How to Knit the Cloverleaf Eyelets Stitch + Video (Blanket-Lovers’ Favorite)
The Cloverleaf Eyelets stitch is another classic of the knitting world, airy, delicate yet structured, it’s a great lace pattern for blankets, among other projects.
Actually, it reminds me of the Cat’s Paw Eyelets stitch, we practiced a while ago (both have several things in common):
Cloverleaf Eyelet vs. Cat’s Pow Eyelets Stitch Patterns
Although they are 12-row repeat patterns, both are easier than typical leaf patterns; their repeats are simple: yarn over, simple decrease and double decrease, and knit and purl stitches.
Another similarity is that the even rows are plain purl rows (which I like to call “rest rows”).
In addition, the Cloverleaf Eyelets and the Cat’s Pow Eyelets are also great patterns for scarves* and seasonal tops and cardigans, because they have this romantic, vintage look.
Yarn + Needles I Used
I made 2 swatches, the first one, with 100% Superwash Merino wool yarn (worsted weight, medium, or nº 4). Non-fuzzy, smooth, and elastic #ad
With one my favorite bamboo needles US 8 (5 mm). I love them because they’re smooth, long, and this set comes with a case and the most used sizes (from 2 mm to 10 mm) #ad
And for the second one, I added a border made in Seed stitch (4 stitches on each side, and four rows at the beginning and at the end).
I used 100% cotton yarn (incredibly soft and not too shiny) #ad
And this time, I used a different kind of needles (stainless steel + sharp tips, great for lace knitting) US 7 (4.5 mm) #ad
Tips for Success when Knitting the Cloverleaf Eyelet Stitch
- First of all, knit a swatch before starting your project.
Swatching is not only for the purposes of measuring/checking gauge; it’s also the quickest and easiest way to see if you like the fabric.
Avoid spending hours of work just to realize that for example, the eyelets are too big! Your swatch will tell you if you need to go down a needle size…
Or just the opposite! If the fabric is too dense, maybe you need to go up a needle size.
- Second, as a lace pattern, we should block the piece once it’s finished; blocking will give the fabric a total different look: the design will stand out, so the cloverleaf eyelets will get a better definition.
- Third, note that this patterns curls, so, if you’re thinking of making a scarf or a blanket, *add a nice edge on each side (preferably, choose a knit + purl stitch such as this one, perfect for edges).
Abbreviations
CO: cast on
st: stitch
sts: stitches
RS: right side of the work
K: Knit
P: purl
k2tog: knit two stitches together
yo: yarn over (or yarn forward)
sl1 k1 psso: slip one stitch as if to knit, knit one, pass the stitch over (simple decrease, also known as skp)
sl1 k2tog psso: slip one stitch as if to knit, knit two stitches together, pass the stitch over (double decrease, also known as sk2p)
BO: bind off
How to Knit the Cloverleaf Eyelets Stitch Pattern
Row 1 (RS): K2, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, *K5, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo*. Repeat from * to *, to last 2 sts, K2
Row 2 and all WS rows: P
Row 3: K3, yo, sl 1, k1, psso, *K6, yo, sl 1, k1, psso*. Repeat from * to *, to last 2 sts, K2
Row 5: K across
Row 7: K1, *K5, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo*. Repeat from * to *, to last 6 sts, K6
Row 9: K7, *yo, sl 1, k1, psso, K6*. Repeat from * to *, to end
Row 11 (RS): K across
Row 12: as per every even row, P across.
Repeat Rows 1 – 12 until the desired length is reached.
When finished, BO knitwise after row 4 (RS).
Cloverleaf Eyelets Step-By-Step:
That is all for today, my little Woolly 🙂
Thank you for reading & watching!
A big hug and happy Cloverleaf Eyelets knitting ;)!
Carolina – So Woolly
