If you’re searching for a dazzling crochet holiday ornament to make your Christmas extra special, this spiral Christmas tree project is sure to captivate! The ornament features a classic tiered tree shape in rich red, wrapped in a glimmering gold spiral garland with matching crocheted star and snowflake embellishments. Gold beads provide sparkling bauble details and the finishing touch comes with a metallic bell at the base—making the tree festive from top to bottom.
Visually, this ornament shines with contrast and texture: deep crimson forms the lush boughs while bright gold garland coils down the tree, creating a beautiful movement. The star topper and dainty snowflakes are delicate and crisp. This ornament easily becomes a table centerpiece or a treasured tree hanging, and its sturdy construction ensures it will last for seasons to come. It’s ideal for gifting, decorating, or adding a handmade touch to your holiday traditions. With detailed instruction, you’ll enjoy bringing this magical tree to life stitch by stitch.
Project Overview
This crochet Christmas tree ornament is worked in several stages: the main conical tree body is crocheted in rounds from the top down, then the spiral garland is created separately and sewn onto the tree in a coiling fashion. The star and snowflakes are made individually and attached as appliqués, while the beads and bell are sewn in place for extra shine. An optional hanging loop lets you display the ornament anywhere you like.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This pattern uses basic stitches such as single crochet and double crochet, but also involves increasing in the round, surface attachment of trim, motif construction (for the star and snowflakes), sewing on beads, and careful assembly. Confident beginners comfortable with these techniques can also enjoy this project with a bit of patience.
Materials
- Yarn:
- DK weight yarn (category 3), approx. 60g in total:
- – Red: approx. 30g for tree body
- – Gold (or metallic yellow): approx. 20g for spiral garland, star, snowflakes, and hanging loop
- Hook: US size E/4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle for weaving ends and assembly
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Gold beads or bauble trim: approx. 10-12 medium-sized round gold beads (about 8mm)
- Small metallic bell, 2.5-3cm tall (for base)
- Thin craft wire (optional), for shaping the spiral
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing (enough to fill tree)
Finished Size
- Height (including star and bell): approx. 18cm (7 inches)
- Tree diameter at widest point: approx. 9.5cm (3.75 inches)
To make a larger or smaller tree, adjust your yarn weight and hook size proportionally. For a shorter/wider tree, add or subtract increase rounds as described in the pattern notes below.
Gauge
Approximate gauge is 18 sc x 20 rows = 4 inches (10cm) in un-stuffed fabric. Gauge is not critical, but changing gauge will affect the finished size and yarn usage slightly.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in one stitch)
- sc2tog – single crochet 2 together (decrease)
- MR – magic ring
Important Pattern Notes
- The tree body is worked in continuous spiral rounds. Do not join unless specified; use a stitch marker to track the first stitch of each round.
- Chains at the start of the star or snowflakes do not count as stitches unless otherwise noted.
- To change colors cleanly, finish the last yarn over of the previous stitch with the new color.
- Keep RS (right side) facing out unless otherwise noted.
- For garland spiral placement, pin into place first before sewing to ensure even placement.
- Beads are sewn onto the finished tree, not crocheted in.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Tree Body (Red)
Work in continuous rounds. Stuff as you go, but leave top and bottom open initially for easy stuffing.
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc into ring (6)
- Round 2: [inc] x6 (12)
- Round 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18)
- Round 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24)
- Round 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30)
- Round 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36)
- Round 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42)
- Round 8: sc around (42)
- Round 9: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48)
- Round 10: sc around (48)
- Round 11: [7 sc, inc] x6 (54)
- Round 12: sc around (54)
- Round 13: [8 sc, inc] x6 (60)
- Round 14: sc around (60)
- Round 15: [9 sc, inc] x6 (66)
- Pause here and try shaping the piece: it should be a strong shallow cone. Add or subtract rounds if you want your tree taller or shorter.
- Rounds 16-22: sc around (66, 7 rounds total)
- Round 23: [sc2tog, sc 9] x6 (60)
- Round 24: sc around (60)
- Round 25: [sc2tog, sc 8] x6 (54)
- Round 26: sc around (54)
- Round 27: [sc2tog, sc 7] x6 (48)
- Round 28: sc around (48)
- Round 29: [sc2tog, sc 6] x6 (42)
- Round 30: sc around (42)
- Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing later. Shape cone and stuff firmly, leaving the center hollow for now (to insert the bell).
Part 2: Spiral Garland (Gold)
This is worked as a long chain, with decorative stitches that cause a natural spiral so it can be wrapped around the tree.
- With gold yarn, ch 140 (approx. 35cm/13.75in – measure to ensure sufficient length. Adjust for more or fewer tree rounds.)
