Christmas Pickle Pattern!

I finished the Christmas Pickle! Randy is holding it so you can get an idea of its size. This is not felted. I knit it on three size US 3 double-pointed needles using one strand of a dk-weight green yarn and one strand of glittery thread held together. The "ornament hook" is made of Glitterspun yarn.

Knitted Christmas Pickle Ornament

copyright 2007 Anita M. Wheeless

Abbreviations

k2tog: knit two together (decrease)

kf&b: knit front and back (increase)

k: knit

Using one size US 3 double-pointed needle, and gold Lion Brand Glitterspun yarn, cast on 9 stitches.

Divide these stitches among three double-pointed needles by knitting three stitches onto each needle. Place a stitch marker at the first needle.

Knit 5 rounds

Cut gold yarn and join one strand of green double-knitting weight yarn and one strand of sparkly thread held together.

Increase in each stitch all the way around by knitting into the front and back of each stitch.

Knit two rounds more

Increase by knitting into the front and back of the first stitch, then k4, then knit into the front and back of last stitch on each needle.

Knit five rounds more

Now to shape the pickle:

k2tog, k2 all the way around on needles one and two only. Knit needle three.

Knit all the way around on all three needles.

k2, k2tog, k2 on needles one and two only. Knit needle three.

Knit two rounds more on all three needles.

k2 tog, knit 3 on needles one and two. Knit needle three.

Knit three rounds more on all three needles.

Knit front and back of first stitch, k3 on needles one and two. Knit needle three.

Knit all around for two rounds more.

k2, kf&b, k2 on needles one and two. Knit needle three.

Knit all around for two rounds more.

kf&b, k2 all the way around on needles one and two. Knit needle three.

Knit for four rows more.

K2tog all the way around.

Use an embroidery needle or yarn needle and thread a length of yarn through all the remaining stitches, but don't gather yet. Stuff your pickle with polyester fiberfill. Then draw up the yarn and pull tightly. Knot off. You may add bumps on your pickle by embroidering French knots wherever you want a bump.

I used the bit of tail I had of the Glitterspun and looped it over to form a little hanging loop. I stitched it in place with an embroidery needle. Weave in any loose ends.

I hope you enjoy! If you have any questions or run into trouble spots, please email me.