Turn simple crochet strands into a charming Christmas wreath ornament with a striped spiral texture and a tiny handmade bow. The construction is quick to customize, easy to shape, and perfect for adding a cozy touch to your tree or gifts.
Crochet Christmas Wreath Ornament Pattern
A small wreath can bring just as much personality to a Christmas tree as a larger decoration, especially when it is made by hand. This crochet version combines two simple spiral strands to create a candy-cane-style wreath, then finishes the ring with a contrasting bow for a classic holiday look.
The interesting part of this crochet design happens during assembly. Each strand is worked with repeated increases that make it curl naturally, and twisting two contrasting strands together creates the striped wreath effect. Once the ends are joined into a circle, a small crocheted bow and hanging loop turn the simple rope-like shape into a finished ornament.
Crdit Bua Crochet
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: 2 mm cotton yarn
- White + red for a candy-cane wreath
- White + green for a traditional wreath
- Sage green or red for the bow
- Crochet Hook: 3.0 mm (Tulip 5/0)
- Darning/Tapestry Needle: For sewing and weaving in ends
- Scissors
Cotton yarn works particularly well here because the small strands hold their shape nicely and the finished wreath remains lightweight enough for a Christmas tree.
Finished Size & Customization Ideas
Finished Size: Approximately 8 cm in diameter.
The basic wreath can easily be personalized through color choices, embellishments, and the length of the hanging loop.
Color Combinations
Try:
- Red and white for a candy-cane effect
- Green and white for a classic Christmas wreath
- Sage green with a red bow for a softer holiday palette
- Red and cream for a warm vintage-inspired look
- Metallic or glitter yarn for extra sparkle
You can also sew a few small wooden beads or pearls around the wreath after assembly if you want additional decoration.
Adjust the Hanging Loop
The hanging loop can be made longer or shorter by changing the number of foundation chains. Make it just long enough to sit comfortably over the tree branch or hook you plan to use.
Pattern Abbreviations & Terminology
US crochet terms are used throughout.
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single Crochet
- 3sc: 3 single crochets in the same stitch
- sk: Skip
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- st(s): Stitch(es)
Crochet Christmas Wreath Ornament Pattern
The wreath consists of two spiral strands, one in each contrasting color. After both strands are crocheted, they are twisted together and joined into a ring.
Crochet the Spiral Strands
Make 2: 1 white and 1 red, or 1 white and 1 green.
Each strand begins as a simple foundation chain. The repeated 3-sc increases are what cause the finished strip to curl into a spiral.
Foundation Chain: Make a slip knot and ch 61. (61 ch)
Row 1: Sk the first ch from hook, work 3 sc in the next ch, then work 3 sc in each of the remaining 59 chains across. (180 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a yarn tail long enough for joining and finishing.
Why the Strand Curls
Don’t be concerned when the strip starts curling tightly instead of lying flat.
That curl is intentional.
The repeated 3 sc in each chain creates enough increases to make the narrow strip coil naturally. Avoid trying to flatten it while you work, because the spiral shape will be useful when the two strands are combined.
Make a second identical strand in your contrasting color.
Crochet the Decorative Bow
The bow starts as a small rectangle that is folded and cinched in the center.
Foundation Chain: Make a slip knot and ch 10. (10 ch)
Row 1: Sk the first ch from hook and work 1 sc in each of the remaining 9 chains across. Turn. (9 sc)
Rows 2-5: Ch 1, turn, and work 1 sc in each of the 9 stitches across. (9 sc)
The final round gives the little rectangle a cleaner edge before it is shaped into a bow.
Row 6: Ch 1, then work sl sts evenly around the entire outside edge of the rectangle, placing the stitches along the row ends as evenly as possible. (Complete around all edges)
Fasten off, leaving a 20–30 cm tail for shaping and sewing.
Shape the Bow
Lay the small rectangle flat and fold it gently along the center.
Pinch the middle together to create two rounded sides.
Wrap the long yarn tail firmly around the center several times until the middle is tightly gathered and the bow shape is clearly defined.
