Introduction
Bring handmade charm to your holiday decor with these delightful spiral crochet Christmas tree ornaments. Designed to catch the eye and spark joy, these ornaments replicate the whimsical look of coiled Christmas trees in three classic holiday colors: evergreen, snowy white, and vibrant red. Each tree features a beautifully defined spiral shape, accented with festive details such as bright red beads, metallic tree toppers, bows, and golden bell or ball pendants that jingle with holiday spirit.
The spiral texture gives these ornaments a playful yet dimensional look, ensuring they stand out whether hung on a tree, in a window, or as part of a decorative garland. The versatility in embellishment allows crocheters to customize each ornament for a truly personal touch. This project is perfect for adding a handmade sparkle to your own home or as a heartfelt holiday gift for friends and loved ones.
While the coiled tree design looks intricate, the construction is surprisingly straightforward, making this project an enjoyable and satisfying make for both beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. Their festive appearance, quick creation time, and endless customization opportunities make these spiral Christmas tree ornaments a favorite holiday craft year after year.
Project Overview
These spiral crochet Christmas tree ornaments are constructed as long, flat strips worked in rows using simple stitches, then curled into a spiral shape and fastened to resemble a tree. Each ornament is further decorated—red beads for ornaments, a bow at the top, and a bell or ball at the base. The project is created in separate parts: the tree strip, bead embellishments, the bow, and the hanging loop, which are assembled together at the end for a professional finish. Color changes and creative embellishments make each one unique.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner—While these ornaments use only basic stitches (chains, single crochet, double crochet), the spiral shaping and simple sewing make it ideal for crocheters familiar with working in rows and joining pieces. Detailed instructions and plenty of room for creative flair make this accessible to newer crafters looking to expand their skills.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic yarn in green, white, and red (approx. 15-20g per tree, 75-90m/85-100 yds). Small scraps in gold (for the star and bow) if desired.
- Crochet Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) or size needed to achieve gauge.
- Beads: Red and gold round plastic or wooden beads (8-12 per tree) – at least 0.8cm (0.3 inch) diameter, with holes large enough for a yarn needle.
- Bells or Gold Ball Ornaments: 1 per tree, about 2-2.5cm (0.8-1 inch) in diameter.
- Bows: Pre-made decorative bows, or make your own with yarn (see below).
- Ornament Hanger Cord: Gold, red, or silver cord or yarn, approx. 20cm (8 inches) per ornament.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving ends and sewing on decorations.
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers (optional for row tracking)
- Hot Glue Gun: For attaching bows or stubborn beads (optional but helpful).
Finished Size
Each finished tree ornament measures approximately 16-18cm (6.3–7 inches) from the top of the bow to the bottom of the bell, and about 7–8cm (2.75–3.15 inches) at its widest spiral point. Adjusting the number of rows worked in the main tree strip can easily customize the finished height: fewer rows for a smaller ornament, more for a larger, fuller tree.
Gauge
Approximately 17 stitches x 18 rows in single crochet = 10x10cm (4×4 inches). Accurate gauge is not critical for this project, but significant changes may alter the tree’s proportions. For best results, keep a consistent, firm stitch to help the spiral hold its shape.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
Pattern Notes
The spiral strip is worked flat in rows. Chains at the start of rows do not count as a stitch. To create a firmer spiral, crocheting tightly is recommended. Color changes can be made at any point for a striped tree; to switch colors, complete the last yarn over of the previous stitch with the new color and carry unused yarn inside row ends. When sewing on beads, consider spacing them unevenly for a natural, ‘ornamented’ effect. Make sure to finish all pieces before assembling for easier handling. A stitch marker may be helpful with longer rows. The right side (RS) faces outwards as the spiral is formed.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Main Spiral Tree
- Foundation Row: Ch 61 (for a standard tree; for a taller tree, ch 71 or more; for a shorter tree, ch 51). Turn.
- Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end (60 sc). Turn.
- Row 2: Ch 1, sc in next 5 sts, *inc in next st, sc in next 5 sts*; repeat from * to * across the row (70 sc). Turn.
- Row 3: Ch 1, sc in next 6 sts, *inc in next st, sc in next 6 sts*; repeat from * to * across (80 sc). Turn.
- Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across (80 sc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for assembly.
Note: The increases push the strip to spiral naturally; adjust number of increases for looser or tighter coils. For a fluffier tree, use hdc instead of sc throughout.
