Free Knit Christmas Ornament Pattern: Pixel Pop Mosaic Slip Stitch
By Marly Bird, designing knit and crochet patterns since 2007 · Updated November 2026
The Pixel Pop Knit Christmas Ornament is a free knitting pattern that wraps a band of colorful mosaic slip stitch around a 3-inch ball ornament. It is worked in the round on double-pointed needles with about 50 yards of worsted-weight scraps, so it is a quick, stash-busting project for an Advanced Beginner. 🎄
💡 What You Need to Know
- What it is: a free knit Christmas ornament with a band of Pixel Pop mosaic slip stitch, worked in the round around a 3-inch ball or 3.5-inch disc.
- Skill level: Advanced Beginner.
- You’ll need: about 50 yds [46 m] of worsted-weight scraps in 3 (or 6) colors, a set of 5 U.S. 8 [5 mm] double-pointed needles, and a 3" ball or 3.5" disc ornament (or stuffing).
- Time: I can finish one in about an hour.
- Free to view: the full written pattern is on this page. Jump to the pattern.
- Ad-free PDF (optional, for purchase): an uninterrupted crafting experience, with the video tutorials included. See where to get it.
📌 Save it for later
Pin this pattern or bookmark this page so the free ornament pattern is easy to find when you are ready to cast on.
Planning a whole tree? The 28 free knit Christmas ornament patterns roundup is a great next stop.
🎁 Upgrade to the Ad-Free PDF Pattern
The full written pattern is free to view on this page. Want an uninterrupted crafting experience, a beautifully formatted pattern, or the video tutorials all in one place? The ad-free PDF is available for purchase and includes:
- 🚫 An ad-free, easy-to-print layout
- 📖 Easy-to-follow written instructions for worsted weight scraps
- 🎥 Exclusive access to video tutorials
📌 Get the Pixel Pop Knit Ornament Ad-Free PDF
🎄 How Do You Knit a Christmas Ornament?
You knit a seamless ball-shaped cover in the round, then close it around your ornament. Here is the whole project at a glance. The full written pattern, with every round, starts here.
- Cast on 6 stitches on double-pointed needles and increase to 48 stitches in one solid color.
- Knit the Pixel Pop band: 8 rounds of mosaic slip stitch (10 with six colors), changing color every 2 rounds.
- Weave in your ends, then slide your ball, disc or stuffing inside the knitting.
- Decrease in a solid color as you knit around the ornament, back down to 6 stitches.
- Close the top and add a hanging loop with a crochet chain, braided yarn or twine.
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💛 The Story Behind the Pixel Pop Ornament
Hey, BiCrafty Bestie 💛 The Pixel Pop Knit Hat was my pattern for our very first fall event, and you absolutely loved it. So many of you made one, and I understand why. Mosaic slip stitch turns small bits of leftover yarn into bright, colorful stitches, which makes it one of my favorite ways to use up stash.
The stitch pattern was such a hit that Pixel Pop grew into a whole family of projects, including ornaments, mittens and dog sweaters. An ornament was the natural next step.
I kept it simple. The Pixel Pop band is worked in the round around the center of the ornament, just like knitting a hat, so the technique already feels familiar. And because mosaic slip stitch uses one color per round, there are no long strands of yarn to carry, so there is no stress.
This ornament was very popular last year, and it is a wonderful way to fill your tree and create the handmade Christmas you have been planning. It is its own pattern: the ornament is not part of the Pixel Pop Knit Hat pattern. I knit my very first one in the stands at an Indianapolis Colts game, and I can finish an ornament in about an hour. 🏈
🧺 Why You Will Love This Scrap-Busting Ornament
Not in the mood for scraps? Sometimes you want a matching, uniform set for the tree or for gifts. I knit my sample in KnitPicks Swish Worsted, and I share more worsted yarns I love, with shop links, in the yarn section below. 🧶
🤔 Is This Knit Ornament Pattern Right for You?
- ✅ Yes, if you have knit in the round on double-pointed needles and can work a knit front and back increase (or want to learn: the video tutorials are linked below).
- ✅ Yes, if you have a bag of worsted-weight scraps you want to put to good use.
