It’s never too soon to start thinking about Christmas! But if thinking about Christmas gift giving makes you anxious, then start small with free crochet Christmas ornaments patterns instead!
Decorating the Christmas tree is a time-honored tradition that’s never going out of style. So if you make some crochet ornaments, you know that you will get good use out of them! No two Christmas trees are alike, so creating your own tree decoration is a great way to make your tree extra special and unique.
While there may only be one or two Christmas decor aisles in the store, there’s no shortage of free crochet Christmas tree decoration patterns! With so many great designs to choose from you are sure to find something that matches your style.
Think outside the bauble box with free crochet Christmas ornaments patterns for animal friends, emojis, ice skates, snowflakes and much more. There’s even a pattern here for a Christmas pickle ornament! Scroll down and prepare to be inspired by some awesome and festive ideas.
Featured Christmas Crochet Ornament Pattern
Materials for Crocheted Christmas Ornaments
Creating beautiful crochet Christmas tree ornaments is a delightful activity that combines creativity, skill, and holiday spirit. To ensure the success and durability of your ornaments, it’s essential to gather all necessary materials before commencing your project. Below is a comprehensive guide to the materials you might need for crocheting Christmas ornaments:
1. Yarn
- Medium Weight Yarn: Ideal for creating sturdy and durable ornaments with a wide range of colors to match your holiday color scheme.
- Worsted Weight Yarn: Offers more bulk and structure, ensuring your ornaments last for many holiday seasons.
- Cotton Yarn: Perfect for intricate and delicate designs, adding a touch of elegance to your ornaments.
2. Crochet Hooks
Choose a crochet hook that corresponds with your selected yarn. A standard size for medium and worsted weight yarn is a 5mm hook, while a smaller hook, around 3.5mm, is suitable for DK weight yarn.
3. Pattern
Having a clear, easy-to-follow pattern is crucial. Whether you’re creating stars, snowflakes, or miniature Christmas sweaters, a good pattern will guide you through each step of the process.
4. Stuffing
If you’re making three-dimensional ornaments, you’ll need stuffing to give them shape. Opt for a lightweight, hypoallergenic stuffing that will hold its shape over time. You can also buy foam balls or clear plastic ornaments at craft stores and crochet around them.
5. Tapestry Needle
A yarn needle is essential for weaving in ends securely, ensuring the longevity of your ornaments.
6. Scissors
A sharp pair of scissors is indispensable for cutting yarn neatly and precisely.
7. Metal Ornament Hangers
To securely hang your finished ornaments on your Christmas tree, you’ll need metal ornament hangers. Choose hangers that complement your ornaments and tree decor.
8. Embellishments
Personalize your ornaments with additional embellishments like beads, sequins, ribbons, or buttons. These add a unique touch to your creations, making them extra special.
9. Stiffening Agent
For ornaments like snowflakes or stars, a stiffening agent is necessary to maintain their shape. You can use commercial stiffeners or a mixture of glue and water.
In conclusion, preparing all these materials in advance will ensure a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience. It will also contribute to the creation of beautiful and durable crochet Christmas tree ornaments that will adorn your holiday celebrations for years to come.
Tips for Crocheting Ornaments
- Select Appropriate Crochet Hooks:
- Match the hook size with your yarn choice.
- Similar to amigurumi, size down a hook size or two if you need tight stitches.
- Follow a Clear Pattern:
- Ensure your pattern is suitable for your skill level.
- A well-written pattern will guide you step by step through the process.
- Keep Consistent Tension:
- Maintain even tension to ensure uniform stitches and avoid puckering.
- Count Your Stitches:
- Regularly count your stitches to ensure you are following the pattern correctly.
- Use Stitch Markers:
- Place stitch markers to easily keep track of rounds or specific stitches.
- Weave in Ends Properly:
- Securely weave in all ends with a yarn needle to ensure the durability of your ornaments.
