Free Knitting Pattern – Stuffed Acorn Decorations
These little stuffed acorns are so much fun and work up super quick. They are an adorable addition to your fall and holiday decor. Knit in the round with double point needles in one piece (no sewing the caps on later!), each acorn takes less than 30 min to make (for most) so you’ll have a whole bunch in no time.
Use them in your fall and Thanksgiving centerpiece, add a few to a wreath or garland, knit up a collection in different colours and place them in a bowl.
They will also transition nicely into your holiday decor. Add a little loop and small bow to the stem and hang them on your Christmas tree or garland. These also make awesome little gift toppers.
Perfect Stash Busting Project
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There are so many colours that would work, and you only need a small amount of yarn so go through your stash of worsted weight to see what combinations you can come up with.
I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted (affiliate link – see statement above). I knew that I wanted to knit them up in a few different colours and they have a huge selection, I always have lots in my stash. I used Green Tea Heather, Brass Heather and Persimmon Heather for the bases and Grizzly Heather for all of the tops.
You will also need a little bit of poly-fil for each of these
I wanted my acorns to be just a little but oversized. These measure 2.5” tall with the stem and about 2” wide. If you want yours to be more life sized you can switch to a sport weight wool and US3-US4 (3.25mm – 3.5mm) needles.
The Pattern
Size
2.5″ tall (including the stem)
2″ wide
Yarn and Materials
4 yards of base colour/main colour (MC) in worsted weight wool for one acorn
I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes (affiliate link) in Green Tea Heather, Brass Heather and Persimmon Heather
5.5 yards of top colour/contrast colour (CC) in worsted weight wool for one acorn
I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes (affiliate link)) in Grizzly Heather
Small amount of Poly-fil
Needles and Tools
Set of US6 (4mm) double point needles
Darning Needle
Gauge
1” = 4.5 stitches worked in stocking stitch
Abbreviations
CC – Contrast colour (top of the acorn)
CO – Cast On
DPNs – Double point needles
K2tog – (Knit 2 together) Decrease one by knitting the next 2 stitches together
KFB – Increase one by knitting into the front and back of the next stitch
M1 – Make one stitch. For this pattern you will picking up and knitting a new stitch in the leg of the next stitch on the left hand needle. This is also called a RLI (Right Lifted Increase)
MC – Main Colour (base of the acorn)
P2tog – (Purl 2 together) Decrease one by purling the next 2 stitches together
Instructions
CO 4 in MC on US6 (4mm) double point needle
KFB x4, split these across 3 DPNs, 4 on the first needle, 2 each on the second and third needle, join the round
Next Round: Knit
Note: for the M1s in the following increase rounds, pick up your new stitch from the leg of the next stitch on the left needle
Increase Round: [K1, M1, K1] repeat to end (12 stitches)
Next Round: Knit
Increase Round: [K2, M1, K1] repeat to end (16 stitches)
Next Round: Knit
Increase Round: [K3, M1, K1] repeat to end (20 stitches)
Knit 4 Rounds
Switch to CC
Next Round: Knit
Increase Round: [P1, PFB] repeat to end (30 stitches)
Next Round: Purl
Next Round: [K1, P1] repeat to end
Next Round: [P1, K1] repeat to end
Repeat the last 2 rounds once
Stop here to stuff the acorn, but first, weave in the loose ends from the colour change and close the hole in the bottom of the acorn. Run the cast on tail yarn through the CO stitches and pull. Run the yarn into the inside of the acorn, sew a couple stitches to secure and weave in the loose end.
Stuff the acorn using a small amount of poly-fil
Begin Decrease Rounds
Re-arrange the stitches on the DPNs so you have 12 on the first needle and 9 on the second and third needle
Decrease Round: [K1, P2tog, P1, K2tog] repeat to end
Decrease Round: [P2tog] repeat to end
Check your stuffing here. Add more if needed
Decrease Round: [P2tog] repeat to end – 5 stitches, split these across 2 DPNs
Purl 3 rounds for the stem
Cut yarn and run it through the remaining stitches with a darning needle and pull, sew a couple stitches to secure, then run the yarn through the center of the stem and into the acorn then out near the bottom. Trim the yarn then tug on the stem so the tail of the yarn gets lost in the stuffing
© 2021 Heather Pelletier – Handknit Hugs
Do not copy, re-distribute or sell this pattern either in whole or in part.
You may sell products made from this pattern – credit would be appreciated.
Thank you so much for checking out this pattern, I hope you have enjoyed it. If you want to support me all you have to do is share.
Please comment at the bottom of this post if you have any questions or feedback.
I would love to see your finished acorns, share your project on Ravelry or post a photo on Instagram and tag @handknithugs #hkhknitacorns
Feeling those Fall vibes? Try this cute pumpkin pattern to go with your acorns