- ❌ Maybe not yet, if double-pointed needles are brand new to you. The ornament starts with just 6 stitches, which can feel fiddly the first time. The No Cuss Cast-On video helps.
- ❌ Not this one, if you want a crochet ornament. This pattern is knit only.
📏 Quick Facts: Size, Yarn, Needles and Time
| Craft | Knit |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Advanced Beginner |
| Finished size | 3" [7.5 cm] in diameter, 9½" [24 cm] in circumference |
| Yarn | Scraps of worsted weight in 3 (6) colors, approx 50 yds [46 m] altogether |
| Needles | U.S. 8 [5 mm] set of 5 double-pointed needles, or size to obtain gauge |
| Construction | In the round, bottom up, knit around an ornament ball, disc or stuffing |
| Time | I can finish one in about an hour (your time may vary) |
| Best for | Stash-busting, gifts and tree trimming |
🧶 What Yarn and Supplies Do You Need?
You need about 50 yards of worsted-weight scrap yarn, a set of five double-pointed needles, and something to knit around: a clear 3-inch ball, a 3.5-inch disc, or stuffing.
🧶 Yarn
Scraps of worsted weight in 3 (6) colors; approx 50 yds [46 m] altogether.
Note: The pattern will still work with even more colors, but will lose the repeating effect.
The yarn I used: KnitPicks Swish Worsted, a soft superwash merino. Want a matching set instead of scraps? Grab the same yarn here:
Affiliate link: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
🌈 Worsted-Weight Yarn Alternatives
Any worsted-weight yarn works, and each of these is the same weight as the pattern calls for. Pick your favorite colors and go:
Affiliate links: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
🪡 Needles
U.S. 8 [5 mm] set of 5 double-pointed needles, or size to obtain gauge.
🧷 Hook
Crochet hook in similar size for use in creating hanging loop.
🛍️ Notions
- Stitch markers (Amazon, opens in a new tab)
- Tapestry needle (opens in a new tab)
- Tape measure (opens in a new tab)
- 3″ DIY Clear Glass Ball Ornament (Michaels, opens in a new tab) or 3.5″ DIY Clear Plastic Disc Ornament (Michaels, opens in a new tab)
Note: Stuffing or spare yarn scraps can be used instead of the ornament ball or disc.
🛒 Shop more of my favorite knitting supplies in my Amazon store (opens in a new tab)
📋 Pixel Pop Knit Christmas Ornament || Pattern Details
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner
Finished Measurements
Ornament measures 3” [7.5 cm] in diameter and 9½“ [24 cm] in circumference.
Gauge
20 sts = 4” [10 cm] in Mosaic Color Slip Stitch pattern.
Note: Gauge is not critical for this item.
Abbreviations
- K – Knit
- Kfb – Knit Front & Back (see Special Stitches)
- P – Purl
- P2tog – Purl 2 together
- RS – Right Side
- Sl – Slip
- St(s) – Stitch(es)
- WS – Wrong Side
- Wyib – With Yarn in Back
- Wyif – With Yarn in Front
Special Stitches
⭐ Knit Front & Back (Kfb): Knit through front and back of next stitch – 1 stitch increased.
Mosaic Slip Stitch Color Pattern (Circular)
Worked circularly over a multiple of 4 sts.
Setup Round: Knit.
Change to next color.
Rounds 1–2: * K3, sl 1 wyib; repeat from * around.
Change to next color.
Rounds 3–4 (next color): * K1, sl 1 wyib, k2; repeat from * around.
Repeat Rounds 1-4 for Mosaic Slip Stitch Color pattern, being sure to change to the next color every 2 rounds.
Mosaic Slip Stitch Color Pattern (Flat)
Worked flat over a multiple of 4 sts plus 2.
Note: Ornament is worked entirely in the round. The flat version of Mosaic Slip Stitch Color pattern is given here for purposes of measuring gauge.
Setup Row (WS): Purl.
Change to next color.
Row 1 (RS): K1, * k3, sl 1 wyib; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 2: P1, * sl 1 wyif, p3; repeat from * to last st, p1.
Change to next color.
Row 3: K1, * k1, sl 1 wyib, k2; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 4: P1, * p2, sl 1 wyif, p1; repeat from * to last st, p1.
