Deck the Balls! Beaded holiday ornament by Sonia Ruyts 2010

Materials Fingering weight yarn US size 3 or 4 double pointed needles 100 size 6 glass beads Flexible needle or waxed dental floss Tapestry needle Round glass or plastic ball ornament Abbreviations co = cast on dpns = double pointed needles k = knit k2tog = knit two stitches together pb = place bead by pulling a bead to the base of the stitch and knitting the next stitch normally. The bead should sit on the horizontal bar between stitches. sts = stitches yo = yarn over Notes You can knit this to fit a different size ornament by increasing or decreasing the number of stitches cast on in multiples of 4. YO’s may occur between needles; take care not to drop them.

Directions Using flexible needle, thread beads onto the yarn. CO 10 sts. Distribute sts onto 3 dpns and join to knit in the round. Place marker at beginning of round. Row 1: knit Row 2: *k1, yo* repeat from * ending with a yo (20 sts) Row 3: knit. Row 4: *k1, yo* repeat from * ending with a yo (40 sts) Row 5: knit. Row 6: knit. Row 7: k2, pb, *k4,pb* rep from * until 2 stitches remain, k2 Row 8: knit. Repeat rows 7 and 8 a total of 9 times each. There will now be 10 beaded rows. Row 25: *K2, k2tog* (30sts) Row 26: knit Finishing Cut yarn leaving a 12-inch tail. Using a tapestry needle, thread the tail through the remaining live stitches, removing dpns as you go. Do not pull tight. Remove the top of the ornament, place the cast on edge over the opening, and stretch your knitting over the ball, cinching the whole thing tight at the bottom. Secure the tails and replace the topper. Deck the halls with your beaded holiday balls! Variations No beads? No problem! This pattern works well to showcase little bits of leftover yarn. For a completely stockinette stitch ornament, work a make one (m1) increase in place of each yarn over. Prefer garter stitch? Turn your knitting inside out before placing it on the ornament. Special thanks to my test knitters Jill, Betsy, Helena, and Crystal!