Not so Scary Scarecrows Hanging Ornament

Not So Scary Scarecrows Hanging Ornament by MurisKnits

What Is Being Made

The Not So Scary Scarecrows Hanging Ornament is a charming knitted decoration designed to be displayed around the house. These small ornamental scarecrows are constructed as three-dimensional figures measuring approximately 12 to 15 cm in height and 12 cm in width. Despite their scarecrow theme, these pieces are intentionally cute and approachable rather than frightening, making them suitable for year-round home décor or seasonal display.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project employs fundamental knitting techniques that build essential skills. The primary stitch used throughout the construction is stocking stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric suitable for stuffed ornaments. The pattern requires several key techniques:

• Cast on and cast off to begin and finish sections of the scarecrow
• Knit and purl stitches as foundational stitch techniques
• Increases using both kfb (knit into the front and back of the next stitch) and pfb (purl into the front and back of the next stitch) methods to shape the ornament
• Decreases using k2tog (knit 2 stitches together) and p2tog (purl 2 stitches together) to form contoured sections
• Basic embroidery for adding facial features to the scarecrow head

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for a combination of yarn weights to achieve varied textures and visual interest across different components of the scarecrow:

• DK weight yarn (#3 light weight) in multiple colors for the main sections: Legs (Color A), Body and Sleeves (Color B), Head and Hands (Color C), and Hat and Shoes (Color D)
• Cotton yarn in small amounts for the straw details, using super fine weight (#1)
• Yarn scraps for the patches and kerchief embellishments

The sample ornaments featured in the pattern were knitted using Patons Astra yarn for colors A through D, Bernat Handicraft Cotton for the straw elements, and Patons sock yarn for patches and kerchief details.

Needles and Additional Supplies

Construction requires two 3.00mm straight needles and two 2.75mm straight needles to accommodate the different yarn weights used throughout the project. Stuffing is needed to fill the ornament and create its three-dimensional form.

Skill Requirements

Classified as an intermediate project, this pattern assumes knitters have mastered basic techniques and are ready to combine multiple skills. The required competencies include proficiency with cast on and cast off methods, comfort with both knit and purl stitches, ability to execute increases and decreases accurately, and familiarity with very basic embroidery work for finishing the face details.