Among all the lace patterns designed for knitting, the widest popularity went to an ornament called simply “Leaves”. Its structure is ridiculously simple. And there are countless variations in performance. Therefore, it is difficult to say how to knit the “Leaves” pattern correctly. You can give only the main characteristic features that distinguish it from other ornaments.
"Anatomy" of the leaf
Upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that all versions of the pattern are a “skeleton” made of several knitting techniques, decorated with various decorations. The classic openwork pattern "Leaves", created with knitting needles, has a central axis in the form of a column of facial loops. In this case, the shape of the sheet was obtained as a result of successive addition and reduction of loops. So that the width of the canvas does not fluctuate, these maneuvers are combined with double crochets. For instance:
- The first half of the pattern is the extension of the sheet. New loops are formed from yarn before and after the central loop. At the same time, along the outer borders, the elements must contract (in two places of the report, two loops are knitted together).
- When the sheet reaches the desired width, the application is completed. And then they begin to reduce the loops. That is, now the outline of the figure will become like a cone. To make the sheet symmetrical, the loops are reduced in different ways: on the right side of the rapport, two face knit with a slope to the left, and vice versa in the second part of the pattern. The formation of yarn near the central axis ceases. But for balance, the cutting loops are stabilized with the yarn before and after the leaf.
The tip of the element is always sharp. This results from the formation of one facial loop of three. If you perform this technique in the usual way, it will not be possible to avoid tilting the loops to the left or right. Designers have found an excellent way, thanks to which the pattern “Leaves”, knitted with needles, has become more expressive. They offer the craftswomen to first remove the first of the three loops on the right knitting needle. Then knit the second and third loops together. And pass them through the first (previously shot).
Pattern "Leaves" (knitting). Scheme, application, arrangement of elements
Today this ornament can be seen both in the classical version (leaves without additional decor, arranged in a checkerboard pattern), and accompanied by various braids, lace and other background patterns. The most interesting are the canvases made of purl loops with voluminous leaves. At first glance it seems that this is not an integral part, but an application. The most daring designers and virtuoso knitters manage to build entire compositions from these simplest components.
They add twigs, stems, berries and cuttings from the facial loops. The circular pattern “Leaves” (knitting needles) is extremely attractive, but also quite complicated. A classical sheet execution scheme in combination with “false braids” is proposed below.
The benefits of ornamentation
One of the main advantages of the pattern can be safely called the ease of manipulation with the size of the rapport. A pattern with knitting needles “Leaves” with a description designed for 10 rows, easily turns into a canvas with larger or, conversely, smaller elements (from five to twenty rows).
To expand the rapport, it is simple enough to continue the execution of the yarn before and after the central axis with the simultaneous reduction of the loops at the beginning and at the end of each sheet. In this case, the rapport will increase. But the total number of loops in the rows of the canvas will remain on one damage. This means that the part will not expand.
If you want to increase the canvas along with the pattern repeat, then, in addition to the yarn in the center, yarn is also performed before and after the borders of the leaves. A beginner knitter may argue that doing two yarn and cutting one loop is irrational. After all, you can knit one crochet and do without reducing the loops. However, just knitting two loops together allows you to form such relief contours.
How to reduce the canvas connected by "leaves"?
The Leaves pattern, created with knitting needles, can be easily used to narrow the part. The principle is the opposite of what is described in the previous paragraph: the balance between new and retired elements should be upset. To accelerate the reduction of the canvas, the craftswoman should not perform yarn before and after the sheet (in its second part). That way, the elements will only drop out.
You will get an improved Leaves pattern. With knitting needles, it can be made in an expanded or narrowed version. At the same time, it is suitable for designing the bottom of dresses and skirts, making shawls and wraps, as well as for pillowcases and bags, knitted around. Those who are familiar with crocheting techniques will be interested in comparing Leaves with Pineapples. In fact, they are similar patterns built on the same pattern.
Openwork knitting: pattern "Leaves". We work with spokes with a thin mohair
Today, pullovers, tunics and dresses made of the finest mohair are considered the height of grace and good taste. Many craftswomen have been choosing the optimal combination of model and pattern for quite some time. Indeed, this is precisely the lion's share of the success of the entire project. The situation is complicated by the fact that once a section of a canvas made of thin mohair is not subject to blooming and alteration.
Long fibers of yarn are tightly intertwined and torn when rows are opened. As a result, you get spoiled material (fluff and pile are knocked down by lumps on a nylon base). Add to this a lot of time spent and disgusting mood. Many negative consequences can be avoided by applying the proven method: a simple model plus a classic pattern. The following photo shows an excellent ornament that can decorate any knitted product.
The layout of this product is also quite simple. Even a beginner knitter can cope with it.
The secret of voluminous "cones"
"Acorns", "cones" or "berries" can be performed in two ways:
- They are crocheted and then attached to the finished part. To do this, form a chain of four air loops and knit 10-12 double crochet in the first loop.
- The formation of the volume element occurs in parallel with the rest of the canvas. The craftswoman knits 10-12 facial loops from one loop of the base, and in the next row collects them, knitting together.
The second technique is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. First, from the base loop, a classic facial one is formed, then the yarn is crocheted and again the loop. The sequence is continued as many times as necessary.