For many the gum leaf symbolises the essence of Australia. It is, without a doubt, Australia’s most significant tree species.
These true-to-size gum leaves have a myriad of uses beyond the decorative. They make the most beautiful book marks. The double-sided beauties are a super quick and fun knit, with a couple of interesting techniques thrown in. Slipped stitches help to create smooth edges and a midrib. Surface slip stitch finishes this midrib on the other side creating a truly double-sided appearance.

Construction:
These leaves begin with an i-cord stem, before increasing to the garter stitch leaf. Increases, decreases and slipped stitches are used to create and shape a realistic life-sized leaf.

Instructions for two different sizes are included.

Sizing:
Large: Approx. 10 inches/25.5cm long and 2½ inches/6.5cm wide.
Small: Approx 7½ inches/19cm long and 2 inches/5cm wide.

Skill Level:
Intermediate

Techniques used:
Knit
Increasing and decreasing
Working an i-cord
Slipped stitches
Surface slip stitch

Yarn Requirements:
White Gum Wool 8ply (100% ethical superfine merino; 258yd236m/100g) - 1 ball

OR WOOLganic Organic Merino 8ply/DK (100% organic merino; 113 yd103m/50g – 1 ball.

OR DK/8ply weight yarn of approximately 25 to 30 yards/23 to 27 metres.

Original yarn is a worsted-spun superfine Australian merino that has a 4 ply structure.

Yardage is approximate and may vary depending on your knitting style and yarn selection.

Sample shown in White Gum Wool Orchid and WOOLganic Gondwana.

This pattern was originally released as part of WARM: a large-scale collaborative knitting project that explored why the earth is warming and what we can do to make a positive change.

Knitters of all skill levels contributed to this large-scale piece that was exhibited at the Art Gallery of Ballarat in September 2016. It now has a permanent home in the Geelong Wool Museum.

Join the tikki Ravelry group for any pattern support, yarn advice or just for the chatter and Knit-a-Longs.