“Back Soon”, She said.

Hah! Why are we crafters always such optimists about how much we can accomplish in the run up to the Christmas holiday? I’ve been up to my eyeballs in ornaments, kid’s gifts, gift bags and other assorted holiday themed projects.

And don’t even get me started on the traditional chicken liver biscotti I make for all of Lady’s dog friends.

But today I need to tell you about a project from Christmas past - 2008 to be exact. I recently posted a photo of this ornament on Craftsy.com. Generally I post projects there that have patterns available, but this one didn’t so I’ve decided to make it my holiday gift to you.

Wet Felted Christmas Ornament Pattern

Description:

These wet felted ornaments were crocheted from Peruvian wool and after assembly are decorated with gold and silver metallic or green satin ribbon,  and gold, silver, red and green spangles. The color of the wool is "ivy". The three inch hanger allows each to be suspended from a tree branch or package without the use of an additional hanger. The ornament itself is approximately two inches in diameter.

Skill Level: This pattern is intended for those with intermediate crochet. You will learn to crochet in the round.

Finished Dimensions: Each ornament is approximately 2 inches in diameter and includes a three inch hanger

Gauge: x stitches and d rows – 4 x 4 inch square.

17 stitches and 19 rows hdc = 4 x 4 inch square.

Materials and tools:

1 skein of fingering weight wool yarn.

Note: I used Knit Picks Palette Yarn which comes in an amazing array of colors and at $3.39 per 231yd/50 gm ball, is really affordable. One ball will make several ornaments. Unfortunately I was using up left over yarn from another project, so I can’t be more precise. It is important that this be wool that will felt, so no super-wash or sock yarn. If in doubt ask where you purchase the yarn if it is recommended for wet felting. If using yarn from your stash, make a quick sample swatch and test it following the directions below.

Fiberfill stuffing sufficient to fill the number or ornaments you intend to make.

Narrow ribbon in metallic or satin that is between 3/16 and 3/8 of an inch wide

Assorted sequins and straight pins to hold them in place

Fabric glue

Crochet hook – US size D/3 3.25mm

Stitch markers

Abbreviations used in this pattern

ch – chain

hdc – half double crochet

inc – increase

lp(s) – loop(s)

sk – skip

sl sat – slip stitch

sp(s) – space(s)

st(s) – stitch(es)

yo – yarn over

* repeat directions following * as many times as indicated

Special Techniques

Crochet in the Round

Following are my basic instructions for crochet in the round. These instructions should result in a flat circular piece of crocheted “fabric”. If you are already familiar with how to crochet in the round, you can skip this section and go straight to the directions on how to create the bowl shape needed for this ornament.

Even if you have never tried to crochet in the round, with understanding of a few basic stitches, this technique is pretty easy to master. Learn the technique with this simple practice exercise.
ch 3, sl st in first ch to close ring. Draw up tightly.

Row 1: sc eight times in center of ring (total of 8 sc). sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1.

Row 2: sc twice in each sc around (total of 16 sc). sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1.

Row 3: sc in first sc, sc twice in next sc around (total of 24 sc). Sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1.

Row 4: sc in first 2 sc, sc twice in next sc around (total of 32 sc). Sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1.

Note: most crochet in the round directions will tell you to continue in the manner increasing 8 stitches in every round (i.e. row 5 would direct you to sc in first 3 sc then sc twice in the 4th and so on). However, with this method of increases you always increase in the same place resulting in the hexagonal rather than rounder shape. Also, I found that for the yarn and hook I used and the tension I maintain on the yarn, the increases were too extreme resulting in what my husband laughingly called the sundial rather than a round shape that will lie flat. Instead, I recommend the following.

Row 5: sc in first 7 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 8), sc in next 4 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 13), sc in next 3 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 18), sc in next 7 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 27), sc in next 3 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 32), sc in next 3 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 37). (total of 38) sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1.

Row 6: sc in first 3 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 4), sc in next 9 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 15). Sc in next 4 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 21), sc in first 4 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 26), sc in next 9 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 37), sc in next 4 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 43). (total of 44 sc). sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1.

Row 7 and following: Continue to add six stitches per round and to shift the location of the increase around the circle so that the shape does not become too regular.

If it helps, you can imagine the circle divided into eight pieces of the pie. In each round, six slices of the pie will receive an increase, and two will not. In order to ensure that the increases are distributed evenly but without creating a distinct pattern, the increase should come in pie slice 1 and 5 in the first round, 2 and 6 in the second, 3 and 7 in the third, and so on. Also, the location of the increase within the pie can be varied.

Continue to add rounds until the desired diameter is reached. Also the use of a stitch marker to indicate the beginning/ending of a round may be helpful.

