Free Crochet Christmas Tree Ornament Pattern (Easy Granny Stitch)

This little tree is one of the simplest Christmas ornaments you can crochet. It is a flat triangle of double crochet groups, the same idea as a granny stitch, with open spaces between them. A chain loop at the top lets it hang, and a small trunk finishes the bottom edge.

The rows do the shaping for you: 5 groups, then 4, 3, 2 and 1. If you can chain, double crochet and slip stitch, you can make it. The full pattern is free below, with 16 photo steps in US terms.

Why You Will Love This Ornament

• It is beginner friendly. You only need chains, double crochet and slip stitches.
• It shapes itself. Each row has one group fewer than the row before, so the triangle forms on its own.
• It has a photo for every step. There are 16 of them, from the first chain to the last woven end.
• It grows with you. Add 3 chains at the start for each extra group and you get a bigger tree.

What You Need

• Yarn: green yarn, or any Christmas color you like.
• Hook: the size your yarn label recommends. My crochet hook sizes chart has every size in mm, US and UK.
• Yarn needle: for weaving in the ends.
• Scissors.

This pattern uses US terms. If you learned UK terms, my US vs UK crochet terms chart will help, and how to read a crochet pattern explains abbreviations and repeats.

Good to Know Before You Start

• You work in rows, so turn your work at the end of each row.
• The ch 3 at the start of a row counts as the first stitch.
• Groups of 3 dc, worked into the spaces of the row below, make the openwork.

Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial

The full written pattern is in the printable card further down. Here is what each step looks like.

1. Foundation chain

With green yarn, make a slip knot and chain 19. Keep the chain relaxed and untwisted.

2. Count 4 chains

Count 4 chains from the hook and skip them. The first 3 skipped chains count as your first stitch.

3. First groups

Work 3 dc into the next chain, the 5th from the hook. Then skip 2 chains and work 3 dc into the next chain. Repeat that 3 more times, so you have 5 groups.

4. Finish Row 1

Skip 1 chain and work 1 dc into the last chain.

5. Chain 3 and turn

Ch 3 and turn your work. The ch 3 counts as the first stitch of the new row.

6. Row 2

Work 3 dc into each space between two groups of the row below, 4 times.

7. Finish Row 2

Skip 3 stitches and work 1 dc into the very last stitch. You now have 4 groups.

8. Row 3

Ch 3 and turn. Work 3 dc into each space, 3 times. Skip 3 stitches and work 1 dc into the last stitch.

9. Rows 4 and 5: the top

Ch 3, turn. Work 3 dc into each space, 2 times. Skip 3 stitches and work 1 dc into the last stitch. Then ch 3, turn, and work 3 dc into the last space. Skip 3 stitches and work 1 dc into the last stitch.

10. Hanging loop

Ch 15 to make the hanging loop.

11. Close the loop

Join the chain to the top of the tree with a slip stitch. Make sure the loop is secure.

12. Slip stitch border

Work slip stitches down the side of the tree, following the triangle shape.

13. Reach the bottom middle

Keep working slip stitches along the bottom edge until you reach the middle stitch.

14. Little trunk

Ch 3, work 4 dc into the middle stitch, ch 3 and slip stitch into the same stitch.

15. Finish the border

Slip stitch along the rest of the edge up to the loop. Fasten off, leaving a short tail.

16. Weave in the ends

Weave in the ends with the yarn needle and gently shape your tree. Your ornament is ready!

Make a Bigger Tree

Chain 3 more for each extra group: ch 22 gives 6 groups and ch 25 gives 7 groups. Then keep working rows until 1 group is left, and finish with the same loop, border and trunk.

Ways to Use Your Trees

• Hang one on the Christmas tree, on a gift or in a window.
• Make a whole forest in festive colors.
• String a few together for a Christmas tree garland.

Get the Printable PDF

Would you rather crochet away from the screen? The ad-free PDF on Etsy has this pattern on 7 A4 pages, ready to print, with all 16 photo steps, the row-by-row quick pattern and the bigger tree bonus. It is an instant digital download, not a finished ornament.

Save This Pattern for Later

Pin the photo below so you can find it again in December, and follow me on Pinterest for new patterns.

More Christmas Crochet Patterns

• Spiral Christmas Tree Ornament: another free pattern, posable with hidden wire.
• Fir Tree Garland: textured trees with cream stars on jute twine.
• Candy Cane Curly Wreath: a red and cream ornament.
• Crochet Gingerbread Man: a cute amigurumi in a Santa hat.