Lydia's Leaves
by
Lydia F Borin

A Beadwrangler Workshop
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A few days ago I was out walking Max (woof) and several leaves fell right down on my feet. When I picked up a few and looked at them closely, I was amazed at the various colors that were contained in each leaf. When I got back home, I pulled out some wonderful Dip-Dyed 8 ply rayon yarn I got from The Yarn Barn when I was at the last CGOA conference and started experimenting. What is really great about this yarn is it looks variegated when you crochet with it and offers spectacular results when making leaves. I came up with soft, lovely, easy to make fiber leaves. I wanted to share this pattern with you. You can make earrings, necklaces and use them as embellishment on dolls, clothing and lots of other items.
InstructionsLeaves2.jpg (5313 bytes)
After you make row 1, stop and look at the piece. This could be a thinner leaf. I also used Row 1 as a bra piece for some of my dolls. When you add row 2, you should have a noticeable ridge between row 1 and 2 on one side. I use that side with the ridge as the front side for leaves because there is more texture. I used a size 5 steel hook but you could use a larger hook such as a 2 also. With the yarn I used, each leaf’s average size is 2" in length and 1 ¼ " in the widest portion, the middle of the leaf. The yarn I am using measures 2mm across when laying flat;an equivalent would be 8/4 cotton and 3 ply rayon that is 800 yards to the pound.

Leaf Rows

Row 1 ch 12, 1sc in 2nd ch from the hook, 1hdc in each next 2 chs, 1dc in next ch, 1tr in each next 3 chs, 1dc in next ch, 1hdc in ea next 2 chs, 1sc in last ch. (11 sts)

Work in back half of each stitch only for Row 2.

Row 2 Turn. ch1. Skip 1st st, 1sc in next st, 1hdc in each next 2 sts, 1dc in next st, 1tr in each next 3 sts, 1hdc in each next 2 sts, 1sl st in last st. (10 sts) Fasten off. Weave in loose ends with a tapestry needle. This will make a puffed up 3-D leaf. For a flatter leaf, use the optional Row 2.

Optional Row 2 Turn. ch1. 1sc in 1st st, 1hdc in each next 2 sts, 1dc in next st, 1tr in each next 3 sts, 1hdc in each next 2 sts, 1sc in next st, 1sl st in last st. (11 sts) Fasten off.

Beaded LeafNow you have made a Lydia Leaf and you can make lots more and combine them together. I made one leaf and put a drop bead between the ridges as an eye and used bead single crochet with Jeans Stitch thread around the leaf for embellishment. You can make a leaf necklace by crocheting about 11 leaves, stringing each of them between 1 or 2 large glass beads, about 8 to 10mm and add more large glass beads on each side of the leaves. I made a smaller leaf and gathered the edges together with thread and used it as a bead closure on one end of the necklace. Then I took more yarn out and ch3 and joined, 3sc around x 15 rounds and joined the two ends leaving a hole in the middle. This was my closure for the fiber bead that was previously a small leaf. You can use less stitches in rows 1 and 2 for smaller leaves. Experiment and have fun. I used Jeans Stitch thread to string on the leaves and a twisted wire needle to string on the larger beads.

You can also substitute decorative topstitching buttonhole twist thread or weaving/crochet thread 20/2 for stringing. You could bead crochet around each leaf for more embellishment. I put approximately 2bsc in each stitch and sometimes 3 where I had a longer stitch than others. Yes, my stitches are not always uniform; I am too busy creating and having fun to be so structured.

You can also use this same pattern with thin thread such as DMC Pearl Cotton #80 and decorative sewing thread to make smaller scale leaves. I use a size 16 steel crochet hook when working with Sulky #40 and thin sewing thread and sizes 12 and 14 when working with DMC #80 and equivalent size thread. Try making all silver or gold variegated leaves for special occasions and green and red leaves for holiday fun! This is an easy gift to make and will be much appreciated. You could gather several together and make a small amulet purse or a flower; the ideas are endless. Enjoy. Lydia, The Beadwrangler

You can use the illustrations and instructions from my book, Beadwrangler’s Hands On Crochet with Beads and Fiber for crocheting with beads and adding them to the leaves.

Copyright© 1998 Lyden Enterprises
All rights reserved. No part of these instructions may be transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including but not restricted to, recording or by any information storage and/or retrieval system without prior permission in writing from the author.
Designs shown in these instructions are intended for personal use only. Mass marketing of the designs as finished work or as kits is prohibited without permission in writing from the author.
Instructions and designs have been tested and are presented in good faith, but no warranty is given, nor results guaranteed.
When you make copies of these instructions to share with your friends, please tell them you got them at Beadwrangler's.

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