purlJam

# Vintage Crossed-Stitch Bauble

**Description**
An intermediate-level crochet bauble featuring a decorative band of crossed trebles reminiscent of vintage glass ornaments. This project is worked in the round, utilising a tight tension to ensure the fibrefill remains hidden. The bauble is constructed in one piece, starting from the bottom and finishing at the hanging loop.

**Difficulty Level**
Intermediate

**Finished Size**
Approximately 7cm diameter.

**Yarn Weight**
Sport Weight (approx. 125m per 50g ball)
*   **Colour A (Main):** Red or Green (approx. 15g)
*   **Colour B (Contrast):** Gold, Silver, or White (approx. 10g)

**Materials**
*   3.00mm Crochet Hook (Use a smaller hook than standard for sport weight to create a dense fabric)
*   Polyester fibrefill stuffing
*   Yarn needle
*   Stitch marker
*   Scissors

**Tension (Gauge)**
24 sts and 26 rows = 10cm in double crochet (dc).
*Note: Precise tension is not critical, but stitches must be tight enough so stuffing does not show through.*

**Terminology & Abbreviations (UK Terms)**
*   **ch**: chain
*   **dc**: double crochet (US single crochet)
*   **tr**: treble crochet (US double crochet)
*   **st(s)**: stitch(es)
*   **sl st**: slip stitch
*   **inc**: increase (2 dc in same st)
*   **dec**: decrease (dc2tog – see Special Stitches)
*   **Xtr**: Crossed Treble (see Special Stitches)
*   **[]**: total stitch count at end of round
*   **()**: instructions to be repeated

**Special Stitches**
*   **Invisible Decrease (dec):** Insert hook into the *front loop only* of the next st, then insert hook into the *front loop only* of the following st. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops.
*   **Crossed Treble (Xtr):** Skip next st, tr in following st, working *behind* the tr just made, tr in the skipped st.

**Pattern Instructions**

**Phase 1: The Base (Colour A)**
*Worked in continuous spirals. Do not join at the end of rounds. Place a marker at the start of the round.*

**Rnd 1:** With Colour A, make a magic ring, ch 1, work 6 dc into ring. Pull tail tight to close centre.
`[Start: 0 sts + 6 sts = 6 sts]`

**Rnd 2:** 2 dc (inc) in each st around.
`[Prev: 6 sts + 6 inc = 12 sts]`

**Rnd 3:** (1 dc, inc) 6 times.
`[Prev: 12 sts + 6 inc = 18 sts]`

**Rnd 4:** (2 dc, inc) 6 times.
`[Prev: 18 sts + 6 inc = 24 sts]`

**Rnd 5:** (3 dc, inc) 6 times.
`[Prev: 24 sts + 6 inc = 30 sts]`

**Rnd 6:** (4 dc, inc) 6 times.
`[Prev: 30 sts + 6 inc = 36 sts]`

**Rnd 7:** (5 dc, inc) 6 times. Sl st to first st of round to prepare for colour change.
`[Prev: 36 sts + 6 inc = 42 sts]`

**Phase 2: Decorative Band (Colour B & A)**
*Worked in joined rounds to keep the stripes clean.*

**Rnd 8:** Join **Colour B**. Ch 1 (does not count as st), dc in each st around. Join with sl st to first dc.
`[No change: 42 sts]`

**Rnd 9:** Ch 2 (counts as first leg of Xtr), turn work to look at the st *before* the join. Tr in that st (this completes the first cross). *Skip next st, tr in next st, working behind the tr just made, tr in skipped st; repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-2.
`[21 Xtr pairs = 42 sts]`

**Rnd 10:** Change to **Colour A**. Ch 1, dc in each st around. Join with sl st to first dc.
`[No change: 42 sts]`

**Rnd 11:** Change to **Colour B**. Repeat Rnd 9 (Crossed Trebles).
`[21 Xtr pairs = 42 sts]`

**Rnd 12:** Ch 1, dc in each st around. Join with sl st to first dc. Fasten off Colour B.
`[No change: 42 sts]`

**Phase 3: The Top & Closing (Colour A)**
*Resume working in continuous spirals. Place marker.*

**Rnd 13:** Continue with **Colour A**. (5 dc, dec) 6 times.
`[Prev: 42 sts - 6 dec = 36 sts]`

**Rnd 14:** (4 dc, dec) 6 times.
`[Prev: 36 sts - 6 dec = 30 sts]`

**Rnd 15:** (3 dc, dec) 6 times.
`[Prev: 30 sts - 6 dec = 24 sts]`

*Stuff the bauble firmly now. Ensure you push stuffing into the sides to round out the shape.*

**Rnd 16:** (2 dc, dec) 6 times.
`[Prev: 24 sts - 6 dec = 18 sts]`

**Rnd 17:** (1 dc, dec) 6 times.
`[Prev: 18 sts - 6 dec = 12 sts]`

*Add final stuffing if needed.*

**Rnd 18:** (Dec) 6 times.
`[Prev: 12 sts - 6 dec = 6 sts]`

**Finishing (The Loop)**
1.  Do not fasten off yet.
2.  **Hanging Loop:** Ch 25 (or desired length for loop).
3.  Sl st back into the top of the remaining stitches to secure the loop.
4.  Fasten off, leaving a 15cm tail.
5.  Using a yarn needle, weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole completely.
6.  Secure the loop base with a few extra stitches using the tail, then weave in the end inside the bauble.

**Pattern Notes**
*   **Colour Changes:** When changing colours at the join, pull the new colour through on the slip stitch that closes the previous round.
*   **Texture:** The Crossed Trebles (Rnds 9 & 11) create a slightly thicker fabric than the dc sections; this adds stability to the bauble shape.
*   **Sizing Adjustment:** For a larger bauble, use DK weight yarn and a 3.5mm hook.