The Celestial Snowflake Bauble: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Starry Ornament

Introducing the Celestial Snowflake Bauble

Capture the magic of a starry winter night with this stunning, dimensional knitted Christmas bauble. The Celestial Snowflake Bauble features a unique, textured star motif that stands out beautifully against a deep, heathered navy background. This free pattern is designed to be cozy and modern, making it a perfect addition to any holiday tree or a thoughtful handmade gift. The combination of knit and purl stitches creates a raised, dimensional star pattern that mimics the look of snowflakes and celestial bodies, all worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Color A (Heathered Navy): Approximately 20 yards
  • Color B (Soft Silver/White): Approximately 20 yards
• Needles: US Size 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle for magic loop method.
• Other: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch marker (optional), fiberfill for stuffing (optional).
• Gauge: 6 stitches and 8 rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch, worked in the round. Gauge is not critical for this ornament, but matching it will ensure a 3-inch diameter bauble.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round from the bottom up, creating a seamless sphere. The star motif is created using a combination of knit and purl stitches, with increases and decreases to shape the points. Read all instructions carefully before beginning.

Abbreviations

• k: knit
• p: purl
• k2tog: knit two together (decrease)
• ssk: slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• yo: yarn over
• m1: make one (increase) – pick up the bar between stitches and knit through the back loop
• kfb: knit front and back (increase)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd(s): round(s)
• rep: repeat

Pattern

Bottom (Color A)

1. Rnd 1: Using the magic ring method, cast on 6 stitches. (6 sts)
2. Rnd 2: kfb in each stitch around. (12 sts)
3. Rnd 3: *k1, kfb* rep around. (18 sts)
4. Rnd 4: *k2, kfb* rep around. (24 sts)
5. Rnd 5: *k3, kfb* rep around. (30 sts)
6. Rnd 6: *k4, kfb* rep around. (36 sts)
7. Rnd 7: *k5, kfb* rep around. (42 sts)
8. Rnd 8: *k6, kfb* rep around. (48 sts)

Body (Color A & B)

Note: When changing colors, carry the unused yarn loosely along the inside of the work. The star motif is created by alternating knit and purl stitches with Color B against a stockinette background of Color A.

9. Rnd 9-10: With Color A, knit all stitches. (48 sts)
10. Rnd 11: *With Color B, k3, p1, k2, p1, k3* rep around. (48 sts)
11. Rnd 12: *With Color B, k2, p1, k1, p1, k2, p1, k2* rep around.
12. Rnd 13: *With Color B, k1, p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1* rep around.
13. Rnd 14: *With Color B, p1, k5, p1, k1, p1* rep around.
14. Rnd 15: *With Color B, k1, p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1* rep around.
15. Rnd 16: *With Color B, k2, p1, k1, p1, k2, p1, k2* rep around.
16. Rnd 17: *With Color B, k3, p1, k2, p1, k3* rep around.
17. Rnd 18-19: With Color A, knit all stitches.
18. Rnd 20: *With Color B, k3, p1, k2, p1, k3* rep around.
19. Rnd 21: *With Color B, k2, p1, k1, p1, k2, p1, k2* rep around.
20. Rnd 22: *With Color B, k1, p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1* rep around.
21. Rnd 23: *With Color B, p1, k5, p1, k1, p1* rep around.
22. Rnd 24: *With Color B, k1, p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1* rep around.
23. Rnd 25: *With Color B, k2, p1, k1, p1, k2, p1, k2* rep around.
24. Rnd 26: *With Color B, k3, p1, k2, p1, k3* rep around.
25. Rnd 27-28: With Color A, knit all stitches.

Top (Color A)

29. Rnd 29: *k6, k2tog* rep around. (42 sts)
30. Rnd 30: *k5, k2tog* rep around. (36 sts)
31. Rnd 31: *k4, k2tog* rep around. (30 sts)
32. Rnd 32: *k3, k2tog* rep around. (24 sts)
33. Rnd 33: *k2, k2tog* rep around. (18 sts)
34. Rnd 34: *k1, k2tog* rep around. (12 sts)
35. Rnd 35: *k2tog* rep around. (6 sts)
36. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 stitches using a tapestry needle, pull tight to close the hole, and secure with a knot. Weave in the end.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in all yarn tails securely on the inside of the bauble. Trim excess yarn.
2. Create a hanging loop: With Color A, crochet a chain of 15-20 stitches, or knit an i-cord of desired length (about 4-5 inches). Attach the loop to the top of the bauble by sewing the ends securely into the top stitches.
3. Optional stuffing: Before closing the top completely (after Rnd 34 or 35), lightly stuff the bauble with fiberfill to give it a plump, round shape. Ensure the stuffing is evenly distributed. Then continue with the remaining decrease rounds.
4. Blocking (optional): Lightly steam block the bauble to even out the stitches and enhance the textured star motif. Do not press heavily; just hover the steam iron over the surface.

Your Celestial Snowflake Bauble is now complete! Hang it on your tree, give it as a gift, or use it as a festive decoration. The textured stars will catch the light beautifully, adding a touch of winter magic to your home.