purlJam

# Classic Knitted Christmas Ornament

**Description**
A timeless, round Christmas bauble knitted flat and seamed. This project is designed to produce a dense fabric that holds its shape well and keeps fiberfill hidden. It features a classic spherical shape achieved through simple increases and decreases. Perfect for using up scrap worsted weight yarn.

**Difficulty Level**
Beginner

**Finished Measurements**
*   **Circumference:** Approx. 8.75 inches (22 cm)
*   **Diameter:** Approx. 2.75 inches (7 cm)

**Materials**
*   **Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn (approx. 35-40 yards / 32-36 meters).
    *   *Suggested fiber:* Wool or Acrylic/Wool blend.
    *   *Color suggestion:* Can be worked in solid red, or striped with white (2 rows red, 2 rows white).
*   **Needles:** US 5 (3.75 mm) or US 6 (4.0 mm) straight or circular needles.
    *   *Note:* We use smaller needles than standard for worsted yarn to ensure a tight gauge so stuffing doesn't show through.
*   **Notions:**
    *   Tapestry needle (for seaming and weaving ends)
    *   Polyester fiberfill stuffing
    *   Ribbon or yarn for hanging loop
    *   Scissors

**Gauge**
22 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch.
*Strict gauge is not critical, but a loose fabric will reveal the stuffing.*

**Terminology & Abbreviations (US English)**
*   **CO:** Cast On
*   **BO:** Bind Off
*   **k:** Knit
*   **p:** Purl
*   **st(s):** Stitch(es)
*   **kfb:** Knit front and back (Increase 1 stitch)
*   **k2tog:** Knit two stitches together (Decrease 1 stitch)
*   **RS:** Right Side (the smooth "v" side)
*   **WS:** Wrong Side (the bumpy side)
*   **Rem:** Remaining

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### INSTRUCTIONS

**Bottom Shaping (Increases)**

**CO 8 sts** leaving a long tail (approx 10 inches/25 cm) to use for gathering the bottom later.

**Row 1 (WS):** Purl all sts.
`[Check: 8 sts]`

**Row 2 (RS):** *Kfb in every st.
`[Check: 8 starting sts * 2 = 16 sts]`

**Row 3:** Purl all sts.
`[Check: 16 sts]`

**Row 4:** *K1, kfb; repeat from * to end.
`[Check: 16 sts + 8 increases = 24 sts]`

**Row 5:** Purl all sts.
`[Check: 24 sts]`

**Row 6:** *K2, kfb; repeat from * to end.
`[Check: 24 sts + 8 increases = 32 sts]`

**Row 7:** Purl all sts.
`[Check: 32 sts]`

**Row 8:** *K3, kfb; repeat from * to end.
`[Check: 32 sts + 8 increases = 40 sts]`

**Row 9:** Purl all sts.
`[Check: 40 sts]`

**Row 10:** *K4, kfb; repeat from * to end.
`[Check: 40 sts + 8 increases = 48 sts]`

**Row 11:** Purl all sts.
`[Check: 48 sts]`

**Center Body**

**Rows 12–23:** Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit on RS, Purl on WS) for 12 rows.
*Note: If you wish to make stripes, change colors every 2 or 4 rows here.*
`[Check: St count remains constant at 48 sts]`

**Top Shaping (Decreases)**

**Row 24 (RS):** *K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end.
`[Check: 48 sts - 8 decreases = 40 sts]`

**Row 25 (WS):** Purl all sts.
`[Check: 40 sts]`

**Row 26:** *K3, k2tog; repeat from * to end.
`[Check: 40 sts - 8 decreases = 32 sts]`

**Row 27:** Purl all sts.
`[Check: 32 sts]`

**Row 28:** *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end.
`[Check: 32 sts - 8 decreases = 24 sts]`

**Row 29:** Purl all sts.
`[Check: 24 sts]`

**Row 30:** *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end.
`[Check: 24 sts - 8 decreases = 16 sts]`

**Row 31:** Purl all sts.
`[Check: 16 sts]`

**Row 32:** *K2tog; repeat from * to end.
`[Check: 16 sts - 8 decreases = 8 sts]`

**Row 33:** Purl all sts.
`[Check: 8 sts]`

---

### FINISHING

1.  **Cut Yarn:** Cut the yarn leaving a long tail (approx 15 inches/38 cm).
2.  **Gather Top:** Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle. Draw the needle through the remaining 8 live stitches on the knitting needle. Remove the knitting needle and pull the yarn tight to close the top hole securely. Secure with a small knot on the WS (inside).
3.  **Seam:** Use the Mattress Stitch to sew the side edges together.
    *   *Crucial Step:* Stop seaming when you have about 1.5 inches (4 cm) left open at the bottom.
4.  **Stuff:** Insert fiberfill stuffing. Stuff firmly to push out the shape, but do not overstuff to the point where stitches stretch open. Roll the ornament between your palms to smooth out lumps.
5.  **Close:** Continue seaming to the bottom.
6.  **Gather Bottom:** Thread the original CO tail (from the start) onto the tapestry needle. Run it through the loops of the cast-on edge, pull tight to close the bottom hole, and secure.
7.  **Weave in ends:** Poke the yarn tails deep inside the ornament and trim.
8.  **Hanger:** Attach a piece of ribbon or scrap yarn to the top center for hanging.