- Test Stiffening Agents:
- If using a stiffening agent, test it on a small section to ensure it doesn’t discolor or damage the yarn.
- Add Personal Touch with Embellishments:
- Personalize your ornaments with beads, sequins, or ribbons for a unique look.
- Use Metal Ornament Hangers:
- Secure your ornaments on the tree with metal hangers that complement your decor.
By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth crocheting experience and create beautiful, durable ornaments to enjoy for many holiday seasons to come.
25 of the Best Crocheted Christmas Ornaments
Can you put a Christmas tree ornament on a Christmas tree? Sure, why not - especially when it is as cute as this Christmas tree amigurumi! Complete with a smiling face and a gold star topper, this ornament is ready for his debut on your christmas tree. The pattern calls for just single crochet stitches, so it’s really not hard at all!
Designer: Jennifer Santos for Hobbii
Yarn: Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4 Solid (Fingering Weight #1)
Have you ever heard of frosty the snowcone? Well, now you have! This is one of our free crochet Christmas ornaments patterns that’s just pure fun. Hang this one on your tree and there will be no shortage of smiles! You can make it in the classic amigurumi style with just single crochet stitches.
Designer: Jennifer Santos for Hobbii
Yarn: Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4 Solid (Fingering Weight #1)
Capture a classic Christmas memory with the Driving Home for Christmas Ornament from the Red Heart Design Team. The unique flat design also makes this ornament well-suited for use as an applique. I think they really struck a nice balance here between detailed and simple. You can make it using just basic stitches.
Designer: Red Heart Design Team
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
If you’re a fan of no-sew designs (who isn’t!?), then be sure to check out this next design. Many free crochet Christmas ornaments patterns have you make two halves of a bauble and then sew them together. This pattern simplifies things a bit with a sleek one-piece design and basic crochet stitches.
Designer: Darling Dana Designs
Yarn: Big Twist Twinkle (Worsted Weight #4)
As a general rule of thumb, everything is cuter in miniature. These fun wreath ornaments are no exception! The pattern uses simple single crochet and puff stitches worked around a mini foam circle to make the base wreath. Just add a few embellishments and you’re all set! There are so many different ways you could customize these ornaments.
Designer: Darling Dana Designs
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
They say that each snowflake is unique, but this heart crochet snowflake really takes the cake! These whimsical crochet snowflakes would look absolutely stunning hung up on a tree. Plus, they’re quick and easy enough to make in multiples. You can make them using just single and double crochet stitches.
Designer: Golden Lucy Crafts
Yarn: Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet (Size 10 thread)
One of my daughter’s favorite things about Christmas is the candy! (Yes, she has a mega sweet tooth!) These two-color swirled candies would be perfect for either tree ornaments or for stocking stuffers. They’re addictively quick to make and the pattern only calls for single crochet stitches.
Designer: Spin a Yarn Crochet
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Crocheting a full size sweater takes forever, so let’s just use these free crochet Christmas ornaments patterns to make miniature versions instead! You can learn how to crochet these quick and easy sweater ornaments by following along with either the written or the video tutorials.
Designer: Sweet Softies
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Have you ever heard of a pickle ornament before? Apparently it’s a big thing in the midwest! Hop on over to the designer’s page to read more about the origin story. In the meantime, can we just appreciate this pickle’s silly and cute face? Oh, and I love her little bow! The design calls for single and double crochet stitches along with modified puff stitches.
Designer: SeeLoveShare
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
One of my favorite winter time activities is ice skating! It’s such a fun pastime and I think that these ice skates ornaments perfectly capture that nostalgic charm. Props to the designer for the super clever idea of using paper clips for the blades of the ice skates! This free crochet pattern is available in video format.
Designer: Naztazia
Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala (DK Weight #3)
Capture that warm and fuzzy feeling that makes Christmas magic with this ridiculously cute hot cocoa mug complete with mini marshmallows! You can personalize this pattern by switching up the colors and the embroidered design on the front of the mug. These would also make cute stocking stuffers, don’t you think?
