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Free Crochet Acorn Appliqué Pattern – Beginner-Friendly Stash-Buster for Fall

Free crochet acorn appliqué pattern – beginner-friendly fall project shown in hands. Quick scrap yarn crochet embellishment for hats, booties, and blankets.

Fall is the perfect time for quick makes, and this free crochet acorn appliqué pattern is as simple as it gets. This beginner-friendly stash buster works up in minutes and adds a sweet handmade touch to hats, baby booties, blankets, or seasonal décor. In this post, you’ll get step-by-step instructions, photos, and a video tutorial to help you crochet your own easy acorn motif.

At a Glance

  • Finished Size: approx. 1.5″ tall × 1.25″ wide
  • Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
  • Estimated Time: 10 – 15 minutes
  • Recommended Yarn: Baby Bee Sweet Delight (Sand Castle for body, Chocolate for cap) – Lightweight #3
  • Yardage: Less than 1 yard per color — perfect stash-buster
  • Hook Sizes: E/4 (3.5 mm) for body, C/2 (2.75 mm) for cap
  • Great for: Embellishing baby booties, hats, scarves, blankets, gift tags, and cozy fall décor
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How This Fall Appliqué Came to Life

When fall arrives, I always find myself drawn to simple projects that capture the season’s cozy charm. That’s exactly why I created this free crochet acorn appliqué pattern — a sweet and easy way to bring autumn into your handmade pieces. I wanted something quick, versatile, and beginner-friendly, yet still special enough to add a heartfelt touch to baby projects, blankets, and hats.

Because it works up so fast and uses very little yarn, this little appliqué makes the perfect stash buster crochet project. Instead of letting leftover yarn go unused, you can turn scraps into adorable acorns that brighten up any handmade item.

It’s a tiny design, but one with endless possibilities for fall crafting!

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SCRAP YARN, SWEET KEEPSAKES

One of the things I love most about this crochet acorn appliqué pattern is how easy it is to add a seasonal touch to handmade projects. Just look at how charming it is on these tiny booties and the matching beanie—it instantly transforms simple crochet pieces into cozy fall keepsakes.

Of course, these little appliqués aren’t just for baby items. You can stitch them onto scarves, tote bags, table runners, or even fall garlands to bring a rustic autumn vibe to your home or wardrobe. Whether you’re making a thoughtful baby shower gift or adding handmade charm to seasonal décor, this fall crochet appliqué pattern is the perfect stash-busting project that works up in minutes.

Helpful Hints for Beautiful Results

Crochet Acorn Appliqué Tips for Beginners

Keep stitches snug
One of the best things about this acorn crochet appliqué pattern is that gauge isn’t critical. Since it’s a small embellishment, you don’t have to stress about exact measurements. However, the tension you use while crocheting will affect the final look, thus, it is best to use even, firm stitches. This helps the appliqué to keep its shape and avoid a floppy finish.


Play with yarn choice
Cotton gives a crisp, defined look, while acrylic or wool blends add softness. Fall shades like chestnut, taupe, or golden brown bring out seasonal charm.

Adjust your hook size
If the body or cap feels loose, drop down a hook size to tighten it up.

Block for polish
A light steam block helps the acorn lay flat—perfect if you plan to sew it onto hats, scarves, or blankets.

Secure when attaching
Stitch around the edges with matching yarn so it stays put, especially on baby projects or items that get lots of use.

Think outside the box
Beyond baby hats and booties, try using your appliqué for bookmarks, greeting cards, fall garlands, or as charming gift toppers.


These simple tips ensure your appliqué looks neat, balanced, and professional every time —while also sparking new ways to use it.

Materials

To crochet this mini acorn appliqué, you’ll only need a few basic supplies. This is a great stash buster crochet project because each appliqué uses less than a yard of yarn in each color!

Recommended Yarn:

Each acorn appliqué uses 2 colors:

  • Color A for the main body
  • Color B for the cap

Yarn Alternatives:

For the Body (light brown/taupe):

For the Top (dark brown):

You can substitute with any #3 lightweight yarn in similar shades — think soft tans, creams, and browns for a classic fall look.

That’s it! Just a few scraps of yarn and a couple of hooks, and you’re ready to create your own cozy little acorn appliqué.

Yardage Requirements

One of the best things about this little crochet acorn motif is how little yarn it uses. Each mini appliqué requires less than 2 yards ( 2 meters) of yarn!

  • Less than 1 yard (0.9 m) of yarn for the body (tan)
  • Less than 1 yard (0.9 m) of yarn for the cap (brown)

Because the yardage is so minimal, this is the perfect stash buster crochet project. In fact, a single skein of Baby Bee Sweet Delight (approx. 377 yards / 345 m) can make well over 150 appliqués!

