The Free Pattern

See "The Details" tab for size, yarn, needle, and gauge information.

Glossary: K = knit; P = purl; RS = right side; Sl = slip purlwise (insert right needle into next stitch as if to purl and transfer it to the right needle without working it); St(s) = stitch(es); WS = wrong side.

Special Techniques:
C&T = clip and turn short-row shaping (clip locking marker around working yarn at wrong side and turn work (abbreviated here as C&T). Each time you C&T, remember to snug marker up against the WS before you slip first stitch of next row; don’t let marker slide down working yarn. Close turning gaps: Work across row to first turning gap; slip next st from left needle to right needle; use marker to lift (gently, don’t pull!) marked strand across gap onto left needle with right leg in front; pass slipped st back from right needle onto left needle; purl st and marked strand together. Repeat until all gaps in this section are closed, removing markers.

LS = loop stitch (Knit into front of next stitch (as usual) and, before letting stitch off left needle, bring yarn forward between needles, loop yarn under pinky or fourth finger of left hand (‘pickers’ or continental knitters, it may be more comfortable to use left thumb to swing loop down in front between needles and catch under right thumb); bring yarn back between the needles; now knit into back of same stitch. You have made 2 stitches on right needle; bind off first stitch over second to lock down. [1 st remains]).

Cast on:
Using cable cast-on method, cast on 19 sts.

First wedge:
Row 1 (RS): Sl 1, K until 4 sts remain on left needle, work LS (see Special Techniques above) into next 4 sts.

Row 2 (WS): P to end.

Row 3 (RS): S1, K until 4 sts remain on left needle, work LS into next 4 sts.

Next Row (WS): Purl across until 2 sts remain on left needle, C & T (see Special Techniques above).

Next Row (RS): Sl 1, K until 4 sts remain, work LS into next 4 sts.

Row 1 (WS): Purl until 2 sts before turning gap, C & T.

Row 2 (RS): Sl 1, K until 4 sts remain, work LS into next 4 sts.

Repeat last two rows 5 more times, ending with Row 2. [7 C&T’s completed]

Next row: Purl across, closing all turning gaps (see Special Technique C&T, above) as you come to them.

Repeat entire ‘first wedge’ section 8 more times. [9 wedges completed]

Final wedge:
Row 1 (RS): Sl 1, K to end.

Row 2 (WS): P to end.

Row 3 (RS): Sl 1, K to end.

Next Row (WS): Purl across until 2 sts remain on left needle, C & T.

Next Row (RS): Sl 1, K to end.

Row 1 (WS): Purl until 2 sts before turning gap, C & T.

Row 2 (RS): Sl 1, K to end.

Repeat last two rows 5 more times, ending with a Row 2. [7 C&T’s completed]

Next row: Purl across, closing all turning gaps as you come to them.

Bind off:
Bind off all stitches matching tension of cast-on edge as closely as possible. Weave in ends on wrong side.

Blocking:
Soak tree skirt in tepid water with a little no-rinse wool soap, soaking at least 20 minutes after water is completely absorbed. Gently squeeze out as much water as possible. Roll up in towel(s) and gently squeeze out more moisture; or place in a zippered pillowcase and run through spin-only cycle in washing machine. Lay flat on moisture-safe surface, gently nudging to desired dimensions. Allow to dry thoroughly. Shake to fluff up loops.