Designer: Ollie + Holly
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine (Sport Weight #3)
A cute and colorful gingerbread house is the perfect crochet project to really express your creativity. There’s no rules. There’s no right or wrong. Just grab some yarn scraps and have fun with it! This design calls for basic stitches (single, half double and double crochet) along with some embroidery.
Designer: Mooey and Friends
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Everyone’s favorite modern hieroglyphics makes an adorable appearance in the next one of our free crochet Christmas ornaments patterns! You can choose between the heart eyes emoji, the love emoji, or the eye-roll emoji (haha!). I like how the design incorporates the little brown part at the top to make them even more ornament-like.
Designer: Golden Lucy Crafts
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4 and Cotton Thread Size 10)
Faux fur mimics the beauty of freshly fallen snow on top of a pinecone in the rustic Snowy Pines Tree Ornament from The Loopy Lamb. You can make the crochet part of this ornament with just single crochet stitches. Then just hot glue it on to a pinecone and add a hanging loop. Grab a cute sparkly pinecone from the craft store if you’re feeling fancy!
Designer: The Loopy Lamb
Yarn: Knit Picks Fable Fur (Super Bulky Weight #6)
As far as free crochet Christmas ornaments patterns go, this one might just be the cutest one I’ve seen all morning. What can I say, I’m a dog lover! I love everything about this adorable ornament from the expression on the dog’s face to his festive golden attire. You can make this ornament using just single crochet stitches.
Designer: Belle & Grace Handmade
Yarn: Scheepjes Stone washed (Sport Weight #3)
I never would have thought of this! First you take a clear ornament and stuff it with a pom pom, then you crochet a scarf and wrap it around the hanging loop. So cute! The scarf is made with tunisian knit stitches (and don’t worry, you won’t need a special tunisian crochet hook). The designer has a couple options for this design so click that link for more color inspiration!
Designer: With Alex
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Aran Weight #4)
I can’t believe it’s crochet! The secret to this realistic and ridiculously adorable polar bear ornament is faux fur yarn. You can make this loveable bear using just single crochet stitches. The faux fur yarn can be a little tricky to work with, but the designer shares her best tips and tricks for crocheting with faux fur yarn in a youtube video.
Designer: The Loopy Lamb
Yarn: Knit Picks Fable Fur (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Do you like free crochet Christmas ornament patterns that look like the real thing? I know I do! You can have the Christmas tree of your dreams with these DIY light bulbs (and you won’t be limited by the poor selection of color choices in the Christmas light aisle). This easy design calls for just single and half double crochet stitches.
Designer: The Purple Poncho
Yarn: Caron Little Crafties (Worsted Weight #4)
Our cold weather friends are always a popular pick for classic Christmas decorations. This adorable penguin pal is getting into the Christmas spirit with an adorable Santa hat. He’s the perfect size for hanging from the tree, and for stocking stuffers too. You can make him in the classic amigurumi style with just single crochet stitches.
Designer: Ninja Cat Crafts
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Safran (Sport Weight #3)
Just wow! These multicolor Christmas baubles are so fun and colorful. At first glance they might seem tricky, but you can actually make them with just single and double crochet stitches. Hooray for free crochet Christmas ornament patterns that can be made with scrap yarn! (because if I go to the craft store again I might be leaving with a full cart)
Designer: imakeallthethings
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
These pretty pink flamingo ornaments are perfect for someone who lives somewhere that doesn't snow (or even for someone who just wishes they lived somewhere it didn’t snow!). The santa hats make them extra festive, don’t you think? The design calls for single crochet stitches along with bobble stitches.
Designer: Wayward Pineapple Creations
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
You can capture the magic of Harry Potter with your very own flying key ornament. This is one of the most unique free crochet Christmas ornament patterns on our list. I also think that it would be so fun to have a whole tree based on the Harry Potter theme. Can you think of some other cute ornaments that would fit right in?
