purlJam

# Nordic Spruce Christmas Decoration

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate
**Date:** October 26, 2023
**Designer:** [System/Persona]

## Description
This textured Christmas tree decoration is designed to stand proudly on your mantle or hang securely from a larger tree. Worked in the round from the bottom up, it features a defined "Mock Cable" rib structure that mimics the vertical boughs of a spruce tree. The pattern includes a reinforced base to ensure the tree stands upright without wobbling.

## Finished Measurements
*   **Height:** Approximately 15cm (including top stem).
*   **Diameter at Base:** Approximately 9cm.

## Materials
*   **Yarn:** Sport weight yarn (approx. 125m/50g).
    *   Main Colour (MC): 40g Forest Green.
    *   Contrast Colour (CC): Scraps of Brown for the trunk (optional).
*   **Needles:** 2.75mm set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) or long circular needle for Magic Loop. (Note: Use smaller needles than standard for this yarn weight to create a tight fabric that holds stuffing).
*   **Notions:**
    *   Tapestry needle.
    *   Polyester toy stuffing.
    *   Cardboard or plastic canvas (to cut a 8.5cm circle for the base).
    *   Stitch marker.
    *   Optional: Small beads or sequins for decoration.

## Tension (Gauge)
28 stitches and 36 rounds = 10cm measured over Stocking Stitch on 2.75mm needles.
*Note: Tension is not critical for fit, but a loose tension may allow stuffing to show through.*

## Terminology & Abbreviations
*   **k**: knit
*   **p**: purl
*   **st(s)**: stitch(es)
*   **k2tog**: knit 2 stitches together (1 st decreased, right-leaning)
*   **ssk**: slip, slip, knit (slip 2 sts knitwise one at a time, then knit them together through back loops; 1 st decreased, left-leaning)
*   **p2tog**: purl 2 stitches together (1 st decreased)
*   **RS**: Right Side
*   **rep**: repeat

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## Instructions

### The Base (Flat Disc)
*Using MC and 2.75mm needles:*
Cast on 6 sts. Distribute over DPNs or circular needle and join to work in the round.

*   **Round 1:** Kfb (knit into front and back) in every st. [6 + 6 = 12 sts]
*   **Round 2:** K all sts.
*   **Round 3:** (K1, kfb) to end. [12 + 6 = 18 sts]
*   **Round 4:** (K2, kfb) to end. [18 + 6 = 24 sts]
*   **Round 5:** (K3, kfb) to end. [24 + 6 = 30 sts]
*   **Round 6:** (K4, kfb) to end. [30 + 6 = 36 sts]
*   **Round 7:** (K5, kfb) to end. [36 + 6 = 42 sts]
*   **Round 8:** (K6, kfb) to end. [42 + 6 = 48 sts]
*   **Round 9:** (K7, kfb) to end. [48 + 6 = 54 sts]
*   **Round 10:** (K8, kfb) to end. [54 + 6 = 60 sts]
*   **Round 11:** (K9, kfb) to end. [60 + 6 = 66 sts]
*   **Round 12:** (K10, kfb) to end. [66 + 6 = 72 sts]
*   **Round 13:** (K11, kfb) to end. [72 + 6 = 78 sts]

*Technical Check: 13 increase rounds create a flat circle approx 8.5-9cm diameter.*
Do not cast off. Leave these stitches on the needle.

### The Turning Ridge
*   **Next Round:** Purl all stitches to create a sharp turning fold. [78 sts]

### The Tree Body
The body is worked in a K4, P2 rib pattern that gradually decreases.

*   **Rounds 1–12:** (K4, p2) to end of round.
    *   *Explanation:* This establishes 13 repeats of the pattern.

**Decrease Set 1 (Reducing the Purl Channel)**
*   **Round 13:** (K4, p2tog) to end. [13 reps × (6sts - 1) = 65 sts]
*   **Rounds 14–24:** (K4, p1) to end.

**Decrease Set 2 (Reducing the Knit Channel)**
*   **Round 25:** (K1, ssk, k1, p1) to end. [13 reps × (5sts - 1) = 52 sts]
*   **Rounds 26–34:** (K3, p1) to end.

*Insert Stabiliser:* Trace the base of your knitting onto cardboard or plastic canvas. Cut out the circle (trim slightly smaller than the knitted base) and insert it into the bottom of the work. Begin stuffing firmly, ensuring the base remains flat.

**Decrease Set 3**
*   **Round 35:** (Ssk, k1, p1) to end. [13 reps × (4sts - 1) = 39 sts]
*   **Rounds 36–42:** (K2, p1) to end.

**Decrease Set 4**
*   **Round 43:** (Ssk, p1) to end. [13 reps × (3sts - 1) = 26 sts]
*   **Rounds 44–48:** (K1, p1) to end.

*Stuffing check:* Stuff the middle section firmly.

**Decrease Set 5**
*   **Round 49:** (K2tog) to end. [26 sts ÷ 2 = 13 sts]
*   **Rounds 50–52:** Knit all sts.

**Final Shaping**
*   **Round 53:** K1, (k2tog) 6 times. [13 - 6 = 7 sts]
*   **Round 54:** Knit all sts.
*   **Round 55:** K1, (k2tog) 3 times. [7 - 3 = 4 sts]

### Top Stem (I-Cord)
With the remaining 4 sts, work an I-cord to create a neat top loop or stem:
1.  Do not turn work. Slide stitches to the other end of the DPN.
2.  Pull yarn tight across the back, K4.
3.  Repeat until stem measures 2cm (or desired loop length).
4.  Cut yarn, thread through remaining 4 sts, pull tight to close.

## Finishing
1.  **Base:** Thread the tail from the cast-on edge onto a tapestry needle. Stitch the hole in the centre of the base closed (if any).
2.  **Ends:** Weave in the top end, burying it inside the stuffing.
3.  **Decoration (Optional):** Sew small beads onto the "knit" columns of the tree to resemble baubles, or embroider french knots in a contrasting colour.