With a daughter named, “Clover”, as the Yarn Arts Ambassador for Clover Needlecraft, and with a nephew who was born on St. Patrick’s Day the shamrock is a fairly prominent symbol in my life. This time of year, though the foliage synonymous with luck, finds its way into the hearts and homes of many — especially us crafty types!
This week’s project is a 3 or 4 leaf (your choice!) clover that you can use on its own as a wash cloth, or sew it it to any number of things as an applique. Knit on Takumi straight needles, the curved tops are created with short-rows, then stitches picked up for the body of the individual petals. Sewn together (or left apart with negative space in between on a fabric surface), the stitched hearts take on a leafy look fit for the leprechaun in your life. Here’s how you can make your own!
Materials
1 ball, Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell — or any, sport-weight yarn
Size US 5 (3.75 mm) Clover Takumi Needles
Clover Jumbo Tapestry Needle
Optional: Sewing needle & thread, trimming, and kid’s vest or tote bag
Note: For smaller clovers, use a light-weight yarn and size US 3 Takumi Needles. For larger clovers, go up a size or two in yarn weight and needle size.
Clover Leaf Directions (Make 3-4):
Curved Top:
CO 8 sts.
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: K 7, sl 1, bring yarn to front and return sl st to LH needle, turn.
Row 3 (and all WS rows): Knit.
Row 4: K 6, sl 1, bring yarn to front and return sl st to LH needle, turn.
Row 6: K 5, sl 1, bring yarn to front and return sl st to LH needle, turn.
Row 8: K 4, sl 1, bring yarn to front and return sl st to LH needle, turn.
Row 10: K 3, sl 1, bring yarn to front and return sl st to LH needle, turn.
Row 12: K 2, sl 1, bring yarn to front and return sl st to LH needle, turn.
Row 14: K 1, sl 1, bring yarn to front and return sl st to LH needle, turn.
Row 15: Knit.
Repeat rows 2-15, three times total. One Curved Top complete.
Cut yarn, leaving live sts on hold on needle.
CO 8 sts, and repeat Curved Top Directions, for 2nd top.
Connect tops:
Next Row: K across 8 sts of Curve Top 2 on needle, pick up 8 additional sts across CO edge; k across 8 sts of Curved Top 1, pick up 8 sts across CO edge. –32 sts.
Knit one row.
Petal Body:
Row 1: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog. –2 sts decreased
Row 2: Knit.
Repeat Rows 1-2 until 4 sts remain.
Next Row: Ssk, k2tog, SKP.
Voilà, you’ve now finished one, heart-shaped petal!
Assemble Petals:
Using yarn and Clover Jumbo Tapestry Needle, seam together 3-4 petals (your choice) together at the side edges.
Weave in ends.
Optional Finishing
Now that you’ve got your clover, you can sew it to the back of a child’s vest, or onto a tote bag or pillow. To do that, you’ll just need sewing thread & needle. Decorate with an initial or other trimmings.
Have a lucky, knitting session. Happy St. Paddy’s Day!
xx,
Vickie
Psst! Can’t get enough Clover making? Give these additional knit and crochet options a whirl, using Clover Takumi Double-Pointed Needles or Amour Hooks!
