The Fibonacci Foliage Finery is a breezy summer garment showcasing an intricate laced yoke in cotton yarn. Named for its spiral leaf pattern that mimics Romanesco broccoli’s natural Fibonacci sequence, this design balances visual interest with approachable techniques across 10 inclusive sizes.

Constructed seamlessly top-down, this project is beginner friendly while offering engaging elements for seasoned crafters. Techniques include simple increases (lifting yarn strands, and knitting into front and back loops), double decreases, yarn overs for lace patterning, and optional German Short Rows for collar shaping and back elongation. The German Short Rows (highlighted throughout) can be skipped by beginners without compromising the finished look.

Size
10 sizes are offered with the corresponding chest circumference after blocking (soaking in lukewarm water and flat drying):

• XS1: 82 cm
• XS2: 88 cm
• S1: 94 cm
• S2: 100 cm
• M1: 106 cm
• M2: 112 cm
• L1: 118 cm
• L2: 124 cm
• XL1: 130 cm
• XL2: 136 cm

Yarns

• Sample: Mondial Basic Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/110m), color code 0915
• Alternative: Sandnes Garn Line (53% cotton, 33% viscose, 14% linen, 50g/110m)
• Yardage requirement: XS1 (260g), XS2 (280g), S1 (300g), S2 (320g), M1 (350g), M2 (370g), L1 (410g), L2 (440g), XL1 (480g), XL2 (500g)

Needles

• 4mm circular needle for the whole garment
• Optional 3mm circular needle for collar and hem ribbing if you prefer a more defined edge

Gauge (after blocking)

• 10 × 10 cm
• 20 stitches and 30 rows

Side story of the design:

I’m excited to share my newest knitting design, “Fibonacci Foliage Finery”, my first venture into summer garments using cotton yarns. This pattern features 10 graded sizes and incorporates German Short Rows to elongate the back piece for an enhanced fit. As a special introduction, you can download the pattern on Ravelry for free until August 3, 2025 EET 12:00 PM.

The sample is knitted in size XS2 with 100% cotton yarns purchased in Monza. The pattern’s name gently nods to an Italian mathematician. I completed part of the knitting during an early summer trip through northern Italy, truly a beautiful country.

I once had plans to relocate from Finland to Italy, but circumstances weren’t quite right to provide the quality of life and career I was seeking, so I had to put this dream on hold. This design emerged during a particularly difficult and melancholy period in my personal life. I’ve been feeling adrift, both grateful for what I once had yet sorrowful as certainties dissolved like morning mist. Knitting and designing have become my quiet companions through these shadows, offering small moments of peace as I try to mend what’s broken.

Thank you for reading and supporting my design.

“In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.”
—St. John of the Cross, 16th century Spanish mystic and poet