This delightful crochet ornament is a charming addition to any holiday décor, capturing the cozy and joyful spirit of the season. The project features a lush evergreen spiral tree, crafted from deep green yarn with a thick, textured appearance that mimics the fullness of a winter pine. Adorned with lustrous red and gold bauble beads and cheerful wooden star appliqués, the spiral design winds gracefully upward. A handcrafted wooden star tops the tree, while a shiny gold bell forms a festive base. Hang it from the included loop to create an eye-catching decoration for your room, Christmas tree, or as a heartfelt handmade gift for friends and family.
With its unique spiral effect, visually rich surface, and colorful embellishments, this project is both playful and elegant. The sturdy base ensures it hangs attractively, and the clever shaping gives it dimension and personality. If you enjoy textural crochet and crafting beautiful seasonal accents, this ornament is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday tradition.
Project Overview
This spiral Christmas tree is worked as a continuous amigurumi-style cone from the tip down, with a thick spiral “branch” ridge created separately and sewn onto the surface of the tree. The tree is decorated with beads and star appliqués for visual interest and finished off with a wooden star at the top and a bell at the base. The project consists of:
- Amigurumi cone (tree base)
- Textured spiral ridge (crochet cord)
- Wooden star appliqués
- Decorative beads
- Gold bell base
- Hanging loop and finishing touches
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate.
While the basic tree body is straightforward (working in the round with increases), attaching the spiral evenly and adding embellishments requires patience and some experience with shaping. Familiarity with crocheting cords (I-cord or similar) is a plus, but the instructions will break this down step by step.
Materials
- Worsted weight (Medium/4) 100% cotton or acrylic yarn in pine green – approx. 40 g (main tree)
- Small scraps of gold/yellow and brown yarn (optional for decorative touch at base or topper)
- Crochet hook size G/4.0 mm
- Sharp tapestry needle (for sewing pieces and weaving ends)
- Sharp scissors
- Stitch markers
- Fiberfill stuffing (small amount, for inside the tree if desired)
- Wooden star buttons or appliqués (about 6–8, approx. 1.5–2.5 cm/0.5–1 in)
- Red and gold round craft beads (minimum 12 each, 8 mm preferred)
- Small gold bell (approx. 2 cm/0.75 in wide at base)
- Strong craft glue (optional, for securing beads or stars if you don’t wish to sew them on)
- Thin white or gold cord/yarn for hanging loop (10–15 cm/4–6 in cut length)
Finished Size
Approximate finished size of the ornament (not including hanging loop):
13 cm (5 in) tall
7 cm (2.75 in) wide at base
Size can be increased or decreased by changing yarn weight and hook size, or by adjusting starting chain/rounds for the cone.
Gauge
Approximate gauge:
18 single crochet sts x 20 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in).
Exact gauge is not critical for this project, but major differences will affect finished sizing and shape. For best results, crochet firmly to create a nicely shaped cone.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in same st)
- dec – decrease (single crochet 2 sts together)
- MR – magic ring
- FLO – front loop only
- BLO – back loop only
Important Pattern Notes
- This pattern is worked mostly in a spiral. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the start of each round.
- Chain stitches do not count as stitches unless specifically noted.
- Rounds are worked continuously unless otherwise specified; do not join at end of round unless stated.
- When changing colors for decorative purpose (if desired), always complete the last stitch of the old color with the new color for neat changes.
- ‘Right side’ is the outside of the tree; ‘wrong side’ is the inside/cone interior.
- Knit I-cord or twisted chain can be substituted for the spiral ridge.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Crochet the Tree Cone Base
Using green yarn:
- MR, 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)
- 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
- *Sc in next st, inc in next st*, repeat * around. (18 sts)
- *Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st*, repeat * around. (24 sts)
- *Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st*, repeat * around. (30 sts)
- *Sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st*, repeat * around. (36 sts)
- Sc in each st around. (36 sts)
- *Sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st*, repeat * around. (42 sts)
- Sc in each st around. (42 sts)
- *Sc in next 6 sts, inc in next st*, repeat * around. (48 sts)
- Sc in each st around. (48 sts)
- *Sc in next 7 sts, inc in next st*, repeat * around. (54 sts)
- Sc in each st around. (54 sts)
- *Sc in next 8 sts, inc in next st*, repeat * around. (60 sts)
- Sc in each st around. (60 sts)
- *Sc in next 9 sts, inc in next st*, repeat * around. (66 sts)
- Sc in each st around. (66 sts)
- *Sc in next 10 sts, inc in next st*, repeat * around. (72 sts)
- Sc in each st around. (72 sts)
- Next, work 5 rounds even (sc in each st). (72 sts each round)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail if you wish to sew the spiral onto the cone using your working yarn.
