Monstera Crochet: 9 Ideas + a Free Leaf Coaster Pattern
Watch: Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Featured Free Pattern: Monstera Leaf Coaster
This is KnotToYarn’s own original pattern, free to use, and you’re welcome to sell what you make from it.
Start your crochet jungle with this monstera leaf coaster, a solid leaf worked around a center chain, with the plant’s signature notched edge. The ideas below scale the same leaf up into wall art, plant decor, and more.
Materials
- Worsted weight cotton yarn in leaf green, about 20 g
- 4.0 mm (US G) crochet hook
- Yarn needle, scissors, pins for blocking
Finished size: About 12 cm (4.75 in) long
Skill level: Confident beginner
Abbreviations (US terms): ch (chain), sc (single crochet), hdc (half double crochet), dc (double crochet), tr (treble crochet), sl st (slip stitch), st(s) (stitch/es)
Instructions
The Leaf Body
The leaf is worked in one round around both sides of a foundation chain, tapering from a narrow stem end to a wide rounded top.
Foundation: Ch 12.
Side 1 (up the chain): Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, hdc in the next ch, dc in the next 2 ch, tr in the next 3 ch, dc in the next 2 ch, hdc in the next ch, 5 hdc in the last ch (this fans around the leaf tip).
Side 2 (back down the other side of the chain): Hdc in the next ch, dc in the next 2 ch, tr in the next 3 ch, dc in the next 2 ch, hdc in the next ch, sc in the last ch. Sl st to the first sc to join, you now have a solid pointed-oval leaf.
The Notched Edge
Round 2: Ch 1. Sc in each of the first 2 sts. *Ch 4, skip 2 sts, sl st in the next st, sc in each of the next 2 sts; repeat from * 3 more times along the first side, 4 notches made. Work 3 sc in each of the 5 tip stitches to keep the top rounded, then repeat the notch sequence (*ch 4, skip 2, sl st, sc 2*) 4 times down the second side. End sc in the remaining sts, sl st to join.
The ch-4 arches pull inward when blocked, creating the monstera’s characteristic split-edge silhouette.
The Stem
Ch 8 from the leaf base, sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch back, sl st into the leaf base. Fasten off.
Finishing
Weave in the ends. Blocking is essential for this design: pin the leaf flat, pull each ch-4 notch open into a rounded bite shape, mist with water, and let it dry completely. For drink-proof coasters, cotton is non-negotiable, acrylic traps heat and can melt under a hot mug.
Made this? We’d love to show off your work, send a photo through our contact page and we’ll feature it here with credit to you.
Tip: Make four coasters and stack them with a fabric tie for a housewarming gift that costs under $3 in yarn.
Quick Answer
Monstera crochet patterns let you make realistic Swiss cheese plant leaves with basic stitches, double crochet, half double crochet, and chain spaces for the signature holes. Most use medium-weight green yarn, a 4.0-5.0 mm hook, and work from the stem up to the leaf tip. You can turn them into wall hangings, pillow covers, appliqués, amigurumi plants, and more, and a single leaf takes 1-3 hours depending on size.
At a Glance
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Time | 1-3 hours per leaf |
| Materials | Green worsted yarn, 4.0-5.0mm hook, floral wire (optional) |
| Yarn Needed | 50-150 yards per leaf |
| Best For | Home decor, gifts, plant-themed projects |
Common Mistakes to Quick Fixes
| Mistake | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Holes too small or uneven | Use consistent chain spaces for the leaf holes. Practice on a swatch first to get the spacing right |
| Wrong green shade | Monstera leaves are NOT uniform green. Use 2-3 shades of green for realism: darker on the outer edges, lighter in the center |
| Flat and lifeless result | Block your finished leaves aggressively and consider wiring the stems so they hold their shape naturally |
Mini Glossary
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Common name for Monstera deliciosa, known for its large heart-shaped leaves with natural holes |
| Applique | A small crochet piece sewn onto a larger project, like a monstera leaf on a pillow or bag |
| Blocking | Shaping and pinning a finished crochet piece to its correct dimensions, then steaming or wet-setting to hold the shape |
| Stem Wire | Floral wire inserted into a crochet stem to make it bendable and hold its shape for wall hangings and arrangements |
Why Monstera Crochet Patterns Are Trending?