Note: I have worked these directions with single crochet and half double crochet and it works well for either. I have not worked it with longer stitches such as double or triple crochet, but anticipate that it would work much the same. You may need to play with the increases and decreases to achieve exactly the effect you want for your project.

Felting

Here are my generic instructions for wet felting. In the assembly section of this pattern you will find more specific notes for this project.

If this is your first felting project, you might want to make a trial square before beginning to crochet. Make a 4 x 4 inch square using the same yarn, crochet hook, and stitch you intend to use for the project. Most often I use Half Double Crochet for project to be wet felted. A sample will also allow you to check the gauge as mentioned above.

There are many books on felting techniques as well as articles and tutorials online. They don’t all agree any many factors. Do you need to add soap? Should you allow the piece to go through the spin cycle? Should you felt with other laundry items (jeans or towels)? The following is based on my own experience and machine. Felting a trial square will help you to learn what is going to work for you.

The more wet heat, soap and agitation applied to the fabric the smaller and denser it will become. Also the stitches will become less distinct. In general your fabric will shrink more in width (across the row) than it will in length (number of rows). Your target for this project is to shrink your test piece by 25% in width and 13% in height. If you would prefer a lesser degree of felting, keep in mind that the larger size will require modifications to the lining dimensions as well.

Place crocheted items to be felted in a lingerie bag and toss in the wash with a few similarly colored towels or other items that can be washed in hot water. The reason that I use a lingerie bag is to avoid the items from being excessively twisted out of shape, which can happen if another item gets wrapped around it. Also, the bag prevents lint of other items (such as towels) to deposit on the wool. Set the cycle for hot water and maximum agitation. How to accomplish this will vary by machine. In my case I just set the dial to “whites”. Add a normal amount of laundry detergent for the size of load and start machine.

At the completion of the cycle remove the items. If the body is the size you want, you are ready to go. Otherwise, run it through again. Now lay out the items on a towel covered flat surface out of direct sunlight. Shape pieces to square up corners and allow them to dry completely. For flat items I often place them on a baking rack to allow air flow on both sides. Do not use heat or place in dryer as this will result in additional shrinkage and does not allow you to control the shape.

Half Double Crochet (hdc) Stitch

Yarn over hook and insert hook into the next stitch to be worked. Yarn over hook again and pull yarn through stitch. You will now have three loops on the hook. Yarn over hook again and pull loop through all three loops on the hook. This creates one Half Double Crochet stitch.

Crochet Directions for Ornament

Begin as above for crochet in the round. Unlike the example above, you do not want the circle to lie flat but rather to form a cup shape. To accomplish this you will need to reduce the number of increases in each round. The changes from the example begin in row 2.

ch 3, sl st in first ch to close ring. Draw up tightly.

Row 1: hdc eight times in center of ring (total of 8 hdc). sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1

Row 2: *hdc in next hdc, hdc twice in each hdc* around (total of 12 hdc). sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1

Row 3: Repeat row 2 (18 hdc)

Row 4: *hdc in next 2 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc* around (total of 24 hdc) sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1

Row 5: Repeat Row 3 (total of 32 hdc)

Row 6: *hdc in next 3 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc* around (total of 40 hdc)

Row 7: repeat row 6 (total of 50)

Row 8: *hdc in next 4 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc* around (total of 60 hdc)

Row 9: repeat row 8

Fasten off and weave in ends. Now repeat these instructions to make the second half of the ball.

Note: if you would like to make a larger ornament, just keep adding rounds following the pattern of increases established above until you achieve a ball that is the size you want. Alternatively, you can use a heavier weight wool and larger hook.

Felting and Assembly Instructions for Ornament

When finished with both halves, wet felt following the directions above until you have achieved a ball of a size and density that is pleasing. Now using matching thread, whipstitch around the two halves to join, stuffing with fiberfill as you go.  Weave in any loose ends.

The final step is to decorate the felted orbs. Cut a piece of ribbon six inches long and thread it through the tapestry needle. Now decide on the location of the top of the ball and pull the ribbon through the top so that half comes out on either side of the stitch. Knot at the top of the ball and at the ends of the ribbon forming your hanging loop. Take a second piece of ribbon that it the right size to go around the ball and cover the seam. Use a dab of fabric glue to hold the ribbon in place. Now pick out some sequins (I generally used at least eight per ornament) and using a straight pin, affix them to the ribbon. If you like you can use a dab of glue on the back of the sequin as well, but I find that the straight pins stick into the fiberfill and don not fall out.

That’s it. I hope you enjoy making this project, and let me know if you have questions.