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Women's Textured Sweater in Leaf Stitch Openwork, Long Sleeves, Round Neck - Sizes S/M, M/L - Fingering Yarn - Vintage Knitting Pattern.

So, you’ve seen those gorgeous, eye-catching leafy patterns on cardigans, shawls, scarves, blankets, and you’re itching to try and make them yourself? Welcome to the leafy side of yarn crafts!

Why are we obsessed with leaf stitch designs? Is that because they reflect our admiration of the infinite beauty of nature around us? Or because leaves look amazing on just about any knit? Whether subtle or bold, lacy or chunky, they give our projects a classy and heart-felt vibe. Besides, it is quite satisfying to see leaves coming out right off your needles. Not to mention that a hand-made garment in leaf stitch guarantees compliments admiring your knitting skills!

Sweater in Leaf stitch with long sleeves from worsted or DK yarn. Sizes S, M, L. Vintage knitting pattern, 1950s era.

Women's Beanie in Leaf Stitch - Adult Size - Worsted Yarn.

Browse All Leaf Stitch Patterns >

Quick Tips for Leaf Stitch Projects

For textured leaves, choose plain, smooth yarns and light or bright colors to create outstanding motifs. Textured yarns and dark colors will suppress all but the heaviest of textures. The relative firmness of the way the yarn is spun also affects the appearance of a pattern: a tightly spun yarn will knit up into crisp, well-defined leaves, whereas a loosely spun yarn will make a more gentle texture. To avoid excess weight in a finished garment, which may cause a garment to stretch out of shape, choose worsted or bulky weight wool or acrylic yarn rather than heavier yarn such as cotton.

For lace and openwork leaves, lightweight, smooth yarns in solid colors work best. Summer tops come out nice when you use lightweight sport or DK cotton or acrylic yarns. DK or worsted weight wool or acrylic yarns will help you create great warm garments such as cardigans, sweaters, and shawls.

Afghans and Baby Blankets in Leaf Stitch

Make single leaf squares which, when joined, compose flower patterned afghans or baby blankets. Use sport/baby yarn or worsted or chunky yarn for these projects.

Classic Leaf Squares Afghan from Worsted Yarn - Vintage Knitting Pattern.

Leaf Strips Afghan from Sport Yarn - Vintage Knitting Pattern.

Knit Hats and Scarves in Leaf Stitch

The patterns below call either for DK or worsted wool/acrylic yarn. The hats are designed for several adult/teen sizes: small, medium, and large, and worked from the bottom up in the round on circular needles.

Stole Scarf in Lace Stitch, fromDK Yarn - Vintage Knitting Pattern.

Shawls in 3D and Openwork Leaf Stitch

Knit these hugging garments from side to side or from the bottom up, using medium-weight worsted wool or acrylic yarn.

Triangle Leaf Stitch Shawl Knitted - Knitting Pattern - Worsted or DK Wool Yarn

Lace Leaf Shawl - Worsted Yarn - Knitting Pattern by Red Basket Crafts.

Children’s Knits in Leaf Stitch

Create adorable knitted outfits featuring various leaves for babies and toddlers.

Baby Jacket, Hat, Booties, Leaf Stitch, Sizes 6 and 9 Months - Vintage Knitting Pattern - DK Yarn.

Baby Sweater In Leaf-Eyelet Stitch With Long Sleeves From Fingering Yarn - Vintage Knitting Pattern.

Knit Summer Tops in Leaf Stitch

Create short-sleeved and sleeveless tops featuring various leaf motifs for the spring and summer.

Summer Top Leaf Stitch - DK Yarn - Size S, M, L - Knitting Pattern

Short-sleeved tunic dress in Openwork Leaf Stitch - Worsted Yarn. Sizes S, M, L, XL. Knitting pattern.

Knit Cardigans in Leaf Stitch

Create these jackets with lacy or 3D motifs! Textured leaves show up best on a background of reverse stockinette or garter stitches.

Lace Leaf Motif Cardigan - Knitting Pattern - DK Yarn.

Knit Sweaters in Leaf Stitch

Create eye-catching garments, choosing any design from our collection. The patterns feature different leaf motifs, shapes of necklines and collars, sleeve lengths, and yarn weights.