These patterns all take after the monstera deliciosa, the Swiss cheese plant, which has basically become the mascot of the modern plant-parent movement. Its split leaves turn up on everything from wallpaper and clothing to mugs and phone cases.
It was only a matter of time before crocheters got on board, and monstera leaves are now one of the most-searched home decor projects online. The shape, heart-like, with its natural holes, translates beautifully into crochet, since the holes come from simple chain spaces and stitch combinations.
The real appeal is the versatility. One leaf can be a wall hanging, a pillow appliqué, a bag decoration, a bookmark, or just a decorative piece on its own. Group several for a tropical arrangement that brings life to a room with zero plant care, well suited to a low-light apartment or anyone who just wants a botanical touch.
If you enjoy home decor crochet, you might also like our plant pot cover patterns and velvet pillow guide.
What Should You Know About the Monstera Leaf Structure?
Before your first leaf, take a good look at a real monstera or a clear reference photo. A few features to copy: the overall heart-like shape, wider at the base and tapering to a point; smooth, slightly wavy edges; and the holes (called fenestrations) along the central vein and near the edges in a somewhat irregular pattern, a mature leaf has about 5 to 9 of varying sizes.
The surface has a subtle textured sheen, and the color gradient goes from a slightly darker green on the outer edges to a lighter, more yellow-green in the center near the stem.
For a realistic leaf you’ll want at least two shades of green, a deeper forest or emerald for the outer leaf and a lighter sage or lime for the inner sections.
Some patterns use three shades for even more depth. The Spruce Crafts website has excellent photo references for botanical crochet projects.
What Are the 9 Beautiful Monstera Crochet Patterns?
1. Flat Monstera Wall Hanging Leaf
This is the most popular version and a great starting point. Worked from the stem tip up, you shape the leaf with increases on one side and decreases on the other. The holes come from chain-2 or chain-3 spaces worked in at regular intervals along the central vein. A typical start is a chain of 3-4 for the stem, then increasing double crochets to form the body. Use a 4.5 mm hook and worsted yarn in two greens; the finished leaf is about 12-16 inches tall.
Insert floral wire in the stem before finishing, mount on a wooden dowel or driftwood, and hang on the wall for instant tropical vibes.
2. 3D Realistic Monstera Leaf
Take your wall hanging to the next level with a three-dimensional leaf that curves and ripples like a real monstera. This intermediate pattern uses front-post and back-post double crochets to create subtle ridges that mimic the natural veining on a monstera leaf. Work two flat leaf pieces and join them with a slight curve by adding more stitches on one side during the joining round. Stuff very lightly with fiberfill along the central vein area to create a gentle puff. The 3D effect makes these leaves look incredibly lifelike when grouped together on a wall.
3. Monstera Pillow Cover
Transform a plain pillow into a statement piece with a large monstera leaf applique. Crochet a monstera leaf measuring 10-12 inches using the flat pattern, then sew it onto a solid-colored pillow cover. Cream, white, or blush pink pillow backgrounds make the green leaf pop beautifully. For extra dimension, crochet the leaf in a slightly heavier yarn than the pillow or add a thin border around the leaf in a contrasting color. This project takes 3-4 hours and makes a fantastic housewarming gift.
4. Monstera Leaf Applique
Small monstera leaf appliques (3-5 inches) are incredibly versatile. Use them to decorate tote bags, hats, scarves, blankets, or any project that needs a botanical touch. Worked in single crochet with a 3.5mm hook and lightweight yarn, these mini leaves work up in about 30 minutes each. Make a bunch in different sizes and scatter them across a blanket for a tropical motif, or sew one onto the pocket of a tote bag. They also make great crochet keychain attachments.
