Fall is here and I’ve been making leaves!

Actually I’ve been making leaves all year. I’ve been trying out different patterns and styles and coming up with my own little touches. Yep, more than one person has received a stack of knitted leaves from me this year for no particular reason. Do you ever need a reason to give a yarny gift? Nope!

Then fall landed on me and it touched off another round of leaf making. These here are for mom. Shhh. Don’t tell her. While I’m at it, I figured it’d be nice to post the pattern I’m using.

A Leaf In Three Sizes – a free knit pattern

The pattern is simple and easily adjusted for size. I’m making mine to be coasters…

washcloths…

and big ‘uns to be placemats.

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The Pattern

• Yarn: Sugar and Cream (or any worsted weight cotton)
• Needle: Size 8. You will need two dpns or a set of circulars to make the I-cord stem
• Gauge: 4 inches = 19 sts in stockinette (after washing & blocking!)
• Notions: two stitch markers & a tapestry needle

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• YO = yarn over
• pm = place stitch marker
• sm = slip stitch marker
• ssk = slip two stitches knit-wise, then knit them together
• k2tog = knit two stitches together
• sk2togp = slip one stitch knit-wise, knit two stitches together, pass the slipped stitch over

 

Cast on 3 sts using a double pointed needle.

The Stem

Make 1 inch of I-cord using dpn’s & then switch to straight needles (if you like).

Row 1: k to end (3 sts)

Row 2:  k1, YO, k1, YO, k1 (5 sts)

Row 3: k2, p1, k2

Row 4: k2, YO, k1, YO, k2 (7 sts)

Row 5: k3, pm, p1, pm, k3

 The Base (increase section)

Row 1: k to the marker, YO, sm, k1, sm, YO, k to end

Row 2: k3, p to last 3 sts, k to end

 For the coaster size: Work rows 1 & 2 a total of 6 times (until you have 19 sts)

For the washcloth size:  Work rows 1 & 2 a total of 11 times (until you have 29 sts)

For the placemat size:  Work rows 1 & 2 a total of 29 times (until you have 65 sts)

The markers can be removed now. You won’t need them for the rest.

 

The Middle

Rows 1: k to end

Rows 2: k3, p to last 3 sts, k to end

 Repeat Rows 1 & 2 of Middle section once more.

 

The Top (decrease section)

Row 1: k3, ssk, k until 5 sts remain, k2tog, k to end

Row 2: k3, p to last 3 sts, k to end

 Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until 9 sts remain.

 

The Tip

Row 1:  k2, ssk, k1, k2tog, k2 (7 sts)

Row 2: k to end

Row 3: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1 (5 sts)

Row 4: k to end

Row 5: ssk, k1, k2tog (3 sts)

Row 6: k to end

Row 7: sk2togp

Cut yarn and weave in ends.

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P.S. When you make a leaf it will curl up like a taco. You didn’t do anything wrong, lol. Wash it, press it flat, and let it dry.

 

Before blocking

 

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If you are looking for a way to take this pattern with you, check out the handy “Print & PDF” button down there on the left. And check out our other free patterns. You might find something else you like.