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I have gathered links to free patterns for crocheted Flower Appliques and listed them on this page: http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa032505.htm
Following is a free pattern for a crocheted leaf that was originally published in the year 1915 (placing the original crochet directions and the original design in the public domain). I have rewritten the antique directions to be in modern crochet terms and have added photos of my own crocheted samples of this leaf pattern.
Abbreviations used: sc = single crochet, ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch
No size of thread was given in the original pattern. I made a sample with size 10 thread, using a size 8 steel crochet hook = a leaf that's 1 1/2 inches long x 1 inch wide. Made with worsted weight yarn and a size G hook, leaf = 6 inches long. You could use any size of thread or yarn, depending on the finished size you need for adding the applique to the project you have in mind.
Note: You will be working in back loops only throughout the entire leaf pattern, so that the rows will form a ridge.
How To Crochet In Back Loop Only: http://crochet.about.com/library/blbackfrontloop.htm
Venetian Leaf Starting Chain - Chain 16.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 14 ch, 3 sc in next ch; continuing up the other side of the chain, sc in next 14 ch.
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, (working in back loops only) sc in next 15 sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 14 sc.
Repeat until you have 4 points or ribs on each side of the center (last row will be a half row ending at the bottom of the leaf). At end of half row, slip stitch in stitch at bottom of leaf to end. End off.
Copyright: My rewritten instructions and sample photos for this Venetian Crochet Leaf pattern are copyright (c) 1999, 2005 by Sandi Marshall, licensed to About.com, Inc. and are not to be redistributed ("shared"), with or without charge. For your own personal use only (you can use the crocheted items made from the pattern for yourself or for gifts but do not redistribute my rewritten pattern instructions or my photos in any manner). If someone else wants the instructions, please give them the URL to this web page, so that they can come here and explore everything this site has to offer, for themselves. Thank you. -- Sandi Marshall. URL of this page is http://crochet.about.com/od/flowers/qt/venetianleaf.htm
