Introduction
Bring the spirit of the holidays into your home with adorable crochet Christmas tree ornaments. These handmade decorations feature a classic evergreen tree shape, topped with a bright yellow star and decorated with colorful bead “baubles.” The rich palette—ranging from deep green and festive red to snowy white—echoes traditional Christmas decorations, while subtle pops of gold and red make each piece bespoke and dazzling. Each ornament boasts delightful scalloped “branches” that give them texture and fullness, and a sturdy trunk adds the perfect finishing touch at the base.
These ornaments are ideal for hanging on your Christmas tree, attaching to gifts as a charming tag, or using as a festive garland. Crocheting these trees brings great joy, whether you’re making them for your own holiday décor, as heartfelt presents, or simply as a relaxing creative project to unwind during the winter months. The finished ornaments are eye-catching, practical, and can be endlessly customized to match your holiday color theme. Their compact size and straightforward construction also make them perfect for holiday craft fairs and last-minute gift ideas.
Project Overview
This ornament is constructed primarily in rows, starting from the top of the tree and working downward, with separate sections for the tree, trunk, and star. The body features repeating shell stitch rows to create layered branches and a rich, ruffled texture. The ornament is worked flat and then finished with edging, embellishments, and an optional hanging loop. The yellow star, made separately, is attached at the top, while beads can be sewn on for festive “baubles.” Color changes allow for uniform or striped effects, and the project is joined together for a sturdy, attractive finish.
Skill Level
This pattern is rated Advanced Beginner. You should be comfortable with basic stitches (chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet), recognizing stitches, and learning how to shape rows using shell stitches. Adding simple decorations and joining pieces are the main skills practiced here.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or cotton yarn
– Green: approx. 30 g
– Red: approx. 20 g
– White: approx. 20 g
– Yellow: approx. 10 g (for star and loop)
– Brown: approx. 10 g (for trunk) - Crochet Hook: US size G/6 (4.0 mm)
- Tapestry Needle: For sewing pieces and weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers: Optional, for marking row ends or color changes
- Embroidery/Sharp Needle: For attaching beads
- Small Plastic or Glass Beads: In various festive colors for “baubles”
- Optional: Fabric glue, light cardboard to stiffen ornament
Choose a yarn with good stitch definition so the shell patterns stand out. Acrylic yarns are durable and easy to care for, but cotton works beautifully for crisp shapes.
Finished Size
The finished ornament measures approximately 11 cm (4.3 inches) tall, including the trunk but not the hanging loop, and about 8.5 cm (3.3 inches) wide at the base. Size may vary with yarn choice and tension. To make a larger or smaller ornament, use thicker/thinner yarn or a larger/smaller hook, but maintain consistent gauge for a neat result.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this ornament but affects the finished size and appearance. Approximate gauge: 17 double crochets and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). If your tree is coming out much larger or smaller than desired, adjust your hook or yarn weight accordingly. Consistent stitch tension ensures the branches look even and crisp.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sh – shell (5 dc in same stitch)
Special Stitch:
- Shell (sh): Work 5 double crochets in the same stitch or space
Pattern Notes
Chains at the beginning of rows do not count as stitches unless otherwise specified. Work ornaments with the right side facing you throughout for consistency. Always join new colors at the start of a row and secure with a tight knot on the wrong side to prevent unraveling. Use continuous flat rows for the tree; the trunk and star are made separately and sewn or crocheted onto the main piece. For neat color changes, finish the last stitch of the old color until the last yarn over, then complete it with the new color. Place a stitch marker at the start of each row to keep edges even. Weave ends securely to avoid unraveling when hanging.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Tree Body
Row 1 (Start): With green (or main color), ch 4, sl st into the first ch to form a ring.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc into ring. Turn. (3 dc)
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 4 dc in the first st (creates shell), skip next st, 5 dc in last st (shell), turn. (2 shells, 10 dc)
Row 4: Ch 1, sl st to next st. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 4 dc in same st (shell just formed), [skip 2 st, 5 dc in next st] to end, turn. (3 shells, 15 dc)
Row 5: Repeat same pattern: ch 1, sl st to next st, ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [skip 2 st, 5 dc in next st] until the row ends, turn. (4 shells, 20 dc)
Row 6: Continue as established: ch 1, sl st to next st, ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [skip 2 st, 5 dc in next st] to end, turn. (5 shells, 25 dc)
Row 7 (Optional, for a slightly larger tree): Repeat as above for 6 shells and 30 dc. For the ornament size seen in the photo, 5-6 shell rows make a nice, full tree.
