How To Knit Lace Leaves (Free Pattern + Tutorial)

In this blog post, you will see how to knit lace leaves (Free Pattern + Tutorial).

The diamond leaf stitch is a beautiful pattern you can incorporate into your projects.

The stitch creates a unique diamond and leaf pattern that looks intricate and impressive but is quite simple.

The free pattern and video tutorial will help you learn this stitch easily.

And once you’ve mastered it, you can try making the included free tank top pattern!

Scroll down to view the free written instructions, or grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.

Diamond Knit Pattern – Lace Leaves Tank Top

Skill Level – Easy (Advanced Beginner)

Notes

The diamond leaf stitch has an elegant design that is perfect for various projects, especially spring and summer garments.

Make an elegant tank top for spring/summer with leaf lace patterns on the front and back panels.

The leaf motifs make the perfect textured motifs for a light, airy knitted top.

Scroll down for the stitch pattern instructions and video tutorial on how to knit lace leaves.

You can grab the ad-free printable PDF in my shop here.

The tank top belongs in the in the Muses collection, a collection inspired by the ancient Greek Muses which features classic knit designs – 12 Summer Knits (The Muses Collection)

Copyright Info

Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
You may sell items produced using this pattern.
Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
Please credit Handy Little Me (Louise Bollanos) as the designer in all product listings.

Size Information

This top can be made in the following sizes…

S (M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)

Bust Size (inches)

38 (42, 46, 51, 57, 63)

Waist Size (inches)

34 (38, 42, 47, 53, 59)

The pattern is written for all sizes, starting with the smallest size and with changes for different sizes listed in all necessary places.

To follow patterns more easily, circle or highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

Gauge – 16 sts/24 rows in 4 inches/10 cm in pattern.

Diamond lace leaves knitted tank top close up

The supplies you need…

Yarn

The Pima Cotton From We Are Knitters in Copper (This cotton is 100% Pima Cotton) 100g/3.05oz/232 yds/212m.
Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.
This is an Aran/Worsted/10 Ply yarn.

For the following sizes, you will need;

Small – 2 – (200g/464yds/424m)
Medium – 2 – (200g/464yds/424m)
Large – 3 – (300g/696yds/636m)
XL – 3.5 – (350g/812yds/742m)
XXL – 4 – (400g/928yds/848m)
XXXL – 4.5 – (450g/1,044yds/954m)

Needles

5 mm (US 8) knitting needles.
The top is worked back and forth on the needles – knit flat.

Notions

Scissors.
Darning needle/yarn needle.
Tape measure.
Stitch holder.

Knitting Abbreviations

CO – Cast on
Cont – Continue
Dec – Decrease (cast off)
g st – Garter stitch
K – Knit
K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together
Patt – Pattern (work in the established pattern)
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.

How To Knit Lace Leaves Video Tutorial

This video tutorial demonstration will help you to see how this diamond knit pattern/lace knit stitch is created.

Learn how to knit lace leaves…

Lace Leaves Tank Top Knitting Pattern

Worked flat knitting back and forth on two needles:

Work the Front and Back pieces the same.

*Please note there are no edge stitches in this pattern.

Cast on 61 (71, 81, 91, 101, 111) sts.

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.

Continue rows 1 – 16 until your piece measures = 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40)cm / 11.8 (12.5, 13.3, 14.1, 15, 15.7) inches.

Shape Armholes

Row 1 (RS): Cast off 4 stitches at the beg of the row, work in patt to end.

Row 2 (WS): Cast off 4 stitches at the beg of the row, work in patt to end.

Decrease (cast off) 1st at the beg of every row until you have around 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52) sts left on the needle.

End with a RS row.

Tip – Stay in the pattern on the RS rows when decreasing by looking for the S2KP stitches and working back from those – to see which stitches you have lost and where you need to start from on that row.

Straps (Garter Stitch)

First Strap

Row 1 (RS): K4 sts, cast off the rem sts until you reach the final 4 sts at the end of the row and turn the work.

Row 2 (WS): K the 4 sts and place the other 4 sts on the other side of the work onto a stitch holder.

Cont to work in g st until the strap measures = 14, (14, 16, 16, 18, 18) cm / 5.5 (5.5, 6.2, 6.2, 7, 7) inches.

Cast off.

Second Strap

Rep with the other 4 sts, re-attach the yarn to the first stitch on the right side, and knit in g st until the strap is the same length as the first one.

Cast off.

