28 Free Knit Christmas Ornament Patterns
Update your tree with these free knit Christmas ornament patterns from Yarnspirations! Make food, animals, or sweaters in miniature sizes. You can do an entire tree around one theme, such as snowmen, or just mix your handmade ornaments into your larger tree theme.
Don't miss the free crochet Christmas ornament patterns!
By Marly Bird, designing knit and crochet patterns since 2007 · Updated November 2026
What You Need to Know
- What it is: 28 free ornament patterns from Yarnspirations: 27 knit, plus 1 crochet bonus (the Gingerbread House).
- Skill level: 21 knit patterns are rated Easy and 6 are rated Intermediate. These are Yarnspirations' ratings.
- You'll need: yarn (many of these use Red Heart Super Saver), knitting needles and a tapestry needle. Each pattern page lists the exact yarn, needle size and notions.
- Free: every pattern is free on Yarnspirations, with no sign-up. Jump to the patterns.
🎄 Countdown to Christmas 🎄
Until Christmas Morning! 🎄
🤴 Start your handmade gifts now — December comes faster than you think! 🎅
🥒 Which knit ornaments look like food?
Your ornaments will look good enough to eat by the time you're done! Some can even double as play food the rest of the year.
🐻 Which knit ornaments are animals?
Use yarn to make loops instead of using sharp hooks, and you can take these ornaments down and use them as toys or other decorations!
Bonus: Watch my free video tutorial to learn how to make the polar bears!
🧦 Which sweater and mitten ornaments can you knit?
Mini sweaters and mittens add a touch of fun to your tree!
🎄 What other knit ornaments are there?
Ornaments can come in any style! These don't fit into the other themes, but there's still sure to be some you'll want to make.
🧶 What yarn do these ornaments use?
Many of these patterns use Red Heart Super Saver, a worsted-weight acrylic that comes in well over 100 shades, so you can match any tree. The rest use Patons, Bernat, Lily Sugar'n Cream, Caron and Aunt Lydia's. The exact yarn for each ornament is on its pattern page.
Affiliate link: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
🎁 What else can you make for Christmas?
If you like making ornaments, these are worth a look too.
💛 Final thoughts
Make one, make a dozen, or make a whole themed tree. Handmade ornaments get better with every year they come out of the box. Share yours with #MMMDI (Marly Made Me Do It). I love seeing them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are these knit Christmas ornament patterns really free?
Yes. All 28 patterns are free on Yarnspirations, and the pattern pages say no sign-up is needed. The links in this post take you straight to each pattern.
Which of these ornaments are best for beginners?
Yarnspirations rates 21 of the 27 knit patterns Easy, including the Jolly Pickle, Cup of Cocoa, Georgie Giraffe and Leon the Lion. Six are rated Intermediate: Polar Bear, Partridge and Pear, Mitten Ornaments (yarn), Noel Sweater, Classic Christmas Tree and Merry Fair Isle. Those labels are Yarnspirations' ratings, not mine.
What kinds of Christmas ornaments can I knit?
This list covers food (pickle, cocoa, pudding), animals (polar bears, giraffe, lion, Dala horse), sweaters and mittens, trees, hearts, wreaths, stars, snowmen and Santa gnomes. If you want colorwork, try the Merry Fair Isle Knit Ornaments.
What yarn is best for knitted ornaments?
Start with the yarn named in the pattern. Many of these use Red Heart Super Saver, a worsted-weight acrylic. If you choose your own, pick a smooth yarn with good stitch definition so shaping and colorwork show. Wool and wool blends feel right for the holidays and block well. A different weight changes the finished size, so check your gauge against the pattern.
How do I stuff a knitted ornament so it keeps its shape?
Fiberfill is the usual choice. Stuff firmly, but not so tightly that the stitches stretch open. For an ornament that must stay perfectly round, you can cover a foam or plastic ball with the knitted piece instead. Blocking before you assemble also helps three-dimensional pieces hold their shape.
How do I attach a hanger to a knitted ornament?
Thread a loop of sturdy yarn, ribbon or cord through the stitches at the top with a tapestry needle and tie it securely. Satin ribbon looks lovely. Ornaments get handled for many holiday seasons, so make sure the hanger is firmly attached, especially on heavier pieces.
Can I make knit ornaments from leftover yarn?
Yes. Ornaments are small and use very little yarn, so they are a good way to use up scraps from socks, hats and sweaters. For colorwork ornaments you only need small amounts of each color.
Is the Gingerbread House ornament a knit pattern?
No. The Gingerbread House Crochet Ornaments are the one crochet pattern in this list, included as a bonus in the food section.
Categories: Free Patterns