Color Stripes: For striped trees, alternate colors every row for the “branches.” Change color as described in the notes for a crisp edge.
Tree Edging (Optional)
If you desire a finished look, sc evenly along both sides of the tree, working 2 sc into each row-end and 3 sc at each point. Do not edge across the base.
Trunk
With brown, ch 6. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (5 sc) Turn. Row 2-3: Ch 1, sc across (5 sc per row). Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Position the trunk at the base center of the tree and whipstitch (or sl st) in place.
Star Topper
With yellow, make a magic ring.
R1: Ch 1, [sc in ring, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next ch; sl st in ring] 5 times to form 5 points. Pull ring tight, fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Sew or crochet the star to the top of the tree. To make the hanging loop, ch 18-20 with yellow, form a loop, and sew securely behind the star.
Bead Decorations
With a sharp embroidery needle and thread, sew beads evenly across the scallops. Place 1-2 beads per shell or as desired. Alternatively, glue on small decorative buttons or sequins.
Assembly and Finishing
Gently block the finished piece. Pin the ornament flat to a towel or blocking mat, lightly spray with water, and allow to dry. For extra stiffness, spray with starch or lay against light cardboard (optional). Weave in all yarn ends with a tapestry needle for a neat reverse side. Ensure the trunk and star are firmly attached, and the hanging loop will handle the ornament’s weight. Trim away stray fibers. If you made multiple trees, braid three hanging loops together for a garland, or attach them individually to gift bags and tree branches. The finished result should be tidy, with colorful, well-positioned baubles and a securely attached loop or ribbon for hanging.
Customization Ideas
- Swap in metallic yarn for the star, or use sparkly yarns for branches to mimic tinsel.
- Use multicolor yarn or alternate rows in red, green, and white for a classic holiday look.
- Change bead colors to suit your décor, or skip beads altogether for a simpler style.
- Attach two trees back-to-back, stuffed lightly, for a 3D effect.
- Use DK or bulky weight yarn with the appropriate hook for smaller or larger trees, respectively.
- Hang ornaments on the tree, attach to garlands, use as gift toppers, or create a mobile for a festive window display.
Troubleshooting
- Edges Curling: If the work curls, your tension may be too tight—consciously loosen your hand, or move up a hook size.
- Uneven Shells: Make sure to place all 5 dc in the same stitch for shells. Mark shell starts with a stitch marker if easily lost.
- Piece Too Large/Small: Double-check gauge. If needed, use a different size hook or yarn weight.
- Changing Colors Looks Messy: Always finish the last yarn-over of the old color’s last stitch with the new color, keep ends at the back, and weave in neatly.
- Loose Tension in Hanger or Attachments: Reinforce with extra passes of yarn and knot securely at the back.
With practice, your trees will come out crisp, charming, and ready for holiday cheer.
Care Instructions
Hand wash ornaments gently in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, shaping as needed. If using acrylic yarn, machine washing is often possible, but always check bead and star security before laundering. Avoid wringing or placing under heavy objects, as it may cause misshaping.
Final Notes
Track your stitch count at the end of each row for an even, symmetrical tree. Adjust your tension for a crisp, tight fabric that holds its shape when hanging. Refer to the sample image for color layout, star shape, and bead placement inspiration, and let your creativity shine through in every festive ornament you make!
