Using hyperbolic theory to knit a holiday ornament

I can’t get around a math book without a calculator, and calculus was a real challenge for me, but I did sit up and take notice the first time I saw hyperbolic shapes made from knitting and crochet. I’ll let others explain the details of hyperbolic fabric, but in this post, I’ll show you how I made an interesting little pine cone based on “hyperbolic knitting”.

Yesterday we looked at little knit gift boxes knit with Classic Shades Frenzy. For my pine cone ornament, I used its sister yarn, Classic Shades Sequins Lite.

The hyperbolic pine cone ‘recipe’

With any yarn scraps you have and wish to use, and a pair of needles that is one size smaller than the one recommended on the ball band, cast on 6 stitches.

Row 1: K1, yo, k2, yo, k2, yo, k1. 9 sts

Row 2: [K2, yo] 4 times, k1. 13 sts

Row 3: Knit.

Row 4: [K2, yo] 6 times, k1. 19 sts

Row 5: Knit.

Row 6: [K2, yo] 8 times, k1. 27 sts

Row 7: Knit.

Row 8: [K2, yo] across to last st, k1.

Repeat last 2 rows until you have between 55 and 85 sts, according to your taste and the size you want.

Last row: *Bind off 4 sts, work bind off picot (see video below); rep from * across.

Fasten off and cut yarn leaving a 6″ [15cm] end.

Thread end onto a tapestry needle and weave the needle back and forth along the side toward the cast on edge, along the cast-on edge, and up the opposite side of the work towards the picot edge. Pull the thread to cinch up the fabric and secure the yarn with a knot.

Make 2 or 3 of these and join them together at the knot. Shape the gathered folds of fabric into spirals to produce an organic pine cone look.

This pattern gives a very organic look, and it might not even resemble a pine cone to some, but with different yarns and in a variety of colors, you can make some very interesting conversation pieces that will have a better story than the Christmas pickle.