Heirloom Berry Wreath Ornament Free Pattern – Knit a Festive Textured Medallion

Heirloom Berry Wreath Ornament: A Festive Knitted Medallion

There's something truly special about adorning your holiday tree with handmade treasures. This Heirloom Berry Wreath Ornament captures the cozy charm of a handcrafted wreath, with a rich cranberry red and cream color palette that evokes classic holiday warmth. The textured bobble and ribbed details make it a stunning, giftable piece for any tree or mantle. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just beginning your crafting journey, this pattern is designed to be accessible, rewarding, and utterly delightful to create.

This ornament is knitted flat in one piece, then seamed and stuffed to create a plush medallion. The bobble pattern adds a dimensional berry-like texture that mimics the look of a festive wreath, while the cream band provides a beautiful contrast. Let's dive into this wonderful project that will become a cherished heirloom for years to come.

Materials Needed

Before we begin, gather these simple supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in Cranberry Red (MC) and Cream (CC), approximately 30 yards of each color
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• Stuffing: Small amount of fiberfill or polyester stuffing
• Optional: Crochet hook (if you prefer to crochet the hanging loop)

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. While gauge isn't critical for this ornament, maintaining consistent tension will ensure a nicely shaped medallion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these knitting abbreviations before starting:

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two stitches together (decrease)
• Kfb = knit front and back (increase)
• MB = make bobble (knit into front and back of same stitch twice, then pass stitches over)
• St st = stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side)

Getting Started: The Center Increases

With your Cranberry Red (MC) yarn, cast on 6 stitches. This will be the center of your wreath medallion.

Row 1 (Right Side): Kfb across all stitches. You should now have 12 stitches on your needle.

Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.

Row 3: Kfb across all stitches. You should now have 24 stitches.

Row 4: Purl all stitches.

Row 5: Kfb across all stitches. You should now have 48 stitches.

Row 6: Purl all stitches.

You've now created the foundation circle for your wreath. The increases have expanded your work from 6 to 48 stitches, creating a flat, circular base.

Creating the Berry Bobble Pattern

Now we'll begin the textured wreath body that gives this ornament its distinctive berry-like appearance.

Row 7 (Right Side): *K1, MB, K1, K2tog* — repeat from * to * across the row. You should end with 36 stitches.

How to Make a Bobble (MB): Knit into the front and back of the same stitch twice (creating 4 stitches from 1). Then, pass the first three stitches over the fourth stitch, one at a time, to secure the bobble. This creates a raised, textured bump that resembles a berry.

Row 8 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.

Row 9: Knit all stitches.

Row 10: Purl all stitches.

Your bobble pattern is now complete. The raised bumps create a beautiful, tactile surface that mimics a wreath covered in berries.

Adding the Cream Band

Switch to your Cream (CC) yarn to create the distinctive contrast band across the middle of your wreath.

Row 11: Knit all stitches.

Row 12: Purl all stitches.

Row 13: Knit all stitches.

Row 14: Purl all stitches.

The cream band adds a beautiful visual break and echoes the classic red-and-white holiday color combination. When you switch yarns, be sure to leave a tail long enough to weave in later.

Shaping the Top: Decreases

Switch back to your Cranberry Red (MC) yarn. We'll now begin decreasing to shape the top of the ornament.

Row 15: *K1, K2tog, K1* — repeat from * to * across the row. You should now have 24 stitches.

Row 16: Purl all stitches.

Row 17: *K2tog* across the row. You should now have 12 stitches.

Row 18: Purl all stitches.

Row 19: *K2tog* across the row. You should now have 6 stitches.

Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 6 stitches on your knitting needle. Pull tight to close the top of the ornament securely.

Finishing Your Ornament

Now it's time to transform your flat knitted piece into a plush, three-dimensional ornament.

Seaming: Using your tapestry needle and the yarn tail, sew the side seam from the cast-on edge to the bound-off edge. Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch for a neat, invisible seam. Leave a small opening of about 1-2 inches for stuffing.

Stuffing: Gently stuff the ornament with fiberfill to create a plush, round shape. Be careful not to overstuff, as this can distort the bobble pattern. You want it to feel soft and squishy, like a plush berry.

Closing: Sew the opening closed with small, neat stitches. Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle to ensure a clean finish.

Creating the Hanging Loop

Your ornament needs a way to hang on the tree! You have two options:

Option 1 - Crochet Chain: With your Cream (CC) yarn and a crochet hook, chain 15 stitches. Attach the chain to the top center of the ornament by threading the ends through the fabric and tying a secure knot.

Option 2 - Knitted I-Cord: Using your knitting needles and Cream (CC) yarn, cast on 3 stitches. Knit an i-cord by knitting across, then sliding the stitches back to the beginning of the needle without turning. Repeat until the cord measures about 3 inches. Bind off and attach to the top center of the ornament.

Whichever method you choose, make sure the loop is securely attached. Weave in all remaining ends.

Your Finished Heirloom

Congratulations! You've created a beautiful Heirloom Berry Wreath Ornament that will be treasured for generations. The textured bobbles, the rich cranberry red, and the crisp cream band come together to create a piece that looks professionally made yet carries the warmth of handcrafting.

These ornaments make wonderful gifts for family, friends, teachers, or coworkers. Consider making a set to give as a thoughtful, handmade present. You could even experiment with different color combinations — forest green and white for a traditional look, or navy and silver for a modern twist.

As you hang your finished ornament on the tree, take a moment to appreciate the skill and care you've invested in creating this heirloom piece. Each bobble represents a moment of mindful crafting, and the finished result is a testament to your creativity. Happy knitting, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and beautiful handmade treasures!