This is the first of my designs for tree ornaments inspired by trips to Fair Isle. I plan to decorate my tree entirely with handknits and decided to start with my favourite shape, reminiscent of the elongated ornaments I loved as a child. The motif is inspired by the Sitka Spruce.

Knitting these ornaments can feel a bit fiddly at first, especially if you do not have much experience with stranded colourwork or knitting in the round. Don’t let that stop you! You have to start somewhere, and what better project than a cheerful ornament which only needs a few scraps of yarn?

In addtion to yarn and needles, (you may use dpns or circulars, size US 0/2.25 mm for smaller ornament up to US 2/2.75 mm for larger ornament) you will need either loose stuffing, or a plastic ball to fill and shape the ornament. I generally use a 2.4” ball which is easily found in craft stores, but love my smaller ornaments made for those little branches at the top of the tree. Of course you may use any yarn and needles, but I recommend using pure wool knit to a fairly tight gauge.

This pattern is both written and charted. I have included four charts, one for a simple two colour ornament, one for a solid motif with multi-colour background, and one with multi-colour background and motif. Lastly, I have included a blank chart so you may try out your own colours.

I can’t wait to see your beautiful ornaments!