Making Up

Sew the side seams together using the mattress stitch or any seaming method of your choice.

If you wish, you can leave a 10 cm/4-inch vent on either side of the seam near the bottom.

Sew the loose ends of the straps to the coordinating points on the other piece (front or back) at the top of the work.

Finishing and Blocking

You may wish to block your top; you can do that as follows:

Lay the item out on blocking mats, lightly stretch it into place, and pin it with blocking pins.
Spray with cold water.
Allow to dry completely.

If you want to learn more about blocking, read more here: Blocking Knits – How To Blocking Guide.

Could you share your work with us?

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, be sure to 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.

You can also find us on Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!

What Is The Diamond Leaf Stitch In Knitting?

The diamond leaf stitch in knitting is a beautiful and intricate pattern that creates a series of overlapping diamond shapes surrounded by leaf-like motifs.

It typically involves a combination of knit, purl, and various types of decreases and yarn overs to create the distinctive diamond and leaf shapes within the fabric.

The pattern usually repeats across multiple rows and can be worked over any number of stitches, making it adaptable to different project sizes.

The result is a textured and visually appealing fabric that resembles a field of delicate leaves interspersed with sparkling diamonds.

The diamond leaf stitch is often used in projects such as scarves, shawls, and blankets to add elegance and interest to the design.

What Can You Make With The Diamond Leaf Stitch?

With its intricate and visually captivating design, the diamond leaf stitch lends itself beautifully to a variety of knitting projects.

This elegant stitch pattern can be used to create stunning accessories such as cozy scarves, shawls, and wraps, adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

Blankets and throws knit in the diamond leaf stitch become exquisite heirloom pieces, perfect for cozying up on chilly evenings or adorning the home with style.

The intricate texture of the stitch also makes it suitable for crafting delicate garments like cardigans, pullovers, or even dresses, adding a touch of timeless elegance to any wardrobe.

Whether you’re knitting for yourself or creating thoughtful gifts for loved ones, the diamond leaf stitch offers endless possibilities for creating exquisite and cherished handmade items.

Diamond Knit Pattern Variations

Variations of the diamond stitch offer an array of possibilities for knitters seeking to infuse their projects with unique textures and visual interest.

One variation involves altering the size or placement of the diamond shape within the pattern, allowing for larger or smaller motifs or creating intriguing asymmetrical designs.

Another variation incorporates additional stitches, such as cables or lace motifs, to enhance the diamond shapes or introduce intricate detailing.

Some knitters experiment with color changes, using stranded colorwork or intarsia techniques to create stunning contrast within the diamond motifs.

Additionally, modifying the stitch count or incorporating different stitch combinations can produce more intricate or unconventional diamond-inspired patterns.

Among the variations of diamond stitch patterns, the diamond brocade stitch stands out for its textured elegance.

These variations empower knitters to customize their projects to suit their preferences, whether crafting cozy accessories, elegant garments, or eye-catching home decor items.

What Do You Need To Knit A Tank Top?

To knit a tank top, you’ll need several essential supplies.

Firstly, you’ll require a suitable yarn, preferably one that is breathable and comfortable for warmer weather.

Yarn weights such as sport weight yarn, fingering weight, or lace weight are ideal choices for summer garments due to their airy and lightweight characteristics.

Cotton yarn, linen, bamboo, or blends of these fibers are popular choices for tank tops due to their lightweight and airy properties.

Next, you’ll need knitting needles appropriate for your chosen yarn weight.

Circular needles are often preferred for seamless construction, as they allow you to knit in the round without seams.

Additionally, you’ll need stitch markers to indicate key points in the pattern, such as shaping for armholes and necklines.

A tape measure is essential for ensuring accurate sizing, while a yarn needle or a tapestry needle is handy for weaving in ends and finishing touches.

Pro Tip: Make a gauge swatch before starting your knitting project. It won’t take you a long time.

Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart}
Learn how to read a yarn label here – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)
Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers

Knitting Lessons

If you are a new knitter and need help with basic techniques, check out these posts here and be your own knitting instructor – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

Including how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic knit stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the purl stitch, the stockinette stitch, the rib stitch, the garter stitch, the mattress stitch, short rows, how to yarn over, how to measure gauge, how to fix knitting mistakes, and a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms) how to read knitting charts and more.

For an easy-level project, check out this pattern category; there, you will find a range of knitting patterns- Beginner Knitters

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

More Free Knitting Patterns You May Be Interested In…

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