Introduction
This charming crochet Christmas tree ornament features elegant, scalloped layers that resemble a classic evergreen festooned for the holidays. The tree is crafted in a calming silvery green with a crisp cream border, finished with a neat trunk and a tidy hanging loop. Its tiered design mimics the natural spread of pine branches, and the lacy openwork stitches bring both texture and lightness. Perfect for festive décor, this ornament looks beautiful hung on a holiday tree, strung across a garland, or attached to gift packages as a handmade touch.
Creating your own crochet tree ornament is a rewarding, enjoyable project. The motif is relatively quick to make, requiring only basic crochet techniques cleverly combined to craft the signature layered shape. The project is well-suited for using up scrap yarn in coordinating colors, and it provides a wonderful opportunity to practice shaping, color changes, and simple assembly. Whether you’re making a collection for your own tree or gifting ornaments to loved ones, this delightful pattern captures the spirit of handmade holiday cheer.
Project Overview
This ornament is constructed in rows, using increasing shells to form four tiers that create a tree shape. Each tier is worked in a main color, with a contrasting second color added as a scalloped border around the tree. The trunk is made separately in rows and sewn or crocheted to the base. The final step is adding a hanging loop at the top. Every component—tree, border, trunk, and loop—can be completed with basic stitches and some simple shaping.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner: While this project mainly uses basic stitches (chains, single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch), the construction involves shaping, consistent stitch counting, and neat joinings. Some experience following patterns or working with color changes is helpful.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton or acrylic. Approximate amounts: 15g (0.5 oz) in main tree color (mint green, sage, or light gray-green), and 7g (0.25 oz) in accent color (ivory or cream) for the border and trunk.
- Crochet Hook: US size G/6 (4.0 mm) or size needed for gauge.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing the trunk.
- Scissors: For trimming yarn.
- Stitch Markers: (Optional) For marking row ends or the center stitch when shaping the tree.
- Measuring Tape: To check finished size if desired.
Feel free to substitute any soft, sturdy yarn scraps you have in suitable colors, keeping weight consistent for best results.
Finished Size
The completed tree ornament measures approximately 13 cm (5 inches) wide at the base and 15 cm (6 inches) tall including the trunk and hanging loop. You can easily alter the finished dimensions by using thinner or thicker yarn and a correspondingly smaller or larger hook, or adding/removing rows to make a larger or smaller tree.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this ornament, but for best results, a sample shell row should measure about 10 cm (4 inches) wide across five shells using the listed yarn and hook. Small differences in gauge will affect the final ornament size but won’t impact functionality, so adjust as preferred for your intended use.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sp – space
- shell – 5 dc in same st/sp
Pattern Notes
• All rows are worked back and forth unless noted.
• Chains at the start of a row do not count as stitches unless stated.
• Tree tier rows are built with shell stitches; always work shell stitches into chain spaces or as instructed for even shaping.
• Change to contrasting color for border by joining at the top point of the tree with a slip stitch.
• Rounds and rows begin and end as directed; use a stitch marker for the turning points or center of the tree if desired.
• The right side (RS) faces out when displayed; the back (WS) may be slightly less tidy but is generally hidden.
• Fasten off all pieces neatly, weaving in ends with a tapestry needle for a professional finish.
• If you need larger or smaller ornaments, use more or fewer tiers in the tree section and adjust the trunk height accordingly.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Tree Body (Make 1)
- Foundation Row: With main color (MC), ch 13. (This will form the base foundation for the entire tree.)
- Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as 2 dc), *skip 1 ch, 5 dc in next ch (shell made), skip 1 ch, dc in next ch*; repeat from * to * once more, ending dc in last ch. (2 dc, 2 shells, 2 dc; total: 14 dc)
- Row 2 (start shaping first tier): Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout tree body), turn. 2 dc in first st (increase), skip next 2 dc, *(5 dc in ch-1 space of shell), skip next 2 dc*; repeat from * to * across, end with 2 dc in top of turning ch. (2 increases each end) (4 shells + 4 extra dc on ends; 24 sts)
- Row 3: Ch 3, turn. 2 dc in first st, *5 dc in center sp of next shell, skip 2; repeat from * across, end with 2 dc in top of turning ch. (5 shells; 6 extra dc; 31 sts)
- Row 4: Ch 3, turn. 2 dc in first st, *shell in center of next shell, repeat from * across to end, 2 dc in top of turning ch. (6 shells; 8 extra dc; 38 sts)
- Row 5 (last tier): Ch 1, turn. Sc evenly across entire row, working 1 sc in each dc and in top of each shell. (38 sc)
- Fasten off MC. Weave in the end or leave a short tail for easier assembly.
Tree Border
- With contrasting color (CC), join with a sl st in the top center point of the tree (top row).
- Ch 1, work (sc, ch 3, sc) in the same st, *skip 2 sts, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next st*; repeat all the way down right side of tree.
- At the base corner, work (sc, ch 3, sc) in the corner, continue (sc, ch 3, sc) in each shell center/edge along the bottom, and then up the left side in the same fashion.
- When back at the start, sl st to join in the first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Tree Trunk
- With CC, ch 5.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (4 sc)
- Row 2–5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (4 sc per row; 5 rows total)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. The trunk is a small rectangle; if you want a longer trunk, work more rows as desired.
Hanging Loop
- With CC, attach yarn at top center of the tree. Ch 22 (or to desired loop length).
- Sl st back into the base to form a loop. Fasten off and weave in tails securely.
Assembly and Finishing
Lay the finished tree body flat with the right side facing up. Center the trunk under the base of the tree and sew it in place using the long tail and the tapestry needle, working through both loops of the trunk and the corresponding stitches at the bottom center of the tree. Weave in all ends securely, making sure the back side is tidy—this will help your ornament hang flat and look neat from every angle. Block the tree gently if necessary by dampening and pinning to shape, letting it dry flat. This will even out the scallops and shells, giving crisp definition to your ornament. Check that the hanging loop is strong and not twisted.
Customization Ideas
Try these variations for new looks and creative uses:
- Swap out traditional green and cream for bold colors (red, gold, blue) for a modern twist.
- Add a dusting of metallic yarn in the border round for sparkle.
- Stitch on tiny beads, sequins, or buttons as “ornaments” after finishing the main crochet work.
- Use fingering or bulky yarn and adjust hook size to make miniatures for cards or oversized ornaments for wall décor.
- Make several and string together as a garland, or attach to a wreath base.
- Use the same pattern as a festive applique for stockings, scarves, or holiday sweaters.
Troubleshooting
Curling or warping: If your tree curls or warps, block it firmly with pins after lightly misting with water or steam. Uneven tension is usually the culprit, so try to relax and keep your stitches even.
Uneven edges: Carefully count stitches in each row. If you consistently finish with too many or too few stitches, double-check shell placement and starting stitches.
Piece too large or too small: Adjust your hook or yarn size, or alter the number of rows and shells to reach your desired dimensions. Blocking can stretch a piece slightly.
Loose color changes: When switching from the tree color to the border, pull the first stitch of the new color snug and weave in the tail across several stitches to secure.
Uneven scallops: Work the border scallops loosely for a gentle curve, and tighten up the slip stitch joins for a professional look.
Care Instructions
If using cotton or washable acrylic yarn, gently hand wash the ornament in cool water with mild detergent. Shape to flat while damp and allow to air dry completely. Avoid wringing or twisting to keep the tree from losing shape. Store ornaments flat in a box during the off-season.
Final Notes
Take your time to keep stitch counts even, turn your work neatly at the end of each row, and use the photo as a guide for shaping the tree and scallops. Don’t hesitate to experiment with size, color, and embellishment for your own festive flair. Happy crocheting and may your holidays be handmade!