Secure the tail at the back with a tapestry needle.
Bow-Shaping Tip
Don’t cinch the center before checking the two sides.
Spread the loops slightly with your fingers and adjust them so both sides of the bow are approximately the same size. Then wrap the center tightly to hold the shape.
Twist the Two Spiral Strands Together
Take your two finished spiral strands.
Place them together and begin twisting them around each other, allowing the curls to interlock.
Assembly: Twist the contrasting spiral strands together along their full length to create one thick, striped rope. (1 combined strand)
The goal is a consistent twist rather than tightly winding one color completely around the other.
Keep the Stripes Even
Pause occasionally while twisting and look at the rope from above.
If one color starts disappearing underneath the other, loosen that section and redistribute the twist before continuing.
This small adjustment makes a big difference once the rope is formed into a wreath.
Form the Wreath Ring
Once the two strands have been twisted together, gently bend the rope into a circle.
Bring the two ends together.
Wreath Ring: Bend the twisted rope into a circle and sew the two ends together securely with a tapestry needle and one of the yarn tails. (1 closed ring)
Check the Circle Before Securing It
Lay the wreath flat before making the final stitches.
If the ring looks slightly oval, adjust the twist and gently reshape it into a rounder circle. It is much easier to correct the shape before the seam is completely secured.
Once the ends are joined firmly, weave in and trim the excess yarn.
Attach the Bow
The bow is positioned over the seam where the two ends of the wreath meet.
Bow Attachment: Place the bow at the top of the wreath, directly over the joined ends, and sew it firmly in place with the remaining yarn tail. (1 attached bow)
Covering the seam with the bow gives the wreath a cleaner finished appearance while also adding the main decorative detail.
Make the Bow Sit Flat
Before sewing it down completely, hold the wreath upright and check the bow from the front.
Make sure the center knot sits across the wreath rather than slipping toward one side. Adjust the bow’s angle before taking the final securing stitches.
Add the Hanging Loop
Attach matching yarn at the back of the wreath, directly behind the bow.
Hanging Loop: Ch 35, then sl st back into the same anchor stitch on the wreath to form the loop. Fasten off and weave in the end securely. (1 hanging loop)
The loop is intentionally attached behind the bow so it remains mostly hidden when the ornament is hanging.
Finishing
Once all the parts are attached:
- Weave in every loose yarn end.
- Trim the excess yarn neatly.
- Gently reshape the wreath into a smooth circle.
- Adjust the bow so both sides look balanced.
- Check that the hanging loop is secure before placing the ornament on the tree.
Helpful Tips for a Neater Wreath
Let the spirals curl naturally. The tight curl is created by the repeated 3-sc increases and is part of the design.
Keep both strands similar. Make both spiral strands with consistent tension so they are approximately the same length and thickness.
Don’t over-twist the rope. The two colors should remain visible rather than having one strand completely wrap around the other.
Shape the ring before sewing. A quick flat-lay check makes it easier to correct an oval or uneven wreath.
Hide the seam with the bow. Positioning the bow over the joined ends gives the ornament a cleaner appearance and makes the construction seam less noticeable.
Secure the hanging loop well. Since the ornament will hang from a tree branch, make several secure weaving stitches at the back.
Where to Use Your Crochet Wreath
This little wreath is useful beyond the Christmas tree. Try it as:
- A tree ornament
- A gift topper
- A stocking decoration
- Part of a holiday garland
- A handmade gift for a crocheter or Christmas lover
- A festive decoration for a doorknob or cabinet handle
Final Thoughts
Your crochet Christmas wreath ornament is now ready to bring a handmade touch to your holiday decorations. The combination of two curled strands gives the wreath its distinctive striped texture, while the small crocheted bow hides the join and adds a classic festive finish.
Make a few in different color combinations to create a coordinated collection for your tree, or keep one aside to attach to a special gift. Because the wreath is lightweight and easy to customize, it can become one of those handmade decorations you bring out and enjoy year after year.
