Crochet Christmas Wreath: Free Tutorial & Guide

Hi, I am Amy! This petite ruffled wreath is such a clever little make: you start with a plain green strip of just two rows, then gather it with its own long tail and watch it bunch into the fullest, frilliest wreath.

A bright red bow and tiny French knot ornaments in yellow and red give it that classic Christmas look, and the finished size is perfect for the tree, a garland, or even as a keychain. Do not trim that long tail short, friend; it does the gathering, the joining, and the hanging loop.

Work the gathering gradually, a little at a time along the whole strip, and your ruffles will come out even and lush. Let me show you exactly how!

Materials

• 50 g milk cotton yarn in green
• Milk cotton yarn in red, small amount
• Milk cotton yarn in yellow, small amount
• 2.5 mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun

Abbreviations

• CH: chain
• HDC: half double crochet
• TR: treble crochet
• SL ST: slip stitch
• MR: magic ring
• ST(S): stitch(es)
• FO: fasten off

Gauge & Size

• Finished size: a petite wreath for a tree ornament, keychain or garland
• Base strip: 120 HDC across, worked for 2 rows
• Resize by increasing or decreasing the starting chain

Wreath Base Pattern

Row 1: Using green yarn, CH 122. Skip the first 2 CHS, which do not count as a stitch. HDC in the 3rd CH from the hook and in each CH across. (120 HDC)

Row 2: CH 2, turn. The CH-2 does not count as a stitch. HDC in the very first ST and in each ST across. (120 HDC)

After Row 2, CH 1 and cut the yarn, leaving a very long tail. This tail creates the ruffle, sews the ends together, and makes the hanging loop.

Ruffle and Ring Assembly

Thread the long green tail onto your tapestry needle. Weave the needle through the large spaces between the stitches of Row 1 and Row 2.

Gathering rhythm: Insert into the first space, skip 2 spaces, then bring the needle up through the 3rd space. Repeat this skip 2, insert into the 3rd pattern along the entire length.

Pull the yarn gradually so the straight strip bunches into a tight, ruffled spiral along its full length.

Bring the two ends of the ruffled strip together to form a ring and sew the short ends together securely with the tapestry needle.

Hanging loop: Bring the remaining green tail to the top outer edge of the wreath, directly at the seam. Insert your hook into the seam and pull the yarn through to create a working loop. CH 30. SL ST back into the original space to anchor the loop. CH 1 and FO.

Weave the remaining tail back and forth across the base of the loop for extra security, then hide the end inside the wreath.

Bow Pattern

Using red yarn, create a magic ring.

First half of bow: CH 3. Work 5 TR into the MR. CH 3, SL ST into the MR.

Second half of bow: CH 3. Work 5 TR into the MR. CH 3, SL ST into the MR.

Finish: CH 1 to FO, leaving a long tail. Pull the MR tightly closed. Wrap the long tail tightly around the centre of the bow several times, tie a secure knot at the back, and trim the excess yarn.

Using the hot glue gun, attach the red bow to the centre top of the wreath, directly below the hanging loop, and let it set.

Finishing & Assembly

Yellow ornaments: Thread yellow yarn onto your tapestry needle. Bring the needle from the back to the front, wrap the yarn around the tip of the needle exactly 4 times, then insert the needle back down close to the exit point and pull tightly to form a French knot. Place approximately 5 yellow knots evenly around the wreath, leaving about two ruffled sections between each knot.

Red ornaments: Switch to red yarn and repeat the same French knot technique, placing the red knots in alternating, staggered positions between the yellow knots.

Weave in all remaining loose ends at the back of the wreath.

Tips

Gather gradually rather than pulling one large section at once, so the ruffles develop evenly.

Small beads or tiny bells can replace the yarn French knots if you prefer.

Keep the same skip 2, insert into the 3rd rhythm from one end of the strip to the other.

Attach the hanging loop right at the seam so the wreath hangs straight and balanced.