Winter Snowball: Free Knit Pattern

It's only the beginning of November and the snow has been falling steadily on southern Ontario for most of the weekend!!  We already have almost 5 centimeters of accumulation and the big fluffy flakes are falling even now as I type.

After a weekend of being out and about in the snow with our young family, it feels like a great night to stay in, snuggled up under my blanket while the fire crackles romantically beside me and work on finishing up this fun pattern for my little blog.  

It's on nights like tonight that I am ever thankful that Hoss has switched industries and now works a more stable work-hour schedule and no longer has to go out at all hours to plow snow as an operator!

And since he is home today he graciously agreed to be my hand model for some of my pictures.  The snowballs seem to look a wee bit tiny in his gigantic hands!  But the flannel shirt adds a nice, beginning-of-the-festive-season, touch.

If you are a handcrafter that sells at local markets, or especially at any upcoming Christmas markets, this finished project seems to always be a huge hit.  You are of course welcome to use this pattern to make your items, but please do check out my clause at the bottom of this pattern posting.  Thanks!

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skill level
easy

size
approximately 3 x 3 inches

needles & notions
5mm double pointed
tapestry or yarn sewing needle

polyester fiberfill (stuffing)

yarn
Bernat Pipsqueak, whitey white

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pattern
cast on 6 sts.  Place marker and join to work in the round

Rnd 1:  KFB all sts around (12sts)

Rnd 2 & all even rounds until Rnd 10:  knit

Rnd 3:  *KFB.  K1.  rep from * around (18sts)

Rnd 5:  *KFB.  K2.  rep from * around (24sts)

Rnd 7:  *KFB.  K3.  rep from * around (30sts)

Rnd 9:  *KFB.  K4.  rep from * around (36sts)

Rnd 11:  *KFB.  K5.  rep from * around (42sts)

weave in starting tail and ensure it is secure

Rnd 12 - 14:  Knit around (42sts)

Rnd 15:  *K2tog.  K5.  rep from * around (36sts)

Rnd 16 & all even rounds until Rnd 22:  Knit

Rnd 17:  *K2tog.  K4.  rep from * around (30sts)

Rnd 19:  *K2tog.  K3.  rep from * around (24sts)

Rnd 21:  *K2tog.  K2.  rep from * around (18sts)

Rnd 23:  *K2tog.  K1.  rep from * around (12sts)

stuff the snowball plumply at this stage

Rnd 24:  *K2tog around (6sts)

Cut yarn & pull tail through remaining live sts.  Pull tight and secure.  Weave in end

Finished your snowball?  Or did you make a whole bucket full?  Share a picture or video online and tag @redmittendesigns on Instagram or Facebook!  

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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!