Lopi Jólaskjól Homeware Knitting Pattern

Lopi Jólaskjól: Nordic Holiday Tree Skirt

What Is Being Made

The Jólaskjól is a festive tree skirt designed for Nordic homes celebrating winter solstice and Christmas. This homeware piece features a circular construction with a diameter of 122 cm and a length from cast-on edge to bind-off of 56 cm. The design includes a practical button-front opening with seven buttons, allowing easy placement around the base of a holiday tree.

Construction and Techniques

This knitting project employs several advanced techniques to create its distinctive structure. The tree skirt is worked in the round using a seamless construction method, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a cohesive, professional finish. The pattern utilizes stranded colorwork, incorporating two colors from the Álafosslopi yarn line to create Nordic-inspired patterning. A steek technique is employed, with the opening created by working a purl stitch at the round's beginning and end, then carefully cutting between secured rows after completion.

The construction begins with a garter stitch base worked back and forth before joining in the round. The main body is worked following a charted pattern with decreases as indicated. After the stranded colorwork sections are complete, the piece is finished with crocheted button bands along the opening edges, adding both functional and decorative elements.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (knitting every row) forms the foundation and creates textured ridges
• Stockinette stitch used in gauge calculations for tension reference
• Purl stitches worked at steek positions to mark and secure the opening
• Knit two together (k2tog) for decreases shaping the circular form
• Single crochet (sc) worked over machine stitches to create the button bands
• Chain stitches (ch) worked to form buttonholes on the right band

Materials and Tools

This project uses Álafosslopi yarn, a traditional Icelandic wool blend. The color palette includes 1238 dusk red (7 balls) and 0051 white (4 balls), totaling 11 balls of 100-gram weight. The dusk red and white combination creates the characteristic Nordic stranded pattern throughout the piece.

Needles and hooks required include 6 mm (US 10) circular needles in lengths of 40 to 100+ centimeters to accommodate the growing circumference as the tree skirt expands, along with 6 mm double-pointed needles for any sections requiring them. A 6 mm (US J/10) crochet hook is used exclusively for the finishing button bands and buttonhole details.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches and 18 rows over 10 by 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch using 6 mm needles. Knitters are advised to check gauge and adjust needle size if necessary to ensure proper finished dimensions. After completion, the tree skirt is hand-rinsed in lukewarm water and laid flat to dry to proper measurements. The opening is carefully cut between the machine-sewn rows that secure the steek, and seven buttons are evenly spaced and fastened to complete the functional opening.

Design Credit

This pattern was designed by Védís Jónsdóttir and is part of the Lopi collection, reflecting authentic Icelandic knitting traditions adapted for contemporary holiday home décor.