purlJam

# Technical Machine Knitting Pattern: Alpine Cone Christmas Tree

**Difficulty:** Intermediate (Requires Short Rowing/Holding Position)
**Yarn Weight:** Sport (Recommended: Wool or Acrylic/Wool blend for structure)
**Machine:** Standard Gauge (4.5mm) flatbed knitting machine (e.g., Brother, Silver Reed)

## Finished Measurements
*   **Height:** Approx. 16 cm (6.25")
*   **Base Circumference:** Approx. 30 cm (12")

## Materials & Tools
*   **Yarn:** ~50g Sport weight yarn in Green (Main Color).
*   **Machine Tools:** Transfer tool (1x1), Cast-on comb, Claw weights, Ravel cord.
*   **Finishing:** Tapestry needle, Polyester stuffing, Cardboard or Plastic Canvas (for base), Beads (optional for decoration).

## Gauge / Tension
*   **Tension Dial (TD):** 7 (Adjust as needed for your specific yarn to achieve gauge).
*   **Standard Gauge:** 28 sts x 40 rows = 10cm x 10cm (4" x 4").

## Terminology & Abbreviations
*   **RC:** Row Counter
*   **COL / COR:** Carriage on Left / Carriage on Right
*   **TD:** Tension Dial
*   **HP:** Holding Position (Needles pulled all the way out; D or E position depending on machine)
*   **UWP:** Upper Working Position (C position)
*   **NWP:** Non-Working Position (A position)
*   **WY:** Waste Yarn
*   **Russell Levers / Cam Lever:** Set to "Hold" (H on Brother, I on Silver Reed).

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## Machine Setup
1.  **Bed Configuration:** Single Bed (Ribber not required).
2.  **Needle Selection:** Bring **45 needles** into work (L45 to R0).
    *   *Note: L45 represents the TOP of the tree. R0 represents the BASE of the tree.*
3.  **Carriage Settings:**
    *   TD: 7 (Main Yarn).
    *   Holding Levers: **OFF** (Normal knitting) for cast on.
4.  **Cast On:**
    *   Cast on using WY and Ravel Cord.
    *   Switch to Main Color (Green).
    *   Knit 1 row COR to COL.
    *   Knit 1 row COL to COR.

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## Instructions

### The Wedge Sequence
*The tree is constructed of 6 identical wedges formed by short rows. You will be holding needles on the Left (Top of tree) while knitting continues on the Right (Base of tree).*

**Preparation:**
*   **RC:** Reset to 000.
*   **Carriage:** Set Holding Levers/Russell Levers to **HOLD/ON**.
*   **Position:** COR (Carriage on Right).

**Wedge 1:**
*   **Row 1 (COR > COL):** Knit across all 45 sts.
*   **Row 2 (COL > COR):** Knit back across all 45 sts.
*   **Row 3 (COR > COL):** Bring **4 needles** at far Left (L45-L42) to HP. Knit remaining 41 sts.
    *   *Technique Note:* When moving carriage COL to COR, wrap the yarn under the first needle in hold to prevent a hole, or allow the carriage to auto-wrap if your machine supports it.
*   **Row 4 (COL > COR):** Knit 41 sts back to right.
    *   *Inline Math: [Working sts: 45 - 4 = 41]*
*   **Row 5 (COR > COL):** Bring **4 more needles** (L41-L38) to HP. Knit remaining 37 sts.
*   **Row 6 (COL > COR):** Knit 37 sts back.
    *   *Inline Math: [Working sts: 41 - 4 = 37]*
*   **Row 7:** Bring 4 more to HP. Knit 33.
*   **Row 8:** Knit 33 back.
*   **Row 9:** Bring 4 more to HP. Knit 29.
*   **Row 10:** Knit 29 back.
*   **Row 11:** Bring 4 more to HP. Knit 25.
*   **Row 12:** Knit 25 back.
*   **Row 13:** Bring 4 more to HP. Knit 21.
*   **Row 14:** Knit 21 back.
*   **Row 15:** Bring 4 more to HP. Knit 17.
*   **Row 16:** Knit 17 back.
*   **Row 17:** Bring 4 more to HP. Knit 13.
*   **Row 18:** Knit 13 back.
*   **Row 19:** Bring 4 more to HP. Knit 9.
*   **Row 20:** Knit 9 back.
*   **Row 21:** Bring 4 more to HP. Knit 5.
    *   *Inline Math: [Working sts: 9 - 4 = 5]*
*   **Row 22:** Knit 5 back.

**Reset for Next Wedge:**
*   **Action:** Push all needles from HP back to UWP (Upper Working Position / C Position) so the latches remain open.
*   **Carriage:** Knit 2 rows (COR > COL > COR) across all 45 stitches. This creates a structural "ridge" and resets the wedge.
*   *Note: This counts as Rows 1 & 2 of the next wedge.*

### Repeat Sequence
Repeat **Wedge 1** instructions (Rows 3 through 22, then the reset rows) for a total of **6 Wedges**.
*   *Check Point:* After 6 wedges, you should have approximately 120 rows of knitting at the Right edge (Base) and very few rows at the Left edge (Top).

### Finishing the Knitting
1.  After the final wedge (ending at the tip with 5 sts working), return all needles to work.
2.  Knit 1 row (COR > COL).
3.  Cut main yarn, leaving a long tail (approx 40cm/16") for seaming.
4.  Change to Waste Yarn.
5.  Release Holding Levers (turn Hold OFF).
6.  Knit 10 rows of WY.
7.  Remove work from machine.

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## Finishing & Assembly

1.  **Blocking:** Lightly steam the fabric. Do not press flat; allow the ridges to maintain their texture.
2.  **Seaming:**
    *   Using the long tail of the main color, graft the start and end of the work together using **Kitchener Stitch** (grafting live stitches) OR mattress stitch if you preferred to bind off.
    *   *Note: Since you have waste yarn on both ends, Kitchener stitch is recommended for a seamless finish.*
3.  **Closing the Top:**
    *   Thread a needle with the yarn tail at the top (narrow end).
    *   Run a gathering stitch through the top loops.
    *   Pull tight to close the point of the tree and secure inside.
4.  **Base & Stuffing:**
    *   Cut a circle of cardboard or plastic canvas approx 9.5cm (3.75") diameter.
    *   Stuff the cone firmly with polyester fiberfill.
    *   Insert the cardboard circle at the base to ensure it stands flat.
5.  **Closing the Bottom:**
    *   Run a gathering thread through the stitches at the bottom edge.
    *   Pull appropriately to cinch the fabric underneath the cardboard base (like a drawstring bag). Secure tightly.
6.  **Decoration (Optional):**
    *   Sew small pearl beads or sequins onto the ridges of the tree to simulate ornaments.