Falling Leaves Throw

Falling Leaves Throw by Jenise Reid

Project Overview

The Falling Leaves Throw is an intermediate-level knitted blanket designed by Jenise Reid. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a stunning decorative throw measuring 72 x 84 inches from point to point, featuring a sophisticated leaf-motif construction with four identical knitted points that form the throw's distinctive silhouette.

What Is Being Made

This project produces a large blanket-style throw with a geometric, point-to-point construction. The throw is composed of four identical knitted point sections that are worked to create an elegant, dimensional piece suitable for draping over furniture or displaying as a decorative textile. The finished dimensions of 72 x 84 inches make it an ideal size for accent throws on sofas, chairs, or beds.

Craft and Primary Technique

The Falling Leaves Throw is a knitting project worked primarily in stockinette stitch. The pattern utilizes circular needles for the main construction, with the option to use straight needles for working the initial points. This approach allows for comfortable handling of the large finished piece while maintaining consistent tension and stitch quality throughout the project.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Knit and purl stitches – The foundation techniques forming the stockinette base and textured patterning
• Yarn over (yo) – Creates decorative eyelets and lace elements throughout the design
• Knit two together (k2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used in shaping and pattern work
• Knit three together (k3tog) – A double decrease for more dramatic shaping
• Purl two together (p2tog) – A decrease worked on wrong-side rows
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – A left-leaning decrease that pairs with k2tog for balanced decreases
• Slip, slip, purl (ssp) – The purl-side equivalent of ssk
• Make one (m1) – An increase technique for adding stitches
• Ribbed knit and purl combinations – The pattern alternates *k1, p1* sequences to create textured borders and structural elements

Skill Level and Requirements

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, requiring knitters to be comfortable with fundamental knitting skills including knit and purl stitches. The project demands proficiency with multiple decrease techniques (k2tog, k3tog, ssk, ssp, p2tog) and increase methods (yarn overs and make one), making it suitable for knitters with some prior project experience who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and larger-scale work.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Swish Bulky yarn in the Bare colorway, which is 100% superwash merino fiber. A total of 13 hanks is required, with each hank providing 137 yards and weighing 100 grams. The superwash treatment makes this throw easy to care for and maintain.

Needles: The project uses 8 mm/US 11 circular needles measuring 60 inches in length as the primary tool. The pattern notes that knitters may also want to have 8 mm/US 11 straight needles available for working the initial points before transitioning to circular needles for the main construction.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 3 stitches to 1 inch when worked in stockinette stitch and blocked. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions of 72 x 84 inches.

Pattern Structure

The Falling Leaves Throw is constructed by creating four identical points that form the throw's distinctive shape. Each point begins with a small number of stitches and increases through strategic yarn overs and make-one increases, creating the expanding leaf-like form. The pattern incorporates alternating knit and purl sequences that create visual texture and structure, with decreases (k2tog, ssk, and their variations) used to shape the points and create the lace-like eyelet details characteristic of the design.