What you'll need
| One size only: | 17 x 24 inches |
|---|---|
Patons Classic Wool Worsted
|
2 |
Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted
|
2 |
Cascade 220 old -
|
2 |
Product Description
As the result of a trip to Norway, I was inspired by the beautiful designs that were used in the knitting from Selbu, the home of the now famous “Selbu Mittens”. The museum in Selbu has some wonderful pieces of knitting history. This Christmas stocking incorporates a variation of “spider in the bough” with scroll work both at the top of the stocking and the toe. I saw many examples of these borders in the Selbu museum. They were used in hats, mittens, socks and sweaters.
Techniques used in this stocking include broken rib for the cuff at the top of the stocking, knitting with two colors at the same time, catching floats, working a flap heel, round toe and an I-cord hanging loop.
Made in a worsted weight yarn, this is a generously sized stocking with a finished size of about 17 inches around and 24 inches top to toe. My sample is worked in a heavy worsted weight but a finer yarn could be used to make a smaller stocking.
Yarn: Main Color - green 4oz/200yds, Contrast
Spider in the Roses Christmas Stocking by Denise Balvanz
Project Overview
The Spider in the Roses Christmas Stocking is an advanced knitting pattern inspired by traditional Scandinavian designs from Selbu, Norway. This decorative Christmas stocking features intricate colorwork and classic knitting techniques drawn from the historical knitting traditions preserved in the Selbu museum. The finished stocking is generously sized at approximately 17 inches in circumference and 24 inches from top to toe, making it a substantial and striking holiday decoration.
Design Elements and Inspiration
Designer Denise Balvanz created this pattern following a visit to Norway, where she drew inspiration from the renowned Selbu Mittens and the museum's collection of traditional knitting pieces. The stocking incorporates a variation of the classic "spider in the bough" motif combined with decorative scroll work borders. These traditional border designs appear at both the top cuff and the toe of the stocking, reflecting authentic patterns historically used in Selbu knitting for hats, mittens, socks, and sweaters.
Knitting Techniques and Stitches
This advanced-level pattern employs several sophisticated knitting techniques that require experienced craftsmanship:
- Broken rib for the cuff at the top of the stocking, creating textured elasticity
- Two-color knitting worked simultaneously to create the intricate patterned colorwork
- Float catching to manage yarn floats and maintain fabric integrity during colorwork sections
- Flap heel construction for durability and a traditional stocking shape
- Round toe shaping for a finished, professional appearance
- I-cord hanging loop for displaying the stocking
Yarn and Materials
The sample stocking is worked in heavy worsted weight yarn, though the pattern accommodates flexibility in yarn selection. Knitters may substitute a finer yarn weight to create a smaller stocking while maintaining the same stitch pattern and design. The pattern is suitable for aran and worsted weight yarns, allowing customization based on desired finished dimensions.
Skill Level and Craftsmanship
Rated as an advanced knitting project, this stocking is designed for experienced knitters comfortable with colorwork techniques, managing multiple yarn colors, and executing complex stitch patterns. The combination of traditional Scandinavian design elements and technical construction methods makes this an engaging project for skilled crafters seeking to create an heirloom-quality Christmas decoration.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Aran, Worsted |
| Featured Products: | Patons Classic Wool Worsted Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted |
| Pages: | 6 |
| Designer: | Denise Balvanz |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
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