Introduction
If you love bringing holiday spirit into your home with handmade crafts, these crochet Christmas wreath ornaments are the perfect project for your festive season. The design is delightfully detailed—each wreath features a classic ring shape wrapped in white yarn, a bold green crocheted border, and elegant red scallops edged in white for that ‘snow-covered’ look. The finishing touches, including a gingham bow, a loop for hanging, tiny decorative holly leaves, and mini baubles, make these ornaments truly eye-catching on any tree, window, or as a thoughtful handmade gift. The cozy combination of red, green, and white reflects classic Christmas colors, while the texture and layering of the crochet stitches add a plush, inviting charm. Whether you’re an experienced crocheter or looking for a project to build your skills, these wreaths are fun to make—and most importantly, endlessly customizable so you can add your own holiday flair!
Not only are these wreaths visually striking, but they also serve as a wonderful way to use up leftover yarn. Their size makes them perfect as Christmas ornaments for the tree, but they can also be used as festive wall decor, unique gift toppers, or even as part of a table centerpiece. The tactile, soft finish is child-friendly, and the colors and embellishments add that extra festive cheer that brightens any room.
Project Overview
The Christmas wreath ornament is constructed in parts: you’ll begin by crocheting around a plastic or wooden ring to form the base, covering half in white and half in green. Next, rounds are worked in green and then red to create the signature wreath look and scalloped edging. The gold ribbon is woven through the middle for a special touch. Small embellishments—leaves, bows, and miniature baubles—are added last. Most sections are worked in joined rounds, while embellishments are crocheted separately and sewn on securely.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate: This project uses basic stitches with some shaping, color changes, and surface decoration. If you’re comfortable with rounds, changing colors, and sewing crochet pieces together, you’ll enjoy the construction process.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or cotton recommended for durability and color vibrancy.
- Colors: White (approx. 20 g), Green (approx. 20 g), Red (approx. 20 g), and small amounts of gold (for ribbon or yarn).
- Crochet hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm) or appropriate size for yarn.
- Ring base: 3-inch (7.5 cm) diameter plastic or wooden ring per ornament. (Adjust size for your needs.)
- Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and sewing embellishments.
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional): For marking beginning of rounds.
- Gold ribbon: 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) wide, approx. 20 inches (50 cm) per wreath, or gold yarn for weaving.
- Miniature baubles: Small craft baubles or embroidered yarn balls.
- Decorative bow: Gingham ribbon, approx. 6 inches (15 cm) per wreath.
- Pearls or craft beads: Optional, for holly detail.
Finished Size
The small wreath ornaments measure approximately 4.5 inches (11 cm) across for the ring itself and about 6 inches (15 cm) including the scalloped border and bow. The size is determined by the diameter of your ring base and can be easily adjusted by choosing a larger or smaller ring. The pattern can also be adjusted by adding or subtracting stitches per round to fit alternative ring sizes.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this project but for reference: 10 single crochet stitches and 12 rows in 4 inches (10 cm) with your chosen yarn and hook. If your stitches are looser or tighter, your wreath size may vary. Adjust hook size as needed to achieve a dense, neat fabric so the ring does not show through.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- inc – increase (work 2 stitches in same space)
- MR – magic ring
- rep – repeat
Pattern Notes
Unless noted, chains at round starts do not count as a stitch. Most rounds are joined with a slip stitch and begun anew with ch 1 or ch 2 as appropriate for the stitch height. When changing colors, do so in the last yarn over of the last stitch of the previous round for a neater look. Use stitch markers to keep track of your starting point. The right side of the wreath faces outward at all times. Weaving ribbon is easiest before adding embellishments.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
1. Covering the Ring Base
- Begin in White: Attach white yarn to the ring base with a slip knot. Work single crochet stitches tightly around half (or slightly more than half) of the ring. Push stitches closely together as you go for full coverage (about 25-30 sc for 3-inch ring). Fasten off and break yarn.
- Continue in Green: Attach green yarn in the next available space on the ring (right next to the last white stitch). Work single crochet stitches tightly around the remaining half of the ring, joining to the first green stitch with a slip stitch. (Number of stitches should total 50-60 for full coverage). Fasten off and weave in ends.
2. Base Round (Green Band)
- With green yarn, join in any stitch on the ring (ideally directly at the color change). Ch 1, sc in each single crochet around the ring, join with sl st to first sc. (50-60 sc)
3. Accent Round (Gold Ribbon Weaving)
- Using a yarn needle, weave gold ribbon or gold yarn under every 5th or 6th green stitch around the ring to create a decorative band. Overlap neatly at the back, trim, and secure ends with a knot or sew down. Set aside.