Decorative Beads
- With a tapestry needle, thread approx. 8-12 red (or gold) beads onto yarn (use color to match tree).
- Sew beads onto the RS of the spiral strip, spacing at random along the length (tip: place more beads towards the wider end for realism). Secure ends neatly on WS.
Bow (Crochet or Pre-made)
- For Crochet Bow: With desired color, ch 11. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, hdc across (10 hdc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
- Roll both short ends toward the center and sew to form a bow shape. Wrap and knot a few times at the center for dimension. Sew to the tree’s top or glue in place.
- For Pre-made Bow: Simply tie or glue onto the top of your tree ornament.
Star Topper (Optional for Green Tree)
- With gold yarn, ch 2. In 2nd ch from hook: (sl st, ch 3, sl st) five times to create small points. Fasten off. Sew or glue to the very tip of the green tree (over or next to the bow).
Bottom Bell or Ball Attachment
- Attach gold bell/ball securely to narrowest end of spiral strip using the yarn tail. Fasten off firmly. For safety, double knot and weave in well.
Hanging Cord
- Cut a 20cm (8 inch) length of metallic cord or yarn and thread through the top of your ornament (just above or behind the bow/star). Knot securely to create a hanging loop.
Assembly: Shaping the Tree
- Gently coil the crocheted strip into a spiral cone, starting at the narrow end and expanding as you move toward the wider base.
- Use yarn tail and a tapestry needle to secure base layers together with a few stitches at each spiral crossing point so the shape holds when hanging.
- Adjust spiral for desired fullness before finalizing stitches.
Repeat for each color variation: green tree with gold/red beads, white tree with red beads, and red tree with gold decorations. Mix-and-match bows as desired.
Assembly and Finishing
Once all components are made, assemble your ornament as follows:
- Lay the spiraled tree flat and adjust the coils to make the spiral even from top to bottom. Sew a few stitches at the spiral crossing points to hold the cone shape together.
- Sew or glue the bow or star securely at the top of the ornament. If using a hot glue gun, take care not to scorch the yarn.
- Securely attach the bell or ball to the base using remaining yarn tails.
- Thread the hanging cord through the top and tie a secure knot. Hide the knot behind the bow or star if desired for a neater look.
- Weave in any remaining yarn ends on the WS of the work, using a tapestry needle. Trim excess yarn for a clean finish.
- Gently steam-block the finished ornament (using a steam iron held above, never touching the yarn) if needed to set the shape. Reshape the spiral as it cools.
Customization Ideas
- Try ombré or striped color transitions for the spiral strip by alternating yarn colors every 10 rows.
- Use metallic or glitter yarn for extra sparkle, especially for the bow and star.
- Swap beads for sequins, buttons, or tiny pom-poms for a playful look.
- Change the tree size by adjusting the number of starting chains/rows and increases for extra-tall or mini trees.
- Use chunky yarn for a bigger, bolder ornament, or lightweight yarn for dainty tree garlands.
- String multiple trees onto a cord for a cheerful holiday garland or use single trees as gift toppers or unique gift tags.
Troubleshooting
- Spiral Doesn’t Hold Shape: Blocked stitches may be too loose. Try tightening your tension, adding more increases, or reducing base chains to firm up the spiral.
- Uneven Edges: Double-check that you do not skip the first or last stitches of rows. Count your stitches to ensure consistency.
- Piece Too Large/Small: If your ornament is bigger or smaller than expected, adjust hook size and tension. More rows/chains make a larger tree, fewer for a smaller version.
- Loose Beads or Bows: Secure all decorations tightly on the RS using strong knotted stitches or a dab of glue for extra durability.
- Unraveling or Loose Color Changes: Always secure the yarn tails firmly on the inside (WS) and weave in ends thoroughly. For color changes, switch colors in the last yarn over of the previous stitch for the cleanest look.
Care Instructions
Hand wash ornaments gently in cool water with mild detergent. Squeeze out moisture in a towel (do not wring). Reshape while damp and air dry flat. Store away from sunlight or moisture; keep with holiday decorations in a sealed container for longevity. Avoid machine wash/dry to maintain shape and decorations.
Final Notes
Always check your stitch count at the end of each row—this ensures a neat, consistent tree and an even spiral. Adjust tension as needed for a firm, crisp texture that spirals cleanly. Use the image as your inspiration, but let your creativity shine through in decorations and color choices for truly unique holiday ornaments.