5. Amigurumi Monstera Plant
Create a complete potted monstera plant that never needs watering. This pattern includes 3-5 crochet leaves of varying sizes attached to stems, potted in a small crochet or real ceramic pot. The leaves use the flat monstera pattern with floral wire inserted in each stem so you can position them at different angles. The base uses brown yarn worked in the round to create a pot shape, filled with small stones or glass beads for weight. This makes a perfect desk companion or gift for someone who kills every plant they own.
6. Monstera Leaf Garland
A string of connected monstera leaves makes a gorgeous garland for party decorating, nursery walls, or window displays. Make 10-15 mini monstera leaves (4-6 inches each) and connect them by crocheting along a long chain or braided cord base. Alternate the leaf angles for a natural, cascading look. Use gradient greens going from darker to lighter along the garland, or stick with a single color for a more uniform aesthetic. Hang with command hooks or pushpins.
7. Monstera Coaster Set
Combine practicality with tropical style by making monstera leaf coasters. These use the double crochet leaf pattern but worked in cotton yarn for absorbency and durability. Make a set of 4-6 coasters, each about 5 inches across. Use a consistent gauge so all coasters are the same size. Stiffen them with fabric stiffener so they lay flat under drinks. These make excellent hostess gifts and sell well at craft markets, especially in summer.
8. Monstera and Hanger Macrame Wall Art
Combine crochet with macrame for a boho-chic wall piece. Create 2-3 large monstera leaves in chunky cotton cord (5-6mm thickness), then attach them to a macrame plant hanger frame. The chunky cord gives the leaves a bold, modern look that works well in contemporary interiors. This project requires a larger hook (8-10mm) and some basic macrame knotting skills for the hanger, but the result is a showstopping piece of fiber art.
9. Monstera Bookmark
A tiny monstera leaf makes a charming bookmark for plant-loving readers. Work a mini leaf (about 2 inches wide and 4 inches tall) in fine crochet thread or lightweight yarn with a 2.5mm hook. Add a chain-stitch stem at the bottom that extends a few inches past the leaf to serve as the bookmark part. This quick project takes about 20 minutes and is a perfect stash-buster. Make several in different greens and give them as gifts bundled with a book or plant care guide.
What Are the Best Tips for Realistic Monstera Crochet?
For the most realistic result, pay attention to color gradients. Real monstera leaves aren’t one flat green, work the outer sections in a deeper shade and move to a lighter, more yellow-green near the center vein.
You can achieve this by switching yarn colors partway through or by carrying two strands and alternating. After finishing, block your leaf aggressively by pinning it to a blocking mat with the correct shape and steaming.
This is critical for achieving the smooth, flat look of a real tropical leaf. Finally, consider lightly starching wall hanging leaves to help them hold their shape over time, especially in humid environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is a monstera crochet pattern?
Most monstera leaf patterns sit between beginner and intermediate. The flat wall-hanging version is doable for beginners who know double crochet and chains; versions with front-post stitches, color changes, or 3D shaping are intermediate. Start with a simple flat leaf and work up from there.
What yarn is best for monstera leaf crochet?
Medium-weight (worsted) cotton or a cotton blend in 2-3 greens works best. Cotton holds its shape for home decor and gives a smooth, slightly stiff fabric that mimics the waxy feel of a real leaf. For wall hangings, chunky cotton cord makes a bolder look.
How do I get my monstera leaf to lay flat?
Blocking is essential. After finishing your leaf, pin it to a blocking mat in the correct shape, stretching slightly if needed. Steam with an iron (hover, do not press) or spray with water and let dry completely. For extra stiffness, spray with fabric starch before blocking. This step transforms a ruffled, uneven leaf into a smooth, professional piece.
Can I sell monstera crochet items at craft fairs?
Yes, monstera wall hangings, pillows, coasters, and garlands do really well at craft fairs and online. They appeal to plant lovers and home-decor fans alike. Just make sure you’re using your own pattern or one that allows commercial use, and price by materials plus a fair hourly rate.
