Patterns, projects and techniques
SO, HERE THE FIRST QUESTION FOR JANUARY, 2010. If you don’t know how the blogtest works, please refer to my blog post of January 2, 2010 for all the rules.
WHAT IS YOUR CROCHET GOAL FOR 2010?
Be sure to post an answer ON THIS BLOG IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. Do not send an email to me or respond elsewhere if you want to be counted as an entry.
And, oh, yeah. The first prize is this sweet little book:
What a sweet little deal!
There is something lovely about unpacking a Christmas ornament and remembering who made it. A slightly wonky bow, a tiny crocheted hat, a little snowman with more personality than his size should allow. Those are the decorations that earn their place on the tree year after year.
These free crochet Christmas ornament patterns include miniature trees, wreaths, baubles, woodland decorations, candy cane holders and nostalgic little keepsakes. Some are easy projects for crocheters who know the basics, while others offer a little more detail for anyone who enjoys thread crochet or miniature amigurumi.
They are also a very good excuse to investigate the leftover yarn basket. You know, the one containing several almost-finished balls you have been saving for “something small”. This is something small.
Each link below takes you to the designer’s pattern page. Many offer free instructions online alongside an optional paid printable PDF, so check the page before heading straight to the shop button.
Here are a few starting points to help narrow down the festive temptation.
| What you want to make | Start with |
|---|---|
| An easy ornament using very little yarn | Whitefield Wreath |
| A small project without stuffing | Mini Santa Hat |
| A tiny stuffed Christmas decoration | Tiny Christmas Tree |
| An ornament that holds a treat | Gingerbread or Reindeer Candy Cane Holder |
| A textured cover for a plain bauble | Hopscotch Bauble |
| A detailed thread crochet keepsake | Poinsettia Flower |
| A project for using odd buttons | Crochet Button Angel |
Small does not always mean beginner friendly. Fine thread, tiny stitches and fiddly finishing can take more concentration than a larger project, so choose by construction as well as appearance.
A little green wreath with a red bow is hard to beat for traditional Christmas charm. Banana Moon Studio’s design uses bobble stitches to create texture, giving the wreath a lovely rounded appearance.
The designer rates it easy and lists approximately 12 yards of worsted weight yarn, plus yarn or ribbon for the finishing details. The finished wreath measures about 3½ inches across.
This is a particularly useful choice when you have a small amount of green yarn left over. Make a matching group, or try cream wreaths with burgundy bows for a softer colour scheme.
Find the free crochet wreath ornament pattern at Banana Moon Studio.
GoldenLucyCrafts’ little Santa hat delivers plenty of Christmas cheer without needing a stuffed body or lots of separate pieces.
The pattern is rated easy and uses medium weight yarn with a 3.5 mm hook. The finished hat is approximately 2 inches tall after folding.
Classic red and white is an obvious choice, but a collection in pink, sage and cream would be lovely too. Keep any added decorations small so they do not overwhelm the hat.
Follow the free mini Santa hat crochet pattern at GoldenLucyCrafts.
Hookfully’s cheerful bell has a face, rosy cheeks and a little bow. It is a good option if you like character ornaments but would rather make a flat decoration than a stuffed figure.
The designer rates the pattern easy. It uses DK weight yarn, with approximately 27 yards listed, and measures around 9.5 cm square.
For beginners, a smooth yarn will generally make the stitches easier to see than a fluffy or velvet yarn. Choose the texture you will enjoy working with, rather than struggling through something simply because it looks lovely in the photograph.
Visit Hookfully for the free flat crochet Christmas bell pattern.
Our CraftBits button angel combines crocheted pieces with ribbon, buttons and a sparkling halo. It has that lovely craft-box Christmas feeling, especially if you use a button with a little family history.
The wings begin as a small crocheted rectangle that is gathered in the middle. A separate crocheted body and the decorative pieces complete the angel.
This is a mixed craft project, so allow time for assembly as well as crochet. It is a lovely way to turn an odd button and a few yarn scraps into a keepsake.
