Make a Charming Double-Layer Knitted Leaf — Free Round-by-Round Pattern

Add a touch of nature to your knitting projects with this Knitted Double Layer Leaf pattern. This small, reversible leaf motif is worked in the round on double-pointed needles to create two layers that add warmth and a rich textured appearance. It’s ideal as an applique for scarves, hats, blankets, garlands, or as a tiny ornament. The pattern below includes materials, common abbreviations, gauge, and a clear round-by-round instructions set — suitable for confident beginners who know the basics of knitting in the round and a few decreases.

Materials

• Double-pointed needles 3 mm — 4 pcs (UK 11)
• GuoBao knitting wool (3) — 100% wool

Common abbreviations

• k – knit
• p – purl
• k2tog – knit two together
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• yo – yarn over
• skpo – Slip, Knit, Pass Over: Slip one stitch to the right needle knitwise, knit in the next stitch, drop the slipped stitch off the left needle, insert the left needle into the slipped stitch, pass it over the knit stitch and it’s done.

Size & gauge

Gauge: 23 sts = 10 cm (4 inches).
Leaf size (finished): about 6 cm (2.2 in).

Notes before you start

Before casting on, leave a 20–25 cm tail if you plan to sew the leaf on later. Work tension evenly so the two layers sit neatly. After finishing, weave the tail between the two layers to hide it and give a tidy edge. You can lightly block the finished leaf if needed to even out stitches.

Double-layer leaf knitting pattern

Cast on 6 sts, distribute them evenly across 3 double-pointed needles, and join to knit in the round.

Round 1: knit all stitches around. (6)

Round 2: k1, yo, k1, yo, k2, yo, k1, yo, k1. (10) Knit yo stitch through the front loop.

Round 3: knit all stitches around.

Round 4: k2, yo, k1, yo, k4, yo, k1, yo, k2. (14)

Round 5: knit all stitches around.

Round 6: k3, yo, k1, yo, k6, yo, k1, yo, k3. (18)

Round 7: knit all stitches around.

Round 8: k4, yo, k1, yo, k8, yo, k1, yo, k4. (22)

Round 9: knit all stitches around.

Round 10: k5, yo, k1, yo, k10, yo, k1, yo, k5. (26)

Round 11: knit all stitches around.

Round 12: skpo, k9, k2tog, skpo, k9, k2tog. (22)

Round 13: knit all stitches around.

Round 14: skpo, k7, k2tog, skpo, k7, k2tog. (18)

Round 15: knit all stitches around.

Round 16: skpo, k5, k2tog, skpo, k5, k2tog. (14)

Round 17: knit all stitches around.

Round 18: skpo, k3, k2tog, skpo, k3, k2tog. (10)

Round 19: knit all stitches around.

Round 20: skpo, k1, k2tog, skpo, k1, k2tog. (6)

Cut the yarn, leaving a short tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the tail between the two layers of the leaf.

Finishing tips

• Weave the tail neatly between the layers to secure and hide it.
• Sew the leaf onto garments or accessories using the 20–25 cm tail left at cast-on, or stitch with a separate length of matching yarn.
• Make multiple leaves in different colors and sizes to create garlands or appliqués.