A decorative trio featuring Santa, a Christmas tree and a snowman above broad openwork spiral ribbons. Small crochet hearts and snowflakes float inside the openings of the spirals, creating a more delicate and ornamental look than a solid corkscrew.
Finished size: approximately 45 to 60 cm long each, depending on yarn, hook and blocking.
What you’ll need
DK cotton or cotton blend
3 mm hook
small wooden or plastic hanging ring
light stuffing
tapestry needle
small bell for lower finish
Suggested colors
red and cream for Santa
green and cream for the tree
white and pale blue for the snowman
small amounts of gold and black
Abbreviations
US terms: ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, tr = treble crochet, MR = magic ring, st = stitch, inc = increase, dec = decrease.
Construction overview
Crochet the character topper.
Work two long openwork bands that twist around one another.
Join the bands at top and bottom to create the helix.
Suspend hearts or snowflakes in the center spaces.
Finish with a ring at the top and a small bell at the bottom.
Openwork ribbon
Ch the desired length. Work alternating groups of dc and ch-2 spaces. On the next row, work into the spaces to produce a flexible lace band. Make a second band in a contrast color.
Forming the helix
Place the two bands together at the top, twist them around a central hanging cord, and tack them together every half-turn. Keep the spacing consistent so the open oval windows remain visible.
Heart motif
Work a small crochet heart beginning with a magic ring and a mixture of tr, dc, hdc and sc stitches. Make several and suspend them with a short chain.
Snowflake motif
Work six chain loops from a small center ring. Add picots to each point. Stiffen lightly if the motif needs more definition.
Character toppers
Use a small amigurumi Santa, cone-shaped tree or snowman. Keep each topper light so the spiral maintains its shape.
Assembly and shaping tips
Lay all pieces out before sewing. Use matching yarn and catch only the back loops where possible so joins stay discreet. For spirals, shape the piece while slightly damp and allow it to dry in position. If the ornament will hang vertically, add a strong central cord or hidden thread so the crochet does not stretch over time. Keep beads and metal charms lightweight and sew them on securely.
Blocking
Lightly damp-block flat pieces before final assembly. For three-dimensional spirals, avoid flattening them. Instead, shape each turn with your fingers and let the ornament dry while hanging or supported around a smooth cylinder. Do not apply high heat to acrylic yarn.
Colour variations
Use only hearts for a romantic red-and-cream version.
Replace the inner motifs with stars or tiny bells.
Make the helix monochrome and let the suspended motifs provide the color.
Questions I get asked
Can I make it longer or shorter? Yes. Adjust the starting chain or the length of the ribbon/spiral before assembly.
Can I use acrylic yarn? Yes. Acrylic is light and practical for hanging decorations. Cotton gives crisper stitch definition.
Do I need wire? No. Most versions can be stabilized with a strong central yarn or nylon thread. Wire is optional for very sculptural shaping.
Can I make a child-safe version? Yes. Replace beads, bells and safety eyes with embroidered details and crocheted bobbles.
Pattern note
| This is a visual recreation guide based on the reference image, not a transcription of an original designer pattern. Exact stitch counts may need adjustment for your yarn, tension and preferred finished size. Make a small test section first, especially for the spiral shaping. |