Christmas Tree Curl with a Defined Top Finish

By Angela | Published October 5, 2026

A defined top finish distinguishes the tree point from its hanging loop. Keep both locations accessible until the complete spiral has been assessed.

Spiral Crochet Christmas Tree Ornament Materials & Tools

Yarn
- DK/light worsted cotton or acrylic – Choose forest green or cream for your tree base and a small amount of metallic-gold yarn for the star.
Tools & Notions
- 3.5 mm (E) Hook – The perfect size for this cozy ornament project.
- Small gold bell – Adds a lovely festive touch to your ornament!
- Tapestry needle – Essential for weaving in those pesky ends and assembly.
- Scissors – For cutting yarn and finishing touches.
- Gold cord/thread for hanging – Makes it easy to hang your beautiful ornament on the tree!

Gather these materials to start on this delightful FULL PATTERN ornament adventure!

Why Will You Love This Ornament Pattern?

Whimsical Design: The charming spiral shape makes this ornament stand out, adding a unique touch to your holiday decor that will delight both friends and family.

Quick to Make: With simple stitches and just a few rounds, you’ll have your festive piece ready in no time, perfect for last-minute crafting sessions.

Cozy Materials: Using soft DK yarn, your ornament will not only look beautiful but feel lovely too, ensuring it stays in your collection for years to come.

Perfect for Personalization: Choose from deep forest green or warm ivory to match your home decor, allowing you to make each piece truly yours.

Fun Detail: The addition of a gold bell brings an extra layer of charm and a delightful sound, capturing the spirit of the holidays.

Eye-Catching Texture: The curled design creates visual interest and depth, making your tree shine bright with festive spirit.

Gauge & Sizing Notes

Don’t skip the gauge swatch! Checking your tension is essential for achieving the perfect size with your Spiral Crochet Christmas Tree Ornament. A general guideline is to crochet a tension swatch to ensure your finished piece matches the desired dimensions of 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) in height. To make your tree larger, simply increase your starting chain in multiples of 3 for each additional spiral row—just remember to adjust the yarn amounts accordingly! If your swatch is too small, try going up a hook size, and if it’s too big, consider using a smaller hook. Embrace these adjustments, and you’ll have a beautifully crafted ornament just in time for the holidays!

Step-by-Step Pattern for FULL PATTERN

Row 1: Start the Spiral
Ch 45. In the 3rd ch from the hook, work 2 dc. Then, work 3 dc in each remaining ch across. The heavy increases here will cause your strip to start curling naturally, creating that whimsical spiral shape. FO, leaving a long tail for later.

Step 2: Shape the Tree
Hold the narrow starting end at the top of the strip. Arrange the curls into a tapered Christmas-tree shape. Your upper coils should stay small while gradually spreading the lower coils wider. Use the long yarn tail to stitch through the center of each coil from the top to the bottom, ensuring your tree maintains its spiraled form without flattening the curls.

Round 1: Create the Star
Using the metallic-gold yarn, make a magic ring (MR). Ch 1, then work 10 sc into the MR. Join with a sl st. You should see a small round shape forming at this point, which will become the center of your beautiful star. (10 sts)

Round 2: Form Star Points
In the same round, begin to form the star points. Ch 4, sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, skip 1 base st, sl st in the next st repeat this sequence 5 times around. FO and weave in your ends. If needed, gently block the five points for a more defined shape.

Step 3: Assembly
Sew the gold star securely to the top of your curled spiral tree. Next, thread the gold cord through the upper connection of the star and the tree, tying it into a hanging loop. As you do this, ensure the star is evenly positioned atop your tree for a balanced look.

Step 4: Finishing Touches
Sew a small gold bell to the bottom center of your spiral tree to add that lovely festive charm. Adjust each spiral layer until they are evenly spaced and visually appealing. Weave in all remaining ends securely to finalize your adorable crochet Christmas tree ornament.

Step 5: Final Adjustments
Lightly steam or block the star if needed for a polished finish. After hanging your beautiful creation, reshape the spiral to maintain its delightful curl. Now your handcrafted crochet Christmas tree ornament is ready to bring holiday cheer!

FOR YOUR NEXT MAKE

Keep these ideas for later

Two more projects to explore when you’re ready.

Holiday & Seasonal

Ivory-Cream Christmas Tree with a Defined Edge

See the pattern →

Holiday & Seasonal

Tree Ornament Curl with Defined Finishing Ends

See the pattern →

Expert Tips for Your Ornament

Check Tension: Ensure your tension is consistent throughout the project. Loose stitches may lead to an uneven shape, while tight stitches can make it difficult to manipulate the curls.
Count Stitches Carefully: Losing count is a common mistake. Periodically check your stitch count, especially during the spiral rows, to maintain the design’s integrity.
Secure Your Spiral: When shaping the tree, ensure you’re tacking down each coil securely. This prevents the spiral from collapsing and helps maintain its fabulous form.
Weave in Ends: Don’t skip this step! Weave in your yarn tails securely to avoid unraveling, especially after assembly. This keeps your ornament looking clean and professional.
Adjust After Hanging: Once hung, don’t forget to reshape the spiral if needed. It might need a bit of fluffing to regain that charming curl. Enjoy your beautiful finished piece from this FULL PATTERN!

