A chill is in the air and it's time to start preparing for Christmas! I've spent a very enjoyable several days searching through Ravelry for the best knitted Christmas ornaments. I've curated a collection of the cutest, prettiest and most highly rated patterns by a group of talented designers.

All of these patterns are available on Ravelry as downloads. Some are free and some are available for a very reasonable fee. Patterns and photos are shared with permission by the designers.

Mini Christmas Stocking Ornaments
by Julie Williams of Little Cotton Rabbits

These little fingering weight socks feature a variety of Fair Isle patterns, so each is unique and totally adorable! To make things easier, the pattern gives directions for knitting flat (if you prefer) and seaming afterwards. 

You can knit them with many colours like in the photo, or choose a traditional vibe of red or green. They would work well as tree ornaments, gift wrap decorations or garland ornaments. 

Bear Christmas Tree Decorations
by Julie Williams of Little Cotton Rabbits

Julie Williams has created some of the most beloved stuffy patterns on Ravelry. She has designed bunny, cat, bear, fox, mouse, elephant, pig and monkey patterns that have been knitted by thousands of us.

These little DK weight bears are relatively simple and quite quick to make. Decorate them as much as you want. I would add beads and more embroidery, maybe even a bit of sparkly trim! Available as a free download.

Balls Up !
by General Hogbuffer

General Hogbuffer is a popular sock designer on Ravelry. I have knitted several of his sock designs, and I love them all. For these pattern there are 2 free PDFs with several designs available; some Fair Isle and some stripes. Make them as easy or complicated as you like!

The photo of the ball ornaments in the main blog header is also from this pattern. I've purchased the clear plastic ball ornaments from a craft store to insert into the knitted spheres but if you are a champion stuffer, you can use Poly-fill or some other soft stuffing material. 

Winter Animals Knit Christmas Ornaments
by Amy Gaines

These are the sweetest little softies, each with their own little scarf. Can you imagine how kids will react to these? I've included this November 2019 release pattern because I just couldn't resist them!

They require worsted weight yarn, and will measure between 4.5" - 5" without the hanging loop. Fantastic for Christmas ornaments, but also the nursery. Grandma alert!

Scintillation
by Hunter Hammersen of Pantsville Press

These pretty stars can be knitted in any weight of yarn. As Hunter describes on the pattern page, there are no seams to work when you’re done, no stitches to pick up, and only two ends to weave in! I would add beads along the ribs to give them some bling (use a backstitch to secure each bead so they stay snug). This is a 22 page pattern, chock full of information.

You can use these little beauties for all sorts of decorating, but I can imagine an entire tree strung with these on a garland, or attached to a huge front door wreath. Wouldn't that be lovely? 

Gnome
by Susan B. Anderson

These gnomes are small (one 4" high) and yet embody everything we love in these magical beings. In Susan's description she writes: "The Gnomes are knit completely in one piece starting from the bottom to the top of the hat. The beard, ears, arms and pointy feet are picked up and knitted directly on. There is no stitching together of tiny parts required." To keep them this size, use fingering weight yarn.

Make a party of gnomes and use them as table centrepieces or fireplace mantel decorations. If you use DK or worsted weight for a couple them, you could turn them into a family!

Tiny Sweaters
by Miriam L. Felton

These tiny sweaters have inspired many knitters! Check out the many creative ideas in the Project section of the Ravelry pattern page, as well as Miriam's Instagram @mimknits where she's just put up a post sharing other knitter's tiny sweaters.

Using only 24 yarns of yarn for the body, you can stash bust like crazy with this adorable project. There is also a 2nd page of the pattern with embellishment techniques and tutorials. Use them as bottle toppers, ornaments, or garland decorations.

Sheep Balls
by Dona Carruth

Aren't these the cutest? This set also requires a plastic ornament from a craft store. Fingering weight yarn makes a ball 2 5/8", and sport weight makes one 3 1/4".

Check out the many colour combinations in the Project section of the pattern page. This would make a really special gift if your knitting group does a Christmas exchange. 

Half Pint Mittens
by Susan B. Anderson

I love these tiny 2" mittens for ornaments or a garland. They would make wonderful fingering weight stash busters as they only require 3 grams of yarn. Use leftover sock or shawl yarns and have fun with the colours! They're also perfect for gift wrap decorations. Maybe embroider little snowflakes on them? Use your creativity!

Christmas Balls Knit Ornament Pattern Set
by Amy Gaines

So much cuteness in one pattern! It includes worsted weight instructions for a Santa, Penguin, Elf, Polar Bear and Reindeer. You'll need black safety eyes with washers, or use tiny black buttons or embroider the eyes if you don't have access to the safety eyes. Stuffing could be Poly-fill or craft store plastic ornaments.

Amy did a lovely job designing this cast of Christmassy characters. They're are a little more involved than some of the previous patterns, but oh so worth it!

And finally, some sweet little stitch markers to join in the holiday preparations. The knitting ring markers are all snag free and fit on needles up to 5mm (US 8). The locking stitch markers fit yarn up to chunky/bulky.

Wine Lovers Stitch Markers 

Christmas Stitch Marker Duo: Santa & Stocking 

Christmas Stitch Marker Duo: Mitten & Snowflake

Happy creating, and Happy Holidays to everyone!