If you’re searching for a show-stopping holiday crochet project, look no further than this elegant spiral Christmas tree ornament. This piece features a delightful blend of solid green spirals and openwork cream lace segments, all accented with a shimmering strand of gold beads. Each crochet tree is topped with a decorative snowflake and finished with a beautiful beaded tassel. The result is a sophisticated ornament that brings warmth and artistry to any Christmas display. Hang it from your mantle, window, or Christmas tree for a festive touch that’s both classic and modern.
The ornament’s visual appeal comes from its swirling, stacked layers. Each spiral “branch” alternates between deep green solid crochet and open lacy cream segments. Delicate gold beaded garland winds its way all the way around, echoing vintage elegance. A lacy crochet star sits atop, while a handmade tassel with large gold bead accents anchors the bottom. The use of fine yarn keeps the ornament light and crisp, allowing it to hang beautifully in any space. This piece works well as a single statement decoration or as part of a sparkling set.
This spiral tree is not just a decorative piece; it also makes a memorable handmade gift or a unique addition to your Christmas craft fair lineup. You’ll enjoy the meditative rhythm of working both solid and lacy stitches, and have lots of room to experiment with color and embellishments. The construction and assembly are satisfying, combining classic motifs with a playful, eye-catching twist.
Project Overview
This spiral Christmas tree ornament is constructed from several cone-shaped segments that are worked separately in rounds. Each segment features two main sections: a solid green spiral and an open lacy cream spiral. These are crocheted as one connected piece in alternating bands, not as separate parts. Once the segments are completed, they’re stacked vertically and held in place with a central chain or ribbon. Decorative elements—the star, gold beaded garland, bottom beads, and tassel—are added last. The ornament is suspended by attaching a hanging loop to the top star motif.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project involves working in the round, following increases for evenly shaped cone sections, changing colors cleanly, creating openwork stitches, and basic assembly. Experience with both solid and lacy stitches, and the ability to follow multi-part instructions, is helpful. Confident advanced beginners may also attempt this ornament, especially if they have prior experience with amigurumi cones or modular yarn crafts.
Materials
- Yarn:
- Size 3 (DK/light worsted), cotton or cotton-blend for structure and clean stitch definition.
- Dark green: 40g (approx. 60m)
- Cream or metallic gold: 25g (approx. 40m)
- Crochet hook: US size D/3 (3.25 mm) or size needed for firm fabric
- Tapestry needle (for assembly and weaving in ends)
- Small sharp scissors
- Stitch markers (helpful for marking round beginnings/endings)
- Gold beaded string or small loose beads (approx. 1 meter per ornament)
- Metallic thread or contrasting yarn (for the snowflake and hanging loop)
- Decorative beads (2–4 medium gold beads for bottom accent)
- Cream embroidery floss or fine yarn (for tassel)
- Optional: Craft glue or stiffening spray (for extra structure)
Finished Size
Approximate finished size: 24 cm tall x 18 cm wide (9.5 x 7 inches), including tassel and star. To make a larger or smaller version, change the yarn weight and hook size correspondingly, or add/remove spiral layers for custom height.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical but is approximately 22 sc x 25 rows = 10 cm (4 inches). Consistency is more important for neat spirals. Slight variations in gauge will affect finished size but not the look of the ornament.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- MR – magic ring
- inc – increase (2 stitches in same stitch)
- dec – decrease (single crochet two together)
- sp – space
- st – stitch
Important Pattern Notes
- Ch 1 at start of rounds does not count as a stitch unless specified.
- For neat spiral edges, always change color in the last yarn-over of the stitch before the color change. Drop previous color to the back.
- Ornament spirals are worked in joined rounds. Join each round with a sl st to the first st.
- Keep right side (outside of the cone) facing out throughout.
- Stitch markers make it easier to track spiral start points and color changes.
- If using metallic thread for extra shine, crochet with it held together with the cream yarn for lacy sections.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Lower Spiral Segment (Largest)
This segment forms the bottom/largest spiral cone of the tree, alternating green and cream. Make one.
- With green, make a MR.
- Round 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into MR, join. (6 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, join. (12 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 1, (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around, join. (18 sts)
- Round 4: Ch 1, (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around, join. (24 sts)
- Change to cream on last pull-through of last st.
- Round 5: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), (dc in next st, ch 1) around, join to 3rd ch of start. (24 dc, 24 ch-1 sps)
- Round 6: Sl st to next ch-1 sp, ch 4, (dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, join. (24 dc, 24 ch-1 sps)
- Round 7: Repeat Round 6.
- Change to green on last pull-through.
- Round 8: Ch 1, (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around, join. (30 sts)
- Round 9: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (30 sts)
- Round 10: Ch 1, (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) around, join. (36 sts)
- Round 11: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (36 sts)
- Change to cream.
