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The tradition of decorating a tree for Christmas is universal, though every culture has its own twist. In Scandinavia, ornaments may be woven from straw; Eastern Europe is famous for handpainted eggs; and those in Japan who decorate Christmas trees do so with tiny fans, paper lanterns, and origami swans. Here, Leigh Radford uses wool, creating simple balls knit in solid colours or stripes.

Finished measurements
Small (Large): Approximately 3 (4-1/4)" [8 (11) cm] in diameter

Yarn
Harrisville Highland Style (100% wool; 200 yards / 100 grams): 1 skein each #4 gold, #17 Bermuda blue, #16 teal blue, #22 plum, #7 tundra (gold/green), #48 dove grey, #38 teak (brown)

Needles
One set of five double-pointed needles (dpn) size US 7 (4.5 mm)
Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Notions
Crochet hook size F/5 (3.75 mm)
Polyester batting, yarn needle

Gauge
24 sts and 28 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (St st)

Directions
Note: Work ornaments in solid colours or in stripes, as desired.

CO 12 (20) sts; distribute sts evenly over 4 needles -- 3 (5) sts each needle.
Join for working in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts; place marker (pm) for beginning of rnd.

Bottom
Rnd 1: Knit.
Rnd 2: [K1-f/b, knit across to last st on needle, k1-f/b] 4 times -- 20 (28) sts.
Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until there are 11 (15) sts on each needle -- 44 (60) sts.
Work even for 5 (9) rnds.

Top
Rnd 1: [Skp, knit across to last 2 sts on needle, k2tog] 4 times -- 36 (52) sts remain.
Rnd 2: Knit.
Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until 3 (5) sts remain on each needle, end after completing Rnd 2 -- 12 (20) sts remain.
Break yarn, leaving an 18" tail. With tail threaded onto yarn needle, slip sts onto tail -- DO NOT gather at this point.

Finishing
Using CO tail threaded on yarn needle, weave yarn through CO edge; gently pull to gather closed. Weave in end securely on WS. Stuff ornament with batting. Gather live sts at BO edge and gently pull to close opening. Using BO tail and crochet hook, work a 4-1/2" (11 cm) chain; fasten off, leaving a tail for attaching chain to ball. Secure end of chain to top of ornament to form a loop. Embellish ornaments with embroidery if desired.

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Excerpted from Handknit Holidays: Knitting Year-Round for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice by Melanie Falick, with photographs by Susan Pittard. Excerpted by permission of Stewart, Tabori & Chang. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.