ELVES! with HATS #2

ELVES! with HATS #2 by Terry Morris – Knitted Decorative Ornaments

What Is Being Made

ELVES! with HATS #2 is a knitting pattern for creating small decorative elf ornaments designed by Terry Morris. These charming handmade elves are constructed by knitting fabric pieces and assembling them onto Styrofoam ball bases. The finished ornaments measure approximately 3 to 5 inches in height, depending on the style of hat selected. These versatile decorations can be displayed in work areas, hung on Christmas trees, or attached to gift packages. Each elf can be personalized with unique facial features and color combinations, making them ideal for custom gift-giving or festive seasonal décor.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The primary construction method involves working flat pieces in rows using basic knit and purl stitches. Pieces are knitted in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface ideal for small decorative items. Assembly involves attaching the knitted components to a Styrofoam ball foundation, which provides structure and stability to the finished ornament. Personalization techniques include adding facial details and selecting from multiple hat style options to create variation among individual elves.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the face and body components, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows to produce a smooth, uniform fabric surface
• Cast-on and cast-off: Standard edge techniques for beginning and finishing knitted pieces

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for fingering weight yarn (also known as sock weight), which is a thin, delicate yarn suitable for creating small, detailed pieces. The designer recommends using small amounts of multiple colors, including flesh tones for the face and various accent colors for clothing and hats. The sample ornaments shown were knitted using Knit Picks Palette yarn in red, blue, green, yellow, white, and tan. Construction requires US Size 1 (2.25mm) needles, which are appropriately sized for working with fingering weight yarn at a gauge of 8 stitches per 1 inch over stockinette stitch. Additional materials include a 7-inch circumference Styrofoam ball (2¼ inches in diameter) as the ornament base, flathead straight pins for securing knitted pieces, glass or plastic-headed straight pins for creating eyes, and optional embellishments such as gold craft wire, ribbon, or yarn for hanging loops. Hat #2 style includes a small brass jingle bell for added festive appeal.