That means you can easily whip up enough acorns for gift toppers, fall garlands, or embellishing multiple baby projects without needing to buy more yarn.

Skill level

Level of Difficulty – Advanced Beginner

Four taupe bars with displaying white centers to denote a crochet difficulty level of two - easy - advanced beginner.

Gauge / Tension for the Crochet Acorn Appliqué

Exact gauge is not critical for this project, but it will affect the final size of your appliqué.

  • Adjust hook size up or down if your heart looks too loose or too tight.
  • For best results, keep stitches even, firm, and consistent.

Abbreviations

Pattern is written in Standard US crochet terms.

*Click on abbreviation names for tutorials

Special Stitches and Techniques:

Magic ring/circle (MR)- A technique used to begin projects worked in the round. Form a loop with the yarn, crochet the first stitches into the loop, then pull the tail to close the center tightly. This creates a neater, adjustable starting point with no hole in the middle.

Pattern Instructions – Crochet Acorn Appliqué

Let’s get started! Follow the step-by-step instructions below to crochet your own mini acorn appliqué.

This little project works up quickly, is beginner-friendly, and makes the perfect stash buster crochet pattern — ideal for using up even the tiniest yarn scraps in a fun, seasonal way.

When you’re finished, be sure to explore the Sweet Ways to Use Your Acorn Appliqué section for creative inspiration. And if you need a little extra help, don’t miss the Helpful Hints for Beautiful Results and FAQs for added guidance along the way.

Crochet Acorn Appliqué Construction

This acorn crochet appliqué pattern is made in two simple parts: the body and the cap.

  • The body is worked in continuous rounds to create a small oval or heart shape. Because it’s crocheted in the round, you don’t need to join or turn at the end of each round. Instead, use a stitch marker (if needed) to help keep track of your first stitch.
  • The cap is crocheted directly onto the top of the body and then filled in with back-and-forth stitches to create a solid look and texture. This step gives the appliqué its finished acorn shape.
  • Once both pieces are complete, you’ll weave in the ends and your appliqué is ready to use.

Since appliqués don’t need to match exact sizing, gauge isn’t critical here. However, as noted in the Helpful Hints section, keeping your stitches snug will give the best, most polished result.

This easy acorn crochet motif is perfect for beginners who want to practice crocheting in the round while making something useful and decorative.

Want to see how it all comes together visually?

The ad-free printable PDF includes full construction photos and a step-by-step visual guide to help you along the way, as well as a link to the full video tutorial.

Finished Dimensions

The size of your crochet acorn appliqué will vary slightly depending on your yarn, hook, and tension. For the sample shown here, using Baby Bee Sweet Delight yarn, the finished appliqué measures approximately:

  • Height: 1.5″ (3.8 cm) from the tip of the body to the top of the cap
  • Width: 1.25″ (3.2 cm) at the widest point of the body

Because this is an appliqué, exact gauge is not critical. However, all measurements are approximate and taken flat before use or blocking.

Looking for a smaller version? A tiny acorn appliqué, worked in embroidery floss, measures about 0.75″ tall × 0.5″ wide and is included in the ad-free printable PDF pattern available in my shop.

Notes:

  • This acorn crochet appliqué pattern is worked in two parts: the body and the cap.
  • The body is crocheted in continuous rounds — no joining, turning, or chaining at the end of each round. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch if needed.
  • The cap is crocheted directly onto the body and then filled in with back-and-forth stitches to create a solid, textured finish.
  • Stitch counts are given in [ ] at the end of each round.
  • Because this is an appliqué, exact gauge is not required, but even tension will give the neatest finish.
  • All instructions are written in US crochet terms.
  • Care: Hand wash gently and lay flat to dry, or follow the care instructions on your chosen yarn.

Need extra guidance? A full step-by-step video tutorial is available, and the ad-free printable PDF includes detailed construction photos for visual learners.


Mini Acorn Appliqué Pattern

Using color A and 3.5 mm (E/4) hook

Acorn Body (worked in continuous rounds)

Rnd 1: Make a magic ring. Work 5 sc into ring. [5 sts]

Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 hdc in each of the next 2 sts, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next st, 2 hdc in each of the next 2 sts, sl-st in initial ch-1 to close. [11 sts]

Fasten off and weave in tail.

Acorn Cap (worked directly onto the body)

Color B and C/2 (2.75 mm) hook

Attach yarn with sl st to 2nd sc on the right side of the center sl-st that closed Rnd 1.

Pins locating where to cap will form
  • Sc in the same st
  • Work 2 hdc sts in the next st

Skip the slp-st that closed Rnd 1, work (2 hdc, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 2 hdc) in the next st.

