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.
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.
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 Pumpkin Softies, too!
Watch Video Tutorial
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.
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- Yarn, in any gauge, fiber, and colors
- Knitting Needles, straight
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
- Blocking Mat (optional)
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.
Knitting Techniques
- Slip Knot
- CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- KFB = Knit Front + Back to Increase
- K2TOG = Knit 2 Sts Together to Decrease
- YO = Yarn Over to Increase
- Bind Off
- Weave in Yarn Tails
Printable Knitting Instructions
Printable Knitting Pattern
Learn how to knit a Leaf Shape to add some crafty color to your autumn décor.
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
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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.
- Row 1: Purl 3 Sts
- Row 2: Knit 1, YO, K1, YO, K1 (5 Sts)
- Row 3: Purl All
- Row 4: Knit 2, YO, K1, YO, K2 (7 Sts)
- Row 5: Purl All
- Row 6: Knit 3, YO, K1, YO, K3 (9 Sts)
- Row 7: Purl All
- Row 8: Knit 4, YO, K1, YO, K4 (11 Sts)
- Row 9: Purl All
- Row 10: Knit 5, YO, K1, YO, K5 (13 Sts)
- Row 11: Purl All
- Row 12: Knit 6, YO, K1, YO, K6 (15 Sts)
- Row 13: Purl All
- Row 14: Knit 7, YO, K1, YO, K7 (17 Sts)
Continue Purl Row & Knit Row Increase Pattern for larger leaves.
_____
DECREASE ROWS
- Row 1: Purl
- Row 2: SSK, Knit to Last 2 Sts, K2Tog
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 Until 3 Stitches Remain.
_____
LAST 3 STITCHES
- Row 1: Purl All
- 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
Kristen McDonnell
Author • Designer • Teacher
Kristen from StudioKnit LLC produces knitting video lessons and pattern designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.
Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.