Christmas Crackers
I always make my own crackers, to put in something each person would like, and so naturally I was led to the idea of a knitted cracker. I was amazed to find very few designs on the web, but decided it wouldn't be rocket science to design my own, and here is the pattern. Needles Set of 4 5mm dpns Yarn: Mixture of worsted yarn, novelty yarns eg eyelash yarn, so as to have two or three different yarns per cracker. About 120m yarn needed for each cracker. Ideal for using up scraps, and different thickness can be substituted adding more stitches to achieve a knitted circumference of 15cm. Notions Cardboard tube 17cm circumference, 11cm long Beads, sequins, etc for additional sparkle Gauge 16st $\underline{{\underline{{\mathbf{\delta\pi}}}}}$ 10cm in stocking stitch. Instructions CO 24 stitches and divide equally between three dpns. Knit 2 rows Purl next row Knit till tube is 8 cm. Eyelet row: [K2tog YO] 12 times Continue knitting, changing yarn to suit, for another 14cm Repeat eyelet row. Knit 6cm more Purl next row. Knit two more rows then BO loosely.
Finishing
Sew in ends, thread yarn through both eyelet rows, insert tube and gift, joke and hat if desired. Sew on sparkly decorations if you wish. Tie up threads and place on table at Christmas dinner. Obviously they won't snap, but should provide plenty of fun and a wanted gift.
