How to Knit a Bobble Tree Pattern

After conquering the simple knit and purl stitches, you may be looking for something a little more challenging. The bobble tree pattern is an intricate stitch used to embellish a knitted piece and can add depth and dimension to your work. Here's how to knit a bobble tree pattern.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Knitting needles
• Good lighting
• Fine gauge yarn
• Comfortable chair

Making the Tree

1. Begin with the first row. Knit 5, purl 2, then knit 5.

2. Build the second row. Start by Purling 4 then cross 2 back. To do this, knit into the back of second stitch on needle, and then knit the first stitch, slipping both stitches off needle at the same time. Then cross 2 front, to do this, knit into front of second stitch on needle, and then knit the first stitch, slipping both stitches off needle at the same time. Finally purl 4.

3. Start the third tow by knitting 3. Twist 2 front. To do this, slip the next stitch onto the cable needle and hold it at front of your work, purl the next stitch from left hand needle, then knit stitch from the cable needle. Purl 2, then twist 2 back. To do this, slip the next stitch onto the cable needle and hold it at back of your work, knit the next stitch from left hand needle, then purl stitch from the cable needle. Finally Knit 3.

4. Work the fourth row. Purl 2, twist 2 back, cross 2 back, cross 2 front, twist 2 front then purl 2.

5. Fashion the fifth row. Knit 1, twist 2 front, knit 1, purl 4, knit 1, twist 2 back, knit 2.

6. Knit the sixth row. Twist 2 back, purl 1, Twist 2 back, knit 2, twist 2 front, purl 1, twist 2 front.

7. Finish with the seventh row. Purl 1, knit 2, purl 1, knit 1, purl 1, knit 1, purl 1, knit 2, purl 1.

Making the Bobbles

8. Knit the next row. Start by making a bobble. To make the bobble, knit into front, back and then front of next stitch, turn and knit 3, turn and purl 3, turn and knit 3, turn and slip one stitch, knit 2 together, then pass slipped stitch over. Then purl1, Twist 2 back, purl 1, knit 2, purl 1, twist 2 front, then purl 1. Then make another bobble using the directions above.

9. Go to the next row. Knit 2, purl 1, knit 2, purl 2, knit 2, purl 1then knit 2.

10. Complete the last row. Purl 2, make a bobble, purl 2, knit 2, purl 2, make a bobble then purl 2.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check your gauge to make sure your work will be sized correctly. If the needles you are working with are creating a piece too big then switch to a smaller set of needles and vice versa.
• To make the directions easier to read, you might want to abbreviate some of the steps, for instance "cross 2 back" might be more simply put "c2b."
• Finish your work by feeding your contrasting yarn through the base work.