Boo Bash Ghost Garland Free Pattern – Knitted Spooky String Lights

Cozy Up Your Halloween with a Knitted Ghost Garland

Are you looking for a Halloween decoration that's more charming than chilling? This knitted ghost garland is the perfect project to add a playful, cozy touch to your home. Each little ghost is worked in soft white yarn with a cheerful, non-scary face, making it ideal for mantels, doorways, or even a nursery shelf. This pattern is beginner-friendly and results in a delightful, squishy garland that you'll want to keep up all season long. Let's get started on creating your own spooky (but sweet) string lights!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth crafting session. This project uses simple materials that are easy to find at any craft store.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in white (A) for the ghosts and chain, black (B) for the faces, and a small amount of orange (C) for optional pumpkin accents.
• Knitting Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles for the ghost bodies.
• Crochet Hook: US 7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook for making the connecting chain.
• Tapestry Needle: For sewing seams, embroidering faces, and weaving in ends.
• Stuffing: Fiberfill or cotton balls to give your ghosts a plump shape.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. (Gauge isn't critical for this project, but it helps ensure your ghosts are a nice size.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your ghost garland. The process is broken down into simple steps, from knitting the ghosts to assembling the final garland.

Part 1: Knit the Ghost Body (Make 5-7 Ghosts)

Each ghost is knit flat from the bottom up, then seamed and stuffed. The number of ghosts you make will depend on the length of your garland.

1. Cast On: Using your white yarn (A) and US 6 knitting needles, cast on 12 stitches.
2. Knit the Body:
   • Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
   • Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
   • Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your piece measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Wrong Side row. This creates the main body of the ghost in stockinette stitch.
3. Shape the Top of the Head: Now we'll decrease to round off the top.
   • Row 1 (Right Side): Knit 2 together (K2tog) across the row. You will have 6 stitches remaining.
   • Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
   • Row 3 (Right Side): Knit 2 together (K2tog) across the row. You will have 3 stitches remaining.
4. Gather and Secure: Cut your yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread this tail onto your tapestry needle. Slide the needle through the 3 remaining stitches on your knitting needle, then gently pull the yarn tight to gather the top of the head into a closed point. Secure it with a small knot.
5. Sew the Side Seam: With the same yarn tail, use a mattress stitch or whip stitch to sew the side seam of the ghost from the bottom edge up to the gathered top. Leave the bottom edge open for now.
6. Stuff the Ghost: Lightly stuff the ghost with fiberfill or cotton balls. You want it to be plump but still soft and squishy. Do not overstuff, as this can distort the shape.
7. Close the Bottom: Sew the bottom edge closed with your tapestry needle and yarn. Weave in the yarn end securely.

Part 2: Embroider the Faces

Give each ghost its cheerful, friendly expression. This is a fun and simple step that brings your ghosts to life.

1. Position the Face: Find the center front of your ghost, about 1 inch down from the gathered top.
2. Embroider the Eyes: Using your black yarn (B) and tapestry needle, create two small eyes. You can use a simple backstitch to make small "x" or dash eyes, or use French knots for a rounder look. Space them about 1/2 inch apart.
3. Embroider the Mouth: Directly below the eyes, use a backstitch to create a small, smiling curve for the mouth. A simple "U" shape works perfectly.
4. Secure: Weave in the yarn ends on the inside of the ghost to hide them.

Part 3: Optional Pumpkin Accents

Add a little extra charm to one or two ghosts with a tiny crocheted pumpkin.

1. Start the Ring: Using your orange yarn (C) and US 7 crochet hook, make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: Chain 1 (this counts as your first single crochet), then work 5 more single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the ring tight to close. You will have 6 sc total.
3. Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. You will have 12 sc. Slip stitch to join the round, cut your yarn, and weave in the ends.
4. Attach: Sew the small pumpkin to the side of a ghost using a few stitches with your tapestry needle and orange yarn.

Part 4: Assemble the Garland

Now it's time to string your ghosts together into a beautiful garland.

1. Make the Chain: Using your white yarn (A) and US 7 crochet hook, make a chain long enough to span your desired area. A good starting point is 60-80 inches. Keep the chain loose so it drapes nicely.
2. Attach the Ghosts: Cut small pieces of white yarn (about 6 inches each). Use these to tie the top of each ghost's head securely to the chain. Tie a double knot to ensure it stays put.
3. Space Evenly: Space your ghosts evenly along the chain, about 8-10 inches apart. You can adjust the spacing based on how many ghosts you made and the length of your chain.
4. Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn ends from the ties and the chain.

Part 5: Finishing Touches

Your garland is almost ready to display! A little bit of finishing will make it look extra polished.

1. Steam Block (Optional): If you'd like smoother stitches, gently steam block the ghosts. Hold a steam iron just above the fabric (do not press down) and let the steam relax the yarn. Allow them to dry completely.
2. Hang and Enjoy: Drape your finished garland across a mantel, along a doorway, or over a shelf. Step back and admire your cozy, spooky creation! It's the perfect handmade touch for a family-friendly Halloween.