When you want a quiet holiday project that fits comfortably into an evening, these little trees bring the cheerful spirit of Crochet Christmas Tree Ornaments to a simple knitting rhythm. You can make a coordinated set or give each tree its own mix of texture and white stitched details.
There isn't any complicated shaping to track. Regular increase rounds build the triangle, plain rounds give your hands a rest, and the small ribbed trunk finishes each tree with a satisfying change of pace.
Jump to:
- Why I Love This Pattern
- Pattern Details
- Materials for These Ornaments
- Stitches & Abbreviations
- How to Crochet the Christmas Tree Ornaments
- Tips for the Best Results
- Color and Texture Ideas for Your Knitted Trees
- Keeping the Tree Shape Neat
- A Handmade Accent for Your Holiday Branches
- Caring for Your Ornaments
- More Crochet Christmas Decorations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why I Love This Pattern
- Three textures in one set: I included plain embroidered, ribbed, and bobble versions so you can enjoy some variety without learning a completely different construction for every ornament.
- A clear geometric shape: Paired Kfb increases add four stitches at regular intervals, taking the tree from its narrow top to a broad base in steady stages.
- Small amounts of contrast yarn: The hanging loops and stitched decorations use only a modest amount of white yarn, making this a useful place for a coordinated leftover.
- Easy to make as a group: Once you've finished the first tree, the shared increase schedule makes the remaining ornaments much easier to follow.
Pattern Details
- Skill Level: Easy
- Finished Size: Approx. 5 in. tall x 4 in. wide, excluding the hanging loop
- Gauge: 20 sts and 26 rows = 4 in. in stocking stitch
- Yarn Weight: Medium worsted weight acrylic, size 4
- Time to Make: about 8-12 hours for 5 ornaments
Materials for These Ornaments
You'll use size 4 acrylic yarn and double-pointed needles for this set. Gather a marker, yarn needle, and scissors before you begin so you can move straight from knitting to the decorative details.
- Medium worsted weight acrylic yarn, size 4; 16 oz / 454 g; 812 yds / 742 m per ball
- Main Color Forest Green: 1 ball or approx. 98 yds for 5 ornaments
- Contrast A White: 1 ball or approx. 20 yds for embroidery: This yarn forms both the embroidery and hanging loops. A smooth yarn is easier to pull through the knitted fabric and gives the small stitches clearer edges.
- Set of 4 US 6 / 4 mm double-pointed knitting needles: Four needles are enough for this small circumference: three hold the stitches while the fourth works them. Keep the first stitch on each needle snug to reduce ladders.
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Stitches & Abbreviations
- K - knit
- P - purl
- Kfb - increase 1 stitch by knitting in the front and back of the stitch
- rnd - round
- rnds - rounds
- st - stitch
- sts - stitches
- MC - main color
- rem - remaining
Bobble: [(K1, P1) 2 times, K1] in next st, then pass 4 sts over the 5th st.
How to Crochet the Christmas Tree Ornaments
Choose your tree version, work from the pointed top toward the base, and finish with the ribbed trunk and hanging loop.
The ornaments are worked in the round on double-pointed needles. The finished measurement excludes the hanging loop. The pattern makes 5 ornaments: 3 embroidered trees, 1 ribbed tree, and 1 bobble tree. For Ornament 2, follow Ornament 1's increase schedule to 36 sts while alternating knit and purl stitches on odd-numbered rounds to create the textured ribbing. For Ornament 3, place Bobble stitches among the regular stitches on the listed increase rounds while preserving the Kfb increases and the stated stitch counts.
Ornament 1
Make 3 with MC.
- Step 1: Cast on 8 sts. Divide the sts onto 3 needles as 2, 4, and 2 sts. Join in rnd. (8)
- Rounds 1-2: Knit.
- Round 3: K1, (Kfb) 2 times, K2, (Kfb) 2 times, K1. (12)
- Rounds 4-5: Knit.
- Round 6: K2, (Kfb) 2 times, K4, (Kfb) 2 times, K2. (16)
- Rounds 7-8: Knit.
- Round 9: K3, (Kfb) 2 times, K6, (Kfb) 2 times, K3. (20)
- Rounds 10-11: Knit.
- Round 12: K4, (Kfb) 2 times, K8, (Kfb) 2 times, K4. (24)
- Rounds 13-14: Knit.
- Round 15: K5, (Kfb) 2 times, K10, (Kfb) 2 times, K5. (28)
- Rounds 16-17: Knit.
- Round 18: K6, (Kfb) 2 times, K12, (Kfb) 2 times, K6. (32)
- Rounds 19-20: Knit.
- Round 21: K7, (Kfb) 2 times, K14, (Kfb) 2 times, K7. (36)
- Rounds 22-23: Knit.
