Product Description
These pretty little ornaments feature tree motifs over a solid background. Recognizing the diversity of tree species found in the boreal forest, the pattern provides a selection of motifs creating a set of similar but unique ornaments. Polystyrene or styrofoam balls provide shape and structure for the ornaments.
Each ornament requires one 3” polystyrene or styrofoam ball and approximately 36 yards of fingering weight yarn in the main color plus 24 yards in the contrasting color. They work up quickly and are perfect for using up leftover sock yarn!
A clever construction technique permits these ornaments to be made without the necessity of awkward knitting over the polystyrene or styrofoam balls. The ornaments are made in two sections with all necessary increases worked in stockinette. The pieces are later placed over a ball and grafted together using kitchener stitch. This requires a bit of patience but is much easier and enjoyable than trying to knit around a solid ball.
Tamarack Ornaments by Redtiger
What Is Being Made
The Tamarack Ornaments are a collection of decorative knitted ornaments designed by Redtiger (Cynthia Levy). These ornaments celebrate the diversity of tree species found in the boreal forest, with each design featuring distinct tree motifs worked over a solid background. The ornaments are constructed around 3-inch polystyrene or styrofoam balls that provide shape and structure, making them suitable for holiday decoration or year-round display.
Construction and Techniques
These ornaments employ a clever construction technique that eliminates the need for awkward knitting around the ball itself. The pattern uses stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, worked in the round on small-diameter needles. The tree motifs are incorporated using stranded colorwork techniques, allowing knitters to create multiple unique ornaments by selecting from a selection of different tree designs. The ornaments are finished using the Kitchener stitch (also called grafting), a seamless joining method that creates an invisible seam and professional finish.
Stitches and Stitch Techniques
- Stockinette stitch – the primary fabric structure worked in rounds
- Stranded colorwork – technique for incorporating contrasting tree motifs
- Kitchener stitch – seamless grafting technique for finishing
Yarn and Materials
These ornaments are worked in fingering weight yarn, though the product attributes reference 4-ply yarn weight. Each ornament requires approximately 36 yards of main color yarn and approximately 24 yards of contrast color yarn. The pattern accommodates various color combinations, allowing knitters to create a coordinated set of similar but unique ornaments by varying the tree motifs and color selections.
Construction requires 2.5 mm (US 1½) double point needles to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include 3-inch polystyrene or styrofoam balls for structure, a tapestry needle (such as the Cynthia Levy tapestry needle recommended in the pattern) for working the Kitchener stitch, straight pins for securing work, and scrap yarn for stitch holders.
Gauge and Difficulty
The pattern is rated at intermediate difficulty level, appropriate for knitters with experience in colorwork and grafting techniques. The specified gauge is 8 stitches and 11 rounds per 1 inch in stockinette stitch on 2.5 mm needles. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper ornament sizing and fit around the polystyrene balls.
Pattern Information
The Tamarack Ornaments pattern was published July 15, 2019, and revised January 2, 2022. This is a downloadable PDF pattern by independent designer Redtiger. For additional pattern support and designer information, knitters can visit Redtigerdesigns on Ravelry or access the designer's link directory.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Fingering |
| Pages: | 6 |
| Designer: | Redtiger |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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