Christmas Lights: Free Knit Pattern

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.

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

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

Want to follow Red Mitten Designs on social media?  Click on a link below to find me on your favourite social channel!

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!

Mini Christmas Stockings: Free Crochet Pattern

I went to peel an orange for my dog today.  It had a tough outer rind that I couldn't seem to break through with my fingers.  And being too fully absorbed in writing this post I was too preoccupied to go and GET the orange peeler.  So I bite into it with my teeth.  And let me tell you was it ever bitter!!!!

So that thought of bitterness on my tongue caused me to begin wondering why anyone would ever have thought:  "hey, lets rip this round orange ball open!  Bet the inside tastes better than this nasty outer shell!"

And not only that, we use to think they were awesome enough to put at the bottom of a stocking as a gift from St. Nicholas on Christmas morning!!  Perhaps it was to remind the recipient of the true meaning of Christmas and from whence the important things reside.

And that lead me to think, you know what, whoever it was likely was some prehistoric type life philosopher who understood the concept that the best of anything almost invariable lies on the inside.  

I feel like now might be the time to make some kind of life parallel to this odd epiphany but instead, lets just leave it there, let you ponder this strangeness for yourself while we carry on to the pattern and beginning crocheting a Mini Christmas stocking.  

I'll finish this intro blurb with something sounding a little prosaic:  May the items that you put in your Christmas stocking be as profoundly more beneficial than the outer shell we are about to create

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skill level

easy

size

approx. 4.5 inch tall

needles & notions

5 mm crochet hook

tapestry needle

stitch marker, optional - use if desired

stitch holder, optional

yarn

Bernat Premium, evergreen (MC)

Bernat Premium, aran (CC)

gauge

16 sc sts x 14 rows = 4 inch

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special note

the stocking is worked in non-continuous rounds from the toe up.  All rounds end with a slip stitch and begin with a Ch1.  Neither the slip stitch nor the ch1 count as stitches unless otherwise stated.

pattern

with CC yarn, in a magic loop, Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  place 6 sc sts into loop.  slip stitch to join round (6 sts)

Rnd 1:  Ch1.  2HDC in same st as ch1.  2HDC in each st around.  Sl st to join (12 sts)

Rnd 2:  Ch1.  2HDC in same st as ch1.  HDC in next.  *2 HDC.  HDC in next.  rep from * to end of round.  Sl st to join (18 sts)

bind off CC yarn.  join MC yarn.   hide ends

Rnds 3 - 6:  Ch1.  HDC in same st as ch1.  HDC around.  Sl st to join (18 sts)

bind off MC yarn.  join CC yarn with a slip stitch

heel (worked in short rows)

Row 1:  (worked over a total of 13 sts, including the sl st yarn join).  sc in next st.  HDC in next 2 sts.  DC in next 5 sts.  HDC in next 2 sts.  sc in next st.  sl st into next st.  TURN

Row 2:  skip previous rows sl st.  sc in top of previous rows sc.  HDC in next 2 sts.  DC in next 5 sts.  HDC in next 2sts.   sc in next st.  sl st into next st (where CC was joined).  TURN

Row 3:    skip previous rows sl st.  sc in top of previous rows sc.  HDC in next 2 sts.  DC in next 5 sts.  HDC in next 2sts.   sc in next st.  sl st into next st (same location as ROW 1’s slip stitch).  DO NOT TURN

bind off CC yarn and join MC yarn.   hide ends

return to working in rnds

Rnd 7:  Ch1.  HDC in same st as Ch1.  HDC in each stitch around (including in the stitch at the heel colour joins where the sl sts for the short rows were placed) (18 sts)

Rnds 8 - 11: Ch1.  HDC in same st as Ch1.  HDC in each st around (18 sts)

bind off MC yarn and join CC yarn.   hide ends

Rnds 12 - 13:   Ch1.  HDC in same st.  HDC in each stitch around.  Sl st to join (counts as a st st for next rnd) (18 sts)

Rnd 14:  sl st in next st.  Slip stitch around to center back of stocking.  Ch 5.  Sl st to stitch at the bottom of the chain.  Sl st to end of rnd. 

bind off and weave in any remaining ends

Want to make that Christmas Chicken in the picture with the stocking? Find it HERE

Finished your Mini Christmas Stocking?  Did you make a whole bunch of them?  Share it online and tag @redmittendesigns on Instagram or Facebook!  

