Christmas Bauble no. 17

Christmas Bauble no. 17 by Knao Knits

What is Being Made

Christmas Bauble no. 17 is a knitted decorative bauble designed as part of a collection of festive ornaments. Each finished bauble measures approximately 8.5cm to 9cm (3.35" to 3.55") in diameter, making them ideal for hanging on Christmas trees or displaying as seasonal decorations. This intermediate-level knitting project is suitable for crafters with some knitting experience who are ready to work with more complex stitch patterns and shaping techniques.

Techniques Used

The bauble construction employs fundamental knitting techniques adapted for three-dimensional ornament creation. Key techniques include:

• Working in the round using five double-pointed knitting needles to create seamless, circular sections
• Increasing stitches to shape the bauble into its spherical form
• Cable work integrated into the stitch pattern, requiring careful tension management
• Tension control throughout, particularly during increases and cable sections to maintain proper bauble dimensions

Stitches Used

Christmas Bauble no. 17 incorporates multiple stitch patterns to create textural variety:

• Stocking stitch: A fundamental knit stitch pattern requiring a tension of 17 stitches and 22 rows per 10cm (4") square
• Moss stitch: A textured alternative stitch pattern worked at a tension of 16 stitches and 28 rows per 10cm (4") square
• Cable stitches: Decorative twisted stitch patterns that add visual interest and require careful tension to prevent the bauble from becoming too small

Materials

This project uses chunky weight yarn worked on a single set of five double-pointed knitting needles. The specific needle size may vary depending on individual knitter tension and the yarn choice, with adjustments recommended for tight or loose knitters. The pattern accommodates flexibility in yarn and needle selection, allowing crafters to create baubles in different sizes by substituting alternative yarn weights and corresponding needle sizes while maintaining the same basic construction method.

Note: Proper tension is essential for achieving the correct finished bauble size. Knitters should take particular care not to pull stitches too tightly, especially during increases and cable work sections, as this will result in a smaller finished ornament.