The Frosted Forest Wreath: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Evergreen Christmas Ornament
Bring the Quiet Beauty of a Winter Forest to Your Tree
There's something magical about a fresh, snowy forest in winter. Now you can capture that serene feeling with a handmade ornament that's as fun to create as it is to display. The Frosted Forest Wreath is a quick, satisfying crochet project that uses simple stitches to build a lush, dimensional ornament. With textured pine needles, fluffy snowy bobbles, and a pop of red berries, this miniature wreath adds a cozy, handmade touch to your holiday decor. Best of all, it's a perfect project for beginners looking to try something new, like the loop stitch and bobble stitch, without a huge time commitment.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather these simple supplies. The gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for a tight fabric to help the wreath hold its shape.
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
- Forest Green (approx 20 yards)
- White (approx 5 yards)
- Red (a small amount for berries)
- Hook: US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
- Other: Yarn needle, scissors, small amount of fiberfill stuffing
Note: The finished wreath base measures approximately 3 inches in diameter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Part 1: Make the Wreath Base (Make 2 Identical Pieces)
You will crochet two flat circles. One will become the front (with the pine needle texture), and the other will be the back.
Round 1: With Forest Green yarn, make a magic ring. Work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the ring. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)
Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (36 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing the two pieces together. Set this piece aside. Make a second identical piece, but do not fasten off yet—you will use this tail later for sewing.
Part 2: Create the Pine Needle Texture (Front Piece Only)
This step creates the fluffy, fringe-like texture that mimics pine needles. Work on only one of the two base pieces (this will be the front of your wreath).
Attach Forest Green yarn to any stitch on the outer edge of the front base piece. You will work a special Loop Stitch into every stitch around the entire outer edge.
How to make a Loop Stitch:
- Insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop, but make this loop about 1/2 inch long (use your finger to hold it at that length).
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook (just like a normal single crochet).
- This creates a single crochet with a long loop on the surface. Repeat this in every stitch around the entire circle.
Work one Loop Stitch in each of the 36 stitches around the edge. When you reach the end, fasten off and weave in the yarn tail securely. You now have a textured, pine needle-like fringe around the edge of your front piece.
Part 3: Assemble the Wreath
Now you will join the front and back pieces to create a plump, three-dimensional wreath.
- Place the two base pieces together with wrong sides facing each other. The loop-textured side is the front, and the plain side is the back.
- Thread the long tail from the back piece onto your yarn needle.
- Using a whip stitch, sew the two pieces together by inserting the needle through the back loop of a stitch on the front piece and the corresponding stitch on the back piece.
- Sew about three-quarters of the way around the circle, then stop. You should have a small opening left.
- Lightly stuff the wreath with a small amount of fiberfill. Do not overstuff—you want it plump but not bulging.
- Continue whip stitching the opening closed. Weave in the yarn end securely.
Part 4: Add the Snowy Bobbles
These fluffy white bobbles look like little snowdrifts scattered across the wreath.
With White yarn, attach to the front of the wreath at random intervals. For each bobble, work the following Bobble Stitch:
- Yarn over, insert hook into a stitch on the wreath front, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain on hook).
- Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (4 loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on the hook. Chain 1 to secure the bobble.
Make 5 to 7 bobbles, scattering them across the front of the wreath. Fasten off and weave in ends after each bobble.
Part 5: Make the Red Berries
A cluster of red berries adds a festive pop of color. You can make small pom-poms, or use this simple crochet berry:
How to make a Berry:
- With Red yarn, make a magic ring.
- Work 5 single crochet (sc) into the ring.
- Pull the tail tight to close the ring.
- Slip stitch to the first sc to close the round.
- Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail.
Make 3 or 4 berries. Using the yarn tails, sew them in a cluster near the bottom of the wreath (opposite where the hanging loop will go). Weave in ends securely.
Part 6: Create the Hanging Loop
This simple loop allows you to hang your ornament on a tree or wreath.
- Cut a 6-inch length of Forest Green yarn.
- Fold the yarn in half to form a loop.
- Thread the two cut ends through the top of the wreath (from front to back) using your yarn needle.
- On the back of the wreath, tie the two ends in a secure knot to create a loop for hanging.
- Trim the ends close to the knot.
Part 7: Finishing Touches
Take a moment to perfect your wreath's appearance.
- Trim the loops: If any of the loop stitches are uneven, gently trim them with scissors to create a uniform, fluffy texture all around the edge.
- Shape the wreath: Gently mold the wreath with your hands to ensure it is round and plump.
- Fluff the bobbles: Use your fingers to gently separate the strands of the white bobbles so they look soft and snowy.
Your Frosted Forest Wreath is now complete! Hang it on your tree, give it as a heartfelt gift, or use it to adorn a gift package. Each one you make will be a little different, capturing the unique beauty of a winter forest.