Pattern

 I won't post any patterns from the Arne and Carlos book, but I'll post some general directions and some of my patterns, in case anyone is interested. Here's the chart for the argyle ball.

I use size 2 DPNs, and fingering weight yarn. Cascade Heritage works well, and comes in some nice Christmas colors. Patons Grace is also nice to work with, and cooler for summer knitting, but will make a little bit larger ball. Also, it doesn't come in a Christmas green. Two colors are easier to work with. Three tend to get tangled more, and I spend a lot more time untwisting the yarn.

The basic pattern is really easy. Cast on 12 and divide onto 4 needles. Leave enough of a tail that you can draw up and close the hole when you are ready to stuff it. Join and knit one round. On the next round, (knit 2 and increase 1)  4 times, so you have 4 stitches on each needle. The book says to Make One Back, but I just knit front and back of the stitch. This chart shows 1/4 of the ball. You'll knit this chart four times for each round. After I increase the first time, I place a marker and knit the first stitch of the next round onto the same needle, so it won't fall off. I am too easily distracted to keep good track of where I am. Knit another round. On the next round, knit one, increase one (Make One Front or Knit Front and Back), knit to the last stitch on the needle and then Knit it Front and Back or Make One Back after the last stitch. Each increase row will be the same, until you have 16 stitches on each needle. Attach your colored yarn and work the pattern, being sure to twist the yarn in back with each color change, so you don't leave a hole. I try not to carry the yarn more than 3 or 4 stitches without twisting.  When you're finished with a color, clip it and weave in the end.

You decrease in the same order that you increased, until you have 3 stitches on each needle. Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail. Using a yarn needle, thread the yarn through all of the 12 remaining stitches. Stuff and draw up the ends. Crochet a hanging loop.

Here are some more charts:

The double charts are done the same way, except you just repeat twice.

 

And here's a blank one to try your own pattern:

Here is a link to some more free Christmas ball patterns! Like I said - I'm a bit obsessed!