Debbie Bliss Christmas Wreath, Chains & Tree Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Christmas Wreath, Chains & Tree

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Debbie Bliss provides instructions for creating a festive Christmas wreath decoration featuring handmade knitted leaves, berries, and coordinating embellishments. The complete wreath measures approximately 30cm (12 inches) in diameter and combines traditional knitting techniques with wire-framing and florist supplies to create a dimensional, three-dimensional holiday decoration suitable for home display.

What Is Being Made

The pattern comprises three coordinated Christmas decorative elements:

• A circular wreath base constructed with a wire frame and florist tape foundation
• Multiple knitted leaves that form the primary visual structure of the wreath
• Approximately 55 handmade knitted berries for festive embellishment and color contrast

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern employs several fundamental and decorative knitting techniques to achieve its finished appearance:

• Flat knitting – All pieces are worked flat on needles rather than in the round, making this accessible for knitters comfortable with two-needle construction
• Increases – Knit front and back (kfb) stitches and make one (m1) techniques create shaping within the leaf and berry components
• Decreases – Knit two together (k2tog) and knit three together (k3tog) stitches form the tapered edges characteristic of realistic leaf shapes
• Bead placement – The pattern incorporates a bead placement technique (pb) where beads are threaded onto yarn and secured within the knitted structure for added texture and visual interest
• Finishing and assembly – Construction involves attaching knitted components to a wire-reinforced frame using florist wire and tape, demonstrating integration of knitting with craft assembly techniques

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches appropriate for intermediate crafters:

• Knit stitch (k) – The primary stitch forming the foundation of all knitted pieces
• Purl stitch (p) – Used for texture variation and pattern detail
• Knit front and back (kfb) – Creates increases to expand stitch counts for shaping
• Knit two together (k2tog) – A right-leaning decrease that tapers leaf edges
• Knit three together (k3tog) – A more dramatic decrease used for final shaping of berries
• Slip, slip, knit, pass slipped stitches over (s2togkpo) – A centered decrease technique for refined shaping
• Stocking stitch (St st) – The primary fabric construction method creating smooth, finished surfaces

Materials and Tools

The pattern requires specific yarn weights and needle sizes to achieve proper finished dimensions:

• Yarn – Debbie Bliss Rialto DK weight yarn in Forest 100 (color A) at three 50g balls, supplemented by Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino for coordinating elements
• Needles – 3mm (US size 2-3) needles for working the leaves and berries at the specified gauge
• Additional materials – Florist wire, florist tape in green, and beads for embellishment and structural assembly

Finished Dimensions

Individual knitted leaves measure approximately 7cm (2¾ inches) in length. The completed wreath frame measures 30cm (12 inches) in diameter, making it suitable for wall display or decorative placement on mantels and holiday arrangements.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes familiarity with basic knitting techniques including casting on, fundamental stitches, and finishing methods. The inclusion of bead placement and wire assembly adds complexity beyond beginner patterns while remaining accessible to knitters with foundational skills.