Free Knitting Pattern – Christmas Ball Ornament

There’s something timeless about a hand-knit ornament on the tree. This ball-shaped design is worked in the round with a repeating stranded motif, giving it that classic Scandinavian feel. Pop a loop on top and it’s ready to hang for years of holiday cheer.

Get more details about this project

What you need

• Yarn: Two 50 g balls of worsted weight wool, in contrasting shades (Color A = background, Color B = motif) 
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles, long circular with magic loop, or two circulars – whatever suits your style 
• Stuffing: Wool or polyester fiberfill 
• Tapestry needle: A long one is handy for shaping 
• Optional: Crochet hook (if you prefer a chain loop to an I-cord) 

Instructions

Gauge

• Sample shown: 22 stitches = 4” (10 cm) 
• Typical worsted weight gauge: 18 stitches = 4” (10 cm) 
• Don’t stress too much about being exact – a slightly firmer fabric helps keep the stuffing from peeking through. 

Abbreviations

• A = background color 
• B = motif color 
• K = knit 
• K2tog = knit 2 stitches together 
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) 
• M (back) = make one by lifting strand back-to-front, knit into front 
• m (front) = make one by lifting strand front-to-back, knit into back 
• rd(s) = round(s) 
• rem = remaining 
• rep = repeat 

Instructions

1. Cast On
   With Color A, cast on 12 stitches, leaving a 6” (15 cm) tail. Distribute evenly across your needles and join to knit in the round. 
2. Work Motif
   Follow chart rows 1–20: 
   • Begin at the lower right corner, working each row right to left. 
   • Each square = 1 stitch in the chart’s color. 
   • Repeat each chart row 4 times around to complete the round. 
3. Tip: Turn the ball inside out occasionally to weave in loose ends before continuing. 
4. Continue
   Turn work back right side out and knit through the remaining chart rows. Do not bind off at the top. 

Hanging Loop Options

• I-Cord (shown):
  Knit the last 3 stitches into an I-cord about 2½” (6 cm) long. To finish, knit the 3 stitches together, leaving a long tail. Thread through final stitch and tighten. 
• Crochet Chain:
  Break yarn leaving a 1 m tail. Thread through remaining stitches and tighten to close. Using a crochet hook, make a chain to desired length, secure, and fasten off. 

Finishing

1. Stuffing the Ball
   Gently push small tufts of batting inside until firm but not overstretched. 
2. Closing the Base
   Thread the cast-on tail on a tapestry needle and run it through the base stitches. Pull snug to close. 
3. Securing the Loop
   Thread the I-cord or chain tail through the top, down through the center of the ball, and out the bottom. Adjust tension so the ball looks round (not droopy, not squashed). Weave in securely. 

And there you have it – a cheerful knit bauble to treasure. Whether you knit a single keepsake or a whole basketful, they make sweet gifts and add handmade charm to any tree.