An Irish leaf collar with button
Worked lengthwise over 8sts.
Count the sts only after 18th pattern row
Cast on 8 sts and k 3 rows using suggested needles for your yarn choice.
Make a buttonhole on the next row by casting off st numbers 4 and 5, and casting them back on the following row.
Work 3 rows knit (garter stitch)
Now begin the 18 ROW LEAF PATTERN REPEAT:
Row 1: rs k5, yf, k1, yf, k2. (10sts)
Row 2: p6 inc in next st by knitting into the front and back of it k3. (11sts)
Row 3: k4, p1, k2, yf, k1, yf, k3. (13sts)
Row 4: p8, inc in next st k4. (14sts)
Row 5: k4, p2, k3, yf, k1, yf, k4. (16sts)
Row 6: p10, inc in next st, k5. (17sts)
Row 7: k4, p3, k4, yf, k1, yf, k5. (19sts)
Row 8: p12, inc in next st, k6. (20sts)
Row 9: k4, p4, yb, sl1, k1, psso, k7, k2tog, k1. (18sts)
Row 10: p10, inc in next st, k7. (19sts)
Row 11: k4, p5, yb, sl1, k1, psso, k5, k2tog, k1. (17sts)
Row 12: p8, inc in next st, k2, p1, k5. (18sts)
Row 13: k4, p1, k1, p4, yb, sl1, k1, psso, k3, k2tog, k1. (16sts)
Row 14: p6, inc in next st, k3, p1, k5. (17sts)
Row 15: k4, p1, k1, p5, yb, sl1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog k1. (15sts)
Row 16: p4, inc in next st k4, p1, k5. (16sts)
Row 17: k4, p1, k1, p6, yb, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1. (14sts)
Row 18: p2tog, cast off 5sts using p2tog (as the first of these sts on right hand needle), k1, p1, k5 (8sts)
Repeat these 18 rows at least 4 times (which will total 5 leaves) Or until required length/number of leaves to fit around the neckline. (At least 16ins around the top edge) K6 rows and cast off in k.
Sew on a decorative button to close the collar, opposite the buttonhole.
For more from Edel MacBride Carol Feller visit her website http://www.edelmacbride.com/
