Christmas Bauble no. 18

Christmas Bauble no. 18 by Knao Knits

What is Being Made

Christmas Bauble no. 18 is a knitted decorative ornament designed as part of the It's beginning to look a lot like Knitmas collection by designer Naomi Lobley. This bauble is a three-dimensional spherical decoration intended for holiday displays, measuring approximately 8.5cm to 9cm (3.35" to 3.55") in diameter when completed with the recommended yarn and needle specifications.

Craft and Techniques

This project uses knitting as the primary craft method. The bauble is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques including increases and cable work, which require careful tension management to achieve the proper finished dimensions. The spherical shape is created through strategic increases during the knitting process, and the pattern accommodates various stitch patterns to create visual variety among the baubles in the collection.

Stitches Used

The Christmas Bauble no. 18 pattern incorporates multiple stitch options:

• Stocking stitch – a fundamental knit stitch pattern
• Moss stitch – a textured stitch pattern that creates a bumpy surface
• Cable stitches – decorative twisted stitch patterns that add dimensional detail

Materials and Tools

This intermediate-level project is designed to be worked on one set of 5 double-pointed knitting needles, which allow for seamless circular knitting in the round. The pattern is optimized for chunky weight yarn, though alternative yarn weights and needle sizes can be substituted to create baubles of different dimensions. Specific yarn and needle size recommendations are provided within the pattern to achieve the correct tension.

Tension Requirements

Achieving proper tension is critical for this project:

• Stocking stitch: 17 stitches and 22 rows over a 10cm (4") square
• Moss stitch: 16 stitches and 28 rows over a 10cm (4") square

Knitters should adjust needle size up or down based on their individual tension to ensure the finished bauble reaches the correct size. Particular care should be taken not to pull stitches too tightly, especially when working increases and cables, as this will result in a bauble that is too small.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters with foundational skills in basic stitches and circular knitting techniques who are ready to work with increases and cable patterns.