Embossed Leaf Stitch: Raised Knitted Leaves from a 5-Stitch Cluster
A leaf pattern made a different way: grow a cluster of five stitches from one, then fold it over to the side with a little cable cross. The leaves stand right up off the fabric.
This is another leaf pattern, made in a completely different way, and it's very easy. A single stitch grows into a cluster of five. On the next right-side row the cluster crosses over two stitches and closes into one, so the leaf lies at an angle and stands right up off the fabric. The leaves alternate left and right on either side of a slipped-stitch stem.
Stitch count
Multiples of 7, plus 4. The 4 extra are 2 edge stitches on each side, so the leaves don't reach right to the edge. My swatch is 46 stitches; I teach it on 25.
What you'll need
- Any wool. A smooth wool or merino makes the leaves look plump
- Knitting needles to suit your yarn, and a cable needle (optional)
Make 5 from 1
Knit the stitch but don't drop it. Wrap the yarn over, knit into it again, wrap again, knit again, and drop it. You now have 5 stitches from 1. Keep them a bit loose; slightly long loops make a neater leaf.
The 8-row pattern
- Row 1 (RS):right side
Slip 1, knit 1 (edges). *Knit 2, make 5 from the next stitch, slip 1 with the yarn at the back (this is the stem), knit 3.* Repeat. Knit the last 2.
- Row 2 (WS):wrong side
Purl 2. *Purl 4 (including the stem), slip the 5 cluster stitches without working them, purl 2.* Repeat. Purl 2.
- Row 3 (RS):right side
Slip 1, knit 1. *Slip 2 and slip the 5 cluster stitches (onto a cable needle if you like). Bring the cluster to the front and the 2 stitches round from the back, so the cluster moves to the right. Knit the 5 cluster stitches together through the front loop, then knit the 2. Slip the stem, knit 3.* Repeat. Knit 2.
- Row 4 (WS):wrong side
Purl every stitch. Nothing is slipped.
- Row 5 (RS):right side
Slip 1, knit 1. *Knit 3, slip the stem, make 5 from the next stitch, knit 2.* Repeat. Knit 2.
- Row 6 (WS):wrong side
Purl 2. *Purl 2, slip the 5 cluster stitches, purl 4.* Repeat. Purl 2.
- Row 7 (RS):right side
Slip 1, knit 1. *Knit 3, slip the stem. Slip the cluster and the next 2 stitches, bring the cluster to the front and the 2 stitches from the back, so the cluster moves to the left. Knit the 2, then knit the 5 cluster stitches together through the back loop.* Repeat. Knit 2.
- Row 8 (WS):wrong side
Purl every stitch.
Repeat these 8 rows. Row 9 is row 1 again.
For a smaller, flatter leaf, make 3 from 1 instead of 5. It gives a lovely shape too. Use this on any project: cardigans, children's sweaters, cushion covers.
- embossed leaf stitch
- leaf knitting pattern
- raised knitting
- cluster stitch
- knitting stitch pattern
- hand knitting
- textured knitting
- wool
