P369 Christmas Light Bunting

How to Knit Christmas Light Bunting

Create a colourful strand of knitted Christmas lights for a festive mantel, doorway, window or Christmas tree. Each light is knitted flat, seamed and filled with stuffing before being attached to a long crocheted chain.

The original design features 12 lights in assorted bright colours, each finished with a short white section to resemble the fitting at the top of a Christmas bulb.

Finished Measurements

The completed bunting chain measures approximately 400 cm.

According to the notes on page 2, a set of six lights measures approximately two metres once joined. The full 12-light strand therefore creates a generously sized decoration.

What You Will Need

Yarn

The original pattern uses Makr Organic Cotton in 100 g balls:

• White: 1 ball for the connecting chain and the top of each light
• Assorted colours: 12 colours for the knitted lights

Only a small amount of each coloured yarn is required for one light, so leftover yarn may be used when it matches the required thickness and tension.

Needles and Equipment

• 4 mm straight knitting needles
• 4 mm crochet hook
• Approximately 200 g of soft toy filling
• Wool needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Stitch markers, if desired

Tension

Using 4 mm needles, work to the following tension:

17 stitches and 32 rows over 10 cm in garter stitch.

Although the lights are mainly worked in stocking stitch, checking the listed tension will help keep all 12 pieces consistent in size.

Abbreviations

• B&T: Break yarn and thread it through the remaining stitches
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together
• Kfb: Knit into the front and back of the same stitch
• M1: Make one stitch by lifting the strand between two stitches and knitting into the back of it
• St or sts: Stitch or stitches
• St st: Stocking stitch
• Ch: Chain
• Dc: Double crochet

Construction Overview

The bunting is made in four stages:

1. Knit 12 coloured light shapes.
2. Add the white fitting at the top of each light.
3. Seam and stuff each piece.
4. Crochet a long white chain and attach the lights at regular intervals.

Knit the Christmas Lights

Make 12 lights in assorted colours.

Cast On and Widen the Base

Using the first coloured yarn, cast on 4 stitches.

Row 1

Knit into the front and back of every stitch.

You should have 8 stitches.

Rows 2–4

Beginning with a purl row, work three rows in stocking stitch.

First Increase Section

Row 5

Repeat knit one, make one, knit one across the row.

You should have 12 stitches.

Work three further rows in stocking stitch.

Second Increase Section

Row 9

Repeat knit one, make one, knit one across.

You should have 18 stitches.

Work three further rows in stocking stitch.

Widen the Centre of the Light

Row 13

Repeat knit one, make one, knit one across.

You should have 27 stitches.

Work seven rows in stocking stitch without further shaping.

Shape the Top of the Bulb

First Decrease Row

Knit two stitches together repeatedly until one stitch remains, then knit the final stitch.

You should have 14 stitches.

Next Row

Purl every stitch.

Second Decrease Row

Knit two stitches together across the row.

You should have 7 stitches.

Next Row

Purl every stitch.

Add the White Light Fitting

Break off the coloured yarn and change to white.

Work four rows in stocking stitch.

On the next row, knit two stitches together repeatedly until one stitch remains, then knit the final stitch.

Cut the yarn, leaving a generous tail. Thread it through the remaining stitches, draw them together firmly and secure.

Make the Remaining Lights

Repeat the complete knitting instructions in 11 additional colours.

The source photograph on page 1 shows a bright mix of red, teal, turquoise, pink, mint, orange, blue, yellow, pale pink, sky blue, lilac and green.

Assemble Each Light

1. Fold the knitted light lengthways with the wrong side facing out.
2. Use matching yarn to oversew the row ends together.
3. Leave a small opening near the centre of the seam.
4. Turn the light right side out.
5. Add toy filling gradually, pushing it into the pointed end and rounded centre.
6. Stuff the light firmly enough to hold its shape without stretching the stitches.
7. Sew the remaining opening closed.
8. Weave in all loose yarn ends.

Crochet the Bunting Chain

Using white yarn and the 4 mm crochet hook, begin by chaining 50 stitches.

1. Work one double crochet into the top of the first knitted light.
2. Chain another 50 stitches.
3. Work one double crochet into the top of the next light.
4. Continue alternating 50 chains and one attached light until all 12 lights have been joined.
5. After the final light, chain another 50 stitches.
6. Cut the yarn and pull the end through securely.
7. Weave both yarn ends into the chain.

The 50-chain sections create the hanging ends and even spacing between the lights.

Check the Spacing

Lay the completed bunting flat before hanging it. Check that all lights face the same direction and are spaced evenly.

When a shorter strand is preferred, use six lights. The source notes that six lights joined in the same way will measure approximately two metres.

Finishing

1. Check every light seam.
2. Check that each light is securely attached to the chain.
3. Adjust the stuffing to create even shapes.
4. Weave in any visible yarn ends.
5. Gently steam or shape the white fittings if required.

Alternative Yarns for This Project

The source recommends using the specified yarn because a substitute may change the finished results. When substituting, select a smooth yarn that achieves the stated tension and creates a dense fabric.

• 8 ply cotton – provides a firm shape and clear stitch definition.
• 8 ply organic cotton – offers the closest finish to the original project.
• 8 ply cotton and acrylic blend – produces a slightly lighter, softer light.
• 8 ply anti-pilling acrylic – an affordable option with a broad colour range.
• 8 ply wool and acrylic blend – creates a softer, springier decoration.

Choosing the Best Substitute

Cotton is especially suitable because it helps the lights retain their shape and makes the bright colours appear crisp.

Acrylic or wool blends may create softer lights and may stretch more during stuffing. Use a smaller needle when necessary to prevent the filling from showing through.

Avoid highly fluffy, loosely spun or novelty yarns, as they may obscure the shaping and make the seam bulky.

Colour Ideas

• Bright rainbow colours
• Traditional red, green, white and gold
• Pastel pink, mint, lilac and blue
• Red and white candy-cane colours
• Metallic-inspired gold, silver and copper
• One colour in several tonal shades
• Neutral cream lights with a natural-coloured chain

Alternative Uses

• Christmas tree garland
• Mantel or shelf decoration
• Window display
• Festive doorway decoration
• Children’s bedroom garland
• Christmas market or shop display
• Individual lights used as gift toppers

Safety

This bunting is decorative and should not be treated as an electrical light strand. Keep it away from candles, heaters, fireplaces and other heat sources.

Hang the strand securely and keep long cords out of reach of babies and young children.

Care and Storage

Spot clean where possible. When washing is required, follow the care instructions on the selected yarn label and ensure the stuffing dries completely.

Store the bunting loosely coiled in a dry container. Avoid compressing the lights, as this may flatten their shape.