Create a beautiful handmade decoration for the holidays with this Crochet Spiral Christmas Tree Ornament. The design features a flowing green-and-cream spiral shaped like a Christmas tree, a golden crochet star at the top, and a soft two-color tassel at the bottom.
This project is perfect for decorating a Christmas tree, window, mantel, doorway, festive branch, or holiday gift. The spiral construction looks impressive but is made with simple crochet techniques, making it a fun project for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters.
Materials You’ll Need
- DK or light worsted-weight yarn in deep green or teal
- Cream or ivory yarn
- Mustard, ochre, or gold yarn for the star
- 3.5 mm–4.5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Optional fabric stiffener for the star
- Optional blocking mat and pins
Crochet Abbreviations
- MR – Magic Ring
- CH – Chain
- SC – Single Crochet
- HDC – Half Double Crochet
- DC – Double Crochet
- TR – Treble Crochet
- INC – Increase
- SL ST – Slip Stitch
- ST – Stitch
- SP – Space
Finished Size
Using DK yarn, the completed ornament measures approximately 14–18 inches (35–45 cm) from the top of the hanging loop to the bottom of the tassel.
The size is easy to customize. Use fewer foundation chains for a smaller Christmas tree ornament or add more chains for a longer hanging decoration.
Pattern Construction
The ornament is made from four main components:
- A two-color crochet spiral
- A five-point crochet star
- A hanging loop
- A two-color yarn tassel
The spiral is worked as a long strip with frequent increases. These increases force the fabric to curl naturally. Once suspended vertically, the curls resemble the layered branches of a Christmas tree.
Part 1 – Crochet the Spiral Foundation
Using deep green or teal yarn, make approximately 70–85 chains.
Keep your foundation chain relaxed. A foundation that is too tight can prevent the finished strip from curling evenly.
For a smaller ornament, begin with approximately 45–55 chains.
Part 2 – Create the First Curling Row
Beginning in the second chain from the hook, work:
2 HDC into each chain across.
Continue until you reach the end of the foundation chain.
The strip should begin curling automatically. This is exactly what you want, so do not attempt to flatten it.
Part 3 – Strengthen the Spiral
CH 2 and turn.
Work:
*1 HDC in the next ST, 2 HDC in the next ST.*
Repeat across.
This second set of increases makes the spiral fuller and gives it the dramatic flowing shape required for the Christmas tree.
If your spiral is becoming excessively ruffled, work several individual HDC stitches between increases.
Part 4 – Add the Cream Stripe
Change to cream or ivory yarn.
Work one row of HDC across the entire spiral.
Maintain relaxed tension and allow the strip to continue curling naturally.
The cream stripe should remain clearly visible beside the green section.
Part 5 – Add Another Green Stripe
Change back to green yarn.
Work one row of HDC across.
Depending on the width you want, you can continue alternating green and cream for additional rows.
A simple sequence is:
Green – Cream – Green – Cream – Green.
This creates the attractive striped effect visible throughout the finished spiral.
Part 6 – Crochet the Outer Border
Finish the outer edge using green yarn.
Work one SC into each stitch across.
If necessary, add an occasional increase to maintain the spiral shape.
A slightly firm final border gives the ornament more structure and clearly defines the edge of each curl.
Part 7 – Shape the Spiral Tree
Place the finished strip on a flat surface and allow it to curl naturally.
Gently rotate the individual coils until they all turn in the same direction.
When the spiral is held vertically, arrange it so the upper curls appear smaller and the lower curls appear progressively wider.
This creates the visual impression of a stylized Christmas tree.
Part 8 – Crochet the Golden Star
Using mustard, ochre, or golden yarn, make a MR.
Round 1: Work 10 SC into the MR and join with a SL ST.
Pull the center ring tightly closed.
Part 9 – Form the Five Star Points
For each star point, work:
CH 5.
Starting in the second chain from the hook, work:
SC, HDC, DC, TR.
SL ST into the appropriate stitch on the center circle.
Repeat this sequence until you have five evenly spaced points.
Fasten off after completing the fifth point.
Part 10 – Add a Border to the Star
For a thicker and more defined star, attach the same golden yarn along one edge.
Work SC evenly around the entire star.
At the tip of each point, work:
SC, CH 2, SC.
This creates sharper, more defined points.
Part 11 – Block the Crochet Star
Lightly dampen the star and place it on a blocking mat.
Stretch each of the five points outward and secure them with pins.
Allow the star to dry completely.
If you want the star to remain particularly firm while hanging, apply a small amount of fabric stiffener before blocking.
Part 12 – Attach the Star to the Spiral
Position the star directly above the narrowest end of the spiral.
Using matching yarn and a yarn needle, sew the bottom point or lower center of the star securely to the top of the spiral.
Make several stitches through both pieces.
Before tying the final knot, hold the ornament vertically and make sure the star faces forward.
Part 13 – Create the Hanging Loop
Using green and cream yarn together, cut two strands approximately 16–20 inches (40–50 cm) long.
Twist or braid the strands together.
Fold the cord in half to form a loop.
Attach both ends securely to the upper back of the crochet star.
The loop should be strong enough to support the complete ornament without stretching the star.
Part 14 – Make the Two-Color Tassel
Cut approximately 25–35 strands of green and cream yarn.
Each strand should measure approximately 10–12 inches (25–30 cm).
