Wesley Bobs

Wesley Bobs by Ann Kingstone

What Is Being Made

Wesley Bobs are decorative knitted Christmas tree baubles inspired by an old Yorkshire dialect term referring to festive ornaments. The name derives from "Wassail," connecting these handmade decorations to traditional holiday celebrations. Each finished Wesley Bob measures 8cm (3 inches) in height without the hanging loop and 23cm (9 inches) in circumference, making them substantial, three-dimensional ornaments suitable for displaying on Christmas trees or as festive home décor.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is an advanced-level knitting project designed for experienced crafters. The Wesley Bobs are constructed using traditional knitting techniques to create three-dimensional spherical forms. The pattern requires understanding of shaping methods, stitch manipulation, and assembly techniques necessary to transform flat knitted pieces into dimensional baubles. The project involves careful tension control and precise stitch counting to achieve the proper proportions and spherical shape.

Stitches and Abbreviations Used

• k = knit stitch, the fundamental knitting stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together, a decrease method for shaping
• kfb = knit the front then the back of one stitch, an increase technique
• m1b = make one from the back, lifting the strand between stitches onto the passive needle and knitting it
• m1f = make one from the front, lifting the strand between stitches onto the passive needle and knitting through the back loop
• psso = pass slipped stitch(es) over, used in decrease sequences
• skp = slip one knitwise, knit one, pass slipped stitch over, a left-leaning decrease
• sl = slip stitch(es) either knitwise or purlwise as instructed
• tbl = through the back loop, a technique for altering stitch orientation
• rep = repeat, indicating pattern sections to be worked multiple times

Materials Required

Each Wesley Bob requires approximately 10 metres (11 yards) each of two contrasting colours in 4ply or fingering weight yarn. The pictured samples were created using baa ram ewe 'Titus' yarn in the White Rose and Wesley Bob shades, demonstrating the beautiful colour combinations possible with this project. Beyond yarn, you will need stuffing material to create the three-dimensional form; options include toy filling, wool fibre, or polystyrene beads depending on your preference for weight and texture.

Needles and Tools

This project is worked on 2.5mm (US 1½) needles, appropriate for the 4ply yarn weight specified. The needle size ensures proper gauge and stitch definition necessary for the advanced shaping techniques employed throughout the pattern.

Pattern Format

Wesley Bobs is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it accessible for digital reference during your knitting process. This format allows you to view abbreviations, instructions, and any accompanying charts or diagrams on screen or printed for convenient reference at your knitting station.