Transform any wall or door into a cheerful holiday focal point with this enchanting spiraling crochet Christmas tree! This project features a sturdy, deep green spiral that elegantly coils downward, adorned with shiny golden button “baubles.” A bright yellow, plush crochet star sits atop as a radiant tree topper, and a simple braided hanger crowns the design for easy display. The overall effect is whimsical and modern—the perfect accent for festive décor, small spaces, or as a creative handmade gift. The plush spiral shape gives the tree depth and dimension, while the crisp stitch definition adds a handcrafted touch. This tree can be hung on walls, doors, or used as a festive hallway accent, making it endlessly versatile and crowd-pleasing.
This project is not only pleasing to look at, but also quick and satisfying to make. Crocheters will enjoy watching the spiral take shape, then adding playful finishing details like sewn buttons and a textured star. The clever construction creates a sturdy, sculptural form that holds its curl and showcases your crochet skills. Personalize it with other embellishments, colors, or sizes for a truly unique holiday decoration.
Project Overview
The spiraling crochet tree wall hanging is constructed in several parts to create its distinctive three-dimensional appearance:
- The spiral tree body: Worked in one long strip in rows, the shape is intentionally increased on one edge and decreased on the other to naturally coil into a spiral.
- The tree base: A round, stuffed base, crocheted in continuous rounds and sewn to the bottom of the spiral for a bold finishing touch.
- The star topper: Crocheted as two flat five-pointed stars and sewn together for dimension.
- The baubles: Golden buttons sewn on for extra shine, but you may also crochet or embroider dots for a softer look.
- The hanging loop: A simple braided or crocheted cord completes the piece for display.
The tree features clear divisions for each component and can be made in sections and assembled at the end. Assembly is straightforward, requiring only minimal sewing.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
While the main stitches used are basic (single crochet, increase, decrease), attention to shaping and even tension is needed for the spiral strip. Creating the star with crisp points and neat assembly requires confident handling of multiple pieces and sewing skills. Clear instructions guide you every step of the way, so an adventurous beginner with some experience could also succeed.
Materials
- Yarn Weight: Worsted weight (Medium #4), preferably acrylic or cotton for a crisp, sturdy structure.
- Yarn Amounts:
- Green (tree body & base): approx. 90-110g (120-140yds/110-130m)
- Yellow (star): approx. 15g (25yds/23m)
- Small scrap of white or gold for decorative star center / sewing if desired
- Crochet Hook: US size H-8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to achieve firm, dense fabric
- Tapestry needle (for sewing and weaving ends)
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (helpful for marking star points and start of rounds)
- Polyester fiberfill (for stuffing the tree base and star; small amounts)
- 6-10 Gold buttons or beads (approx. 1/2″/12mm diameter; optionally crochet small baubles instead)
- Thin cord or strong yarn (for braided hanging loop)
- Optional: Glue gun or fabric glue (for attaching baubles if not sewing)
Finished Size
Approximate finished dimensions:
Length: 36 cm (14 in) from tip of star to bottom of base
Width (widest point): 13 cm (5 in)
Spiral “branch” thickness: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Star: 6 cm (2.4 in) diameter
To adjust size, use a different yarn weight and hook size, or make the spiral shorter/longer by adding/removing rows.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical, but a firm, dense fabric is best for this sculptural, hanging piece.
For reference: 15 sc x 18 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) with 5.0mm hook in single crochet.
Small variations in gauge may affect your finished size and yarn usage.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in the same st)
- dec – decrease (single crochet two together, sc2tog)
- MR – magic ring
Important Pattern Notes
- Chains at the beginning of rows do not count as stitches unless otherwise specified.
- Tree spiral is worked in rows, turning at the end of each row.
- Star is worked in two separate pieces and sewn together.
- Tree base is worked in continuous rounds—use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.
- Change colors by completing the last yarn-over of the previous stitch with the new color.
- Keep your tension snug for best structure, especially for spiral and base.
- The right side will show neater stitch definition; mark it if desired as you sew pieces together.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Spiral Tree Body
Using green yarn and 5.0mm hook:
- Ch 90.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (89 sc). Ch 1, turn.
- Row 2: INC Edge Shaping Row (Right Side)
- Inc (2 sc) in first st, sc in next 87 sts, inc in last st (2 sc). (91 sc)
Ch 1, turn.
- Row 3: DEC Edge Shaping Row (Wrong Side)
- Dec (sc2tog) over first 2 sts, sc in next 87 sts, dec over last 2 sts. (89 sc)
Ch 1, turn.
- Rows 4–31: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 fourteen more times (for a total of 16 repeats), always starting with an increase row. Your stitch count will alternate between 91 and 89.
- If you want a longer or shorter spiral, add or subtract repeats here. Adjust row count as desired; more repeats = longer tree.
- When final row is complete, do not fasten off. Leave a long tail (about 50 cm/20 in) for sewing, then fasten off.
