Celebrate the festive season with this adorable Christmas Tree granny square motif! This pattern brings together cheerful holiday colors and a classic square shape, making a delightful addition to your winter crochet projects. The central feature is a rich green Christmas tree, decorated with red bobble baubles and a bright yellow star. Set on a neutral cream or white granny square background and bordered with a lush green edge, this square bursts with holiday spirit and textured charm.
This versatile design can be used as a coaster, an ornament, part of a holiday throw or blanket, a wall hanging, or even as a cushion panel. Its striking texture and crisp, traditional colors make it eye-catching yet simple enough to highlight your crochet skill and creativity. The project allows you to practice shaping, color changes, and motif construction, giving you a beautiful result that is as fun to make as it is to display or gift!
Project Overview
The square is constructed in several strategic parts. First, you’ll crochet a basic granny square background, which forms the base. The Christmas tree itself is built up in rows of triangular, staggered shells, worked directly onto the background for a raised effect. Additional pieces like the star topper, tree trunk, and red baubles are made separately and then sewn onto the main square. Everything is finished with a neat green border to frame your festivity. All sections are joined and assembled for a seamless, professional look.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate. While most of the stitches are simple (chains, double crochet, single crochet, slip stitch), the pattern involves color changes, shaping with increases, appliquéing small parts, and working into an existing background. Comfort with basic granny squares is recommended; some precision is needed for sewing decorative pieces.
Materials
- Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or cotton yarn in 5 colors:
- White/cream (background): approx. 30g (55yds)
- Green (tree and border): approx. 25g (45yds)
- Brown (trunk): small amount (5g)
- Red (baubles): scrap amounts (2g)
- Yellow (star): scrap amount (2g)
- 5mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle for sewing pieces and weaving ends
- Small sharp scissors
- Stitch markers (especially helpful for marking the center and keeping track of rounds)
- Optional: Blocking board and pins for final shaping
Finished Size
Approximately 15cm x 15cm (6″ x 6″).
To adjust the finished size: use a heavier or lighter yarn with an appropriately sized hook. You may also add or subtract rounds from the background square for a larger or smaller motif.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical, but for reference: 4 rounds of granny square in pattern with 5mm (H-8) hook = approx. 10cm (4″) square.
Use a consistent tension so all squares or motifs match in size if making multiple pieces. Small gauge differences may change final measurements but won’t dramatically affect the appearance.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- MR – magic ring
- inc – increase (2 sts in the same st/space)
- dec – decrease (work 2 sts together)
- BOB – bobble stitch (explained below)
Bobble Stitch (BOB):
Yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain). Repeat this process 4 more times (total of 5 partial dc in same stitch, each time leaving last loop on hook). Yarn over, pull through all 6 loops on hook, ch 1 to secure.
Important Pattern Notes
- Chains at the beginning of rounds/rows count as a stitch unless otherwise stated.
- Rounds in the granny square and border are worked with joins and turns for symmetry.
- Color changes: For neat changes, complete the last yarn-over of the previous stitch with the new color.
- Work background first, then appliqué tree details, then border last.
- Keep the right side (RS) facing for all decorative pieces. Mark the RS with a stitch marker if needed.
- Feel free to use stitch markers to note corners or important spots.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Granny Square Background (White or Cream)
- Round 1: With white/cream, MR, ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, (ch 2, 3 dc in ring) three times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 corners)
- Round 2: Sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp, *ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner sp*, repeat from * to * two more times, ch 1, join. (24 dc, 4 ch-2 corners, 4 ch-1 sps)
- Round 3: Sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner sp*, repeat from * to * two more times, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, join. (36 dc, 4 ch-2 corners, 8 ch-1 sps)
- Round 4: Repeat as Round 3, adding a 3-dc group in each ch-1 sp across sides. You should have (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner and 3 dc in each ch-1 space along sides. (48 dc, 4 ch-2 corners, 12 ch-1 sps)
- Fasten off, weave in ends. Set aside for decoration.
Part 2: Christmas Tree (Green)
Tree is built of rows, shaped as a stacked triangle, made separately and then seamed or can be made directly onto the background as shown for a raised look. This version assumes bottom-up rows, then sewn on. Adjust size as you wish for your square.
- Row 1 (Base): With green, ch 8, turn, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across (7 sc).
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn, inc in first st, sc next 5, inc in last (9 sc).
- Row 3: Ch 1, turn, inc in first st, sc across to last, inc in last (11 sc).
