Knitted Pickle Ornament

Weihnachtsgurke, or the German tradition of hidding a pickle in the Christmas tree, is the reason for this peculiar little pickle

By: Red Heart Design Team from yarnspirations.com

By: Red Heart Design Team from yarnspirations.com

If you come from a German family, you may have a funny-looking pickle ornament in your tree every year. This Knitted Pickle Ornament is a great way to join in on the fun. While the origins are somewhat hazy, it's become a tradition in many German-identifying families to hide a pickle in the tree every year. Mini knitted ornaments like these are not just adorable ways to bring new (and old) traditions into your holiday festivities, but they're also super fun to make and a good way to give your family a giggle.

Easy

Knitting Needle Size5 or 3.75 mm

Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)

Gauge20 sts and 27 rows = 4" [10 cm] in stocking st.

Finished SizeApprox 5" [12.5 cm] long.

Materials List

Red Heart® Super Saver™ (7 oz/198 g; 364 yds/333 m)

Contrast A Spring Green (0672) - 1 ball

Contrast B Soft White (0316) - 1 ball

Contrast C Cherry Red (0319) - 1 ball

Contrast D Charcoal (3950) - Small amount

Note: 1 ball of each color will make approx 20 Knitted Pickle Ornaments.
Size U.S. 5 (3.75 mm) knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge
Polyester fiberfill
7" [18 cm] thin gold ribbon (for hanger)

Instructions

PICKLE

With A, cast on 6 sts.

1st row: (RS). Knit.
2nd row: Kfb in each st to end of row. 12 sts.
3rd row: (K1. Kfb) 5 times. (Kfb) twice. 19 sts.
4th row: K1. *P1. K1. Rep from * to end of row.

Rep last row until work from beg measures 3½" [9 cm], ending on a WS row.

Next row: (RS). (K1. K2tog) 5 times. (K2tog) twice. 12 sts.
Next row: (K2tog) 6 times. 6 sts.
Next row: Knit. Break yarn, leaving a long end.

Thread end through rem 6 sts. Pull tightly. Fasten securely. Sew side seam, leaving opening for stuffing. Suff Pickle. Sew opening closed. Thread A through 6 cast on sts. Pull tightly. Fasten securely.

HAT

With B, cast on 22 sts.

Knit 3 rows, noting 1st row is WS. Break B.

With C, work 6 rows in stocking st.

Next row: (RS). (K2tog) 11 times. 11 sts.

Cont even in stocking st until work from beg measures 3" [7.5 cm], ending on a WS row.

Next row: (RS). (K2tog) 5 times. K1. 6 sts.
Next row: Knit. Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem 6 sts. Pull tightly. Fasten securely. Sew back seam.

POMPOM

With B, cast on 3 sts.

1st row: (RS). (Kfb) 3 times. 6 sts.

Knit 4 rows (garter st).

Next row: (K2tog) 3 times. Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem 3 sts. Pull tightly. Fasten securely. Thread B through 3 cast on sts.

Pull tightly to shape pompom.

Fasten securely.

FINISHING

Sew Pompom to top of Hat. Sew Hat to one end of Pickle.

Face: With D, using back stitch, embroider smile. Embroider French knots for eyes on front of Pickle.

Thread gold ribbon through top of ornament. Tie ends tog with bow or overhand knot to form hanging loop.