free christmas MISTLETOE pattern

MISTLETOE 

THIS PATTERN IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

ONLY FOR PERSONAL OR CHARITABLE USE

ITEMS KNITTED FROM THIS PATTERN CANNOT BE SOLD FOR PROFIT

DO NOT REPRODUCE OR USE FOR ANY COMMERCIAL PURPOSE

Instructions are given for a full knitted version or alternatively use beads and a ribbon if preferred.

Add a loop and use as a Christmas tree decoration or make a bunch and hang from the ceiling. Alternatively tuck a sprig into the brim of a hat.

ABBREVIATIONS

st(s): stitch(es)

k: knit

p: purl

kfb: increase (knit into the front and back of same stitch)

sl: slip

psso: pass slip stitch over

tbl: through the back loop

pwt: pull wool through (thread yarn onto needle and then through stitches on needle, pull tight and secure) 

MATERIALS

two dpns size 2.75mm  (US 2)

green 4 ply (fingering) yarn

white 4 ply (fingering) yarn or white beads (aprox size 5mm)

red 4 ply (fingering) yarn or a piece of ribbon

darning and tapestry needle

LEAVES

Cast on 3 sts with green yarn.

ROW 1: kfb, kfb, k1tbl (5 sts).

Pull the sl sts tight, especially on the purl rows.

ROW 2: sl1 purlwise, p3, k1tbl.

ROW 3: sl1 purlwise, k3, k1tbl.

Rpt ROWS 2 and 3 until work measures aprox 3.5cms (1½ ins) ending in a mostly purl ROW 2.

NEXT ROW: sl1 purlwise, k1, psso, k2, k1tbl (4 sts).

NEXT ROW: sl1 purlwise, p1, psso, p1, k1tbl (3 sts).

NEXT ROW: sl1 purlwise, k1, psso, k1tbl (2 sts).

Break off yarn and place sts onto a safety pin.

  

Make another leaf, repeat pattern until 2 sts, but do not break off yarn. 

STEM

Return to first leaf and place the 2 sts alongside other 2 sts on needle (4 sts).

Keep the stitches joined to the yarn on the left.

Slide the four stitches to the other end of the needle, pull yarn along the back and continue with i-cord until desired length is reached.
If a hanging loop is required work an extra 8cms (3 ins). Which folds in half and the end sewn in place.

pwt.

• Loose end yarns inside stem.
• Reinforce the part where the two leaves meet with the tail at the end of one of the leaves.
• Bring the yarn tail at the tip of the leaves up the centre on the reverse (purl) side of the leaf and loose in stem. 
• Gently press leaves on reverse sides. Use a cool setting and do not put the full weight of the iron on the leaf. 

To form a bunch make one long main stem, sew smaller stems to this one. 

  

BERRIES (alternatively used white beads)

Cast on 3 sts with white yarn.

ROW 1: kfb, k to last st, kfb (5 sts).

ROW 2: p.

ROW 3: sl1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog (3 sts).

Cast off purlwise.

• Thread one yarn tail round the edge of half of the berry, with the other yarn, thread round the opposite edge.
• Pull tight and tie in a knot. Push into spherical shape. 
• If using beads attach with sewing thread.

KNITTED CORD (alternatively use a piece of ribbon)

Cast on 2 sts with red yarn.

Continue with i-cord until work measures aprox 30cms (12 ins)

pwt.

Loose yarn tails inside cord.

knitted version

copyright Alison Hogg 2013