The cloverleaf eyelet stitch pattern is just one of those stitch patterns that says feminine, dainty and pretty.
This is a lovely eyelet stitch pattern to use instead of Stockinette stitch if you want to add a more feminine touch to your knitting or to add more interest.
Eyelet stitch patterns tend to be less open than Lace patterns. Eyelet patterns are a solid fabric with various eyelets positioned in different ways like this Cloverleaf pattern.
But you can still distinguish the solid fabric background.
Lace knitting stitches create an openwork fabric with holes and loops and various motifs.
This dainty eyelet stitch is the perfect touch to add to your knitting project.
This eyelet pattern isn't too difficult to tackle. It's a little more detailed but I think you can manage it.
It's also a good way to practice your two basic decreases, the K2tog (knit 2 stitches together) and the SSK (slip slip knit)
This stitch pattern is kind of nostalgic for me. It's actually the very first stitch pattern I used many years ago when I was just a child.
I was nine years old and wanted to knit something for a friend.
My parents friends were having a baby and the thought of knitting something for them was so fun and exciting.
I found a pretty knit set, sweater, bonnet and bootees and it was all done in cloverleaf eyelets.
I just knew I had to make it and got busy knitting. Of course mom was there to help with any rough spots.
This is pretty and dainty so my first thoughts go to baby clothes like sweaters and dresses and baby blankets too. But it doesn't stop there.
If you'd like to dress up a plain Stockinette sweater pattern the cloverleaf eyelets will make that knit sweater a show stopper.
And if you knit dresses or skirts this is a great stitch pattern to use.
Maybe you'd like to try it on smaller knit items like knitting a hat, handwarmers or a cowl.
Whatever you do decide to use this eyelet stitch pattern on I'm sure it will look stunning. Your options are endless.
K - knit
sl 1 – you simply slip one stitch as if to purl onto the right needle without working it
k2tog – knit 2 together
ssk – slip, slip, knit
yo – yarn over – Bring yarn to front of work just like when you do the purl stitch.
psso – pass slip stitch over – pass the slipped stitch over the worked stitch on your right needle and off the needle. It's just like when you cast off stitches
rep - repeat
WS - wrong side
Click here to download the cloverleaf eyelet pattern
The pattern is worked over a multiple of 8 sts + 7
And if you'd like to try knitting a swatch you can cast on 15, 23 or 31 sts.
Row 1: (WS) and all odd number rows, Purl
Row 2: Knit
Row 4: K2, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, * K5, yo, sl 1, k2tog, pass slip stitch over, yo, repeat from * to last 2 stitches K2
Row 6: K3, yo, ssk, *k6, yo, ssk, repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2
Row 8: Knit
Row 10: K1, *k5, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, rep from * to last 6 sts. K6
Row 12: K7, *yo, ssk, k6, repeat from * to end
These 12 rows make this lovely pattern.