The String of Christmas Lights pattern entered into virtual space for Red Mitten Designs in the late fall of 2016. That era of being a parent to little ones feels like it was both a billion years again and just three seconds ago all at the same time.
It was wonderful and scary, exciting and overwhelming, play-date filled and lonely. Those years were not made easier as I simultaneously endured an undiagnosed chronic illness that ended up taking its toll on my life plans.
It's now November of 2024 and during the intervening years many things changed. After years of medical appointments I finally received an official diagnosis and have seen an improvement in my overall health. The World experienced both a pandemic and an economic downturn. During it all I meet other parents and friends, watched TikToks and Reels and googled so-many-things(!), and learned that I wasn't alone with my diagnosis nor with the learning curve that comes with raising tiny, now partially grown, humans.
I watched this blog grow and shrink as I found it hard to find time or energy to craft, write, photograph and edit consistently. I would like to say that I plan to be consistent with publishing patterns and posts and that I'll stay active on social media going forward; but, if the last eight years have taught me anything, it is that no one ever knows what life has in store.
After looking back through old posts and reminiscing I have decided to give a few of the patterns a dusting off, including this old gem. Due to its apparent relative and enduring popularity throughout the years, it is going to remain here with only this introduction update, some light editing for the yarn I now use, a few pictures I have taken of newer creations and an added option to purchase a paid copy of the Christmas "Lights" pattern from my Etsy shop HERE
The Christmas "Lights" pattern is in a bundle on Etsy with my other classic, well loved knit pattern Winter Snowballs which is available HERE
All of the old photo's from this pattern have been preserve for you, my dear readers, in this compact collage. That way, when nostalgia strikes, we can look back and remember the old days of this blog when the photo's were blurrier and the writer less knowledgeable but the patterns were still, hopefully, inspirational.
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These sweet little Christmas Light bulbs combined with the yarn "wires" look like classic Christmas light strands from a bi-gone era. They are cute as-a-button individually and absolutely stunning in a complete string. And best of all, they don't require any electricity to make a pretty, festive Christmas decoration.
With the price of hydro continuously on the rise in most places, but definitely anecdotally for my part here in southern Ontario, Canada, it seems like a wonderful idea to have a pretty strand of eco-friendly Christmas "lights" that look unique and don't require an electrical outlet!
This pattern does contain an optional section of crochet that can be omitted entirely if crochet is just not your thing. The crochet section is for the secondary strand of "wire" if you are completing an entire string of lights.
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difficulty
easy with patience
yarn (affiliate links)
bulb shown in: stylecraft special dk lipstick & kelly green, kiddies fairydust titania, approx 15 yards
plug shown in: cygnet dk grey mix, approx. 5yards
needles & notions
2.75 mm double pointed needles
2.75 mm crochet hook, optional (for secondary "wire")
polyester fiberfil (stuffing)
tapestry/yarn sewing needle
tapestry/yarn sewing needle
size
approximately 2.25 x 1.5 inches
special note
this pattern can also be completed in worsted weight yarn. I recommend switching to 3.5 mm double points and 3.5 mm crochet hook
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pattern, christmas bulb(s)
with desired bulb coloured yarn, cast on 3 sts. join to work in the round (it will be fiddly at this point!)
Rnd 1: KFB in all stitches around (6sts)
Rnds 2 & 3: Knit in all stitches around (6sts)
Rnd 4: M1R. K1 repeat around (12sts)
Rnds 5&6: Knit in all stitches around (12sts)
Rnd 7: M1R. K2 repeat around (18sts)
Rnds 8 - 10: Knit in all stitches around (18sts)
Rnd 11: M1R. K3 repeat around (24sts)
Rnds 12-19: Knit in all stitches around (24sts)
at this point, ensure start tail is secured and trimmed inside lightbulb
Rnd 20: K2tog. K2 repeat around (18sts)
Rnd 21: K2tog. K1 repeat around (12sts)
Rnd 22: Purl in all stitches around (12sts)
Cut working yarn, secure and hide. join grey yarn. hide and secure start tail
Rnds 24-26: Knit in all stitches around (12sts)
Rnd 27: Purl in all stitches around (12sts)
at this point, stuff the light to desired firmness
Rnd 28: K2tog around (6sts)
cut grey yarn leaving a tail (see note below). draw tail through remaining sts with tapestry needle and secure end
NOTE: do NOT remove this tail if you are making a complete strand of lights as you will need it to secure the bulbs to the cords
if you are only making one bulb for decor or as a present topper, the pattern ends here. simply hide the end tail, add a bit of yarn loop if you want for displaying and enjoy your completed project
if you are making the strand of lights, make as many bulbs as desired to create your version of a full strand of lights
main strand of "wire"
with grey yarn cast on 3 sts and work an icord until it is the length you would like your Christmas Light String to be.
cast off. secure and hide start and finish ends
secondary strand of "wire"
using the crochet hook and grey yarn, create a chain that is the same length as the icord created for the main strand of wire
bind off. secure and hide start and finish ends
finishing
twist main strand of wire and secondary strand of wire together to look like lightly tangled, old-fashioned Christmas light cords.
Using ending tails on Christmas Bulbs, sew the bulbs to the main strand of wire at desired intervals
secure and hide any remaining ends
Finished your Christmas Light bulb or String of Christmas Lights? Share it online and tag @redmittendesigns on Instagram or Facebook! Want to try crocheting the Christmas Chicken in the picture? Find the pattern HERE
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If you use this pattern for sale items please provide a link back and give credit to the designer: Red Mitten Designs. DO NOT claim this pattern as your own and please do not give printed versions of the pattern without permission from the designer. Please consider purchasing copies for friends or family if you liked this pattern and want to give it to others
All photos copyright Jocelyn Windover and Red Mitten Designs (do not use without permission).
Once again, thank you for choosing a Red Mitten Designs pattern!