Christmas Ball #1
Copyright stitch diagram Renée Belaert 12.08.2012 All rights reserved You may make items to sell using this pattern, but you cannot redistribute or re-sell the stitch diagram in any form. The Christmas ball is knitted in the round using five needles. It does not matter which stitch diagram is used, the basic pattern is always as described on the next page. The stitch diagram reads from bottom to top and from right to left. The diagram represents the stitches on one needle. There are four live needles and one working needle, so the stitch diagram is repeated four times to complete one full round.
Materials needed:
A Yarn in colour of choice, preferably 1oo % wool(1 Christmas balluses approx. 5 grams) A 5 double pointed 3 mm needles A Crochet hook 3 mm Filling material for the ball, preferably wool ATapestry needle AScissors Basic pattern for ball: Cast on 12 stitches and divide over 4 needles, 3 stitches per needle (bottom 3 squares on stitch diagram). Because you are working in the round there is no need to purl the second row for the stockinette stitch. st round: k12 2nd round: k2, make 1, k1 on each needle 3rd round: k16 4th round: k1, make 1, k2, make 1, k1 on each needle 5th round: k24 6th round: k1, make 1, k4, make 1, k1 on each needle 7th round: k32 8th round: k1, make 1, k6, make 1, k1 on each needle gth round: k40 1oth round: k1, make 1, k8, make 1, k1 on each needle 11th round: k48 12th round: k1, make 1, k10, make 1, k1 on each needle 13th round: k56 14th round: k1, make 1, k12, make 1, k1 on each needle 15th round to 26th round: k64 27th round: k1, k2tog, k1o, k2tog, k1 on each needle 28th round: k56 29th round: k1, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k1 on each needle 30th round: k48 31st round: k1, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k1 on each needle 32nd round: K40 33rd round: k1, k2tog, k4, k2tog, k1 on each needle 34th round: K32 35th round: k1, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k1 on each needle 36th round: k24 37th round: k1, k2tog, k2tog, k1 on each needle 38th round: k16 39th round: k1, k2tog, k1 on each needle There are now 12 stitches left on 4 needles (top 3 squares on stitch diagram). Cut the yarn leaving a longish tail. With the tapestry needle thread the yarn through all 12 stitches, taking out the needles as you go along, and pull together to close the hole. Thread the yarn once more through all stitches. Then stick the tapestry needle and yarn through the middle of the closed hole and pull it slightly in. Secure the yarn on the inside of the ball. The ball is now ready to be stuffed.
Stuffing the ball:
There remains a small opening on the other side of the ball. While feeding the wool in the ball with your finger, keep pulling the wool apart and divide evenly in the ball. When the ball feels full and firm enough, close the hole by feeding the tail through the surrounding stitches and then pulling it to close. Insert the needle through the middle of the closed hole and out the other end. Pull the tail quite short before cutting, so the tail will disappear in the ball.
Crocheting the loop:
Crochet a chain of 4o loops. Insert the crochet hook in the first loop of the chain and pull the yarn through both loops. Cut the yarn leaving a longish tail. Then pull both tails through the loop. Using the tapestry needle insert each tail in the top of the ball, going right through and coming out at the bottom. Tie the two tails together at the bottom, but not too tight to avoid the ball becoming apple shaped. Sew the tail in the ball, cut the yarn and your Christmas ball is ready! (This is the basic pattern for a ball, regardless what stitch diagram is used. Please follow the diagram on the last page in conjunction with the basic pattern to knit the Christmas ball on the photo).
Stitch Diagram
To read the diagram start at the bottom, counting from right to left. It might be handy to make a copy of this diagram and cross out each round as you go along in order not to loose track.
