Christmas Cutlery Holders

Christmas Cutlery Holders by Kelly Menzies

Project Overview

These festive Christmas cutlery holders are knitted decorative containers designed to add seasonal charm to your table setting. Created by independent designer Kelly Menzies and originally published in Let's Knit! Magazine (November 2015), this downloadable PDF pattern offers two distinct boot-shaped designs: a striped version and a cabled version. Each holder is sized perfectly for holding cutlery at place settings, measuring approximately 6–7cm wide by 15–17cm tall (2.25–2.75 inches wide by 6–6.75 inches tall).

What You Will Make

• Striped Boot: Dimensions 6cm x 17cm (2.25" x 6.75"), featuring contrasting color stripes for a classic festive look
• Cabled Boot: Dimensions 7cm x 15cm (2.75" x 6"), showcasing decorative cable knit details for added texture and visual interest

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques suitable for knitters with basic experience. The primary construction method uses stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), the most common knit fabric, which creates a smooth, classic appearance ideal for both the striped and cabled designs.

The cabled boot incorporates cable stitches, specifically C4F (cable 4 front), which involves slipping stitches onto a cable needle and crossing them over subsequent stitches to create the characteristic twisted, rope-like texture. Additionally, the pattern includes M1 (make one stitch) increases, executed by picking up the thread between two stitches and knitting through the back loop, allowing for shaping and structure.

Both designs are worked in the round using small-scale knitting methods, creating seamless, tubular boot shapes without seaming.

Materials and Gauge

The pattern is designed for DK weight yarn (light worsted), specifically shown in James C. Brett DK with Merino. Yarn requirements are modest, making this an excellent stash-busting project:

• Striped Boot: Main color (MC) – 20 meters / 22 yards (shown in white, DM1); Contrasting color (CC) – 15 meters / 18 yards (shown in red, DM5)
• Cabled Boot: Main color (MC) – 23 meters / 26 yards (shown in red, DM1); Contrasting color (CC) – 15 meters / 18 yards (shown in white, DM5)

The recommended gauge is 22 stitches x 30 rounds over 10cm (4" x 4") in stocking stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Tools and Equipment Required

• Double pointed needles in 4mm / US 6, or needles suited to your preferred method of small-scale knitting (such as circular needles or magic loop)
• Cable needle for working cable stitches
• Stitch marker (x1) for tracking rounds
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Row counter (optional but helpful for tracking progress)

Pattern Format and Difficulty

This downloadable PDF pattern is presented in written format with clear, detailed instructions. The intermediate difficulty level makes it accessible to knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle cables and small-scale circular knitting. The pattern includes a comprehensive stitch key defining abbreviations such as K (knit), P (purl), MC (main color), and CC (contrasting color), ensuring clarity throughout the project.

Photography and artwork are credited to Kelly Menzies and Caroline Bond respectively, providing visual reference for the finished designs.