- Row 1: Working into the back bumps of the chain, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (139)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. [Sl st, ch 2, skip 1, sl st in next] across. This creates a subtle picot edge for extra texture.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing onto tree.
Note: If your garland is curling too tightly/loosely, adjust hook size or stitch tension accordingly.
Part 3: Star Topper (Gold)
This star is made in two small identical flat motifs, sewn together for thickness and shape.
- Make 2:
- MR, (ch 2, dc, ch 2, sl st) into ring x5 (makes 5 star points)
- Pull ring tight to shape star and sl st to first ch at base to finish off.
- Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing.
- Place stars WS together, sew around edges, lightly stuffing or inserting a little yarn scrap for extra puffiness if desired.
For the hanging loop: Ch 24 with gold, sl st to form a loop, sew into one point of the star before attaching star to the tree top.
Part 4: Snowflake Appliqués (Gold)
Make 4-5 small snowflake motifs to attach around the tree for extra sparkle. Use gold or metallic cotton.
- Snowflake motif (make 4-5):
- Ch 6, sl st to first ch to form a circle.
- [Ch 5, sl st in next ch] around to make 6 spokes.
- On each spoke: (sc, ch 3, sl st in same ch, ch 2, sl st at base of spoke), repeat for each spoke for branching tips.
- Fasten off, weave ends, and block snowflakes flat.
Part 5: Assembly
- Stuff the tree body firmly with fiberfill, shaping the cone evenly.
- Insert bell through the open base of the tree so it sits centered; sew or glue the inner rim of the bell to the base edge of the tree if needed for stability.
- Take the spiral garland and starting at the top back, gently wind the spiral down the tree, pinning in place after each wrap to ensure even spiral placement (aim for 6-7 full spirals).
- Sew the garland spiral onto the tree, anchoring with invisible stitches every 6-8 stitches, all the way down to the base.
- Sew the star topper securely to the tree top, making sure the hanging loop is upright.
- Sew or glue gold beads evenly between spiral layers for baubles (place them off the seam for a natural look – about 10-12 total).
- Sew snowflake motifs spaced attractively between garland spirals. Hide knots and tails inside tree.
- Check all decorations are secure and that the tree is well-shaped. Block if needed, but minimal shaping required due to firm stuffing.
Assembly and Finishing
Once all pieces are completed, follow the guide in Part 5 above for precise assembly. Ensure that:
- All loose ends are woven in using a tapestry needle and hidden inside the stuffed body.
- Tree is firmly stuffed with a smooth, even shape—use chopstick or pencil to push stuffing into cone tip as needed.
- Bell is well centered and steady; reinforce its positioning with stitches or fabric glue inside for sturdy hanging.
- Block the star and snowflake motifs before attaching for crisp, flat shapes—lightly mist with water, pin to blocking board, let dry.
- Garland is spaced evenly in a balanced spiral; step back and adjust pins before final sewing for symmetry.
- Hanging loop is wide enough for your tree branch or wall hook.
Customization Ideas
- Try silver, green, or blue for tree or garland colors for different holiday moods.
- Use sparkling metallic thread along with DK yarn for extra shimmer in the spiral, star, or snowflakes.
- Make a larger table-top decoration by doubling yarn weight and using an 5mm hook—add more increase rounds to expand height and base width.
- Leave off the bell base and use the tree as a standing table ornament, centerpiece, or even a wall hanging if sewn flat to a felt backing.
- Create several trees in assorted colors and attach to a string for a festive garland.
- Replace gold beads with brightly colored buttons or mini pompoms for a playful twist.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your tree curls or ruffles, check your stitch count on each round—remove or add a stitch as needed to regain the conical shape.
- Edges uneven? Use blocking pins and light steam to reshape.
- If your motif is too small/large, adjust your hook or yarn weight, or add deduct a few increase rounds in the tree body as needed.
- Loose color changes or visible jagged joins? Always pull the new color snug on the final yarn over of previous stitch. Sew tails through center for invisibility.
- If spiral garland is too long/short, adjust the foundation chain in increments of 12 and swatch a test wrap on your tree first.
- Keep your tension even for a smooth, dense fabric; uneven stitches may show gaps after stuffing.
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in lukewarm water with mild soap. Avoid wringing; gently squeeze and shape while damp. Dry flat, away from direct heat.
Final Notes
For best results, check your stitch count at the end of each round and gently adjust stuffing to maintain a neat cone shape. Use the provided image as a visual guide for spiral placement, embellishments, and spacing of beads. Don’t hesitate to personalize with your favorite colors or trims. Take your time, and enjoy crafting a festive heirloom ornament that will bring cheer for years to come!
