Rustling Mystery Make Along Part 1: How to Crochet a Leaf Garland (Free Pattern)
Welcome to the Rustling Mystery Make Along
Welcome to the Rustling Mystery Make Along (MAL)—a cosy new twist on the traditional crochet along, this time a make along! 🍂
This free crochet make along event is released in parts, so you can follow along week by week and slowly uncover a charming woodland adventure, one mystery project at a time.
But this time, we're approaching things a little differently.
There are affiliate links in this post. We will receive a commission if you make a purchase through our affiliate link at no extra cost to you. Do note I have used some if not most of these products at some point in time.
Table of Contents Show
Part 1 – Let's Get Started!
Instead of focusing on every single stitch line by line, the videos will mainly highlight the key construction, shaping, and assembly moments—the little decisions that gradually transform simple crochet pieces into expressive woodland characters.
The written pattern below will still guide you through every stitch, while the Make Along videos are designed to help you see:
how simple crochet shapes come together to build each mystery project
how shaping and construction create personality and expression
and how each piece gradually becomes part of the unfolding woodland story
Let us start off with this simple seamless foundation chain garland, which is our first “antagonist” in the story!
👉 I'd love to see your progress along the way! Feel free to share your makes and tag @pocketyarnlings so I can cheer you on. 🍂
Materials You’ll Need
The materials needed are listed below or if you wish to see what I start off most of my projects with, then check out this post on “My Crochet Tools and Accessories that are Super Simple to Start With”. This time I will be working with chunky weight yarn.
Yarn
Scheepjes Catona or any equivalent fingering or sport weight yarn for accessories
Orange (25g)
Red (25g)
Light brown (50g)
Crochet Hooks
You can use any brand
Rest of Supplies
Darning needle
Filling – use leftover yarn or polyester fiberfill
The full list and where to get them is just below here.
Also check out my full list of commonly used crochet tools and accessories here.
Yarn
1. Fingering weight yarn - Scheepjes Catona for accessories
Crochet Hook
Orange (25g)
Red (25g)
Light brown (50g)
Rest of Supplies
Darning Needles
Stuffing
Use leftover yarn or polyester fibrefill
Stitch Markers
Plastic stitch markers or metal stitch markers
Terminology You’ll Need
Here I have listed the techniques needed to crochet just this first part . Each one is individually linked if you need to learn more about how to master each technique, or you could check out this post on “How to Learn Basic Crochet Stitches step by step for Absolute Beginners - 6 Easy Steps!”.
Basic Crochet Stitches
Ch = chain
St = stitch (refers to number of stitches in one round)
Make the Mystery Along with me!
🍂 Join the Rustling Mystery MAL to crochet along, unlock the full pattern, and discover the heartwarming story behind it all.
Rustling Mystery MAL Part 1
Main Garland
Using light brown yarn:
Foundation:
Ch 100
Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st 8
Orange Leaf
Change to orange yarn.
Ch 10.
Starting in 2nd ch from hook:
Sl st 1, hdc 2, dc 3, hdc 2, sl st 1
Rotate and work along the opposite side of the chain:
Sl st 1, hdc 2, dc 3, hdc 2, sl st 1
Sl st 8 down the center of the leaf.
Main Garland
Return to main chain:
Change to light brown yarn, sl st 1 in same ch on main chain.
Fasten off orange yarn.
Continue along main chain:
Sl st 12
Leaf cluster - 3 leaves
Change to red yarn.
Red Leaf 1
Ch 6.
Starting in 2nd ch from hook:
(sc 1, hdc 1, dc 1, tr 1, dtr 1, ttr 1) all in same st
Ch 2, sl st 1 down the ch-2.
Ch 6, sl st 1 into base of leaf.
Red Leaf 2
Ch 2.
Starting in 2nd ch from hook:
(sc 1, hdc 1, dc 1, tr 1, dtr 1, ttr 1) all in same st
Ch 2, sl st 1 down the ch-2.
Ch 6, sl st 1 into base of leaf 2, then sl st 1 into base of leaf 1.
Red leaf 3
Ch 2.
Starting in 2nd ch from hook:
(sc 1, hdc 1, dc 1, tr 1, dtr 1, ttr 1) all in same st
Ch 2, sl st 1 down the ch-2.
Ch 6, sl st 1 into base of leaf 3, then sl st 1 into base of leaf 1.
Sl st 4 back up towards the main chain.
Main Garland
Return to main chain:
Change to light brown yarn, sl st 1 in same ch on main chain.
Fasten off red yarn.
Continue along main chain:
Sl st 12
🔁 Repeat
You have completed one set:
• 1 orange leaf
• 1 red leaf cluster
Repeat this pairing 4 more times.
✨ Finish
End with light brown yarn:
Sl st 7
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Rustling Mystery MAL Part 1 Video
Before watching the video, be sure to refer to the written pattern above, as the video focuses on the key construction and shaping moments rather than every stitch.
The video below is under 30 minutes long and includes voice-over guidance and captions to help you crochet along with confidence.
If you enjoy the Make Along, I'd love for you to like the video and subscribe to my YouTube channel so you'll be notified whenever the next mystery part is released. Happy crocheting! 🍂
What To Do Next?
Choose any of these next steps or a combination of them! Remember to hang tight for the rest of the MAL!
👉 1. Watch out for the second part!
The second part of our Rustling Mystery MAL will be released on Thursday, August 20th. Don’t miss it — the mystery is just getting warm!
👉 2. Get MAL updates by email.
Want a reminder the moment each part is live? Go ahead and join the email list below. You can share each part with your fellow crochet friends so they can join in too!
👉 3. Access the MAL hub.
Missed a part or want to revisit earlier sections? You can always head back to the main MAL hub page to find all the links in one place. 🧶
👉 4. Grab the full bundle.
Want everything in one easy download — plus the storybook and bonus goodies? ✨ You can grab the Rustling Mystery Make Along Bundle here, and enjoy the complete set at once.
👉 5. Share your progress.
Share your progress in the comment box below! Or post your photos on Instagram with the and tag me @pocketyarnlings right over here. I’ll be cheering you on — and will even feature your work!
👉 6. Pin this for later.
Save this part of the pattern to your holiday crochet board in case you cannot get into now, since each page includes the pattern and the video, pin it below to your board so you don’t miss out!
