Knit a stunning angel for your Christmas tree. Her bodice and sleeves are patterned with a cabled hearts design, and the lacework skirt is supported by a gold underskirt so that you can see snatches of gold through the eyelets. She’s finished off with quilted wings and a sparkling halo.

This pattern includes cabling and lace technique on a small scale and is ideal for those who want to have a go without committing to a lengthy project. To suit beginners, we also provide an adaptation with no cabling.

Difficulty: Easy to medium depending on whether you want to include the cabling.

Stitches used: k2tog, p2tog, kfb, sl1p, yfwd, T2L / T2R, C3L / C3R

You will need:

• Wool: 40g white, 10g skin-colour, 10g hair-colour, 25g gold. I used Double Knit (8-6 ply, “light worsted”.) Tension square: 10cm x 10cm square is 24 stitches across and 32 rows.
• Knitting needles. I used UK 11 (3.0mm, US size 2.5)
• Cable needle
• Tapestry needle
• Two toy safety-eyes, or wool to embroider eyes
• Stuffing
• Two stitch-holders / safety-pins / spare needles
• Optional: gold braid, small beads

In memory of a much-missed friend - the angel happened to come out bearing quite the resemblance!