Knit Floral Block: Iris

This generic pattern can be used with whatever yarn and hook/needle size you prefer.

The delicate flaring petals of the iris require a large number of mauves and purples, so knitting yarn could be supplemented with embroidery wool.

METHOD

Yarn Yarn in pale lime (A), purple (B), dark green (C), pale mauve (D), deep purple (E), gray-mauve (F), violet (G), gold (H), heliotrope (I), blue-mauve (J), and black (K)

Equipment A pair of knitting needles and a tapestry needle

Using A, cast on 39 sts.
Beginning with a k row, work in st-st from the chart, reading RS rows from right to left and WS rows from left to right as indicated by row numbering on chart.
When 50th row has been completed, bind off.
Following the chart and key, use wool needle and J to work the duplicate stitch detail (see page 30).

BORDER
RS facing and using K, pick up and k39 sts along cast-on edge.
1st row K.
2nd row Kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 41 sts.
Bind off knitwise.
Work remaining edges to match.
Join the mitered corners.


ABBREVIATIONS / REFERENCES

Click for explanation and illustration

k = knit St st = Stockinette stitch
RS = right side WS = wrong side
kfb = knit in front and back of stitch  

Excerpted with permission from 75 Floral Blocks to Knit by Lesley Stanfield, St. Martin's Griffin, 2013.