- Row 4: Ch 1, turn, inc in first st, sc across to last, inc in last (13 sc).
- Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (13 sc).
- Row 6: Ch 1, turn, skip first sc, sc in next 11, skip last sc (11 sc).
- Row 7: Repeat Row 6 (9 sc).
- Row 8: Repeat Row 6 (7 sc).
- Row 9: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (7 sc).
- Row 10: Ch 1, turn, skip first sc, sc in next 5, skip last sc (5 sc).
- Row 11: Ch 1, turn, skip first sc, sc in next 3, skip last sc (3 sc).
- Row 12: Ch 1, turn, sc in each (3 sc).
- Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing. Gently shape to give a rounded-edge triangle. Steam block if needed.
Part 3: Tree Trunk (Brown)
- With brown yarn, ch 4, turn.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across (3 sc).
- Row 2-3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (3 sc total per row).
- Fasten off, leave tail for sewing.
- Sew the trunk to the square, centered under the tree base, so it just meets the bottom row of green sts.
Part 4: Star Topper (Yellow)
- With yellow, MR, ch 1, 5 sc in ring, tighten, join with sl st.
Do not turn. Working in each sc: *(ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook), sl st in next sc*, repeat * around to create 5 points.
Sl st to first sc after final point. Fasten off, leave long tail. - Sew star to very top of the tree, angling so one point faces upward. Weave in ends securely.
Part 5: Red Baubles (Bobble Stitch, Red)
- Work 4-5 separate bobble circles: With red, MR, ch 2, work 5 dc into ring leaving last loop of each on hook, yo and pull through all loops, ch 1, sl st to close. Pull yarn tight, fasten off leaving tail.
- Sew bobbles to tree, staggering across layers as seen in the image (usually 2 per row on lower two rows, 1 on middle row, optional 1 at the top)
Part 6: Attach Tree to Granny Background
With the tree piece’s long tail, whipstitch or sew the edges onto the center of your granny square, leaving the edges of the tree slightly raised for texture. Center the tree so its base meets the bottom third of the square. Do the same for trunk, star, and baubles. Secure all ends invisibly behind the tree.
Part 7: Green Border
- Join green yarn in any corner ch-2 space of completed square.
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner. *[Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space] across side, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in next corner ch-2 sp*; repeat all sides. Join with sl st to beg ch-3.
- Fasten off, weave in ends neatly on back.
Assembly and Finishing
- Lay your granny square flat. Pin the tree body in the center, just above the bottom edge, ensuring it’s straight.
- Stitch around the tree edges, keeping the branches slightly loose if you want extra dimension.
- Sew the brown trunk in direct contact with the base of the tree, centered.
- Attach each red bauble bobble securely; you may wish to double-knot on the wrong side.
- Add the star to the tree peak, with one point up for symmetry.
- Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Make sure no yarn peeks through the white background.
- Block the finished square by steaming gently and pinning in shape, especially if the borders curl.
Customization Ideas
- Color changes: Use variegated yarn for the tree, try silver or gold for baubles, or a pastel theme for a vintage look.
- Make it larger/smaller: Work with chunkier or finer yarn, or adjust the granny square base.
- Alternative uses:
- Blanket: Join multiple squares for a festive throw.
- Pillow front: Sew to fabric or another square.
- Coaster: Use cotton yarn for absorbency.
- Wall hanging: Attach a dowel and twine to a row of squares.
- Gift bag or potholder: Back two squares together.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the square curls or ruffles, block with light steam or add an extra round to even tension.
- If your edges look uneven, check stitch counts at every round and use stitch markers in corners.
- Motif too large or small? Adjust your hook size or try different yarn weights.
- Loose or messy color changes can be improved by crocheting over yarn tails or carrying yarn along the back neatly.
- Keep bobble baubles secure with double knots or by weaving ends through the base of the tree before trimming.
- If tension is not consistent, slow down or practice the bobble stitch separately before adding baubles.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash in cool water, mild detergent recommended.
- Do not wring or twist. Press gently in a towel to remove excess water.
- Lay flat to dry, shape squarely with fingers or pins if needed.
Final Notes
Take the time to count your stitches at each step, especially for granny square rounds and tree shaping. Adjust tension as needed for neat, even work. Use the project photo as a guide for color placement and arrangement. Enjoy experimenting with festive accents and creative uses for your finished Christmas Tree granny square!
