Knitted Donut Ornament
The knitted donut ornament is a charming addition to any holiday decor, adding a touch of handmade warmth and coziness to your tree. Its intricate design and soft textures make it a delightful and unique piece that is sure to spark joy and admiration from your guests. Whether nestled among traditional ornaments or showcased on its own, the knitted donut ornament brings a sense of whimsy and creativity to the festive season. It's the perfect way to infuse a bit of sweetness and nostalgia into your holiday celebrations. So, why not treat yourself to this adorable little accessory and spread some handmade magic this season!
Materials:
I knit my donuts using size 1 (2.25 mm) DPN needles and Aunt Lydia's crochet thread in Fashion 3 weight, because that's what I use for almost every amigurumi I make lately. If you decide to do the same, you'll end up with a donut that's about 2" in diameter and 1/2" high.
As for additional supplies, you'll need a small amount of batting to stuff the donut; beads, a beading needle and beading cord if you want to add sprinkles; a needle for assembly; and ribbon or cord from which to suspend the donut--if you want to make an ornament. It also helps to have a crochet hook, chopstick, or similar tool to assist with the stuffing process.
The donut is knit in one piece and the frosting/icing is knit separately then attached.
Here are the techniques you'll need:
Knit-in-the-Round
Cast On (CO)
Knit (K)
Purl (P)
Knit Front and Back (Kfb)
Knit Two Together (K2tog)
I-Cord
Bind Off
Total stiches are indicated within ( ) after increase and decrease rounds. Stitches to be repeated are indicated within [ ].
To knit the "body" of the donut, cast 24 sts on to 3 DPNs. Knit the following rounds:
Rnds 1- 5: K all sts.
Rnd 6: [K1, Kfb] 12 times (36 sts)
Rnd 7: [K2, Kfb] 12 times (48 sts)
Rnd 8: [K7, Kfb] 6 times (54 sts)
Rnds 9 - 14: K all sts
Rnd 15: [K7, K2tog] 6 times (48 sts)
Rnd 16: [K2, K2tog] 12 times (36 sts)
Rnd 17: [K1, K2tog] 12 times (24 sts)
Rnds 18-22: K all sts
Bind off.
Once you've finished knitting, push the first few rounds up through the center until the cast-on edge meets with the bind off edge. It should look a bit like a deflated inner tube.
Here's a rushed illustration of it:
You'll then stitch the cast-off edge and bind-off edges together, but only stitch about a quarter of the way around to start. Stuff that portion and then stitch a little more. You should start to see the donut shape emerge. Stuff and stitch in this fashion until you can barely access the interior. Then use a crochet hook, chopstick, or other tool to get that last bit of stuffing in there before your seam is closed and complete.
It's up to you how you'd like to ice or frost your donut. If you want a smooth top of icing, follow the steps below.
Leave a long cord and cast on 12 sts. Distribute on 3 DPNs and knit-in-the-round as follows:
Rnd 1: [K1, Kfb] 6 times (18 sts)
Rnd 2: [K1, Kfb] 9 times (27 sts)
Rnd 3: [K2, Kfb] 9 times (36 sts)
Rnd 4: [K2, Kfb] 12 times (48 sts)
Rnd 5: [K3, Kfb] 12 times (60 sts)
Bind off, leaving a long tail.
Use the cast-on tail to attach the frosting piece to the inner wall of the donut hole. Knot to secure and weave in end.
Use the bind-off tail to attach the frosting to the outer portion of the donut. Knot to secure and weave in end.
For a piped ribbon of icing, you just need to knit an i-cord that's approximately double the circumference of your donut. Use pins to plan the design of your icing and ensure your i-cord is long enough to do the job. Then make a few stitches at each bend to hold the design in place.
Add beads for a glittery, sprinkle-rich look. Suspend your donut from a loop of cord or just leave it as it is to be placed on a fancy plate.