Note: As you work, the strip will start to twist on its own due to the shaping! This natural curl forms the spiral tree.
Part 2: Tree Base (Ball)
With green yarn:
- Make a MR, ch 1, work 6 sc in ring. (6)
- Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
- Round 3: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) around. (18)
- Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) around. (24)
- Rounds 5-8: Sc in each st around. (24 for each round)
- Round 9: (Sc in next 2 sts, dec over next 2) around. (18)
- Begin stuffing with fiberfill.
- Round 10: (Sc in next st, dec over next 2 sts) around. (12)
- Round 11: Dec around. (6)
- Cut yarn, leaving enough tail to sew. Stuff firmly. Thread tail through remaining sts, pull to close, and weave in.
Set aside.
Part 3: Star Topper
Make 2 identical pieces with yellow yarn:
- MR, ch 1, work 10 sc in ring. Pull ring closed. Join with sl st. (10)
- Round 2: Working in joined rounds, *ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in last ch. Sk next st of round, sl st in the following st*. Repeat from * to * 4 more times (5 points created).
- Fasten off and weave in ends on the wrong side.
Make star dimensional: Place two stars wrong sides together. Sew around the edges with yellow yarn, lightly stuffing before closing completely for a plush finish.
Add optional center: Sew a white/gold button or embroider a French knot in the center of both sides for a sparkling touch.
Part 4: Bauble Ornaments
Sewing on buttons:
With gold buttons (or crocheted/embroidered circles), sew evenly along the outer “ridges” of the spiral. Use 6-10 buttons spaced at regular intervals. Place a button every full turn or so for best effect.
If crocheting baubles:
With gold yarn, make a MR, ch 1, work 4–5 sc into ring. Pull tight, fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Sew securely to spiral.
Part 5: Hanging Loop
Cut three 45cm (18in) lengths of green and/or gold yarn (you may also use twisted cord or ribbon). Braid or twist as desired. Knot ends, threading one end through the very tip of the spiral strip (where it will meet the star/top), and secure well.
Part 6: Assembly
- Forming the Spiral:
Let the long, shaped strip coil naturally. Use fingers to help it take on an evenly widening spiral (widest at the base, tapering at top beneath star). Pin in place if needed during finishing steps. - Attaching the Star:
Sew the finished star securely to the top of the spiral strip, over the hanging loop. Make sure it faces forward and covers the tip of the tree nicely. - Attaching the Base:
Sew the ball base to the very bottom coil of the spiral strip, ensuring a clean join. This weighted base helps the tree hang straight and keeps the spiral shape defined. - Final Bauble Placement:
Double check placement of gold baubles and sew or glue securely if needed.
Assembly and Finishing
- Weave in all remaining loose ends using a tapestry needle, hiding neatly inside the tree coils or base ball.
- Gently steam block or shape the spiral as needed—hold over steam and shape with hands, or lightly pin in place and spray with water, allowing to dry.
- Make sure the tree hangs straight and coils evenly. Adjust spiral with hands so the shape is open and branches evenly spaced.
- Hang by the loop from a sturdy hook or decorative knob.
Customization Ideas
- Use different green shades or alternate green and white for a frosted look.
- Add red buttons, beads, or small crochet baubles for a classic look.
- Use metallic yarn for the star or for sparkle throughout the spiral trim.
- Adjust strip length to create tiny ornaments or oversized hanging trees.
- Sew, glue, or embroider tiny snowflakes for a wintery theme.
- Turn the spiral into a festive table centerpiece by curling it around a cone or jar.
- Make several and hang as a garland, or use as reusable gift toppers.
- Attach the spiral to a square or circle for a blanket square or pillow decoration.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Spiral not curling: Ensure you’re increasing and decreasing as instructed on the correct edges. Gently twist by hand if needed.
- Piece curling too much: Add more rows of even sc (no shaping) at the end to ease the curl.
- Uneven edges: Count stitches carefully on each row. Using stitch markers at both ends helps track inc/dec placement.
- Loose color changes: Always complete last yarn-over of previous stitch with new color and weave in ends securely.
- Tension issues: If spiral is floppy, try a smaller hook or firmer yarn. Too stiff? Go up a hook size.
- Motif too small/big: Adjust starting chain and row repeats to suit your desired finish size.
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent. Press in a clean towel to remove excess moisture if needed; lay flat and reshape spiral and star while damp. Do not bleach. Air dry completely before rehanging. Store flat when not in use to preserve the shape.
Final Notes
Careful counting and attention to the increase/decrease rows will ensure a smooth, visually pleasing spiral. Feel free to use the photographs as a visual guide for color placement and spiral shaping, and don’t hesitate to personalize with additional festive accents. Check tension as you go for a neat, dense structure that holds its form. This project is wonderful for customizing to match any holiday décor and is sure to become a favorite seasonal accent for years to come!