Mix the two colors evenly and align all the yarn ends.
Fold the bundle in half.
Pass a strong strand of yarn through the folded center and tie securely.
Part 15 – Shape the Tassel
Approximately 1 inch below the folded top, wrap a strand of green yarn tightly around the entire bundle several times.
Tie securely and hide the knot inside the tassel.
Trim the bottom ends so they are approximately even.
A slightly relaxed handmade edge works beautifully for this rustic Christmas ornament.
Part 16 – Attach the Tassel
Position the tassel directly below the final curl of the spiral.
Using the strand tied around the top of the tassel, sew or knot it securely to the lower end of the crochet strip.
The tassel should hang freely beneath the spiral.
Optional Decorative Bead
A wooden or crocheted bead can be positioned between the spiral and tassel.
Thread the connecting yarn through the bead before attaching the tassel.
This creates a neat transition between the crochet spiral and the hanging yarn strands.
Final Assembly
Hang the ornament temporarily from a hook or decorative branch.
Allow gravity to naturally arrange the spiral.
Gently rotate each curl until the green and cream stripes are clearly visible.
The upper coils should remain relatively narrow, while the lower coils should spread outward to create the Christmas tree silhouette.
How to Keep the Spiral in Shape
If the spiral moves too freely, use a long strand of matching yarn to create a hidden vertical support.
Starting behind the star, pass the yarn downward through selected inner sections of the spiral.
Continue until you reach the bottom curl.
Secure the yarn without pulling tightly.
This keeps the overall Christmas tree shape while allowing the individual curls to remain dimensional.
Color Combination Ideas
- Deep Teal + Cream + Mustard Gold: cozy vintage Christmas
- Forest Green + Ivory + Gold: classic Christmas
- Red + Cream + Gold: traditional festive style
- Sage Green + Ivory + Natural Beige: farmhouse Christmas
- Burgundy + Cream + Champagne: elegant vintage décor
- White + Silver + Ice Blue: winter wonderland
- Dusty Pink + Cream + Gold: romantic Christmas
Make a Mini Spiral Christmas Tree Ornament
For a smaller Christmas tree ornament, begin with approximately 40–45 chains.
Use sport-weight or fine cotton yarn with an appropriately sized crochet hook.
Make the star approximately 2–3 inches across and use a shorter tassel.
This smaller version is lightweight enough to hang directly from Christmas tree branches.
Make a Large Christmas Wall Hanging
For a larger decorative version, begin with approximately 100–120 chains and use worsted-weight yarn.
Increase the star size proportionally and make a longer tassel.
The larger version works beautifully as a window decoration, wall hanging, fireplace decoration, or centerpiece suspended from a rustic branch.
Alternative Star Colors
The golden star creates a warm traditional appearance, but you can customize it easily.
Try cream for a Scandinavian-inspired ornament, red for a bold Christmas design, or metallic-look yarn for additional sparkle.
You can also sew a small wooden bead or decorative button into the center of the star.
Add Christmas Bells
For extra festive detail, attach one or two lightweight bells near the lower curl or immediately above the tassel.
Keep additional decorations small so they do not overpower the simple spiral design.
Turn It Into a Christmas Garland
Make several smaller spiral trees using coordinating colors.
Attach them along a long crocheted chain, leaving enough space between each ornament for the spirals to hang freely.
A collection of green, cream, red, and gold spiral trees creates a beautiful handmade garland for a fireplace mantel or staircase.
Christmas Decorating Ideas
Hang this crochet spiral tree from a rustic branch decorated with pine greenery, pinecones, berries, and warm fairy lights.
It also works beautifully on a Christmas tree, window, interior door, mantel, staircase, or wall hook.
The green, cream, and golden color palette pairs especially well with natural wood, warm lights, kraft-paper gifts, pinecones, candles, red berries, and farmhouse Christmas decorations.
Handmade Christmas Gift Idea
This ornament makes a lovely handmade Christmas gift because it is decorative, lightweight, and easy to personalize.
Create several versions using different color combinations and package them individually in small kraft boxes or reusable fabric bags.
You can also attach a small handmade tag with the year to turn the project into a keepsake ornament.
Tips for the Best Results
Do not worry if the spiral looks excessively curly while you are crocheting it. The increases are what create the characteristic shape of the finished decoration.
After completing the strip, use your fingers to arrange the curls instead of trying to flatten them.
Keep your stitches consistent, especially when changing between green and cream yarn. Even tension creates cleaner stripes and a more polished finished ornament.
Block the star separately before assembly. This helps the five points remain crisp and prevents the weight of the spiral from distorting the topper.
Care Instructions
Store the ornament loosely rather than compressing it inside a small container.
If the spiral becomes flattened during storage, hang it for several hours and gently reshape the curls with your fingers.
Spot cleaning is recommended. If washing becomes necessary, follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn and reshape the ornament while it dries.
Final Thoughts
This Crochet Spiral Christmas Tree Ornament with Star is a beautiful way to combine simple crochet techniques with an eye-catching three-dimensional design.
The alternating green and cream stripes create movement throughout the spiral, the golden crochet star provides a festive focal point, and the coordinating tassel gives the ornament a soft handmade finish.
Once you understand the spiral technique, experiment with different yarn colors, lengths, star designs, tassels, beads, and small bells to create an entire collection of unique handmade Christmas decorations.