
Knit with Aabhar – Checkerboard Leaf Stitch Pattern
Pattern Description
Checkerboard Leaf Stitch Pattern is a unique textured pattern with alternating squares of leaves and seed-like circles. Unlike most other leaf knitting patterns, this one is not a lace pattern with holes and eyelets. The pattern looks intricate and needs a little bit of skill to knit.
This Checkerboard Leaf Stitch Pattern is an excellent design for kids’ and adult cardigans as it creates a beautiful texture.
Video Tutorial
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Pattern Details
Skill Level
Advanced
Row Count
24
Pattern Repeat
(Multiple of 14 + 7) + 2 edge stitches

Abbreviations
This free knit pattern is written in US terms. You can also check out other common knit abbreviations.
CO | Cast on |
k | Knit |
k2tog | Knit 2 stitches together |
p | Purl |
rep | Repeat |
RS | Right side |
sl | Slip purlwise |
st (s) | Stitch (es) |
wyif | with yarn in front |
WS | Wrong side |
Special stitches:
kyok:
(k1, yo, k1) – knit the next stitch without slipping off the stitch from the left needle, yarn over, then knit the same stitch again.
right-leaf:
- Insert the right needle into the front of the 3rd, 4th & 5th stitches on the left needle and slip them, letting the first 2 stitches drop off the needle towards the back of your work.
- Pick up the 2 dropped stitches with the left needle, then transfer the 3 slipped stitches back to the left needle. (The stitches are now twisted.)
- Knit 3 stitches together, then knit the next 2 stitches.
left-leaf:
- Insert the right needle into the back of the 4th & 5th stitches on the left needle and slip them, letting the first 3 stitches drop off the needle towards the front of your work.
- Pick up the 3 dropped stitches with the left needle, then transfer the 2 slipped stitches back to the left needle. (The stitches are now twisted.)
- Knit the next 2 stitches, then knit 3 stitches together through the back loop.
Pattern Instructions
CO (Multiple of 14) + 7 + 2 edge stitches. For example, you can cast on (14 x 1) + 7 + 2 = 23 stitches to knit a sample swatch.
Row 1: | (RS) – edge st, * [yo, sl 1 wyif, k1] 3 times, yo, sl 1 wyif, k2, kyok, k1, kyok, k2; rep from & to last 8 sts, [yo, sl 1 wyif, k1] 3 times, yo, sl 1 wyif, edge st. |
Row 2: | edge st, * [k2tog, p1] 3 times, k2tog, p2, sl 7 wyif, p2; rep from * to last 8 sts, [k2tog, p1] 3 times, k2tog, edge st. |
Row 3: | edge st, * [yo, sl 1 wyif, k1] 3 times, yo, sl 1 wyif, right-leaf, k1, left-leaf; rep from * to last 8 sts, [yo, sl 1 wyif, k1] 3 times, yo, sl 1 wyif, edge st. |
Row 4: | edge st, * [k2tog, p1] 3 times, k2tog, p7; rep from * to last 8 sts, [k2tog, p1] 3 times, k2tog, edge st. |
Row 5: | Rep Row 1. |
Row 6: | Rep Row 2. |
Row 7: | Rep Row 3. |
Row 8: | Rep Row 4. |
Row 9: | Rep Row 1. |
Row 10: | Rep Row 2. |
Row 11: | Rep Row 3. |
Row 12: | Rep Row 4. |
Row 13: | edge st, * k2, kyok, k1, kyok, k2, [yo, sl 1 wyif, k1] 3 times, yo, sl 1 wyif; rep from * to last 8 sts, k2, kyok, k1, kyok, k2, edge st. |
Row 14: | edge st, * p2, sl 7 wyif, p2, [k2tog, p1] 3 times, k2tog; rep from * to last 12 sts, p2, sl 7 wyif, p2, edge st. |
Row 15: | edge st, right-leaf, k1, left-leaf, [yo, sl 1 wyif, k1] 3 times, yo, sl 1 wyif; rep from * to last 12 sts, right-leaf, k1, left-leaf, edge st. |
Row 16: | edge st, * p7, [k2tog, p1] 3 times, k2tog; rep from * to last 8 sts, p7, edge st. |
Row 17: | Rep Row 13. |
Row 18: | Rep Row 14. |
Row 19: | Rep Row 15. |
Row 20: | Rep Row 16. |
Row 21: | Rep Row 13. |
Row 22: | Rep Row 14. |
Row 23: | Rep Row 15. |
Row 24: | Rep Row 16. |
Repeat this free knit pattern (24 rows) until you have reached the desired length for your work.
We love seeing your finished projects! Share any project you make using this free knitting pattern for Checkerboard Leaf Stitch on Instagram, and be sure to tag us @aabharcreations or #aabharcreations. Or, if you’re on Facebook, visit our page, AabharCreations, and share a pic. We would absolutely love to see your work!
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Check out other interesting and unique Textured Knitting Patterns:
- Wickerwork Stitch Pattern
- Zig Zag 3d Stitch Pattern
- Diagonal Knot Stitch Pattern
- Mock Cable on Moss Stitch Pattern
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