Want to follow Red Mitten Designs on social media?  Click on a link below to find me on your favourite social channel!

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!

Sunflowers: Free Crochet Pattern

Sunflowers!!  Upon seeing the pattern I was working on, my mother informed me that sunflowers are "all the rage" this year!  I'm not sure about the legitimacy of this claim, seeing as it comes from a woman who just last year purchased a brand-new 1980's floral print sofa for her shag carpeted living room.  But hey - I agree that sunflowers are gorgeous . . . and they totally should be this years vogue!

Speaking of throwbacks, this pattern was originally inspired by the early 2000's hit TV show "Smallville."  What do sunflowers have to do with a Superman coming of age, adolescent television show? I was watching reruns while finishing up last months custom orders and, have you ever noticed, just how many gorgeous sunflowers Martha Kent had in her kitchen and garden?   They are everywhere!!  And they were beautiful

This post is rather photo-heavy.  I do apologize but I felt it was necessary in order to convey what was happening . . .

skill level
intermediate


size
flower is approximately 5 inches
height (including stem) approx. 9 inches


needles & notions
4 mm crochet hook
tapestry needle
stitch marker

wire snips
jute wrapped wire

suggested yarn

Hayfield Bonus DK, russet, approx. 50 yards
Stylecraft Special DK, Sunshine, approx. 75 yards
Stylecraft Special DK, Green Grass, approx. 75 yards

gauge

22sc sts = 4 inch

note

it is recommended to weave in ends as you go along in order to prevent tangling.  The flower is intricate enough without the added bother

pattern

starting with the back of the sunflower, using "Green Grass" begin as follows:

Rnd 1:  working in a magic loop.  Ch2 (does not count as a stitch).  9DC into loop.  Slip stitch into top of first DC (9)

Rnd 2:  Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  2sc in same stitch as Ch1.  *2sc in each stitch around.  slip stitch into the top of first sc (18)

Rnd 3:  working in back loops only Ch2 (does not count as a stitch).  2DC in same stitch as Ch2.  DC in next.  *2DC in next.  DC in next.  repeat around.  Slip stitch to first DC (27)

Rnd 4:  working in both loops Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  2sc in same stitch as Ch1.  sc in each of next 2 sts.  *2sc in next.  sc in each of next 2 stitches.  repeat around.  slip stitch to first sc (36)

Bind off & set aside

front
Now, working on the front of the sunflower, using "Russet" proceed as follows:

Rnd 1:  working in a  magic loop.  Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch).  9DC into loop.  Slip stitch in top of first DC (9)

Rnd 2:  Ch2 (does not coint as a stitch).  2DC in same stitch as Ch2.  *2 DC in each stitch around.  Join with a slip stitch (18)

Rnd 3:  Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  2sc loop stitch in same stitch as Ch1.  sc loop stitch in next stitch.  *2sc loop stitch in next st.  sc loop stitch in next.  repeat around.  Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first sc loop stitch  (27)

Rnd 4:  Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  2sc loop stitch in same st as Ch1.  sc loop stitch in each of the next 2 sts.  *2sc loop stitch in next stitch.  sc loop stitch in each of the next 2 stitches.  repeat around.  Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first sc loop stitch (36)

Bind off "Russet" change to "Sunshine" and proceed as follows:

Rnd 5:  Hold the Back & Front pieces together with wrong sides facing in (make sure the loops on the Front are facing out, toward you.  Working in both loops of "Russet" Front and front loops only of "Green Grass" Back work around as follows.  Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  sc in same stitch as ch1.  sc around.  Slip stitch into top of first sc (36)

