If you’re looking to infuse your holiday season with warmth and handmade charm, this joyful crochet holiday wreath appliqué is the perfect project. It features a round green and white wreath center, a scalloped textured border that gives the piece a dimensional, ornamental quality, and a delicate red bow embellishment. The overall design evokes the classic look of cheerful Christmas wreaths and is a wonderful accent for seasonal decor. Whether you’re adding it to a table setting, incorporating it into a festive garland, or embellishing gifts, this wreath is sure to stand out. With its iconic holiday color palette of evergreen, pure white, and bright red, this project both delights and challenges with its crisp shaping and inviting textures.
This project is an excellent introduction to textured crochet motifs. The soft circular wreath is created in rounds, with strategic color changes giving the illusion of a layered garland. A contrasting scalloped border frames the piece and makes it pop. Eye-catching accents like the woven red detail and tidy bow enrich the design. The finished piece has a playful, nostalgic quality—making it a wonderful motif for cushions, wall decor, potholders, or as a part of larger festive projects.
Project Overview
This holiday wreath appliqué is worked entirely in the round, starting from the center and moving outwards. The main body is crocheted in two colors, with a green segment simulating pine and a white segment for the snowy center. Once the main body is complete, a wavy scalloped border is worked around the outer edge. Finally, a length of red yarn is threaded along the middle for added detail, and a simple crocheted bow is sewn to the top as the finishing touch. All pieces are worked flat and joined at the very end.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate. This project requires knowledge of basic stitches (single crochet, double crochet), working in the round, color changes, slip stitching, increasing, and crocheting scalloped borders. The shaping and assembly are straightforward but require attention to stitch placement and tension for a crisp finish.
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn (category 4) in three colors:
- Green (approx. 25 g)
- White (approx. 20 g)
- Red (approx. 8 g, for bow and accents)
- Crochet hook size H/8 (5.0 mm)
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends and sewing on bow)
- Sharp scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, to mark first stitch of round)
- Measuring tape (optional, for size checking)
Finished Size
The finished wreath motif is approximately 14 cm (5.5 inches) in diameter, including the scalloped border.
- To Adjust Size: Use a larger or smaller hook or change yarn weight for a bigger or smaller motif. Adjusting the number of increase rounds can further scale your appliqué.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this project, but for reference, after Rnd 4, your circle should measure about 8 cm (3 inches) across. Slight differences will alter finished size, but this does not affect the usability of the motif for decorative purposes.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- MR – magic ring
- inc – increase (2 sts in same stitch)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- FO – fasten off
Important Pattern Notes
- This motif is worked in joined rounds unless noted.
- Ch-2 at the beginning of each round does not count as a stitch unless specified.
- Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of the round if needed.
- Change colors by completing the last pull-through of the previous stitch with the new color.
- Right side should face up at all times.
- Weave in ends neatly after each color change to avoid bumps in the motif.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Center Ring
- With white yarn, MR, ch 2 (does not count as st), 12 dc in ring. Join with sl st to first dc. (12 sts)
- Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join with sl st. (24 sts)
- Ch 2, [dc in next st, 2 dc in next st] repeat around. Join. (36 sts)
- Ch 2, [dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st] repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
- FO white. Attach green yarn to any st.
Part 2: Wreath Body (Green Section)
- With green, ch 2. [Dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st] repeat around. Join. (60 sts)
- Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (60 sts)
- Ch 1, sc in next st, [skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st (for scallop), skip 1 st, sc in next st] repeat around. Join with sl st to first sc. (15 scallops)
- FO green.
Notes for step 8: You’re forming the rough scalloped edge that mimics the texture of wreath foliage. Adjust the number of repeats to keep the scallops even around the circle; if needed, skip a stitch more or less at the end to even out.
Part 3: Inner Red Accent
- Thread a tapestry needle with red yarn (about 60 cm/24 inches). Beginning roughly halfway between the white center and green margin, weave the yarn in and out of every other stitch around the transition (like lacing a shoe), keeping loops even. Tie off at the back and trim excess.
Part 4: Outer White Scalloped Edge
- With white, join to any sc between scallops.
Ch 1, (sc in sc, hdc in first dc, [dc, tr, dc] in second dc, hdc in third dc, sc in next sc) repeat around, joining with sl st at the end. - FO and weave in all ends. This gives a nicely frilled snowy effect on the outer edge of your wreath.
Part 5: Crocheted Red Bow
- With red, ch 32. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each across. FO (creates the bow loops/ties).
- Now, ch 10. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each across. FO (this is the bow center band).
- Fold the longer strip into two loops and using the shorter strip, cinch the center of the bow, tying tightly at the back. Secure with a knot, then stitch the bow in position at the top center of the wreath.
Assembly and Finishing
- Gently steam-block the finished motif using a pressing cloth if desired, flattening the piece and ensuring the scalloped edge lays flat and even.
- Use a tapestry needle to weave in all remaining ends neatly on the back.
- Sew the crocheted bow to the top center of the motif, just overlapping the border.
- If attaching to another object (such as a pillow, blanket, or as a hanging decoration), whipstitch or tack at several points for security while keeping edges smooth.
- If using as an appliqué, secure all loose ends tightly and trim excess for a crisp back finish.
Customization Ideas
- Swap the traditional colors (green, white, red) for metallic yarns or non-traditional hues to suit different holiday themes.
- Add tiny crocheted berries, bells, or sequins for extra sparkle.
- Use two shades of green for a more realistic, variegated foliage effect.
- Make the motif with lighter cotton yarn for coasters, or hold two strands together for trivet thickness.
- Sew several motifs together for a festive holiday garland or create a set as mug rugs for seasonal gatherings.
- Use smaller hooks and lighter weight yarn for mini wreaths perfect as ornaments or gift toppers.
- Sew the finished motif to the front of plain holiday stockings, pillow covers, or tote bags.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your motif is curling, gently block it and check that increases were done evenly in each round.
- Uneven or bumpy edges can often be resolved by careful blocking and even tightening of edge stitches.
- If the motif is larger or smaller than expected, check your hook size and that increases were placed at the correct intervals.
- Loose or jagged color changes can be minimized by always joining new yarn at the start of a round and weaving in ends firmly.
- Keep tension consistent, especially during the scalloped border, for best results.
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in cold water using mild detergent. Press excess water out by rolling in a towel and lay flat to dry. Do not wring. If necessary, press lightly on the wrong side with a cool iron and a damp cloth for reshaping.
Final Notes
Carefully counting stitches and verifying each round will help keep your motif neat. Adjust your tension as needed for a flat piece, and don’t hesitate to reference your work against the original image as you go. This project is perfect for using up small amounts of yarn and is a fantastic way to bring a little handmade cheer to your holiday decor. Enjoy your festive crochet journey!
