Bring joy to your holidays with a set of cheerful crochet wreath ornaments! These delightful decorations feature classic festive shapes, bright and whimsical colors, and a textural flourish that will stand out on any tree, wall, or wrapped gift. With scalloped edging, bold contrasting borders, and decorative appliqués like bows, berries, flowers, or tiny trees, each wreath bursts with personality. The wreaths are small, round, and flat with a hollow center, making them lightweight and easy to hang. Their playful appeal captures the warmth and fun of the holiday season, making them perfect for home decoration, thoughtful gifts, or even festive table accents.
Making these crochet wreaths gives you the opportunity to explore fun color combinations and embellishments. Not only are they a fantastic stash-buster project, but they allow for creativity—each wreath can be unique. With their classic shape and endless possibilities for personalization, you’ll enjoy crafting these as thoughtful handmade treasures all season long.
Project Overview
Each wreath is crocheted in the round to create a ring, finished with a scalloped border for ornament-like flair. The main shape is worked in joined rounds, alternating colors as desired. Handles/loops are added for hanging. Embellishments—such as bows, flowers, holly leaves, berries, or festive appliqués—are crocheted separately and sewn on, or small buttons and beads can be attached afterward to complete the look.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate. The construction is simple and repetitive, making it great for those comfortable with basic stitches and working in the round. Adding and sewing appliqués, plus managing color changes, provide minor challenges—making this an excellent next-step project for beginners or a quick, satisfying make for more experienced crocheters.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4), approx. 20-25g per wreath (may require less depending on size and embellishments).
- Suggested fiber: 100% cotton for stitch definition (acrylic or blends also suitable).
- Colors:
– Green (various shades)
– Red
– Cream / White
– Yellow
– Blue (for variety)
– Contrasting colors for embellishments (pink, brown, gold, etc.) - Crochet hook: 3.5 mm (E-4) or 4 mm (G-6), adjust to match your tension
- Tapestry needle for sewing on appliqués and weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional; helpful for tracking rounds and the start point)
- Small beads, miniature bells, or festive buttons for additional embellishment (optional)
- Hot glue (optional), if you want to attach plastic embellishments
Finished Size
- Approximate diameter: 10-11 cm (4-4.5 inches) including scalloped border
- Center opening: 4 cm (1.5 inches)
To adjust size, use lighter or heavier yarn or vary the number of increase rounds in the center.
Gauge
Approximate gauge: 17 sc x 20 rows = 4″ (10 cm) square. Precise gauge is not critical, but ensure wreath is firm and not floppy. Slight differences in gauge may yield slightly larger or smaller ornaments.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- inc – increase (2 sts in next st)
- dec – decrease (sc2tog)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- MR – magic ring
Important Pattern Notes
- Work in joined, closed rounds unless otherwise indicated.
- Chains at start of rounds do not count as stitches unless specified.
- When changing colors, always pull the new color through at the final yarn-over of the last stitch of the old color for a neat transition.
- Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round if you lose track easily.
- Right side (RS) is always facing; do not turn unless specified for appliqués.
- Scalloped edging is optional but recommended for a classic ornament effect.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Wreath Center Ring
- Start with Color A (main body, e.g., green).
Make a magic ring (MR). Ch 1 (does not count as stitch). - Round 1: 18 sc into MR. Join with sl st to first sc. (18 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (36 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 1, *sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. Join. (54 sts)
- Round 4 (if needed): (Only for slightly larger wreaths): Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat. Join. (72 sts)
- End off Color A if you wish to switch to a border color for the scalloped edging.
Part 2: Scalloped Border
- Join Color B (contrasting or traditional border color):
Attach yarn with sl st to any sc from last round. - Round 1: Ch 1, *skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st (shell made), skip 1 st, sl st in next st* around. Finish last shell, then join with sl st to initial ch 1. (About 13-16 shells, depends on st count. Adjust as needed: you may need to skip 2 sts occasionally to space shells evenly.)
- Fasten off, weave in border end neatly.
Part 3: Hanging Loop
- Using the border color (or green/red): Join yarn with sl st to top edge, preferably where you want the top (just before or after a shell).
- Ch 18-20 (adjust for loop length), sl st back into the same st to form a loop. Fasten off securely and weave in ends.