- Trunk, Step 1: K4, cast off 10 sts, K8, cast off 10 sts, K4. (16)
- Trunk, Rounds 1-5: *K1, P1; rep from * around. (16)
- Trunk, Step 2: Cast off.
- Embroidery: Using Contrast A, embroider stars, dots, or drops with straight stitch or French knots.
Ornament 2, Ribbed Tree
Make 1.
- Body: Work the increases similarly to Ornament 1, alternating knit and purl stitches on odd-numbered rounds to create textured ribbing, until there are 36 sts. (36)
- Trunk: Work the Trunk as given for Ornament 1.
Ornament 3, Bobble Tree
Make 1.
- Body: Work the increases as for Ornament 1, interspersing Bobble stitches on Rounds 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21, until there are 36 sts. (36)
- Trunk: Work the Trunk as given for Ornament 1.
Hanging Loop
Complete this step for all ornaments.
- Step 1: Cut a 6 in. length of Contrast A yarn.
- Step 2: Thread the yarn through the top point of the tree and tie a knot to form a loop.
Tips for the Best Results
- Check the first division: Begin with 8 stitches divided as 2, 4, and 2. Before joining, make sure the cast-on edge isn't twisted around the needles.
- Mark the round: Place a marker at the join so the short rounds don't blur together. This is especially helpful when alternating increase rounds with plain rounds.
- Count after every increase round: Each main increase round adds 4 stitches. Confirm the new total before knitting onward, since a missed Kfb will shift the tree's symmetry.
- Embroider with a light hand: Pull the white yarn firmly enough to settle the stitches against the fabric, but don't cinch it. Tight embroidery can pucker the tree or pull its edges inward.
Color and Texture Ideas for Your Knitted Trees
- Change the tree color: Green creates the classic tree theme shown here, but the construction works with any main color. Keep enough contrast between the body and embroidery if you want the stitched motifs to remain distinct.
- Use wool or a wool blend: A size 4 wool can replace acrylic if it meets gauge. Wool may produce a springier fabric and fuller bobbles, while acrylic generally gives the ornaments easy care and consistent shape.
- Try magic loop: A long circular needle can replace the double-pointed needles if you prefer magic loop. The stitch counts and rounds stay the same, but you'll divide the stitches between two cable sections rather than three needles.
- Vary the white motifs: Mix straight stitches and French knots to create your own stars, dots, or drops. Avoid dense embroidery near the narrow top, where too many yarn passes can stiffen and distort the point.
- Adjust the hanging loop: Cut a longer piece of yarn if you need a roomier loop for a thick branch. Remember that part of the length is used by the knot, so test the loop before tightening it completely.
Keeping the Tree Shape Neat
- A ladder forms between needles: Snug the first two stitches after each needle change rather than pulling only the first stitch hard. Moving the needle-change points occasionally can also keep one vertical gap from becoming established.
- The tree leans to one side: Recount immediately after each increase round. The shaping relies on four Kfb increases placed around balanced knit sections, so one missed or extra increase will make the triangle uneven.
- The embroidery puckers: Ease the contrast yarn until the knitted fabric lies flat again. Embroidery should rest on the surface without shortening the distance between the stitches it crosses.
A Handmade Accent for Your Holiday Branches
Hang the five finished trees together from a pine branch, garland, or Christmas tree for a coordinated group with varied texture. Their white loops tie the different tree designs together.
A single ornament also makes a thoughtful finishing touch on a wrapped holiday gift. Keep the loop accessible so the recipient can move it straight to a branch.
Caring for Your Ornaments
Acrylic ornaments can usually be gently spot cleaned, but always follow the yarn label for its exact washing directions. Reshape each tree while damp and let it dry flat so the point, sides, and ribbed trunk stay neat. Store the ornaments flat or loosely layered rather than folding them.
More Crochet Christmas Decorations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ornaments does the pattern make?
The pattern makes 5 ornaments. You'll knit 3 copies of Ornament 1, then make 1 ribbed tree and 1 bobble tree. All five share the same basic increase progression and trunk construction, while the surface treatment changes the texture or decoration.
Where should I place the bobbles?
Place bobbles among the regular stitches on Rounds 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21. Keep the Kfb increases in their established positions and check the required total after each round. The decorative placement can vary, but the shaping increases must remain balanced for an even triangular tree.
Can I use a circular needle instead of double-pointed needles?
Yes, use a long circular needle with the magic-loop method if it handles this very small circumference comfortably. Work the same rounds and stitch counts, dividing the stitches between two sections of cable. A short standard circular needle is unlikely to bend around the narrow top without stretching the stitches.
When should I add the embroidered details?
Add the embroidery after the tree and trunk have been cast off. The finished fabric is easier to hold, and you can see the full shape while arranging stars, dots, or drops. Attach the hanging loop afterward so it doesn't catch on the yarn needle while you decorate.
Which tree texture and color combination did you choose for your set? Tell me about your ornaments in the comments.
