These are pretty ornaments to knit for the winter holidays!! It is fun to add beads for color and sparkle!

There are three designs included: Snowball (snowflake motif), Christmas Tree, and Candy Cane. Except for the Candy Cane motif, each ball is given in two sizes, depending on the type of purchased ball you have. If using stuffing, either size will work.

Techniques Used
The design is charted only. Knitting, purling, adding beads.

Sizes
Two Sizes: Small (Large) = 3 (3.27”) inches in diameter; 64 (72) sts; the balls with hangers in the samples are 3.27” (83 mm)

Materials
“Plump” fingering weight to sport weight yarn. Cascade 220 Sport (NOT Superwash version because the yardage and weight differ), Color 8010 Natural, 164 yds / 50 gms – ~ 13 grams (~ 43 yards) before any embellishment (tassel, i-cord loop)

Gauge
Approx. 30 sts and 40 rows over 4 inches in stockinette in the round before placing ball; gauge does matter for purchased balls – not important with balls stuffed with polyfill

Needles
Size 2.75 mm dpns or your preferred method for small gauge/circumference knitting
Crochet Hook – small enough that beads fit and stitch can be pulled through (1.25 to 1.4 mm)

Notions
Styrofoam Craft Balls (3”) or Plastic Christmas Balls with hangers (~3.27“ or 83mm); may also substitute polyfill stuffing (polyfill will yield a less than perfect shaped ball, but is easier to knit at the top)

Beads
Beads are Size 6, silver lined; beads shown are from Fire Mountain Gems. Exact numbers used are given in the pattern.