Colorful Crochet Tree Hugger Pattern

This crochet tree hugger is a fun and colorful way to decorate a tree or any pole in your local environment. Using granny squares and stripes, along with playful pom-pom accents, this project is sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it!

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (variety of colors: red, blue, green, yellow, purple, beige, etc.)
• Hook: 5.5 mm (I/9) crochet hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Pom-pom maker (optional, for making pom-poms)

Gauge

4 inches = 12 double crochets and 6 rows; however, exact gauge is not crucial for this project.

Abbreviations

• ch - chain
• dc - double crochet
• sl st - slip stitch
• sp - space
• sk - skip
• st - stitch

Instructions

Granny Square Blocks

1. Choose your first yarn color and make a slip knot. Chain 6 and join to form a ring with a slip stitch.
2. Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as first dc), then make 2 dc into the ring. *Chain 2, 3 dc into the ring. Repeat from * until you have 4 groups of 3 dc. Join with sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3. (You will have a total of 4 chain-2 spaces.)
3. Round 2: Change to the next color. Join with a slip stitch to any chain-2 space. Chain 3 (counts as first dc), then make 2 dc, ch 2, and 3 dc in the same space. *In the next chain-2 space, make 3 dc, ch 2, and 3 dc. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3.
4. Continue this pattern, changing colors as desired until your granny square is the size you want, typically around 8-10 inches square. Make a total of 6-8 granny squares in assorted colors.

Assembling the Tree Hugger

1. With your last round completed on each square, lay them out in the arrangement you prefer.
2. Join the granny squares together by holding two squares with the wrong sides together and working a slip stitch through both squares' stitches along one edge. Continue this for all squares until you have one long strip.
3. Fold the strip into a rectangle that will wrap around the tree or pole. Use slip stitches to join the sides of the rectangle together, leaving the top open.

Adding the Stripes

1. For the bottom of the tree hugger, select a new color. Chain the length of the tree hugger. Turn.
2. In the second chain from the hook, work a single crochet. Continue single crocheting to the end of the row. Chain 1 and turn.
3. Continue working back and forth in single crochet for about 6 inches. Change colors after every 2 rows to create stripes. Attach the band onto the bottom edge of the tree hugger with slip stitches.

Adding Pom-Poms

1. Using your pom-pom maker, create 4-6 pom-poms in various colors. They should be about 2 inches in diameter.
2. Attach the pom-poms to the corners of the tree hugger using slip stitches or by simply tying them on.

Finishing

Weave in any loose ends with your tapestry needle. Now your colorful crochet tree hugger is complete! Wrap it around a tree or pole in your neighborhood and enjoy the happiness it brings to everyone who sees it!