free knitting pattern for a basic christmas balls or baubles

Last year I showed you how to knit a Christmas bauble with finer yarn (DROPS Baby Merino). This year we will knit larger Christmas balls using worsted yarn (DROPS Nepal). So, if you have a finer sport weight yarn CLICK HERE, and if you have a thicker aran weight yarn stay here.


knit christmas gnome bauble ornament

Step 1:

Cast on 12 stitches and divide between 4 needles. Knit 1 round.

Step 2:

*Knit 1, inc1L, knit to last stitch, inc1R, knit 1* repeat rest of 3 needles;
Knit 1 round.

Step 3:

Repeat STEP 2 until you have 15 stitches on one needle ending with increase round.

Step 4:

Knit 10 rounds. If you use a styrofoam ball then on 5th round try it – it should cover half of the ball (with stretching). If you have less or more then you need to adjust your knit rounds accordingly.

Step 5:

When using a styrofoam ball, now is the time to leave it inside of your work. If you use soft filling, no need to worry about it yet.
*Knit 1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, knit 1* repeat rest of 3 needles;
Knit 1 round.

Step 6:

Repeat STEP 5 until you have 5 stitches on one needle. Using soft filling – stuff your Christmas ball.

Step 7:

*knit 1, sk2p, knit 1* repeat 3 more times;
Knit 1 round.

Step 8:

Cut yarn leaving enough for sewing. Take sewing needle and bring yarn through all stitches. Tighten up and wave in. Make your Christmas ball wet (I used spray bottle) and let it try.


How to knit easy Christmas balls

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This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. Mary Haaland

    What size needles are used? Is there a chart for the stranded knitting?Thx.

    1. PatternDuchess

      I used 3,5 mm needles. I would use needles your yarn recommends. Unfortunately, there’s no chart at this point.

  2. Ira

    I would really appreciate to have a chart with the ball with hearts design. Would be so special to do for shut – Ins during COVID for Valentine’s Day. Thanks and would appreciate your help.
    Thanks so much.

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