Note: The ch 2 and slp-st into the 2nd ch from the hook creates the peak of the acorn cap

  • Work 2 hdc sts in the next st
  • Work one sc and one slp-st into the next st
Peak forming (ch 2)
Acorn peak formed (Slp-st in 2nd ch from hook to complete peak)

Cut yarn leaving at least an 18 – inch tail. Thread tail with tapestry needle and sew short “strips” back and forth across the acorn cap to fill in and create a textured cap.

Bind off and weave in ends.

Not sure how the cap comes together?

Watch the video tutorial for a clear step-by-step demonstration.


Sweet Ways to Use Your Acorn Appliqué

Not sure how to use your finished acorn appliqué? This fall crochet appliqué pattern is more than just cute — it’s a versatile embellishment that’s functional, fun, and beginner-friendly. Here are some creative ideas:

  • Sew onto baby booties, beanies, or blankets for a sweet woodland touch
  • Add to fall or Thanksgiving table décor like napkin rings or place cards
  • Attach to gift tags, greeting cards, or treat bags for a seasonal accent
  • Use on scarves, bags, or headbands for a cozy autumn accessory
  • String several together to create a bunting or garland
  • Add to scrapbooking or journaling for a textured embellishment
  • Use as a stash-buster crochet project — quick to make and easy to sell at craft fairs

These little acorns are quick, fun, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re crafting for fall, adding a seasonal touch to baby gifts, or building inventory for markets, they bring handmade charm to any project.

Frequently Asked Questions – Crochet Acorn Appliqué

Have questions while working on your acorn appliqué? These FAQs cover common beginner concerns.

Yes! Because gauge isn’t critical for this project, using a lighter-weight yarn and smaller hook is an easy way to shrink the size. If you’d like a perfectly tiny acorn appliqué (ideal for baby booties, greeting cards, or delicate embellishments), the exclusive Tiny Acorn version is included in the premium PDF. That way, you get both sizes in one easy-to-follow download.

I designed this with Lightweight #3 yarn for a neat, flat finish. If you only have worsted weight (#4) yarn on hand, no worries! You can split the strands in half — working with 2 instead of 4 — to mimic the look and feel of a lighter yarn.

Nope! Since this is an appliqué, exact sizing doesn’t matter. What really matters is keeping your tension consistent so your acorn looks clean and holds its shape

You can stitch it directly onto hats, baby booties, or blankets using a yarn needle. For paper crafts or quick projects, fabric glue works beautifully. If you’d like it to be removable, try sewing it to a pin back, hair clip, or even a magnet.

Absolutely! This mini acorn appliqué is beginner-friendly. If you can chain, slip stitch, and work basic stitches, you’ll be ready to go. The step-by-step photos included in the PDF make it even easier.

It’s best to follow the care instructions for the yarn you used, but in general I recommend hand washing in cool water and laying flat to dry. This helps the appliqué keep its shape and prevents stretching or fuzzing. If your appliqué is attached to a baby item or blanket that needs more frequent washing, choose a soft, durable yarn like acrylic or cotton so it holds up well over time.

Love This Pattern? Keep It Forever.

Download the ad-free printable version and crochet with ease — no scrolling needed. PDF includes two acorn appliqué sizes – Mini and Tiny.

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Prefer a quick overview?

Here’s the step-by-step in plain format:

Time needed: 10 minutes

Crochet Acorn Appliqué

  1. Gather Materials

    Lightweight #3 yarn (color A) and 3.5mm crochet hook.Multiple crochet acorn appliqués in brown and beige yarn displayed on a lace background with dried leaves.

  2. Make Body
    Round 1
    Make a Magic Ring,
    Rnd 1: Make a magic ring. Work 5 sc into ring. [5 sts]

  3. Round 2

    Ch 1, 2 hdc in each of the next 2 sts, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next st, 2 hdc in each of the next 2 sts, sl-st in initial ch-1 to close. [11 sts]

  4. Bind Off

    Weave in ends

  5. Acorn Cap

    Color B and C/2 (2.75 mm) hook
    Attach yarn with sl st to 2nd sc on the right side of the center sl-st that closed Rnd 1.

  6. Round 1

    Sc in the same st, Work 2 hdc sts in the next st, Skip the slp-st that closed Rnd 1, work (2 hdc, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 2 hdc) in the next st, Work 2 hdc sts in the next st,
    Work one sc and one slp-st into the next st

  7. Fill Cap

    Cut yarn leaving at least an 18 – inch tail. Thread tail with tapestry needle and sew short “strips” back and forth across the acorn cap to fill in and create a textured cap. (See video tutorial)

  8. Bind off & Weave in ends