Repeat Rows 1-4 for Mosaic Slip Stitch Color pattern, being sure to change to the next color every 2 rows.
Notes
- Directions are for using just 3 colors; changes for 6 colors are in parentheses. When only one number is given then that number applies to all sizes.
- Ornament is worked in the round from the bottom up, beginning and ending with just 6 sts, and featuring a Mosaic Slip Stitch Color Pattern around the center band.
- A DIY ornament ball or disc or stuffing is placed into fabric before it is completed, and the knitting continues around it as the rounds get smaller around the top.
- An optional crochet chain is used for a hanging loop. Feel free to use braided yarn or twine or simply one strand of looped yarn instead.
- Mosaic colorwork uses slip stitches, and only one color is used per round.
🎥 Video Tutorials
Every step has a video. Watch right here on the page, or tap View on YouTube under any video to open it there.
No Cuss Cast-On for Double Pointed Needles
Knit Stitch, Continental
Purl Stitch, Continental
How to Knit Front and Back Increase
Pixel Pop Hat, Mosaic Slip Stitch Knitting
How to Add a Lifeline, 3 Ways
How to Tink
How to Bury Ends
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I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
🎄 Pixel Pop Knit Christmas Ornament || Pattern Instructions
🪡 Increase Section
Use one solid color of your choice for the entire increase section.
Cast on 6 sts using the no-cuss cast-on (see Video Tutorials).
Join round being careful to not twist cast-on edge, and mark first st.
Round 1: Knit.
Round 2 (increase round): * Kfb; repeat from * around.
Count: 12 sts.
Round 3: Knit.
Round 4 (increase round): * K1, kfb; repeat from * around.
Count: 18 sts.
Round 5: Knit.
Round 6 (increase round): * K2, kfb; repeat from * around.
Count: 24 sts.
Round 7: Knit.
Round 8 (increase round): * K3, kfb; repeat from * around.
Count: 30 sts.
Round 9: Knit.
Round 10 (increase round): * K4, kfb; repeat from * around.
Count: 36 sts.
Round 11: Knit.
Round 12 (increase round): * K5, kfb; repeat from * around.
Count: 42 sts.
Round 13: Knit.
Round 14 (increase round): * K6, kfb; repeat from * around.
Count: 48 sts.
Round 15: Knit.
🌈 Mosaic Color Section
Change to the next color of your choice.
Work 8 (10) rounds in circular Mosaic Slip Stitch Color Pattern beginning with pattern Round #1, and being sure to change colors after every 2 rounds.
Note: There is no need to work the setup round for this pattern, the last solid-color row worked counts as the setup round.
🧵 First Finishing
Thread beginning yarn tail into tapestry needle. Weave needle through 1 leg only of each cast-on st, then pull right like a drawstring.
Weave in all ends at this time.
Insert ball or disc or stuffing into the fabric, and proceed to the Decrease section, continuing to knit around the ball.
🔻 Decrease Section
Use one solid color of your choice for entire decrease section.
Round 1: Knit.
Round 2 (decrease round): * K6, p2tog; repeat from * around.
Count: 42 sts.
Round 3: Knit.
Round 4 (decrease round): * K5, p2tog; repeat from * around.
Count: 36 sts.
Round 5: Knit.
Round 6 (decrease round): * K4, p2tog; repeat from * around.
Count: 30 sts.
Round 7: Knit.
Round 8 (decrease round): * K3, p2tog; repeat from * around.
Count: 24 sts.
Round 9: Knit.
Round 10 (decrease round): * K2, p2tog; repeat from * around.
Count: 18 sts.
Round 11: Knit.
Round 12 (decrease round): * K1, p2tog; repeat from * around.
Count: 12 sts.
Round 13: Knit.
Round 14 (decrease round): * p2tog; repeat from * around.
Count: 6 sts.
Cut yarn, thread tail on tapestry needle, and weave through all remaining sts knitwise.
Pull tight like a drawstring to close. Weave in yarn tails.
🎀 Crochet Hanging Loop (optional)
Place slip knot on crochet hook, and slip stitch to top of ball.
Create a chain 9” [23 cm] long, then slip stitch again to top of ball. Fasten off.
