Introduction
Bring a touch of handmade charm to your holiday season with this delightful crochet Christmas tree ornament pattern. This project creates a stylized, triangular tree motif in festive red and cream yarns. The tree’s design features arching openwork branches, a frilled scalloped edge on the bottom, and a plump little bobble as the trunk—finished with an easy crochet loop for hanging. The warm, classic color combination of bright red and creamy white makes this ornament eye-catching, while the lacy tree structure adds a lovely, airy texture that looks beautiful against lights or greenery.
Perfect for trimming your Christmas tree, gifting, or decorating festive garlands and place settings, this ornament balances whimsical style with traditional holiday vibes. It’s a satisfying crochet project: quick to make, perfect for using up scraps, and ideal for crafters wanting a thoughtful handmade touch for the season. Plus, once you master the shaping and edging, you’ll be able to create a batch in an evening, adding a splash of warmth and personality wherever you display them.
Project Overview
This ornament is worked flat in rows and basic shaping, starting at the base of the tree and progressing upwards. The main shape is built with foundational chains and double crochets, decreasing to create the signature triangular form. The tree is then outlined with open arches using chain loops. You’ll add a scalloped border in a contrasting color using simple shell stitches, and finish with a crocheted bobble accent and hanging loop. All pieces are crocheted directly onto the main motif, minimizing assembly.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner. This pattern uses chains, double crochets, and simple shaping using increases and decreases. Adding the scalloped border and assembling the bobble require some attention but are still approachable for anyone comfortable with basic stitches.
Materials
- Worsted weight (category 4) yarn in two colors:
- Main color (Red): approx. 15 g (about 30 yards/27 m)
- Accent color (Cream): approx. 8 g (about 15 yards/14 m)
- US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook (use a size that gives a firm, not stiff, fabric with your yarn)
- Tapestry/yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
- Sharp scissors
- Stitch markers (helpful for keeping track of rows or marking the top of the tree triangle)
Optional: small blocking board and pins for finishing.
Finished Size
The finished ornament measures approximately 12 cm (4.75 in) tall from top of loop to bottom of bobble and about 8 cm (3.1 in) wide at the bottom. To adjust the size, use finer yarn and a smaller hook for a daintier ornament, or bulkier yarn and a larger hook for a bigger accent piece. Adjusting the initial foundation chain (making it longer or shorter by multiples of two) will proportionally change the size.
Gauge
Approximately 16 double crochets and 8 rows = 10 cm (4 in) square using G/6 (4.0 mm) hook in double crochet. Gauge is not essential, but note that variations in gauge or yarn weight will make the finished tree larger or smaller.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- inc: increase (2 dc in one st)
- dec: decrease (dc 2 sts together)
- MR: magic ring
Pattern Notes
- All instructions use US crochet terms.
- Chains at the beginning of rows or rounds do not count as a stitch unless noted.
- Turn your work at the end of each row unless stated.
- Use a stitch marker to keep track of the top center of your triangle if needed.
- Change colors by completing the last yarn over of the last stitch of the previous row with the new color.
- Work the border in the round around the edge of the completed tree shape.
- The bobble (trunk) and hanging loop are added at the end directly on the motif for a seamless finish.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Main Tree Triangle
Tree Body (Red)
- Foundation Row: Ch 15. (This will be the base of the triangle.)
- Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (first 3 ch counts as 1 dc here and throughout), dc across (13 dc). Turn.
- Row 2: Ch 3, dc2tog (counts as 1 dec), dc in next 7 sts, dc2tog, dc in last st (11 dc). Turn.
- Row 3: Ch 3, dc2tog, dc in next 5 sts, dc2tog, dc in last st (9 dc). Turn.
- Row 4: Ch 3, dc2tog, dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog, dc in last st (7 dc). Turn.
- Row 5: Ch 3, dc2tog, dc in next st, dc2tog, dc in last st (5 dc). Turn.
- Row 6: Ch 3, dc2tog, dc2tog, dc in last st (3 dc). Turn.
- Row 7: Ch 3, dc3tog across next 3 sts (forms tip). Fasten off and weave in ends. (1 dc at tip)
Tree Branch Arches
Arch Branches (Red, working along both sides of triangle):
- Join red yarn with a sl st at the first st of Row 1 on the right side (bottom right corner of triangle).
- Ch 8, sl st in the end of Row 2. Ch 6, sl st in Row 3. Ch 4, sl st in Row 4. Ch 2, sl st to tip of the tree (top most st).
- Repeat on the other side, working sl sts into the row ends in reverse order. (Creates 4 arches per side, meeting at the top point.)
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
Scalloped Border (Cream)
- Attach cream yarn to the far right base corner of the tree.
- Working along the bottom edge, [sc in first st, skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st (shell made), skip 1 st] repeat across to end, finish with 1 sc in last st at left base corner. (You should have 3 shells across the base.)
- Fasten off and weave in ends carefully on the reverse side.
Trunk Bobble (Red)
- With red yarn, MR at center of the base row (between 2nd and 3rd shell), ch 2, work 8 dc into ring, pull tight, join with sl st to first dc to close the circle. Fasten off and weave in end to back. (Or use magic ring to work 8 dc, close and attach at base of tree.)
Hanging Loop (Red)
- Attach red yarn to the top of the tree (tip of triangle).
- Ch 24 (or desired hanging length), sl st to same st to form loop. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
All major elements are crocheted directly onto the base triangle, so minimal assembly is required. Use a tapestry needle to neatly weave in any remaining yarn tails on the reverse side, ensuring none peek through the openwork. Gently shape the ornament with your fingers to straighten the arches and shell border. If desired, lightly steam block the finished piece: pin it in shape to a blocking board, spritz with water, and let dry completely to flatten any curling and crisp the edges. Attach a small thread or hook to the hanging loop if using as a garland or ornament. Make sure the trunk bobble is centered at the base for the best look.
Customization Ideas
- Try different color combinations to match your holiday decor—green and gold, silver and blue, or a gradient ombre.
- Add glitter thread or a metallic yarn carry-along for extra sparkle.
- Embellish with miniature beads, buttons, or sequins on the tree as ornaments for festive detail.
- Scale up with thicker yarn or make tiny earrings using thread and a steel hook.
- Attach to cards, gifts, or use as festive tags or place markers.
Troubleshooting
- Curling: Curling at the edges or arches is usually due to tight tension—use a larger hook or gently steam block the finished ornament to relax stitches.
- Uneven Edges: Check that you start and end in the correct stitch each row, especially when decreasing. Counting stitches at the end of every row helps maintain the triangular shape.
- Piece Too Large/Small: Change your hook size, or adjust yarn weight. Fewer chains in the foundation sets a smaller tree; more makes a larger one—just keep decreasing proportionally.
- Loose Color Changes: Change color by yarn over on the last stitch and pull ends tight to avoid holes.
- Uneven Tension: Practice even yarn feed, especially with arches and border shells for a neat, consistent look.
Care Instructions
For best results, hand wash finished ornaments in cool water with mild soap. Gently squeeze (do not wring), then lay flat to dry, shaping while damp. Store flat or hang to avoid crushing the scallops or arches. If needed, lightly reblock to restore shape after storage.
Final Notes
Double-check stitch counts each row to keep your tree symmetrical. Adjust the length of arches or shell placements as desired for a custom effect. Use the image as visual guidance, and let your ornament reflect your own festive style and creativity—happy holiday crocheting!
