Introduction
If you’re looking to add a touch of handmade charm to your holiday décor, these spiral crochet Christmas tree ornaments are a perfect project. Visually captivating and delightfully whimsical, these ornaments consist of a tightly wound spiral in the shape of a Christmas tree, with each tree accented by gold beads, a decorative top snowflake hook, and a jingle bell at the base. The trees alternate in rich navy, soft cream, and silvery gray, making them versatile for classic, modern, or minimalist themes. Their dimensional swirls and elegant beaded embellishments make every finished ornament stand out—not only as eye-catching Christmas tree decorations but also as handmade gifts or festive window hangings. These ornaments are fun to crochet and are a great way to personalize your decorations, while also being a wonderful stash-busting project, perfect for working through scrap yarn in wintry hues.
Creating spiral shapes is an engaging challenge that produces beautiful texture and movement. Whether you’re a hobbyist crafter, decorating with children, or seeking a meaningful minimalist gift, these spiral Christmas tree ornaments bring a dose of joyful creativity to your holiday season.
Project Overview
Each ornament is constructed as a coiled, spiral strip crocheted in rows. The spiral is formed naturally as you work increases along one side of the strip. Gold beads are added as you go, and decorative elements, such as a snowflake charm and jingle bell, are attached during finishing. You’ll make each ornament as a single piece, then shape it into a tree, secure the spiral, and add final embellishments.
- Constructed in rows (not rounds)
- Spiral formed by increases along one edge
- Beads crocheted in as you go
- Separate decorative pieces attached at the end
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner. This project uses basic stitches, increases, and simple beading techniques. Minor shaping is required when coiling the spiral into a tree, but the instructions are accessible for anyone familiar with fundamental crochet.
Materials
Yarn: DK (Light Worsted/Weight 3) yarn in two or three festive colors. Cotton or a soft acrylic is ideal for crisp stitch definition.
- Main color (navy/blue): 15 g (about 35 yards/32 m) per ornament
- Contrast colors (cream, silver gray): 15 g (35 yards/32 m) per ornament
Crochet Hook: US size G/6 (4.0 mm), or size to obtain gauge.
Beads: 8 mm gold round beads — approximately 8-10 per ornament
Decorative Extras:
- Metal snowflake charms or similar (for top)
- 8 mm–12 mm gold jingle bells (for base)
Notions: Tapestry needle, sharp scissors, fine wire or sturdy thread for attaching charms, stitch marker (optional), small pliers (for opening keyrings/hooks).
Finished Size
Each spiral tree ornament measures approximately 14-16 cm (5.5–6.25 in) from top hook (excluding hanging hardware) to bottom of the bell. The spiral width is about 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in). Size can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of rows in the spiral, or by using a thicker or thinner yarn and a corresponding hook.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical, but for reference: 20 sc and 24 rows = 4×4 in (10×10 cm) in DK yarn using a 4.0 mm hook, worked flat. Check periodically to ensure your spiral maintains a crisp, non-loose look, and adjust your hook size as needed to keep the structure firm.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in next st)
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
Pattern Notes
- Chains at the beginning of rows do not count as a stitch unless specified.
- The spiral is worked in rows, turning at the end of each row, with all increases placed along one edge (to form the curl).
- For best results, pre-string all beads onto your yarn before you start crocheting. Slide a bead up as you need it, working it into the last loop of a stitch on the outside edge (see detailed bead placement below).
- Always place increases at the same edge (the side that becomes the ‘outer’ spiral).
- Use a stitch marker at the outer edge to keep track of bead placements and increases.
- After completing the spiral, you shape the piece into a tree and secure the form by adding decorative hardware at top and bottom.
- You can change color by working the last yarn over of the final stitch in the old color with the new color, and weaving in loose ends at the end.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Main Spiral Tree Strip
- Pre-string 8–10 gold beads onto your working yarn.
- Foundation: Ch 30.
- Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Turn. (29 sc)
- Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across to last st, inc in the last st. Turn. (30 sc)
- Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across to last st, inc in last st. Turn. (31 sc)
- Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across to last st, inc in last st. Slide one bead up and encase it in the last sc. Turn. (32 sc)
- Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st across to last st, inc in last st. Turn. (33 sc)
- Row 6: Ch 1, sc in each st across to last st, inc in last st. Slide next bead up and encase it in last sc. Turn. (34 sc)
- Rows 7–16: Continue as established: ch 1, sc in each st across to last st, inc (with bead as indicated below) in last st. Place beads roughly every second row (suggested Rows 8, 10, 12, and 14). End on Row 16 (43 sc).
- Row 17–21: For larger trees, keep going to make a longer spiral. Continue the established pattern, with beads every 2–3 rows as before. (Up to 48 sc at end of Row 21.)
- Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing if desired.
Note: You can easily adjust the length and width of the tree by adding or subtracting rows, as long as all increases remain on the same edge.
Shaping the Spiral Tree
- With the right side facing up and the straight (non-increased) edge as the ‘central core’, begin winding the strip tightly into a spiral, starting from the foundation end. The increased edge will naturally curl outward as you wind.
- Adjust the width and curl of each layer to form a conical Christmas tree shape—wider at the bottom and gently tapering at the top. Space the beads so they are distributed attractively.
Attaching the Snowflake Topper
- Use a metal ring, ornament hook, or sturdy yarn loop. Thread the top of your spiral (foundation end) onto a ring and attach a snowflake charm as a topper. Secure tightly—the snowflake should sit directly above the ‘tip’ of the spiral tree.
Adding the Bell
- Sew or thread a gold jingle bell onto the bottom (last row) of the spiral, making sure it hangs freely. Fasten securely with yarn or strong thread, then weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle.
Repeat for Each Ornament
- Repeat these steps for each desired color. Try blue, cream, and silver-gray for a winter palette, or traditional green and red—get creative!
Assembly and Finishing
Once your spiral is shaped and secured, double-check the spacing of your beads—they should sit evenly along the outer edge for the festive ‘ornament’ effect. Gently adjust the spiral if necessary to create a tidy cone. Use your fingers to slightly stretch and shape the spiral into a pleasing tree silhouette.
Secure the snowflake topper and bell tightly, using fine wire, sturdy thread, or yarn. Attach using a tapestry needle, making several passes for strength. If the spiral is loose, use extra yarn and an invisible whip stitch along the central core (inside edge) to anchor each ‘round’ of the spiral together—this helps keep the shape permanent, especially if your yarn is slippery. Finally, weave in all ends with a tapestry needle, hiding them inside layers of the ornament. If desired, lightly steam block the ornament by hovering a steam iron nearby and gently shaping with your hands (do not touch acrylic directly with the iron).
Customization Ideas
- Try classic Christmas colors like forest green, deep red, or white for traditional charm.
- Use sparkling metallic yarns or thread with a metallic strand for shine.
- Add multicolor beads, pearl beads, or even tiny pom-poms for a playful look.
- Make smaller or larger trees by changing yarn weight or spiral length.
- String several together to create a festive holiday garland.
- Embellish with tiny star buttons or felt cut-outs as alternate toppers.
- Repurpose as gift toppers, car rearview charms, or stocking stuffers.
Troubleshooting
- Curling/Warped Spiral: If the spiral is too loose or doesn’t curl, your tension may be too slack. Try a smaller hook or firmer stitches. If it’s too tight, steam and gently stretch into shape.
- Uneven Edges: Count stitches at the end of each row to ensure only one edge is increased. Uneven width may be due to missed or extra stitches.
- Piece Too Large/Small: Adjust row count for a taller or shorter tree. Change yarn weight or hook size for overall sizing.
- Loose Color Changes: To avoid loose strands when switching colors, pull the new color tight and weave in ends carefully with the tapestry needle.
- Uneven Tension: If your edges look wobbly, check that your increases are made in the very last stitch of each row every time.
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent. Press out water in a towel and reshape while damp. Air dry flat. To prevent stretching, store flat or hang when not in use. If incorporating metal charms or bells, dry thoroughly to prevent tarnishing or rust.
Final Notes
Check your stitch counts at the end of each row for smooth, even spirals. Tension makes a visible difference—work firmly but not too tight. Let your creativity shine with colors and embellishments. Refer to the visual guide in your workspace to make the ornaments match your holiday vision. Enjoy gifting and displaying your unique, hand-crafted spiral tree ornaments!
