sts. [Tip of leaf:] Sc in next 2 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in next 2 sts. [Left side of leaf:] Sc in next 3 sts, 4 sc in next ch-4 sp, sc in next 3 sts, 4 sc in next ch-4 sp, sc in next 2 sts. [Stem:] Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 4 ch. Sl st to the first sc of Rnd 3 to join. (43 sts)
Finishing
Fasten off and weave in all ends securely on the back of the leaf.
Blocking is highly recommended! To get that crisp, flat coaster look, wet block your leaf. Pin it flat to a blocking mat, gently pulling the chain spaces outward to emphasize the splits, and allow it to air dry completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this leaf bigger or smaller?
Absolutely! The easiest way to change the size is by adjusting your yarn weight and hook size. Try a bulky yarn with a J/10 (6.0 mm) hook for a large placemat, or a fine crochet thread with a steel hook for delicate earrings.
Why is my leaf ruffling or curling?
Curling is very common when working tightly in the round, especially with cotton yarn. As long as the ruffle isn’t extreme, a good wet blocking session will flatten it right out. If it’s severely ruffled, try going up half a hook size.
Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?
Yes, you can use acrylic yarn if you are making a garland or wall hanging. However, if you plan to use these as coasters for hot or sweating beverages, 100% cotton is best because it is absorbent and won’t melt under heat.
