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Get a Jump on Christmas Knitting with this Wee Bear Tree Ornament Pattern

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knit this sweet bear for your tree and beyondI don’t even want to think about this sort of thing, but Kat over at Just Crafty Enough reminds us that there are 24 weeks until Christmas. With that in mind she’s starting her advent calendar project, which will include one little project a week for the next 24 weeks that can be used on the tree, to decorate gifts or otherwise to make things merry around your home.

First up is a little knit bear that’s perfect for hanging on the tree.

You just need a little bit of yarn to make its peanut shaped body, so work it in brown, black or white for an authentic bear look, or use little bits of your stash on this project. Or knit a bunch in a bunch of different colors and give them as part of the gift this year.

Are you thinking about Christmas yet? If you are, I’m not sure I want to hear it! (I can’t get past Sept. 1, when my book is due!)

[Photo via Just Crafty Enough.]

Looking for more Christmas themed Knitting patterns? Check out some of our favorite Knitting patterns on Etsy and

These Christmas Knitting Pattern Books on Amazon

Comments

  1. Thanks Sarah for showing off my little bear! By the way, it’s only 24 weeks until December 1st if that makes you feel any better….

  3. somebody finally gets what how far in advance holiday knitting projects need to be for me!

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.