Note: For a smaller or larger tree, work fewer or more rounds. The cone can be lightly stuffed if you wish firmness.
Part 2: Creating the Spiral Branch Ridge
With green yarn:
- Chain 110 tightly (for a dense spiral). Adjust the number for a longer/shorter spiral if resizing tree base.
- Row 1: In second ch from hook, work 3 sc. Work 3 sc in each ch across. (You will make a chunky corkscrew as each chain puffs up.)
- Fasten off and leave a long tail for assembly.
Note: You can substitute an I-cord worked to the same length or longer if you prefer a rounder texture; simply sew in place as described below.
Part 3: Decorative Elements – Star Appliqués and Bead Embellishments
- Sew or glue the wooden stars evenly along the spiral, spacing them out to create a festive look (6–8 stars recommended for a tree this size).
- Sew or glue on the red and gold beads evenly, nestling them between the spiral ridges.
- Make sure to anchor embellishments securely to withstand handling.
Part 4: Tree Topper and Base
- Loop a 12–14 cm length of cord or yarn and knot for your hanging loop.
- Insert the loop through the tip of the tree cone and slide on the wooden star button so it sits flush at the top. Secure with a few stitches or glue.
- Sew or glue a wooden star on both sides for a double-sided topper if desired.
- With the tree turned upside down, carefully hand-sew or glue the gold bell to the center base so it forms a neat ‘tree holder’ and the tree can stand or hang straight.
Part 5: Assembly
- Take your spiral ridge (from Part 2) and, starting at the top tip of the cone, gently spiral it down the cone, forming even loops around the tree surface as shown in the reference.
- Pin or lightly tack in place as you go with stitch markers.
- Using your long tail and tapestry needle, sew the spiral ridge securely to the cone, stitching discreetly at the inside curve of each spiral every 2–3 cm (1 in) so it lays smoothly but doesn’t pull the cone out of shape.
- Check from all sides to keep the spiral even and symmetrical.
- Once the spiral is fully attached, go back and sew or glue on your embellishments (stars and beads) as desired.
- Weave in all yarn ends securely on the inside of the cone.
- Add more stuffing if needed for structure before finishing up the base and attaching the bell.
- Double check that hanging loop and topper are both firmly attached.
Assembly and Finishing
- Double-check that spiral ridge and embellishments are firmly secured and evenly spaced.
- Neatly weave in all ends using a tapestry needle inside the cone.
- Stuff gently if you wish a firmer shape (do not overstuff or it will bulge).
- Secure the gold bell tightly at the tree base, hiding any yarn tails within.
- If needed, lightly steam block the tree (especially the cone) to correct any unevenness—take care if using glue, beads, or non-heatproof embellishments. Let dry/cool before handling further.
- Check that the hanging loop is correctly centered for balanced display.
Customization Ideas
- Try different color schemes: snowy white tree, deep blue for a winter theme, or a mix of forest greens.
- Use sparkly or variegated yarn for extra festive shimmer.
- Add small pom-poms, sequins, or mini bells instead of or alongside beads.
- Expand the pattern to create a larger tree for table centerpieces—simply work more increase rounds for a wider cone and a longer spiral ridge.
- Make a set of mini trees in coordinating colors for a garland.
- Turn the design into a standing table decoration by weighting the interior base and omitting the hanging cord.
- Attach the spiral tree to a square or circle base to use as a coaster, or even as an appliqué for bags, blankets, or pillows.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the cone curls too much, lightly steam and shape while still damp, gently flattening the base.
- For uneven spiral ridges, reposition and pin carefully before sewing. Steaming can also help relax and shape the spiral.
- A too-small or too-large motif can result from tension differences; adjust hook size or loosen/tighten your gauge.
- Loose color changes or bead placement can be disguised with extra stitches, or small dabs of craft glue for security.
- To prevent uneven tension, pause and check your work every few rounds, especially as the cone begins to widen.
- If star buttons/appliqués tend to flip, sew from two opposite corners to anchor them flat.
Care Instructions
Spot clean your ornament with a damp cloth. Let air dry. For deep cleaning, gently hand wash in cool water and press between towels to remove excess moisture. Avoid twisting. Do not bleach. Allow to dry flat. Keep away from open flame and store with holiday decorations in a cool, dry place.
Final Notes
Count your stitches regularly as you work the cone to maintain the intended shape. Adjust your tension or add rounds if you notice shrinking or bulging. The reference image offers a helpful guide for spiral placement and embellishment distribution—don’t be afraid to personalize your creation! With patience and care, your spiral crochet Christmas tree ornament will become a festive highlight for years to come.
