I love leaves! This knit leaf mimics the shape of Moroccan ivy, Hedera maroccana. Ivy is a positive symbol in many cultures, depicting fidelity, eternal life (due to staying green through winter) and other good qualities.
Short rows form the curved leaf bottom, then the leaf is worked from edge to edge in garter stitch with 1 center stockinette stitch for the main vein. On my first few tries, my simple “turn and slip a stitch” resulted in stretched stitches. On the variegated leaf, I used the German short rows technique and had better results. See Youtube for demos of this technique.
You could have some serious fun with this leaf pattern; think keychain décor, clothing accent or mug rug!
The variegated leaf is 3.25 inches wide and 3.25 inches long at gauge without the stem.

Skills needed: cast on, knit, purl, German turn for short rows, kf&b and SK2P.
Optional: I-cord stem

Gauge is not important in this pattern. Any yarn/thread will work. Blocking is optional.
Make a swatch to check gauge and appearance.

17 yards of #5 pearl cotton will make a leaf with stem in the stated gauge. DMC variegated color: 4066
1 27-yard skein of DMC #5 pearl cotton will make 1 leaf.