Introduction
Crocheted Christmas ornaments bring a special handmade charm to the holiday season, and this spiral Christmas tree ornament is a stunning example of festive creativity. This project features a richly textured spiral tree crocheted in deep green, decorated all around with a shimmering golden chain that highlights each curve beautifully. The tree is topped with a charming crocheted gold star and finished with a hanging loop and a jingly bell at the base. The overall appearance is elegant, whimsical, and deeply festive, making it perfect for adorning your Christmas tree, gifting to friends, or adding to holiday wreaths or garlands.
This spiral design creates a three-dimensional, layered effect, giving the ornament a lifelike Christmas tree shape. The metallic gold detailing and the star accentuate the tree’s form and add a sense of luxury. Making these ornaments is not only rewarding but also a wonderful way to use up small amounts of yarn. They work up quickly and are ideal for last-minute gifts or holiday crafts with friends and family.
Project Overview
This ornament is made by crocheting a green spiral tree in the round, increasing the size gradually to form layered coils. The star topper, hanging loop, and golden spiral garland are made separately and sewn to the ornament. The ornament is completed with a simple stitch around the edge using gold yarn or embroidery thread, and a small bell is attached to the base for the final festive touch. Most of the construction is done in continuous rounds, with easy-to-follow sections for each element.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner. This project is suitable for crafters who are comfortable with basic crochet stitches (single crochet, slip stitch, and increases), working in the round, and simple shaping. The pattern includes small elements and assembly, but the steps are clear and repetitive, making it accessible and enjoyable.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in dark green (approx. 40 g per ornament) and metallic gold cotton yarn or embroidery thread (approx. 10 g per ornament for edging and star).
- Crochet hook: 3.5 mm (E-4) or size needed for firm stitches.
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and attaching parts.
- Small craft bells (metallic gold, about 1.5 cm/0.6 in diameter), one per ornament.
- Scissors.
- Stitch markers for tracking rounds.
- Optional: Small amount of fiberfill or scrap yarn for slightly stuffing the base for shape (not essential).
Finished Size
The finished ornament is approximately 10 cm (4 inches) tall, including the star topper, and about 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) wide at the base. Size may vary slightly with yarn choice and tension. You can make a smaller or larger tree by adjusting yarn weight or hook size, or by working fewer or more increase rounds.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this project, but for reference: 10 sc x 10 rows = 5 cm x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches). If your ornament is much smaller or larger than desired, switch to a different hook size. Consistent tension ensures a neat, evenly shaped spiral tree.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in one stitch)
- MR – magic ring
Pattern Notes
- This project is worked in continuous rounds; use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
- Chains at the beginning of the star and hanging loop usually do not count as stitches unless noted.
- Join a new color (gold) with a slip stitch for edging and decorative elements. Secure and weave ends neatly for a polished look.
- The right side (RS) is always facing outward; keep spiral curves even and well-shaped during assembly.
- The spiral garland and star are made separately and attached with a tapestry needle.
- Stuff lightly if desired to help the base hold its conical shape.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
1. Spiral Tree Body
- With green yarn, make a MR.
- Round 1: 6 sc into MR. Pull tight. (6)
- Round 2: inc in each stitch around. (12)
- Round 3: (sc in next, inc) repeat around. (18)
- Round 4: (sc in next 2, inc) repeat around. (24)
- Round 5: (sc in next 3, inc) repeat around. (30)
- Round 6: (sc in next 4, inc) repeat around. (36)
- Round 7: (sc in next 5, inc) repeat around. (42)
- Round 8: (sc in next 6, inc) repeat around. (48)
- Round 9: (sc in next 7, inc) repeat around. (54)
- Round 10: (sc in next 8, inc) repeat around. (60)
- Rounds 11–14: sc in each st around. (60)
Notes: Stop and check the curl after Round 8 and 10; the spiral effect is most visible as the piece grows. You may add or subtract rounds to adjust tree size. If desired, stuff the base lightly during the last rounds for a more defined conical tree.
2. Golden Spiral Garland (Chain Edging)
- Attach gold yarn at the base of the spiral tree using a slip stitch.
- Chain loosely and follow the spiral edge upwards, slip stitching into every other stitch (alternating between two rounds). This will create the garland effect.
- Continue spiraling upwards, chaining to bridge the gap between tiers. Secure at the top with a slip stitch and fasten off. Weave in ends.
- If you prefer, work a continuous gold slip stitch edging along each round of the spiral for an extra-defined look.
3. Hanging Loop
- With green (or gold, for contrast), join yarn at the tree top.
- Ch 18–20 (your preferred hanging length).
- Sl st back into the starting point to form a loop.
- Fasten off, weave in the end inside the tree top.
4. Gold Star Topper
- With gold yarn, make a MR.
- Round 1: 5 sc into ring, join with sl st (5).
- Round 2: (ch 3, sl st in next st) around to form first 5 petals of the star (5).
- Round 3 (working on petals): (sl st, ch 2, sl st) in each ch-3 loop for pointed effect (5 points).
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing star to tree top.
5. Bell & Finishing Details
- Thread a length of green or gold yarn through the bottom center of the spiral tree and tie to a small jingle bell. Knot securely and weave conceal the knot inside the tree.
Assembly and Finishing
- Position the star at the very top of the tree, covering any visible hole from the MR, and sew through both the star and several stitches of the tree top for stability.
- Shape the spiral layers with your fingers or by gentle steaming to give the tree a lifelike, tiered appearance.
- Make sure the loop is attached securely and lies flat for hanging.
- Weave in any visible ends, tucking tails neatly into the body of the ornament.
- If your yarn allows, lightly steam-block the finished ornament to help the spiral maintain its shape.
- Finally, check that all attachments (star, loop, bell) are tight and secure for durability over repeated use.
Customization Ideas
- Swap the classic green for white, red, or variegated holiday yarn to make playful or snowy trees.
- Use silver or red metallic thread in place of gold for a different festive accent, or mix several colors in the spiral edging.
- Instead of bells, add small pom-poms, buttons, or beads to the tree base for alternative decoration.
- Increase or decrease tree size by adding/subtracting increase rounds.
- Embellish with mini crocheted ornaments or beads along the garland for added detail.
- This pattern can be adapted for table centerpieces, keyrings, or bag charms by adjusting the size and hanging mechanism.
Troubleshooting
- If the spiral curls too tightly, try loosening your tension or switching to a larger hook.
- For floppy or misshapen trees, be sure stitches are firm and consider stuffing the base lightly.
- Uneven edges or gaps in the spiral are usually caused by missed increases—count your stitches at the end of each round to be sure.
- If the gold garland sits unevenly, rework the chain and adjust attachment points, ensuring you are evenly spacing the spiral upwards.
- Loose color changes can be tightened by weaving ends securely; changing color at the start of a round helps keep transitions neat.
- If the star points are not defined, use a smaller hook or tighter tension just for the star, and block it flat if needed.
Care Instructions
Hand-wash gentle or spot clean only, especially if soft metallic yarn is used. Lay flat to dry and reshape spiral tiers while damp. If needed, store flat in a box or hang from a rod to avoid crushing the shape. Keep ornaments away from open flame or direct heat sources.
Final Notes
Always count your stitches at the end of each round for consistent shaping. Adjust tension as needed for shaping and appearance. Use the project photo as a guide for proportions and arrangement of spiral, garland, and star—your handmade ornaments will be unique and festive additions to any décor!