4. Scalloped Edge (Red Petals)
- With red yarn, join in any green stitch. *Skip 1 stitch, work (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in next stitch (forms a petal), skip 1 stitch*—repeat * to * all the way around. Adjust for even spacing so that you finish at the start (there should be about 12-14 petals, depending on ring size and stitch count). Join with sl st to the base of the first petal. Fasten off red yarn. (12-14 large scallops)
5. White Edging
- With white yarn and a smaller hook (optional for a neater edge), join at the top of any red petal. Sc evenly around each petal, placing 2 sc at the tip of each petal and 1 sc in each stitch down the sides, sl st into the base between petals. Continue around all petals, fasten off and weave in ends.
6. Hanging Loop
- With green yarn, attach to the top center of the wreath. Ch 20 (for a 3-4 inch hanging loop), sl st back into the same stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends.
7. Holly Leaves (Make 2 per wreath)
- With green yarn, MR, ch 2, work 2 dc, 2 tr, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st into ring. Pull tight, fasten off, and leave a tail for sewing. Shape leaf into an oval. (Optional: add veins with a contrasting thread.)
8. Mini Baubles (Make 3 per wreath)
- With red or white yarn, MR, ch 1, work 6 sc into ring, sl st to first sc. Pull tight to close, stuff lightly, then sew closed. Decorate with embroidery or leave plain. Attach hanging loop by using gold or white thread. (Alternatively, sew on small craft baubles.)
9. Bow
- Create a bow using gingham ribbon, about 6 inches (15 cm) long. Tie and trim ends neatly. Optionally, sew or glue a tiny gold thread in the center for extra sparkle.
10. Assembly
- Sew two holly leaves to each side of the top center of the wreath, slightly overlapping for dimension.
- Stitch three mini baubles close together at the center, letting them dangle within the wreath opening.
- Attach the bow above the leaves using thread or glue, hiding any joins from the baubles and leaves.
- Add decorative pearl or bead on each holly leaf for a snowberry effect, if desired.
Assembly and Finishing
Begin by weaving in all loose ends at the back of the wreath. Use a tapestry needle to firmly sew leaves, baubles, and the bow onto the wreath, making sure they are centered and secure. Trim off any uneven ends from the ribbon or loose threads. Gently steam block the wreath if desired: pin the scalloped edges into shape and steam lightly (do not touch the yarn directly with an iron). Allow to cool before handling. Double-check the hanging loop for strength so the ornament will hold its shape on the tree or window. Your wreath is now ready for display!
Customization Ideas
Switch up the classic Christmas colors for variation; use gold, silver, or blue for a winter wonderland look. Try using sparkly or variegated yarn for extra texture. The scalloped border can be made in any color and with as many or as few petals as you like. Swap out the gingham bow for satin, burlap, or a yarn bow. Instead of baubles, add tiny bells, wooden buttons, or soft pom-poms. Make miniature wreaths as gift toppers, or use large rings for a front door statement piece.
Troubleshooting
- Curling: If your wreath curls, check that you have evenly distributed stitches, especially when working around the ring base. Use a smaller hook or add extra stitches as needed for full coverage.
- Uneven Edges: The scalloped petals rely on consistent stitch counts; if your petals look uneven, count carefully and distribute increases equally. Blocking helps maintain shape.
- Piece Too Large/Small: Adjust ring size or yarn thickness. Fewer stitches and petals will create a smaller wreath; more will make it bigger. Swatch a small section to test.
- Loose Color Changes: Change colors in the last stitch of the round for a seamless look. Pull ends firmly and weave in well.
- Uneven Tension: Work in good lighting and try to keep an even, firm tension—especially when wrapping around the ring and making small objects like baubles.
Care Instructions
Hand wash or gently spot clean with mild detergent in cold water. Avoid harsh scrubbing or wringing. Lay flat to dry to preserve shape. Do not iron directly; steam blocking is safe if required. Store ornaments flat, in a cool, dry place outside of direct sunlight to keep the colors vibrant year after year.
Final Notes
Always double-check stitch and petal counts as you go and adjust your tension for the best fit on the ring base. Use the sample photos as a visual guide for assembly and color placement. With practice and creativity, every wreath you make will become a cherished addition to your holiday decor.