Rnd 6:  *Ch2 (counts as first HDC).  in the same stitch as Ch2 work as follows [DC.  2TRDC.  Ch3.  Slip stitch into top of last TRDC.  2TRDC.  DC.  HDC].  Slip stitch in each of the next 4 sts.  repeat from * around to last 3 sts.  Slip stitch in the 3 remaining stitches of the round.  Slip stitch into the top of the first Ch2.  (9 petals total)

Rnd 7:  Ch 4.  Carry the chain around the back of the first petal.  Slip stitch into previous rounds center slip stitch between the petals.  Repeat around.  (9 Ch spaces behind each of the petals)

Rnd 8:  *Slip stitch into the ch4 space.  Ch 2 (counts as the first HDC.  in the chain space, work as follows [2DC.  3TRDC.  Ch3.  Slip stitch into the top of the last TRDC.  3TRDC.  2DC.  HDC].  repeat around (9 larger petals behind the front 9 petals)

Bind off.  Weave in any remaining tails.  Turn over to work the green leaves on the back







green leaves
with the back of the flower facing, using "Green Grass" proceed as follows:

Rnd 1:  Join "Green Grass" to any one of the loops left from joining front and back pieces.  Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).  sc in same stitch as ch1.  sc in each stitch around (36)

Rnd 2:  *Ch2 (counts as first HDC).  in the same stitch as Ch2 work as follows [DC.  2TRDC.  Ch3.  Slip stitch into top of last TRDC.  2TRDC.  DC.  HDC].  Slip stitch in each of the next 4 sts.  repeat from * around to last 3 sts.  Slip stitch in the 3 remaining stitches of the round.  Slip stitch into the top of the first Ch2.  (9 green leaves total)

stem
working with "Green Grass," proceed as follows:

note: the stem is worked in a continuous spiral without joins

Rnd 1:  in a magic loop, Ch1 (does not count as a stitch).  6 sc into magic loop (6)

Rnd 2:  *2sc in first st.  sc in next st.  repeat around (9)

Rnd 3:  sc around

Repeat round 3 until piece is approximately 6 inches long (or desired length).

top of stem
short rows
Rnd 1:  sc in first st.  HDC in next.  DC in next.  HDC in next.  sc in next.  slip stitch in next.  Turn.

Rnd 2:  sc in top of previous rows sc.  HDC in next.  DC in next.  HDC in next.  sc in next.  slip stitch in next.  turn. 

Rnd 3 & 4:  sc around (9)

Rnd 5:  *2sc in first st.  sc in next 2 sts.  repeat around (12)

Rnd 6:  *2sc in first st.  sc in each of next 3 sts.  repeat around (15)

Rnd 7:  sc around (15)

Rnd 8:  *2 sc in first st.  sc in each of the next 4 sts.  repeat around (18)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Using the jute wrapped wire, cut a length of wire slightly longer than the stem.  Make sure to twist the cut ends of the wire around itself to keep it from poking through the fabric.  I folded the jute wire in half in order to make the stem a little bit stronger and twisted a bow shape in the top of the wire to go up against the flower (I found this helped to hold the sunflower head in a better position).  Add a small amount of stuffing to the top of the stem in order to give it a little more bulk (optional).

Sew the stem to the back of the flower, using the back loop only circle as a location guide for sewing (alternately, slip stitch the stem to the flower).

Weave in any remaining ends.

Voila!!  Done!  Your sunflower is pose-able and will look delightful in a vase, perhaps even mixed in with other crochet flowers or faux-flowers.  ENJOY!!

Want to follow Red Mitten Designs on social media?  Click on a link below to find me on your favourite social channel!

If you use this pattern for sale items please provide a link back and give credit.  It's the nice, morally responsible thing to do! DO NOT claim this pattern as your own. Why not try writing one of your own? You can do it! I know you can!!  

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!