Autumn Leaf Appliqué Pillow Cover

This week, we're celebrating early autumn with a pillow cover that showcases beautiful leaf appliqués. You'll crochet a simple, sturdy pillow cover base in a neutral tone, then add dimension and seasonal flair with 3-5 crocheted leaves in warm fall colors—rust, golden yellow, burgundy, and forest green. The leaves are worked separately and sewn on for a textured, dimensional effect that photographs beautifully from every angle. This project is perfect for the 7-day timeline because the base is straightforward single crochet or half double crochet, and the leaves are small, meditative pieces you can knock out between work and life. It's beginner-friendly with plenty of room for intermediate makers to experiment with different leaf shapes, add veining details, or try new stitch textures on the cover itself. Plus, a finished pillow cover is instantly gratifying and makes a gorgeous prop for flat-lay photos. No complicated shaping, no seaming techniques you haven't tried before—just solid fundamentals with a seasonal twist that'll look amazing on your couch or as a gift.