Falling Leaves Stitch Pattern

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Look at the beautifully overlapping leaves in this falling leaves stitch pattern. The eyelets give it a modern, airy feel that works wonderfully in lightweight garments. This lace creates a wavy, organic texture where decreases and yarn-over increases combine to mimic leaves drifting on a breeze.

It’s rated as a moderately difficult lace — you’ll need to be comfortable with basic lace-forming techniques like yarn overs, slip-knit-pass decreases, and k2tog. If you’ve knitted a few simpler lace patterns before, you’re ready for this one.

The falling leaves stitch pattern makes a stunning finish on a stockinette stitch top, shawl, scarf, or blanket border. The 12-row repeat is easy to memorize once you get into the rhythm.

Pattern Details

Skill level: 3/4 Pattern repeat: Multiple of 22 stitches + 2 edge stitches Row repeat: 12 rows

Repeat the pattern between the asterisks until the desired width is reached. Work the right side following the instructions below. Purl all stitches on the wrong side (even rows).

Row-by-Row Instructions

Row 1: edge st, * yo, k5, (sl1 kwise, k next st, psso), k5, k2tog, k5, yo, k3 * repeat to last stitch, edge st

Row 2 and all even rows: Purl all stitches

Row 3: edge st, * k1, yo, k5, (sl1 kwise, k next st, psso), k3, k2tog, k5, yo, k4 * repeat to last stitch, edge st

Row 5: edge st, * k2, yo, k5, (sl1 kwise, k next st, psso), k1, k2tog, k5, yo, k5 * repeat to last stitch, edge st

Row 7: edge st, * k3, yo, k5, (sl1 kwise, k next st, psso), k5, k2tog, k5, yo * repeat to last stitch, edge st

Row 9: edge st, * k4, yo, k5, (sl1 kwise, k next st, psso), k3, k2tog, k5, yo, k1 * repeat to last stitch, edge st

Row 11: edge st, * k5, yo, k5, (sl1 kwise, k next st, psso), k1, k2tog, k5, yo, k2 * repeat to last stitch, edge st

Repeat rows 1 through 12 to continue the pattern.

Abbreviations

  • k — knit
  • yo — yarn over
  • sl1 kwise — slip 1 stitch knitwise
  • psso — pass slipped stitch over
  • k2tog — knit 2 together
  • edge st — edge stitch (knit or slip, depending on your preference)

Tips for This Pattern

The key to getting clean leaves is consistent tension on your yarn overs. If your eyelets look uneven, try going down a needle size — this tightens up the lace without losing the airy feel.

Blocking is essential for lace. Once your piece is finished, soak it in lukewarm water for 20 minutes, gently squeeze out excess moisture in a towel, and pin it flat to dry. This opens up the eyelets and reveals the full leaf pattern.

Project Ideas

This stitch pattern works beautifully for:

  • Lightweight shawls — cast on 3-4 repeats wide for an elegant wrap
  • Scarf panels — one repeat width creates a delicate scarf
  • Sweater yoke accents — use a single repeat as a decorative band
  • Blanket borders — add a few rows of falling leaves to frame a stockinette blanket

Recommended Supplies

Best yarn choice: A smooth, light-colored yarn in DK or fingering weight shows off the lace detail best. Wool-silk blends add beautiful drape. Dark yarns hide the eyelets, so stick to pastels or neutrals.

Needles: US 6 (4mm) for DK weight, or US 4 (3.5mm) for fingering weight. Use needles with pointed tips — they make the slip-knit-pass decreases much easier.

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