Mistletoe Mischief Pickle Ornament Free Crochet Pattern

A Playful Twist on Holiday Decor: The Mistletoe Mischief Pickle Ornament

Forget the traditional star or angel—this year, your Christmas tree deserves a little humor! The Mistletoe Mischief Pickle Ornament is a whimsical, quick-to-crochet project that adds a dash of personality to your holiday decor. With its cheerful embroidered face, bright red bow, and bumpy texture, this little pickle is sure to become a conversation starter. Best of all, it's a beginner-friendly amigurumi pattern that works up in just an evening. Let's dive in and create this charming, mischievous ornament together!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses simple, readily available materials:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in pickle green (e.g., Lily Sugar'n Cream in Sage Green). You'll need about 50-60 yards.
• Small amounts of yarn: Red yarn for the bow and black yarn for the eyes and smile.
• Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook.
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and embroidering the face.
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill stuffing for a plump, firm shape.
• Stitch Marker: To keep track of your rounds.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Note on Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project. However, aim for a tight, firm stitch to prevent the stuffing from showing through. If your stitches are loose, consider using a 3.25mm hook instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your very own Mistletoe Mischief Pickle. We'll work in continuous rounds, so no need to join unless specified.

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring
• sc: Single crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec: Decrease (sc 2 together)
• st(s): Stitch(es)
• rnd: Round
• ch: Chain
• dc: Double crochet
• sl st: Slip stitch

Pickle Body (Make 1)

Start with a magic ring. If you're new to magic rings, don't worry—it's easy! Wrap the yarn around your finger, insert the hook, and pull up a loop. Chain 1, then work your single crochets into the ring.

• Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6 sts) — Pull the tail tight to close the ring.
• Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts) — This means 2 sc in each of the 6 stitches.
• Rnd 3: (Sc in next st, inc) around. (18 sts) — Repeat the sequence 6 times.
• Rnd 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc) around. (24 sts)
• Rnd 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc) around. (30 sts)
• Rnd 6-10: Sc in each st around. (30 sts) — This creates the straight body of the pickle. Work 5 rounds of even single crochet.
• Rnd 11: (Sc in next 3 sts, dec) around. (24 sts) — To decrease, insert hook into next st, pull up a loop, insert into next st, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through all 3 loops on hook.
• Rnd 12: (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) around. (18 sts)
• Rnd 13: (Sc in next st, dec) around. (12 sts)

Begin stuffing firmly: Use your finger or a blunt tool to push the fiberfill into the body. Make sure it's packed tightly, especially at the bottom, so the pickle holds its shape. The stuffing should be firm but not so tight that it distorts the stitches.

• Rnd 14: Dec around. (6 sts) — You'll have 6 decreases in this round.

Fasten off: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Thread the tail onto a yarn needle. Weave the needle through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the hole. Secure with a knot and weave in the end.

Pickle Bumps (Optional, for Texture)

To give your pickle that authentic bumpy look, you have two easy options:

• French Knots: Thread a yarn needle with a strand of green yarn. Insert the needle from the inside of the pickle out through the front. Wrap the yarn around the needle 3 times, then insert the needle back into the same spot. Pull through to create a small knot. Repeat randomly over the body.
• Straight Stitches: Simpler still, just make small straight stitches across the surface of the pickle. Insert the needle, bring it up a few stitches away, and pull tight. Repeat in random spots.

Space the bumps about 1/2 inch apart for a natural look. Don't overdo it—10-15 bumps is plenty.

Embroidering the Face

Now for the mischievous personality! Using the black yarn and your yarn needle:

• Eyes: Position two small eyes about 1 inch apart, centered on the front of the pickle. The eyes should be placed roughly 1/3 of the way down from the top. Make a small French knot or a simple cross-stitch for each eye. For a cuter look, make them slightly oval by making two small vertical stitches side by side.
• Smile: Using a backstitch, create a small, curved smile below the eyes. Start at one end, bring the needle up a few stitches ahead, and go back to the previous point. Repeat to create a continuous line. Make the smile about 1/2 inch wide, curving upward at the corners for that mischievous grin.

Creating the Red Bow

This adorable bow is worked in one piece and then attached:

• With red yarn, make a MR.
• Ch 2 (counts as first dc), 3 dc in MR, ch 2, sl st in MR.
• Ch 2, 3 dc in MR, ch 2, sl st in MR.
• Pull the magic ring tight to form a bow shape with two loops.
• Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Wrap this tail around the center of the bow a few times to cinch it in the middle. Tie securely and weave in the ends.

Attach the bow: Position the bow at the top of the pickle, just above the eyes. Sew it securely using the yarn needle and the tail from the bow. Make sure it's centered and firmly attached.

Adding the Hanging Loop

To hang your ornament on the tree:

• Cut a 6-inch piece of green yarn.
• Fold it in half to create a loop.
• Thread the folded end through the top of the pickle, just behind the bow, using a yarn needle or your crochet hook.
• Pull the two loose ends through the loop and tighten to create a secure slip knot.
• Trim the ends if needed, or weave them into the top of the pickle for a cleaner look.

Finishing Touches

• Weave in all remaining ends using your yarn needle. Make sure they're hidden inside the body or under the bow.
• Trim any loose yarn fibers.
• Give your pickle a gentle squeeze to ensure the stuffing is evenly distributed.

And there you have it—your very own Mistletoe Mischief Pickle Ornament! This charming little guy is perfect for adding a touch of humor to your tree, or as a unique handmade gift for a fellow pickle lover. The pattern is quick enough to make several in one sitting, so why not create a whole batch to share with friends and family? Happy crocheting, and may your holidays be filled with laughter and handmade joy!