Knitted Alder Leaf

The knitted alder leaf pattern is a delightful design that combines the intricate art of knitting with the beauty of nature. The intricate details of each leaf stitch create a charming and unique texture that resembles the delicate veins of a real leaf. Knitting enthusiasts often find joy in crafting this pattern, as it offers a creative challenge while producing a stunning final result. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking to try something new or a beginner eager to learn a new technique, the knitted alder leaf pattern is a wonderful choice that will surely bring a touch of nature-inspired charm to your knitwear collection. So grab your needles, pick out your yarn, and get ready to infuse your projects with a touch of woodland magic!

You will need:

• green yarn (double knit)
• covered thin gauge wire (e.g. garden twist tie)
• 2 x double ended knitting needles (3mm)
• tapestry needle
• scissors

Pattern:

Leaf:

Cast on 5 stitches and continue in the flat.

1. Row 1: kfb x 4, k1 (9)
2. Row 2: pfkb, p2, [k1, p1] x 2, pfkb, p1 (11)
3. Row 3: k1, p1, k2, pfkb, kfb, p1, k2, p1, k1 (13)
4. Row 4: p1, [k1, p2] x 2, p1, k1, p2, k1, p1 (13)
5. Row 5: k1, p1, k2, p1, kfb x 2, k1, p1, k2, p1, k1 (15)
6. Row 6: pfkb, [k1, p2] x 2, p3, k1, p2, kfb, p1 (17)
7. Row 7: [k2, p1] x 2, k1, kfb x 2, [k2, p1] x 2, k2 (19)
8. Row 8: [p2, k1] x 3, p1, k1, [p2, k1] x 2, p2 (19)
9. Row 9: [k2, p1] x 2, k2, pfkb, kfb, [p1, k2] x 3 (21)
10. Row 10: [p2, k1] x 3, p3, [k1, p2] x 3 (21)
11. Row 11: [k2, p1] x 3, kfb x 2, k1, [p1, k2] x 3 (23)
12. Row 12: p1, k2tog, [p2, k1] x 2, p5, [k1, p2] x 2, k2togtbl, p1 (21)
13. Row 13: k1, [p1, k2] x 2, p1, k1, kfb x 2, [k2, p1] x 3, k1 (23)
14. Row 14: p1, [k1, p2] x 3, k1, p1, [k1, p2] x 3, k1, p1 (23)
15. Row 15: k1, [p1, k2] x 3, pfkb, kfb, [p1, k2] x 3, p1, k1 (25)
16. Row 16: p1, p2tog, p1, [k1, p2] x 2, k1, p3, k1, [p2, k1] x 2, p1, p2togtbl, p1 (23)
17. Row 17: k1, [k2, p1] x 3, kfb x 2, k1, [p1, k2] x 3, k1 (25)
18. Row 18: p1, p2tog, [k1, p2] x 2, k1, p5, k1, [p2, k1] x 2, p2togtbl, p1 (23)
19. Row 19: [k2, p1] x 3, k1, kfb x 2, [k2, p1] x 3, k2 (25)
20. Row 20: p1, k2tog, [p2, k1] x 3, p1, [k1, p2] x 3, k2togtbl, p1 (23)
21. Row 21: k1, k2tog, k1, [p1, k2] x 2, pfkb, kfb, [p1, k2] x 2, p1, k1, k2togtbl, k1 (23)
22. Row 22: p1, p2tog, [k1, p2] x 3, p1, [k1, p2] x 2, k1, p2togtbl, p1 (21)
23. Row 23: k1, p2togtbl, [k2, p1] x 2, kfb x 2, k1, [p1, k2] x 2, p2tog, k1 (21)
24. Row 24: p1, p2tog, p1, [k1, p2] x 2, p1, [p2, k1] x 2, p1, p2togtbl, p1 (19)
25. Row 25: k1, [k2tog, p1] x 2, k2tog x 2, k1, [p1, k2togtbl] x 2, k1 (13)
26. Row 26: p2tog, k1, p1, k1, yfwd, sl1, p2tog, psso, k1, p1, k1, p2tog (9)

Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches from stitch 1 (nearest the tail) to stitch 9 (furthest from the tail. Pull the stitches tight from stitch 9 back to stitch 1 so that you can pull the loose yarn through them and get a neat edge.

Veins/Stalk:

• Cast on 2 sts
• i-cord 3 rows.
• Working as for i-cord, kfb, k1 (3)
• i-cord 3 rows.
• Working as for i-cord, kfb, k2 (4)
• i-cord until the vein is same length as the leaf.
• Thread yarn through remaining sts.

Making Up:

For a neater top edge embroider a line of chain stitch across the gathered stitches.

Bend a piece of wire to half the length of the leaf, doubling the ends over for safety (see diagram).

Cover the wire stalk with the knitted vein. Attach the vein along the centre of the leaf. The vein should not quite reach all the way to the tip of the leaf. Sew in any remaining loose ends.