Looking for a quick and easy gift for the tree or as decor? Try this fun pattern for a Mini Holiday Stocking!
Design Story and Inspiration for This Free Knitting Pattern
I wanted to make something small and quick that could be used as an ornament, a gift topper, or decor – so I decided to turn a simple textured square into a tree!
I designed this as part of the 2024 Holiday Maker’s Challenge, where we encourage each other to work to our holiday deadline. There are a few criteria for our patterns in the challenge, which are:
1. Uses stash yarn
2. Is easy to intermediate
3. Is small so it doesn’t take a long time to make (we have a lot of gifts to make, okay?)
4. Is well received by gift recipients
Yarn Options for This Mini Christmas Tree Pattern
I used Worsted Weight Yarn (Category #4) for this simple pattern. It’s great for using up small scraps, and it doesn’t really matter if it gets gauge, so use up that stash! The yarn shown here is Malabrigo Worsted, which is a wonderful wool yarn with great color variations.
You can use any yarn you like, just adjust the needle size if you are using a larger or smaller yarn. If you are unsure what needle to use, check the recommendations on the ball band.
Mini Tree Pattern Details
This pattern is super simple – you knit a square and then sew it together to make a triangle shape. Easy peasy!
If you can’t get the hang of the woven basket stitch, feel free to use any stitch you like – even garter stitch would work to make a square and then you can proceed with the stitching instructions. 😀
Mini Christmas Tree
What You’ll Need
Yarn: Scrap worsted weight yarn (category #4)
Knitting Needles: US Size 7 (4.50mm)
Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, buttons for ornaments (optional)
Gauge: Not crucial for this project
Finished Size: Approx. 5” tall
Abbreviations
Knit (k)
Purl (p)
Wrong Side (WS)
Right Side (RS)
Note
Slip all stitches purlwise.
Mini Christmas Tree Pattern
Cast on 30 sts. (This stitch pattern can be worked over any even number of stitches).
Row 1 (WS): Sl 1, *p the second st on needle and leave on needle, p the first st, slide both sts off needle; rep from * to last st, slip 1.
Row 2 (RS): *Skip 1 st and insert needle from back to front between 1st and 2nd sts and k into the front 2nd st, leave on needle, then k the skipped st, slide both sts off needle; rep from * to end.
Repeat rows 1-2 until piece is the same length as it is wide (mine was 3.5″).
VIDEO: Here is a great video tutorial showing you how to work this stitch.
Finishing
Turn square so that one corner is at the top. Fold two sides until they meet. Stitch in place using a whip stitch or mattress stitch.
Fold up remaining corner and stitch in place.
Sew on button ornaments or use hot glue (which is what I did because I was too lazy to sew them on!)
Weave in ends.
Finishing Video
Final Thoughts on the Mini Holiday Tree Pattern
I hope you enjoy this free knitting pattern! I had a blast designing this cute and easy tree and I learned a new stitch while I was going it! Win-win!
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
