The Sugarplum Gumdrop Tutu: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Whimsical, Textured Christmas Tutu

Create a Whimsical Heirloom: The Sugarplum Gumdrop Tutu

Imagine a Christmas tutu that looks like it was plucked from a vintage holiday storybook. The Sugarplum Gumdrop Tutu combines the cozy texture of knitted fabric with playful, three-dimensional gumdrop puffs in jewel-toned colors. This free pattern is perfect for creating a magical, heirloom-quality costume piece for holiday photos, dress-up, or festive celebrations. Even if you're a beginner, the simple knitting techniques and clear instructions will guide you to a stunning result that will be treasured for years.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these supplies. The gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency in your tension will help ensure even sizing.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 5 colors: Ruby Red (A), Emerald Green (B), Sapphire Blue (C), Golden Yellow (D), and White (E). Approximately 50g of each color. Also, 100g of soft white or cream yarn for the tutu base.
• Knitting Needles: US Size 7 (4.5mm) for the gumdrops. US Size 8 (5mm) for the tutu base.
• Other: Tapestry needle for sewing, fiberfill stuffing, and about 1 yard of satin or velvet ribbon for the drawstring waist.
• Gauge: 20 stitches x 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 7 needles. Gauge is not critical, but consistency is important for even sizing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gumdrop Puffs (Make 5-7, one in each color A-D, plus one in white E)

Each gumdrop is knitted flat and then seamed into a plump, slightly pointed puff. The increases and decreases create the classic gumdrop shape.

Gumdrop Shape

Using US 7 needles and desired color, cast on 6 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: K1, M1L, K4, M1R, K1. (8 stitches)
• Row 4: Purl all stitches.
• Row 5: K1, M1L, K6, M1R, K1. (10 stitches)
• Row 6: Purl all stitches.
• Row 7: K1, M1L, K8, M1R, K1. (12 stitches)
• Row 8: Purl all stitches.
• Row 9: K1, M1L, K10, M1R, K1. (14 stitches)
• Row 10: Purl all stitches.
• Row 11: K1, M1L, K12, M1R, K1. (16 stitches)
• Row 12: Purl all stitches.
• Row 13: Knit all stitches.
• Row 14: Purl all stitches.
• Row 15: K1, k2tog, K10, ssk, K1. (14 stitches)
• Row 16: Purl all stitches.
• Row 17: K1, k2tog, K8, ssk, K1. (12 stitches)
• Row 18: Purl all stitches.
• Row 19: K1, k2tog, K6, ssk, K1. (10 stitches)
• Row 20: Purl all stitches.
• Row 21: K1, k2tog, K4, ssk, K1. (8 stitches)
• Row 22: Purl all stitches.
• Row 23: K1, k2tog, K2, ssk, K1. (6 stitches)
• Row 24: Purl all stitches.
• Row 25: K1, k2tog, ssk, K1. (4 stitches)
• Row 26: Purl all stitches.
• Row 27: k2tog twice. (2 stitches)
• Row 28: k2tog. (1 stitch)

Cut yarn, pull through last stitch. Weave in ends.

Finishing the Gumdrop

Fold the piece in half lengthwise with the right side facing out. Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, sew the side seam from the cast-on edge to the tip. Stuff lightly with fiberfill before closing the last 1/2 inch. The shape should be a rounded, slightly pointed puff. Repeat for each color.

Tutu Base (Knitted in the round)

The tutu base is a simple tube with eyelet rows for a drawstring ribbon. Using US 8 needles and white yarn, cast on 80 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.

• Rounds 1-10: Knit all stitches (stockinette stitch in the round).
• Round 11: *K2tog, yo* repeat around. (Creates eyelet row for ribbon)
• Rounds 12-20: Knit all stitches.
• Round 21: *K2tog, yo* repeat around.
• Rounds 22-30: Knit all stitches.
• Bind off loosely. Weave in ends.

Assembly

1. Cut a length of ribbon (satin or velvet, about 1 yard) and thread it through the eyelet rows to create a drawstring waist.
2. Arrange the gumdrop puffs evenly around the bottom edge of the tutu. Using a tapestry needle and white yarn, sew each gumdrop securely to the tutu, placing them about 2 inches apart. The pointed ends should face downward.
3. Optionally, add a small loop of yarn at the top of each gumdrop for extra dimension.
4. Try the tutu on the child and adjust the ribbon to fit comfortably, tying a bow at the back.

Your Sugarplum Gumdrop Tutu is now complete! This whimsical, textured piece will bring joy to any holiday celebration and become a cherished part of your family's traditions.