How To Knit The Lace Leaves Stitch (Tutorial)

In this tutorial, you will learn how to knit the lace leaves stitch, a beautiful lace pattern that creates delicate leaf motifs across the fabric.

This stitch uses simple yarn overs and decreases to form a repeating leaf design, making it a lovely choice for scarves, garments, and lightweight accessories.

Once you establish the repeat, the pattern becomes rhythmic and relaxing to knit.

You can use this stitch pattern in many knitting projects, including the Diamond Leaf Tank Top (Euterpe Tank Top).

Before You Get Started

The lace leaves stitch is worked using a combination of yarn overs and decreases, which create the decorative holes that form the leaf shapes.

This stitch pattern is best suited for advanced beginners or intermediate knitters who are comfortable with basic knitting stitches.

To practice the stitch, you may want to knit a small swatch first before using it in a larger project.

Materials

To make a sample swatch, you will need:

• Any yarn
• Knitting needles suitable for your yarn
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle (optional)

Because this is a stitch tutorial, you can use any yarn weight and needle size to practice the pattern.

Knitting Abbreviations

K – Knit
K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together
S2KP – Slip, Slip, Knit, Pass (slip 2, K1, pass slipped stitches over)
SSK – Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease)
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Rem – Remaining
Rep – Repeat (repeat row)
RS – Right side of the work
WS – Wrong side of the work
YO – Yarn over

Abbreviations Chart

Multiple of 10 sts plus 11.

This is a lace stitch that creates a leaf shape.

The Stitch Pattern

The lace leaves stitch is worked in a multiple of 10 sts plus 11.

You may want to cast on 21 stitches to practice the stitch pattern.

With 21 stitches, you will see 2 full leaf motifs.

Lace Leaves Stitch Pattern

Row 1 (RS): SSK, *K3, YO, K1, YO, K3, S2KP; Rep from * to end of row, end last rep K2tog instead of S2KP.
Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl.
Row 3: SSK, *K2, YO, K3, YO, K2, S2KP; Rep from * to end of row, end last rep K2tog instead of S2KP.
Row 5: SSK, *K1, YO, K5, YO, K1, S2KP; Rep from * to end of row, end last rep K2tog instead of S2KP.
Row 7: SSK, *YO, K7, YO, S2KP; Rep from * to end of row, end last rep K2tog instead of S2KP.
Row 9: K1, *YO, K3, S2KP, K3, YO, K1; Rep from * to end of row.
Row 11: K1, *K1, YO, K2, S2KP, K2, YO, K2; Rep from * to end of row.
Row 13: K1, *K2, YO, K1, S2KP, K1, YO, K3; Rep from * to end of row.
Row 15: K1, *K3, YO, S2KP, YO, K4; Rep from * to end of row.
Row 16 (WS): Purl.

Repeat these 16 rows until your swatch reaches your desired length.

Video Tutorial

If you would like to see the lace leaves stitch worked step by step, you can watch the tutorial below.

This video will guide you through the yarn overs and decreases used to create the leaf pattern.

Pattern Using This Stitch

If you would like to use this stitch in a garment project, you can try the Diamond Leaf Tank Top Knitting Pattern (Euterpe Tank Top).

This pattern uses the lace leaves stitch to create an elegant summer top.

Diamond lace leaves knitted tank top close up

FAQ

Is the lace leaves stitch beginner-friendly?

This stitch is suitable for advanced beginners who are comfortable with yarn overs and simple decreases.

What projects can I use this stitch for?

This stitch works well for:

• summer tops
• scarves
• shawls
• lightweight sweaters
• lace accessories

Why does my stitch count change?

Lace stitches often combine yarn overs and decreases, which should balance each other to keep the stitch count consistent.

If your stitch count changes, check that you are working each decrease correctly.

Do I need to block lace knitting?

Yes. Blocking helps open the lace stitches and allows the leaf pattern to show clearly.

Share Your Make?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed learning how to knit lace leaves, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook Group and share a photo.

You can also check out my Facebook page here.

Happy Knitting!

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Check out more knitting patterns and the stitch pattern tutorials you need to try out!

How To Knit The Lace Leaves Stitch (Tutorial)

Before You Get Started