- Round 12: Repeat lacy pattern as before: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), (dc in next st, ch 1) around, join. (36 dc, 36 ch-1 sps)
- Round 13: Sl st to next ch-1 sp, ch 4, (dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) around, join.
- Round 14: Repeat Round 13.
- Change to green.
- Round 15: Ch 1, (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) around, join. (42 sts)
- Round 16: Ch 1, sc around, join. (42 sts)
- Optional final round (for flare): Ch 1, (sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) around, join. (48 sts)
Fasten off green, weave in all ends securely.
Part 2: Middle Spiral Segment
Repeat as Part 1, but stop increases earlier for a smaller cone.
- Work as Rounds 1–13 of Part 1. Do NOT do Rounds 14-16.
- End after third repeat of lacy section (last round in cream). Stitch count should end at 36 sts post-lace.
- Fasten off, weave in ends.
Part 3: Upper Spiral Segment (Smallest)
This is the top/littlest spiral layer.
- Work as Rounds 1–9 of Part 1, adding one lacy section.
- For shaping: Stop after 24–30 sts are reached, and one cream lacy section is complete.
- Fasten off, leaving long yarn tail for assembly.
Part 4: Star Topper
Use metallic thread or cream yarn for a decorative topper.
- With metallic thread or fine yarn, make a MR.
- Round 1: Ch 1, 10 sc in MR, join. (10 sts)
- Round 2: *(Ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, sk 1 sc from ring, sl st in next sc of MR)*; repeat * around to make 5 points.
Pull MR tightly. Fasten off, weave in ends. Add a small bead to the center if desired.
Part 5: Tassel and Beads
- Cut 18-22 strands of cream yarn or embroidery floss, about 7 cm (3 inches) long.
- Gather in a bundle, fold in half, and use a separate piece of yarn to tie a tight knot at the top (forming the tassel’s “neck”).
- Thread gold beads onto a length of yarn, then pass the yarn through center of all spiral segments from bottom to top using a tapestry needle.
- Securely attach the tassel to the very bottom of this string, positioning beads above the tassel as accents.
Part 6: Assembly
- Using a length of green or gold yarn, thread from the bottom pointed center of the largest spiral, straight through the tips of all segments, aligning the spirals so that the solid and lacy sections are staggered for a “twisted” look.
- Slide on decorative beads as you pass through each spiral or between segments.
- At the top, attach the completed star securely, making sure it sits flush on the smallest spiral segment.
- Leave a loop of yarn or metallic thread at the very top for hanging.
Gently twist the segments so each spiral is offset from the one above, forming a beautiful three-dimensional S-shaped Christmas tree.
Part 7: Adding the Gold Beaded Garland
- Wrap the gold beaded strand around the outer edge of each layer, sewing or tacking in place at even intervals with matching thread or a tiny dab of glue (optional, for durability).
- Keep the garland loose enough to follow the spiral but snug so it remains visible and doesn’t slip off.
Assembly and Finishing
Carefully check all layers for even spacing and a pleasing spiral. If using starch or stiffener, brush onto the wrong side of each segment and gently shape while damp, then let dry thoroughly. Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle, conceal extra yarn within the solid spiral rounds. Trim tassel ends to even length. Adjust the gold beaded garland as needed to ensure it sits naturally along the spirals. Finally, fluff the tassel and straighten the hanging loop and star so the ornament hangs vertically without twisting.
Customization Ideas
- Color swaps: Try white and silver, red and gold, or fairy light pastels for alternative trees.
- Change yarn weight: Make mini trees with sport weight yarn and a 2.5 mm hook, or larger versions with worsted weight and a 4 mm hook.
- Reimagine the motif: Attach one spiral to a felt or wooden base as a table centerpiece, or make extra small versions for gift toppers and tags.
- Home décor: Crochet multiple trees and string them together as a festive garland or mobile.
- Add appliqués: Tiny jingle bells, buttons, or embroidered details give extra holiday cheer.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Curling: Lighter yarn and proper increases are vital—if the segments curl too much, steam block or re-do with more increases.
- Wobbly spirals: Ensure each spiral edge is even by counting stitches and blocking when done.
- Motif too large/small: Adjust hook and yarn, or eliminate/repeat rounds for each spiral to scale ornament as desired.
- Loose color changes: Always switch colors on the last yarn-over before a new section for a crisp change.
- Uneven tension: Keep an even hand and relax grip—tighter work gives more structure, but too tight makes shaping tricky.
Care Instructions
Spot clean with a damp cloth. If ornament becomes crushed, gently reshape and steam lightly if needed (do not iron directly). Store flat or hang in a dry box after the holidays. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Final Notes
Always check your stitch count and keep an eye on the increasing rounds for smooth, even spirals. Adjust the number of rounds for shorter or taller trees, and use the finished photos as a layout guide while stacking the spirals. Most importantly, enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to personalize your tree—each one will reflect your creativity and care. Happy holidays, and happy crocheting!