Designer: Whistle & Ivy
Yarn: Knit Picks Palette (Fingering Weight #1)
There’s just something about faux fur yarn that makes everything look extra fancy. You can make this eye-catching ornament with just single crochet stitches. This soft and fluffy ornament is a nice, safe substitute for glass ornaments - especially if you have small children and curious pets in the home.
Designer: Spin a Yarn Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand Go For Faux (Super Bulky Weight #6)
You’ll Also Love These Amazing Video Tutorials!
How to Customize Crocheted Christmas Ornaments
Customizing crocheted Christmas ornaments allows you to add a personal touch to your holiday decor, making each piece unique and special. Here are some creative ideas and steps to personalize your crocheted ornaments:
1. Choose Unique Patterns:
- Start by selecting distinctive and meaningful patterns. Opt for designs that resonate with you, such as snowflakes, stars, angels, or miniature Christmas sweaters.
2. Play with Colors:
- Break away from traditional color schemes and experiment with different hues. Match the colors with your overall holiday decor or choose shades that hold particular significance to you.
3. Experiment with Yarn Types:
- Use various types of yarns like medium weight, worsted, or cotton yarn to add texture and dimension to your ornaments. Each yarn type offers a different look and feel.
4. Add Embellishments:
- Embellish your ornaments with beads, sequins, buttons, or small bells. These additions can add sparkle, color, and auditory elements to your creations.
- Sew on small fabric patches or lace for a vintage look.
5. Include Personalized Tags:
- Attach small tags with personalized messages, names, or dates to commemorate special occasions or milestones.
6. Incorporate Themed Elements:
- If you have a specific theme for your holiday decor, integrate elements that align with it. For example, add nautical elements for a coastal Christmas theme.
7. Use Different Crochet Techniques:
- Employ various crochet techniques like filet crochet, tapestry crochet, or Tunisian crochet to give a unique touch to your ornaments.
8. Add Fragrance:
- Infuse your ornaments with holiday scents by adding a few drops of essential oils like cinnamon, pine, or peppermint.
9. Create Sets:
- Design a series of matching or themed ornaments to create a cohesive and harmonious look on your Christmas tree.
10. Gift Personalized Ornaments:
- Customize ornaments as heartfelt gifts for friends and family by incorporating elements that are meaningful to them.
Common Questions about Christmas Ornament Crochet Patterns
What types of designs are there for crochet Christmas decorations I can hang on the tree?
There are so may fun crochet ornament patterns to choose from! You could make a Christmas bell, candy cane, snowman, reindeer, Santa, a Christmas tree, mini Christmas stocking, gingerbread man, Christmas star ornament or even a gift tag. There is no shortage of Christmas crochet patterns for your holiday season.
What size is a typical crocheted ornament?
Most ornaments for the tree are around 3″, sometimes less. If the item is going to be used as a Christmas decoration rather than hung on the tree, then it can be any size you like.
Final Thoughts on Our Free Crocheted Christmas Ornament Patterns
Wow I sure have enjoyed all these crocheted ornaments! I love crocheting holiday decorations for my home or to give as homemade gifts. Some of my favorites are: mini crochet stockings, crochet angels, a crochet star ornament, crochet snow globes, and candy canes!
In fact, a very special ornament on my tree is a small crochet bell my Aunt Sue made for me years before she passed. She crocheted it and stiffened the fabric and every year when I hang it on the tree I think of her. 💕 So you see, handmade crochet ornaments can become family heirlooms!
The best thing about making your own ornaments is that they are a so much fun and can be made by any skill level. They are a great addition to any Christmas tree, and they are the perfect project to make for that special someone on your list who is SO hard to crochet for!
Which ornament crochet pattern will you try first? How about a christmas bauble crochet pattern, a cute gnome, one of the amigurumi ornaments, the Star Amigurumi Ornament, anUgly Christmas Sweater, or maybe Mini Hat & Mittens Ornaments!