A sculptural crochet Christmas tree ornament made from a single deep-green spiral strip, decorated with pearl-style and metallic-gold beads, finished with a shiny star at the top and a bell at the bottom.
The design is especially striking because the crochet itself stays simple while the spiral shaping creates the entire tree silhouette. It works beautifully as a hanging ornament for a Christmas tree, window, doorway, wall hook or festive gift topper.
Finished length is approximately 28 to 35 cm from star to bell, depending on yarn, strip length and the size of the hardware.
What you’ll need
DK or light worsted yarn in emerald or Christmas green.
3.5 mm to 4 mm crochet hook.
White pearl beads and small metallic-gold beads.
One star ornament or lightweight star charm for the top.
One small jingle bell for the bottom.
Tapestry needle, scissors, sewing thread or strong beading thread, and optional clear nylon thread.
Abbreviations are US terms: ch = chain, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, sl st = slip stitch.
Construction overview
The ornament is built from one long crochet strip that is shaped into a descending spiral. The strip starts narrow at the top, becomes wider through the middle, and narrows again near the lower end.
After crocheting the strip, you twist it around an imaginary centre line, secure the turns with hidden stitches, sew beads along the outer edge, then attach the star and bell.
Foundation chain and basic strip
Ch 80 to 95, depending on how long you want the finished ornament.
Row 1. Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 1 sc in each chain across.
Row 2. Ch 1, turn. Work 1 sc in each stitch across.
Rows 3 to 5. Repeat Row 2 for a dense, sturdy strip.
For a slightly taller strip, alternate rows of sc and hdc. Keep the fabric firm rather than loose so the spiral holds its shape.
Creating the tapered tree shape
To create the pointed top, work short rows over only the first 10 to 15 stitches for two or three rows before continuing across the full strip.
Through the middle section, keep the full width of the strip. Near the final 15 to 20 cm, gradually reduce by skipping the last few stitches on successive rows so the lower end becomes narrower.
The exact taper does not need to be mathematical. A smooth gradual change is more important than identical row counts.
Decorative edge
Work one final edging row along the outer side of the strip.
Use sc for a neat braided-looking finish, or work *sc in next 2 stitches, ch 1* for a slightly more decorative edge.
If you want the beads to sit in a very straight line, keep this final edge firm and even.
Shaping the spiral
Lay the strip flat with the decorative edge facing outward.
Starting from the narrow top, begin curling the strip into a loose corkscrew. Keep the first turns small, make the centre turns wider, then slightly tighten the lower turns.
Aim for 5 to 7 visible spiral loops. The loops should not touch tightly; a small amount of open space between turns makes the ornament look light and dimensional.
Use matching yarn and a tapestry needle to place a few hidden anchoring stitches through the inner edge of neighbouring loops. Do not stitch the entire spiral together.
Adding the pearl and gold beads
Arrange the beads along the outer edge of the spiral, alternating white pearls and gold beads irregularly.
Sew each bead securely with strong thread. Place them about 2 to 3 cm apart so they read as small Christmas baubles rather than one continuous bead trim.
For a balanced look, use slightly more white beads than gold beads.
Top star attachment
Attach the star to the narrow top of the crochet spiral with strong thread or a small metal jump ring.
If the star has its own hanging loop, pass the ornament cord through that loop. Otherwise, sew a 20 to 25 cm loop of matching cord to the top and knot securely.
Bottom bell
Sew the jingle bell to the lower point of the spiral with strong thread or attach it using a small jump ring.
The bell should hang freely below the crochet and not pull the lowest spiral turn out of shape.
Finishing and shaping
Hold the ornament by the top loop and allow the spiral to settle naturally.
Gently rotate individual turns until the spacing looks even. If the strip twists too tightly, lightly steam from a distance and reshape with your fingers.
Avoid pressing the crochet flat because the dimensional spiral is the main feature of the design.
Colour variations
Classic: emerald green, pearl white and gold.
Snowy: white crochet with silver and crystal beads.
Rustic: forest green with wooden beads and a bronze bell.
Modern: black, cream or burgundy with metallic beads.
Candy style: red crochet with white pearl beads and a gold star.
Questions I get asked
Can I make it without beads? Yes. The spiral shape is decorative enough on its own.
Can I use chunky yarn? Yes, but reduce the strip length because chunky yarn creates much larger loops.
How do I keep the spiral from stretching? Use a firm stitch such as sc and add a few hidden anchor stitches between neighbouring turns.
Can I use a crocheted star instead of a metal star? Yes. A small five-point crochet star works very well and makes the ornament fully textile-based.
Can I make several for a garland? Yes. Make shorter spirals and hang them at regular intervals along cord or ribbon.
Note
| This pattern is an original written interpretation based on the visible construction and styling in the reference image. Exact stitch counts may need small adjustments depending on yarn, hook size, tension and the finished dimensions you want. |