How to Knit a Leaf Shape

Learn how to knit a leaf shape to add some crafty color to your autumn décor. My easy knitting pattern lets you knit cute leaves on two straight knitting needles. You can easily make smaller or larger leaves by choosing how many increase rows to knit.

Knitted leaf shapes in stockinette stitch.
Table of Contents

Easy Fall Knitting Projects

These leaves and acorns are a great quick-knit project to make as favors to guests. Together, they make the perfect autumnal decor attached to napkin rings, fall garlands, and wreaths. Of course, don’t forget to knit up some Velvet Pumpkins, too!

The top of the leaf has an adorable stem detail created with eyelets. These colorful autumn leaves are a fun, quick-knit project that can spruce up your holiday décor! You can get really creative, using them in your tablescapes, as drink coasters, or trivets.

Love Autumn Knitting Quickies? Knit up my easy Fall Acorns, as well!


Knitting Supplies

You may wish to use any gauge yarn and appropriately sized knitting needles. In my examples, I’m using worsted weighted yarn with size 8 knitting needles.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Knitted Leaf shapes in brown, green, yellow, and red colored yarn.

Blocking Your Knitted Leaf

These leaves are knit in the smooth Stockinette texture. Unfortunately, this is a pattern that loves to curl inward.

As a result, you will need to block your leaf. I use a blocking mat and allow it to dry overnight. If the little leaf tip seems to curl up too much, I also lightly block it with steam using my iron.

Green knitted leaf shape on a blocking mat with pins.

Knitting Techniques


Printable Knitting Instructions

Three knitted leaf shapes.

Printable Knitting Pattern

Learn how to knit a Leaf Shape to add some crafty color to your autumn décor.

Makes: Knitted Leaf Shape
Active Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Intermediate

Materials

  • Yarn - Worsted or Aran Weight in any fiber and colors of your choice

Tools

  • Knitting Needles - Size 7 US straight needles
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Scissors

Instructions

CAST ON

Cast On 3 Stitches

_____

INCREASE ROWS

Increase each EVEN row by knitting until you reach the middle stitch, Yarn Over, Knit that middle stitch, Yarn Over again, then continue knitting the row.

  1. Row 1: Purl 3 Sts
  2. Row 2: Knit 1, YO, K1, YO, K1 (5 Sts)
  3. Row 3: Purl All
  4. Row 4: Knit 2, YO, K1, YO, K2 (7 Sts)
  5. Row 5: Purl All
  6. Row 6: Knit 3, YO, K1, YO, K3 (9 Sts)
  7. Row 7: Purl All
  8. Row 8: Knit 4, YO, K1, YO, K4 (11 Sts)
  9. Row 9: Purl All
  10. Row 10: Knit 5, YO, K1, YO, K5 (13 Sts)
  11. Row 11: Purl All
  12. Row 12: Knit 6, YO, K1, YO, K6 (15 Sts)
  13. Row 13: Purl All
  14. Row 14: Knit 7, YO, K1, YO, K7 (17 Sts)

Continue Purl Row & Knit Row Increase Pattern for larger leaves.

_____

DECREASE ROWS

  1. Row 1: Purl
  2. Row 2: SSK, Knit to Last 2 Sts, K2Tog

Repeat Rows 1 & 2 Until 3 Stitches Remain.

_____

LAST 3 STITCHES

  1. Row 1: Purl All
  2. Row 2: SSK, K1, Pass Knit Stitch over to Bind Off

_____

FINISHING

Weave in your ends, cut your yarn

Block to lay flat. Because we used the Stockinette Stitch, our edges are curling under. Simply place your leaf between a damp towel, lightly steam it with my iron, and air it out to dry. You may also wet-block it by letting it sit overnight on a blocking mat.

They will lay flat and you can really see the pretty shape and the holes from our yarn overs.

Notes

Knitting Techniques

  • Slip Knot 
  • CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
  • K = Knit Stitch 
  • P = Purl Stitch
  • KFB = Knit Front and Back (Increase)
  • K2TOG = Knit 2 Stitches Together (Decrease)
  • YO = Yarn Over (Increase)
  • BO = Bind Off
  • Weave In Ends
    • Love collecting free knitting patterns?

      Follow Studio Knit on Pinterest by clicking the logo.


      Thank You for Visiting Studio Knit

      I hope you are inspired to knit up these cute leaf shapes. Check out all of my Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday knitting project and gift ideas!

      If you’d like even more great ideas, please make sure you join my mailing list. It’s a free and easy way for us to stay connected.

      Kristen Signature in Red Ink

      Subscribe

      Studio Knit’s exclusive patterns straight to your inbox.