Cloverleaf Eyelet Stitch Pattern

The cloverleaf eyelet stitch pattern is just one of those stitch patterns that says feminine, dainty and pretty. 

Jump to knitting pattern

It's also a very old stitch pattern and a nostalgic one for me because it was the first stitch pattern I knit when I was just a kid.

It is a little more challenging to work but nothing that's too overly complicated. Just take your time that's all. You'll love the results too!

is there a difference between eyelet stitch knitting and lace Stitch knitting patterns? 

Yes there is although not always easy to pick out. Eyelet stitch knitting tends to be less open than lace stitch knitting patterns.

Eyelet stitch patterns still maintain a solid fabric background with various eyelets positioned in different ways like this Cloverleaf pattern.

But you can still distinguish the solid fabric background.

Honestly? Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between the eyelet patterns and lace patterns. 

Lace stitch knitting creates an openwork fabric with holes and loops and various motifs. 

A lot of times you won't see much if any solid background.

Eyelets and lace do mingle well together and you'll find both in many knitting patterns

Yup!  There all cloverleaf eyelet stitch patterns! I couldn't decide which one I liked so you're seeing all of them.  LOL

The yellow one in the background is shown below and is made with superwash wool and the two front ones here are dishcloth sizes made with cotton.

As I mentioned earlier this stitch pattern is kind of nostalgic for me. 

It's the very first stitch pattern I used many years ago when I was just a child. 9 years old, geez

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 booties and it was all done in the cloverleaf eyelet stitch.  

I just knew I had to make it and got busy knitting. Of course mom was there to help with any rough spots.

Just A note:  Yarns to use for Cloverleaf Eyelet Stitch 

I've noticed in knitting with this stitch pattern in particular, that it will look best with a light worsted, DK weight or less yarn.

By light worsted weight I'm thinking of a worsted weight yarn that's about 5 sts per inch size and not the heavier aran type that's thicker.

The cloverleaf eyelet stitch is delicate on it's own and that's why you'll see lots of baby patterns using it and even light sweaters of the past. 

Baby yarns work well with this stitch pattern because baby yarn is usually a Sport weight (2) in other words it's quite a thin yarn. 

You can of course use a heavier weight yarn but I would definitely make a swatch first to see how it looks.

What Can You Make With Cloverleaf Eyelet Stitch Pattern?

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. 

Maybe you'd like to try it on smaller knit items?  I have just the ticket below

Do you enjoy knitting blanket squares?  This is a lovely addition to a blanket square blanket - a cloverleaf eyelet knit blanket square.  

This square is bigger and made with wool which can be used as a blanket square if you enjoy knitting them.  

Or you can knit a dishcloth.  The pattern for both the blanket square or knit dishcloth is below. Yup 2 sizes are included.

Whatever you do decide to use this eyelet stitch pattern on I'm sure it will look stunning. Your options are endless.

Cloverleaf Eyelet Stitch Pattern Details

Knitting Abbreviations and Skills Required

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

Cloverleaf Eyelet Stitch Pattern

Click here to download the cloverleaf eyelet stitch pattern

And if you'd like to try knitting a swatch you can cast on 15, 23 or 31 sts. 

Row 1:  (wrong side) Purl

Row 2: Knit

Row 3:  Purl

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 5:  Purl

Row 6:  K3, yo, ssk, *k6, yo, ssk, repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2

Row 7:  Purl

Row 8:  Knit

Row 9:  Purl

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.

Cloverleaf Eyelet dishcloth knitting pattern Details

Okay, so a single picture of one dishcloth looks kind of sad so I tripled them up and I now know the pattern by heart...LOL  They're all cloverleaf eyelet stitch

Materials:  Any cotton or 90% cotton yarn will do. If you're knitting a blanket square any light worsted weight yarn will work well. I used Cascade 220 Superwash wool

Needles: US 7, 4.5mm or US 8, 5.0 mm

Size: Approximately 7" X 7" or if you want it a little larger 8.5" X 8.5"

Gauge: Not really important

Notes: Keep in mind you're working with a multiple of 8 sts + 7 and the green and aqua ones are around the 7 X7 size.

I'll give you the next size up if you like yours bigger like the yellow one. I also added 4 garter stitches to the sides and knit a couple of rows of garter stitch to help it not curl.

Skills required: knit, slip 1 (note slip as if to purl) , knit 2 together, slip, slip, knit, yarn over, pass slip stitch over

Abbreviations are all above for the stitch  pattern.  Please refer to that.  It is however listed if you download my knitting pattern

To download the dishcloth pattern click here

Cloverleaf Eyelet Dishcloth knitting pattern

OR Cloverleaf Eyelet Blanket Square Pattern

Cast on 31 sts or 39 sts for larger dishcloth or the blanket square

Remember to begin and end each row with K4

Knit 2 - 4 rows as a border for your dishcloth. I knit 4 rows then began the pattern below.

Row 1:    K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4

Row 2:    Knit

Row 3:    K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4

Row 4:    K4, K2, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, * K5, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, repeat from * to last 2 stitches K2, then knit K4

Row 5:    K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4

Row 6:    K4, K3, yo, ssk, *k6, yo, ssk, repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2, then K4

Row 7:    K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4

Row 8:    Knit

Row 9:    K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4

Row 10:    K4, K1, *k5, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, rep from * to last 6 sts. K6, then K4

Row 11:   K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4

Row 12:    K4, K7, *yo, ssk, k6, repeat from * to last 10 sts, K6, then K4

Repeat these 12 rows until desired length and finish with knitting garter stitch rows for the same amount as the bottom of your dishcloth or blanket square.

Weave in ends.  Happy Knitting!