Heartfelt Hearth Ornament Cover Free Pattern – A Knitted Love Knot Bauble

Wrap your holiday tree in warmth with this charming knitted ornament cover, featuring an intricate cable heart motif that celebrates love and joy. This quick, satisfying project uses chunky yarn to create a soft, textured bauble that becomes a cherished keepsake. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a brave beginner ready for a fun challenge, this pattern is designed to guide you through every step with clarity and confidence. The result is a stunning, handcrafted decoration that adds a cozy, personal touch to your festive decor.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your knitting experience smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) – Cranberry Red (approx. 50 yards)
  • Contrast Color (CC) – Cream White (approx. 50 yards, for optional embellishment)
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, cable needle (or a spare double-pointed needle)
• Ornament Ball: 2.5-inch (6.5 cm) round ornament ball (glass or plastic)

Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the cover fits your ornament snugly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a knitted cover for a 2.5-inch ornament ball. The cover is worked flat in one piece, then seamed and gathered at the top and bottom. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful heart-motif bauble in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• M1: Make one (increase by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting through the back loop)
• C4F: Cable 4 front (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from cable needle)
• C4B: Cable 4 back (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from cable needle)
• Rep: Repeat
• St(s): Stitch(es)

Bottom Gusset

With MC, CO 8 sts.

• Row 1 (WS): Purl all sts.
• Row 2 (RS): K1, M1, K to last st, M1, K1. (10 sts)
• Row 3: Purl all sts.
• Rep Rows 2-3 two more times. (14 sts)

Main Body (Worked Flat)

Note: To maintain the cable pattern's integrity, we work the body flat and seam it later. This is simpler for beginners and ensures the heart motif is perfectly centered.

Continue with MC:

• Row 4 (RS): K2, M1, K3, M1, K4, M1, K3, M1, K2. (18 sts) This increases to 18 stitches to accommodate the cable pattern.
• Row 5 (WS): Purl all sts.
• Row 6 (RS): Knit all sts.
• Row 7 (WS): Purl all sts.

Cable Heart Motif

Now, work the cable heart pattern over the 18 sts. This is the centerpiece of your ornament cover.

• Row 8 (RS): K3, C4F, K4, C4B, K3. (18 sts)
• Row 9 (WS): P3, K4, P4, K4, P3.
• Row 10 (RS): K3, C4B, K4, C4F, K3.
• Row 11 (WS): P3, K4, P4, K4, P3.
• Row 12 (RS): K3, C4F, K4, C4B, K3.
• Row 13 (WS): P3, K4, P4, K4, P3.
• Row 14 (RS): K3, C4B, K4, C4F, K3.
• Row 15 (WS): P3, K4, P4, K4, P3.
• Row 16 (RS): Knit all sts.
• Row 17 (WS): Purl all sts.

Heart Shaping (Decreases)

These decreases form the top of the heart, giving it that classic, rounded shape.

• Row 18 (RS): K2, SSK, K3, K2tog, K2, SSK, K3, K2tog, K2. (14 sts)
• Row 19 (WS): Purl all sts.
• Row 20 (RS): K1, SSK, K2, K2tog, K2, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1. (10 sts)
• Row 21 (WS): Purl all sts.
• Row 22 (RS): K1, SSK, K2tog, K2, SSK, K2tog, K1. (6 sts)
• Row 23 (WS): Purl all sts.

Top Gusset

Now we'll increase again to create the top opening that will be gathered.

• Row 24 (RS): K1, M1, K to last st, M1, K1. (8 sts)
• Row 25 (WS): Purl all sts.
• Rep Rows 24-25 two more times. (12 sts)

Finishing

This is where your ornament cover comes together. Take your time with the seaming for a polished look.

1. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle.
2. Gather the top: Thread the needle through all 12 remaining sts, then pull tight to gather the top opening. Secure with a knot.
3. Sew the side seam: Using the same tail, sew the side seam from the top down to the bottom, matching the cable pattern carefully. Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch for an invisible seam.
4. Insert the ornament ball: Gently push the ornament ball through the bottom opening. The stretchy knit will accommodate the ball.
5. Gather the bottom: Thread a separate piece of yarn through the cast-on stitches at the bottom. Pull tight to gather the bottom edge around the ornament. Secure with a knot.
6. Weave in all ends using the tapestry needle to hide them within the knit fabric.

Optional Embellishment

Add a touch of sparkle and personality to your ornament:

• French Knot: With CC (Cream White), embroider a small French knot at the center of the heart for a delicate, snowy accent.
• Hanging Loop: Create a simple loop at the top by crocheting or braiding a few strands of MC yarn, or use a piece of ribbon. Attach it securely to the gathered top before weaving in the ends.

Your Heartfelt Hearth Ornament Cover is now complete! This beautiful, handcrafted bauble is perfect for your own tree or as a heartfelt gift for someone special. The rich cranberry red and intricate cable heart make it a standout piece that will be treasured for years to come. Happy knitting!