Care Instructions for Your Spiral Crochet Christmas Tree Ornament

Machine Washing: Use a gentle cycle with cold water to avoid any agitation that could lead to felting or pilling.

Hand Washing: For best results, hand wash your ornament in cold water and mild soap, gently scrubbing with your hands and avoiding twisting.

Drying/Blocking: Lay flat on a clean towel to dry, reshaping the spirals and the star if needed for that perfect holiday look.

Storage: Store your ornament in a cool, dry place, neatly wrapping it with tissue paper to maintain its shape until you hang it each year. Enjoy caring for your beautiful FULL PATTERN creation!

What to Pair with the Spiral Crochet Christmas Tree Ornament

As you craft your charming ornament, consider expanding your holiday collection with these delightful, matching projects.

Cozy Crochet Stockings: Fill your home with festive cheer by hanging matching stockings, perfect for sharing the holiday spirit. These would complement your tree beautifully!
Advent Calendar Pockets: Create a playful countdown to Christmas with pockets that hold sweet surprises, all in coordinating colors to match your ornament.
Mini Wreaths: Adorn your door or windows with dainty wreaths crocheted in the same forest green or cream, adding an inviting touch to your decor.
Festive Garlands: A string of crocheted garlands draped across your mantle will bring a warm, whimsical feel that harmonizes beautifully with your tree.
Crochet Gift Tags: Use the same yarn to craft unique gift tags adorned with little stars, making every present special and cohesive.

Let your heart lead as you stitch these charming companions to your FULL PATTERN ornament!

FULL PATTERN Variations & Substitutions

Embrace the joy of customizing your crochet ornament with these playful variations tailored just for you.

Yarn Substitutions: Swap your DK yarn for bulky yarn for a larger, fluffier ornament, adding a cozy touch to your holiday decor.
Experience the warmth in a chunky crochet pattern, perfect for snuggling up on chilly winter nights.
Color-Blocking: Mix and match different yarn colors in sections of your tree for a vibrant, eye-catching design that reflects your personality.
Each section can express a different piece of your style, making every ornament truly one-of-a-kind.
Texture Variety: Add small pom-poms or tassels between the spirals for a festive and joyful texture, enhancing the visual appeal.
These fun accents can mimic ornaments on a tree, bringing your creation to life with extra flair.
Sizing Options: Adjust your starting chain count to create a smaller ornament for a sweet and dainty hanging decoration.
Tiny trees can bring a whimsical touch to your holiday displays, adding a sprinkle of charm wherever they are placed.
Fiber Alternatives: Consider using pure cotton for a softer finish or a shimmer yarn for added sparkle that catches the light beautifully.
Each fiber offers a unique feel, making your ornament even more delightful to touch and admire.
Fringe Detail: Incorporate fringe at the bottom of your ornament for a playful finish that sways gently with any breeze.
This finishing touch adds an element of fun, inviting the spirit of the holidays into your home.
Personalized Touch: Add embroidery or fabric paint details to the star or body of the tree for an extra dash of creativity!
Your custom designs turn this ornament into a cherished memory piece, telling your own unique story.
Layering Technique: Create multi-tiered trees by stacking two or more spirals of different sizes for a decorative display that looks grand.
Layering shapes invites a delightful playfulness, transforming a simple ornament into an enchanting focal point on your tree.

Spiral Crochet Christmas Tree Ornament FAQs

Can I use a different type of yarn for this ornament?
Absolutely! While the pattern calls for DK/light worsted cotton or acrylic yarn, you can definitely try other yarn types. Just keep in mind that the drape and texture might vary. If you’re swapping cotton for acrylic, try to match the weight to preserve the same fluffiness and shape.

How can I adjust the size of my Christmas tree ornament?
If you want a larger ornament, try using a thicker yarn and a larger hook. Conversely, for a smaller tree, go down a yarn weight and corresponding hook size. Just remember to adjust the chain length at the beginning if you want to keep the spiral’s proportions.

Why is my crochet work curling instead of forming a spiral?
Don’t panic! Curling is part of the design for this ornament! If you feel it’s curling too much or not enough, check your stitch count—make sure you’re working 3 dc in each chain after the 3rd ch. If the strips still don’t spiral as desired, try adding a few extra dc to encourage that delightful curl.

What size hook should I use if I want to change yarn weights?
For DK/light worsted yarn, the 3.5 mm hook works perfectly. If switching to a bulkier yarn, consider moving to a 4.5 mm hook, while for lighter yarns, you may find a 3.0 mm hook ideal. Always check your gauge to ensure your project turns out just right!

How do I fix dropped stitches if I notice them while crocheting?
Oh, it’s an easy fix! Just use your tapestry needle to carefully pick up the dropped stitch and pull the working yarn through. If it’s a lost stitch, unravel a bit to find it, then work back up through the stitches as normal.

What if the curls of my Christmas tree don’t stay how I want?
No worries! After you’ve assembled your ornament, you can gently steam or block the curls. Simply hold the steam from an iron over the curls without touching them, which will help them hold their shape beautifully. Enjoy crafting your cozy, festive FULL PATTERN piece!