🎁 Loved This Pattern? Get the Ad-Free PDF
Keep the Pixel Pop Knit Ornament in your pattern stash with an uninterrupted crafting experience and the video tutorials included.
🎄 Get in the Christmas Tree Decorating Spirit with Handmade Ornaments
Hand knit Christmas ornaments are one of my favorite traditions to start, and one of the easiest to carry on year after year. Every ornament on the tree holds a memory: the yarn you chose, the show you watched while you knit it, the friend you made it with. 💛
Here is why I think you should make handmade ornaments this year:
- 🎁 They make wonderful gifts. A hand knit ornament says “I made this just for you,” and it takes about an hour, not a weekend.
- 🍬 They hold small surprises. Fill a clear ball ornament with a gift card, a little treat or a note, and the gift is ready to hang.
- 🧶 They use up your stash. Scrap yarn turns into colorful decorations, so there is no new yarn to buy.
- 🚗 They are portable projects. Toss your needles, a few yarn scraps and your pattern in a bag and knit while you wait at appointments, ride in the car or cheer from the stands.
- 📹 They come with video support. Every new technique in the Pixel Pop ornament has a step-by-step video tutorial, so you can learn as you go.
Looking for more hand knit tree decorations? The patterns in the photo above are all in the 2026 Sleigh the Holiday collection in Marly Bird House, with video help for every one. Want more free ideas? Browse my 28 free knit Christmas ornament patterns.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About the Knit Ornament
What yarn and needles do I need to knit a Christmas ornament?
Use scraps of worsted-weight yarn, about 50 yards [46 m] in total across 3 (or 6) colors, and a set of 5 U.S. 8 [5 mm] double-pointed needles, or the size that gets gauge. Gauge is 20 stitches = 4 inches in mosaic slip stitch, and it is not critical for this ornament. A different yarn weight changes the size of the knitting, so check the fit around your ornament before the decrease section.
Do I need a glass ball, or can I use something else?
You can use a 3-inch clear glass ball, a 3.5-inch clear plastic disc, or simply stuffing or spare yarn scraps. If you plan to mail your ornaments or have little ones and pets around the tree, the plastic disc or stuffing means nothing can shatter.
When do I put the ornament inside the knitting?
After you finish the Pixel Pop band and weave in all your ends. Slide the ball, disc or stuffing inside the fabric, then work the Decrease section, knitting around it as the rounds get smaller toward the top.
Can I knit this ornament flat?
No. The ornament is worked entirely in the round. The pattern includes a flat version of the mosaic slip stitch only so you can measure gauge.
Is mosaic slip stitch hard?
It is easier than it looks. You use only one color per round and slip some stitches, so there are no long strands of yarn to carry. If you have knit the Pixel Pop Hat, you already know this stitch pattern, and the video tutorials are linked in the pattern details.
How long does it take to knit a Pixel Pop ornament?
I can finish one in about an hour. I knit my first one in the stands at an Indianapolis Colts game. Your time will depend on your pace and how comfortable you are with double-pointed needles.
How do I make the hanging loop?
Use a crochet hook to slip stitch to the top of the ornament, chain 9 inches [23 cm], then slip stitch to the top again and fasten off. You can also use braided yarn, twine, or a single looped strand of yarn instead.
Is the Pixel Pop ornament pattern free, and is there a PDF?
Yes, the full written pattern is free to view on this page. An ad-free PDF with the video tutorials is available for purchase on Etsy, Shopify and Ravelry.
💖 If You Love These Ornaments, You Will Love These
Keep the holiday making going with more ideas for your tree, your stockings and your Pixel Pop stash.
🧤 Prefer a matching set? The Pixel Pop Knit Mittens and the Pixel Pop Puppy Sweater use the same mosaic slip stitch (PDF patterns for purchase).
💛 Final Thoughts
Grab your scrap bag, pick a few colors that make you happy, and knit a Pixel Pop ornament or a whole set. It is a small project with a big handmade payoff, and it is a great way to fill your tree with something you made yourself.
When you finish yours, share it and tag me, and use #MMMDI (Marly Made Me Do It) and #PixelPopOrnament so I can see it.
Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
Categories: Free Patterns, Knitting, Marly Bird Premium Patterns, Our Free Patterns, Pattern
