Felt Leaves Garland

Cut leaves from felted crochet squares in a rich red color for a pretty autumn garland. Hung from a mantel or wound around candles, this Felt Leaves Garland is perfect for autumn decorating.  You can also use this garland to decorate your Thanksgiving table or add some color and style to a window or mantel display.

Materials:

• 3 skeins RED HEART® “Eco-Ways Bamboo Wool™" in Cayenne (A)
• 3 skeins RED HEART® “Eco-Ways Bamboo Wool™" in Dill (B)
• 5.5mm [US I-9] crochet hook
• Yarn needl
• 10 Chenille Stems, 6mm, in same color as B
• Fabric glue
• Leaf Template

Gauge:  14 single crochet = 4”; 16 rounds = 4”, before felting.

Instructions:
Felted Branch is 3/4” wide x 40” long.
Each Felted Leaf is 4” wide x 33/4” long.

Square (Make 9)

1. With A, chain 21.
    
2. Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across – 20 single crochet.
    
3. Rows 2-18: Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each single crochet across.
    
4. Fasten off.

Branch

1. With B, chain 2.
    
2. Round 1: Work 5 single crochet in 2nd chain from hook.
    
3. Round 2: Single crochet in each single crochet around.
    
4. Continue to repeat Round 2 until piece measures 38” from beginning.
    
5. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
    
6. Thread tail through remaining stitches and pull to close.
    
7. Knot to secure.

Finishing

1. Weave in ends.

Felting

1. Place all pieces in washer along with one flat bed sheet.
    
2. Place settings for hot wash/cold rinse, lowest water level, and heavy duty agitation. Run through full-cycle twice.
    
3. Lay flat until completely dry, pulling Branch to 40” if necessary.
    
4. Using leaf template and sharp scissors, cut out 9 leaves from squares.

Assembly

1. Cut each chenille stem in half. Glue half of each stem to back of each Leaf. Allow glue to dry. Wrap stem of each Leaf around Branch at even intervals. Bend leaves to desired position.