Part 4: Decorative Appliqués and Embellishments
You may combine or substitute these accents for each wreath as desired. Sew or glue in place as preferred.
A. Bow
- With Color C (red/white/contrasting):
Ch 18. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across. (17 sts) - Rows 2-3: Ch 1, turn, sc across.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Shape into a ring, seam short ends together.
Pinch center tightly to form classic bow shape. - With a separate piece of yarn, wrap tightly around the middle several times to create the bow center. Knot at back and use ends to sew securely to top or bottom center of wreath.
B. Flowers
- Ch 2. 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join. (6 sts)
- (Petal round) *Ch 2, 2 dc in next st, ch 2, sl st in same st;* repeat around (6 petals total).
- Sew one or two flowers to edge of wreath as desired. Add beads, buttons, or a French knot for a center if desired.
C. Holly Leaves
- With green, ch 8. Sl st in 2nd ch, sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next, tr in next, dc in next, hdc in next, sc in last. Ch 2, sl st in same last ch.
- Rotate and work up the opposite side: sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc, sl st to base.
- Weave in ends, lightly block to shape. Make 2-3 per wreath. Attach with yarn or hot glue.
D. Berries / Pine Cones / Mini Bells
- Sew on small red beads, gold bells, or brown buttons for pine cones.
- Alternatively, embroider or crochet small spheres:
With red (for berries), MR, 6 sc in ring, join and fasten off, sew in place.
E. Additional Appliqué (Tree, Snowman, etc.)
- For a mini tree: Ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each across to shape a triangle. Add French knots or beads for ‘ornaments.’
- For a mini snowman: Use white yarn, MR, 5 sc (head), close and join, then make a larger body with MR, 8 sc, sew together. Embroider or glue details (eyes, scarf, hat) as desired.
Part 5: Assembly and Decoration
- Lay the wreath flat with RS facing.
- Arrange bows, flowers, leaves, berries, and other decorations as you like. Pin in place if needed.
- Sew or neatly glue embellishments onto shell border and body of each wreath.
- For added durability, knot and weave in all ends on the back side. Avoid bulky knots at the motif’s front.
- If hanging, ensure the loop is centered above the heaviest embellishment for balance.
Assembly and Finishing
After all crocheting is complete:
- Double-check all embellishments are securely stitched or adhered.
- Weave in all loose yarn ends quietly on the back side.
- Gently shape wreath with your hands; lightly steam block if using cotton yarn (place a cloth over the wreath and use a warm iron/steamer, do not press down directly).
- Allow to dry completely before hanging or gifting.
- For extra stiffness, lightly spritz with a homemade fabric stiffener (diluted white glue mixture) and lay flat to dry if a very crisp ornament is desired.
Customization Ideas
- Experiment with different color combinations for seasonal or year-round themes (pastels, traditional red/green, icy blue/white, or bold rainbow).
- Change the yarn weight or hook size for larger or smaller wreaths (bulky yarn for statement pieces, thread for delicate miniatures).
- Use the motif as an appliqué for blankets, pillows, tote bags, or turn into a holiday coaster or trivet (stiffen as needed).
- String multiple wreaths onto garland for festive bunting or hang as a mobile.
- Glue a felt backing for added firmness or a finished back surface.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Piece curling/unflat: Check your stitch count; if tight, block gently or add another round of increases.
- Uneven edges: Keep your tension consistent and count stitches regularly. If shells pull too tight, add ch-1 between them.
- Wreath too large/small: Add or subtract an increase round before the border, or adjust hook size.
- Loose color changes: Join new color at the last yarn over of the previous round, and weave in tails towards the back of the motif.
- Motif feels floppy: Try a smaller hook or firmer yarn, or add a felt backing.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash gently in cold water with mild detergent; reshape and lay flat to dry.
- If using beads or glue, avoid soaking—surface clean as needed.
- Store flat or hanging, away from moisture and direct sunlight for lasting color.
Final Notes
Take your time checking stitch counts at the end of each round to keep your wreaths looking neat and symmetrical. Tension may vary between yarns—adjust your hook size if needed for firmer ornaments. Use the sample images as a visual guide, but let your imagination and color sense guide your finishing touches. Enjoy the festive spirit these handmade decorations bring to your holiday celebrations!
