Welcome, devoted crocheters! Prepare to create a project of exquisite beauty with the “Ascending Leaf Lace.” This pattern, showcased in that lovely coral-pink, is a marvel of openwork, featuring delicate, repeating fan motifs that stack vertically, creating columns separated by airy chains. The resulting fabric is lightweight and has a beautiful, organic flow, making it ideal for curtains, summer wraps, heirloom christening blankets, or a luxurious scarf.
You requested maximum detail and length, so let’s meticulously break down the 4-row repeat that builds this gorgeous, breathable lace!
🛍️ Materials & Tools: Your Essential Lace Kit 🛍️
The integrity of this lace relies on using a fine yarn and a hook that allows the stitches to bloom and the chains to open.
- Yarn: I highly recommend a Fingering Weight (Weight 1) or Sport Weight (Weight 2) yarn. Mercerized cotton is the best choice, as its crisp stitch definition is crucial for the fan motifs to be clearly defined.
- Crochet Hook: Use a hook size that encourages a light tension and open structure, such as a 3.0 mm (C/2) or 3.5 mm (E/4) hook for the recommended yarn weights.
- Scissors: For a tidy finish.
- Tapestry Needle: Essential for weaving in ends neatly without disturbing the delicate lace structure.
- Stitch Markers (Optional): Useful for marking the central chain-space of the fan motifs in early rows.
📚 Stitch Glossary: The Language of Fans and Veins 📚
This pattern primarily uses simple stitches combined into a specific Fan Motif (or shell) and the placement of chain spaces to define the open “veins” of the leaves. We’ll be using US Crochet Terms.
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name | Description |
| ch | Chain | Standard chain. |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) | |
| sk | Skip | |
| sc | Single Crochet | Standard single crochet. |
| dc | Double Crochet | Standard double crochet. |
| tr | Treble Crochet | Yarn over twice, complete the stitch. |
| Fan | Fan Motif | (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) all in the same stitch or space. |
| V-st | V-Stitch | (dc, ch 1, dc) all in the same stitch or space. |
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📐 Gauge and Pattern Repeat: Critical Measurements 📐
Accurate gauge ensures your leaf columns line up perfectly and your lace doesn’t pucker.
Pattern Repeat:
The pattern is worked over a multiple of 10 stitches plus 2 stitches for the starting edge.
- Foundation Chain: Start with a multiple of 10+2 chains.
- For a perfect detailed swatch, Ch 42 (10×4=40+2=42).
- The ch 3 at the start of dc rows counts as 1 dc.
Gauge (Approximate, after blocking):
- One full leaf/fan column repeat should measure approximately 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) wide.
- One full texture cycle (4 rows) should measure about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) high.
🌸 The “Ascending Leaf Lace” Pattern: Row by Row Mastery 🌸
This intricate texture is achieved through a controlled 4-row repeat that alternates between creating the fan structure and then connecting it with airy V-stitches.
▶️ Foundation Row:
- Ch a multiple of 10+2. (For swatch, Ch 42).
Row 1 (RS – Initial Leaf Base):
- Dc in the 4th ch from the hook (counts as 2 dc).
- *Ch 3, sk 3 ch, sc in the next ch.
- Ch 3, sk 3 ch, 3 dc in the next ch.*
- Repeat from * to * across the row until 4 chs remain.
- Ch 3, sk 3 ch, dc in the last ch.
- Turn.
This row establishes the base arches and the first clusters that will form the center of the leaf motifs.
Row 2 (WS – Fan Expansion and V-Stitch Connection):
- Ch 4 (counts as 1 tr). Tr in the next dc.
- Ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp.
- Ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp.
- *Ch 3, Fan (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in the central dc of the next 3 dc cluster.
- Ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp.
- Ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp.*
- Repeat from * to * across the row, ending with tr in the last 2 sts.
- Turn.
This row forms the full Fan motifs and uses chains to connect the elements, creating the characteristic large arch connecting the leaf clusters.
Row 3 (RS – Offset Mesh Setup):
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Dc in the next tr.
- Ch 3, sc in the center ch-3 sp (the one between the two sc from Row 2).
- Ch 3, dc in the next 3 dc of the Fan (Shell).
- V-st (dc, ch 1, dc) in the ch-1 sp of the Fan.
- Dc in the next 3 dc of the Fan.
- *Ch 3, sc in the center ch-3 sp.
- Ch 3, dc in the next 3 dc of the Fan.
- V-st in the ch-1 sp of the Fan.
- Dc in the next 3 dc of the Fan.*
- Repeat from * to * across the row, ending with dc in the final 2 sts.
- Turn.
This row locks in the shape of the leaf cluster and prepares the V-stitches that will define the airy vertical columns.
Row 4 (WS – Vertical V-Stitch Column):
- Ch 4 (counts as 1 tr). Tr in the next dc.
- Tr in the next 3 dc of the Fan.
- V-st (dc, ch 1, dc) in the ch-1 sp of the V-st from Row 3.
- Tr in the next 3 dc of the Fan.
- Ch 3, sc in the center ch-3 sp (the one between the two ch-3 from Row 3).
- Ch 3, Tr in the next 3 dc of the Fan.
- V-st in the ch-1 sp of the V-st.
- Tr in the next 3 dc of the Fan.*
- Repeat from * to * across the row, ending with tr in the final 2 sts.
- Turn.
This row completes the diamond shape, reinforcing the vertical V-stitch column that runs between the leaves and preparing the next base arches.
Video Tutorial:
🔄 The Repeat Sequence: Building the Fabric 🔄
The pattern is now fully established, creating a continuous, self-repeating texture.
- The full repeating cycle is Rows 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- Key Alignment: You will always create the base arches over the previous row’s solid clusters (Rows 1 and 3) and then work the solid fan/V-stitch structure into those arches (Rows 2 and 4).
🚿 Finishing and Blocking: Perfecting the Drape 🚿
For this type of intricate lace, blocking is not just recommended, it is mandatory to properly open the lace and define the delicate structure of the leaf motifs.
- Final Edge: End your project on a Row 4 to ensure the final row features the solid tr clusters and connecting arches.
- Wet Blocking: Submerge your finished piece in lukewarm water.
- Pin and Shape: Pin the lace out onto a blocking mat, stretching it firmly both vertically and horizontally. Meticulously pin out the points of the leaf motifs and the chain spaces to maximize the openwork effect.
- Dry: Allow the piece to dry completely for 24-48 hours before unpinning.
🌟 Project Inspiration 🌟
- Elegant Wedding Wrap: The delicate, flowing lace is perfect for a bridal accessory.
- Curtain or Sheer Panel: The vertical flow is ideal for window treatments, filtering light beautifully.
- Summer Cardigan or Vest: The open structure makes for a light, breathable garment.
Happy crocheting! I know you will adore the beautiful, flowing texture of the Ascending Leaf Lace!
