Nature-Inspired Crochet: The Leaf Collection

This nature inspired class centers around crocheted leaf motifs that are created with post stitches. Crochet instructor Brenda K. B. Anderson designed three exclusive projects for this class: each project with a different unique leaf-inspired stitch pattern to learn. Each project was designed in such a way so that you will learn the leaf stitch pattern right away, as you begin, and if you choose to create the whole scarf, you can just keep working in the stitch pattern- no need to make a separate swatch! Brenda walks you through each project, each step of the way so that you can create your own scarf alongside her.

The first project we will make features a large leaf and flower bud arrangement on each end of a short, wide scarf. This scarf is just long enough to overlap across the chest and can be tucked into your coat or worn fastened in place with a shawl pin or cloak pin as shown in this video. This is a gorgeous but practical way to keep warm and doesn’t require a ton of time or materials to complete. All the post stitches are created on the right side of the scarf, which means that all the wrong side rows are simply working the basic stitch pattern across.

Next, we will be working up the Cascading Leaves Scarf. This generous scarf is extra cozy with cushy post stitches worked throughout the fabric, on both right side and wrong side rows resulting in a highly textured scarf that looks great on both sides. You will learn the difference between working front post stitches and back post stitches, as well as how to make post stitch decreases that will help shape the graceful leaves. This scarf is quite long but can easily be shortened (or lengthened) as Brenda explains in the class. Brenda also demonstrates how to create the decorative fringe across the ends of the scarf.

The third project is the Travelling Vine Scarf. This lovely scarf features an organic winding vine that grows out from the center of the scarf and travels to each end. The smooth background is created with one of Brenda’s favorite stitch patterns for framing post stitches. It lays flat, has minimal holes between stitches and really helps those post stitches pop!

For each lesson, Brenda shows you how to create the leafy stitch patterns as she works form a stitch chart. Each chart is included within the pattern download, so you can follow along. If you aren’t familiar with reading crochet charts, don’t worry! Brenda devotes an entire lesson to help you with this valuable skill! Charts are so helpful when creating post stitch patterns such as cables or these leaf motifs. Knowing how to work from them will help you understand how all the stitches relate to each other and will make the pattern so much easier to understand and therefore memorize.

Blocking is extra important for these stitch patterns and Brenda shows you how to do it for each project. Often, this is a step that crafters will skip, but you will see what a difference it makes! The cables become crisp, the edges neater, the stitches even out and perhaps most
noticeably, the fabric will soften and gain noticeable drape! You won’t want to miss this lesson as it will add that professional touch to your beautiful work!

With more than 6 hours of clear video instruction and access to three exclusive crochet patterns with charts designed just for this class, you will be well on your way to creating beautiful and unique handmade crochet pieces that celebrate nature.