Product Description
Ability Level: Intermediate
This can be worked with any size needle and yarn to suit your requirements. Photo shows ornament worked with 2.00 mm needles and 3-ply yarn.
Materials required for each ornament: Any size yarn and needles may be used to make this decoration, but for a 1:6th scale cushion use 2.00 mm knitting needles with approximately 55 yards/50 metres 3-ply/light fingering yarn and for 1:12th scale use 1.00 mm knitting needles with 1-ply yarn; cable needle (if you cannot find a miniature cable needle see here); small amount of polyester stuffing; sewing needle.
Finished sizes of cushion after blocking:
Using size 2.00 mm knitting needles and 3-ply yarn 2½-inches/6.5 cm square. Using size 19 (1.00 mm/US 00000) knitting needles and 1-ply yarn 1-inch/25 cm square
Gauge: This is not important, as this can be any size
Aran Christmas Tree Decoration by Frances Powell
What Is Being Made
This is a hanging ornament designed with an Aran cable pattern, created by independent designer Frances Powell. The decoration features a plain back and is specifically engineered as a practice piece for knitters learning to work cables. Beyond its primary use as a Christmas tree decoration, the pattern is versatile enough to serve as a 1:6th scale cushion for dolls or a 1:12th scale cushion for miniature collections. When used as a cushion, the hanging loop is omitted.
Techniques and Stitches Used
This intermediate-level knitting project centers on cable work, making it an ideal practice piece for developing cable-knitting skills. The Aran tradition, rooted in Irish knitting heritage, emphasizes textured stitch patterns that create dimensional, sculptural effects. The pattern employs classic Aran cable techniques to build visual interest and depth across the front of the ornament.
Knitters will use a cable needle to manipulate stitches and create the characteristic twisted, rope-like cables that define Aran knitwear. The design is worked flat with a plain reverse side, simplifying construction for intermediate crafters while allowing focus on cable technique mastery.
Materials and Yarn Specifications
This pattern offers flexibility in yarn weight and needle size, allowing crafters to customize the finished ornament dimensions. For a 1:6th scale cushion, use 2.00 mm knitting needles paired with approximately 55 yards (50 metres) of 3-ply or light fingering weight yarn, producing a finished square measuring 2½ inches (6.5 cm). For a 1:12th scale miniature cushion, use 1.00 mm (US 00000) knitting needles with 1-ply yarn for a 1-inch (25 mm) finished square.
Additional materials include a cable needle for manipulating stitches, a small amount of polyester stuffing for dimensional shaping, and a sewing needle for finishing and assembly. The pattern accommodates various yarn weights from cobweb and lace weight through 3-ply and 4-ply options, providing creative freedom for different skill levels and aesthetic preferences.
Pattern Format
This is a free, downloadable PDF pattern suitable for intermediate knitters seeking to develop cable-working expertise through a practical, finished project.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | 3 Ply, 4 Ply, Cobweb, Lace, Thread |
| Pages: | 2 |
| Designer: | Frances Powell |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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