Make your own with our crochet button angel ornament tutorial.
The Nicole Chase’s miniature tree is approximately 2 inches tall using the suggested worsted weight yarn and 4 mm hook.
This is a stuffed, three-dimensional tree worked in the round. The materials list calls for small amounts of green, brown and red yarn, making it a useful project for coordinated leftovers.
I would make a small collection in different greens, then keep the hanging loops the same colour to bring the group together. These would also look sweet tied onto wrapped gifts.
Get the free Tiny Christmas Tree crochet pattern from The Nicole Chase.
A miniature snowman wearing a little hat is exactly the sort of decoration that makes people lean closer to the tree.
This design from The Nicole Chase measures approximately 2 inches and uses worsted weight yarn with a 4 mm hook. Small amounts of contrasting yarn provide the colourful details.
Choose this one if you enjoy working in the round, shaping a stuffed piece and adding finishing touches. Making several with different hat colours would give you a coordinated set without every ornament looking identical.
Find the free Tiny Snowman ornament crochet pattern.
Stitch by Fay’s little mouse makes a charming addition to a woodland Christmas tree.
The pattern uses DK cotton yarn with a 2.5 mm hook, and the finished ornament measures approximately 2½ inches square, including the ears. The rounded body is worked in continuous rounds, with separate ears and decorative details.
This is a good choice for someone comfortable with small amigurumi stitches. Keep the fabric firm enough to contain the stuffing without pulling every stitch so tightly that your hands complain.
Visit Stitch by Fay for the free crochet mouse ornament pattern.
A little mushroom is a lovely alternative to the usual Santa-and-snowman selection, especially if you enjoy woodland Christmas decorations.
Yarnspirations offers this Bernat design as a free downloadable pattern, with an easy skill rating. The finished mushroom measures approximately 4 inches high and 3 inches across.
It uses Bernat Super Value yarn and stuffing. Check those measurements before planning a miniature tree, as this ornament is larger than some of the tiny projects in this collection.
Download the free Bernat crochet mushroom ornament pattern at Yarnspirations.
This gingerbread decoration from A Crocheted Simplicity doubles as a candy cane holder, making it a lovely little gift with a treat attached.
The designer provides single-layer and double-layer options, so you can choose the construction that suits your project. The pattern is rated easy and uses worsted weight yarn with a 4 mm hook.
At approximately 5½ inches high, excluding the hanging loop, it is a substantial ornament rather than a tiny motif. Allow time for the face and icing details, because those are what give the gingerbread its character.
Find the free gingerbread man candy cane holder crochet pattern.
The reindeer version from A Crocheted Simplicity is another useful option for combining a handmade ornament with a small Christmas treat.
The pattern is rated easy and uses worsted weight yarn and a 4 mm hook. The finished decoration measures approximately 4½ inches high and 2½ inches wide, excluding the hanging loop.
Instructions include an embroidered-eye option. Brown, cream and a small amount of red create the familiar festive look without requiring a large yarn purchase.
Make the free crochet reindeer candy cane holder ornament.
If you want to give plain baubles a handmade finish, the Hopscotch ornament from Green Fox Farms Designs adds an interesting textured cover.
The designer specifies worsted weight yarn, a 5 mm hook and a 67–70 mm plastic ornament. Allow approximately 40–50 yards of yarn.
This pattern is rated intermediate. It is a better choice for someone ready to explore the stitch pattern than for a complete beginner. Check the size of your bauble before starting, as the cover needs to fit its supporting form.
Follow the free Hopscotch bauble crochet pattern.
A tiny Christmas sweater is wonderfully cheerful, whether you decorate it tastefully or embrace the full ugly-sweater spirit.
Zamiguz’s design begins at the ribbed turtleneck, with the sleeves worked afterwards. The designer rates it intermediate and recommends fine or DK yarn.
The DK sample uses approximately 50 yards and measures around 3½ inches high. Embroidery offers plenty of room for personalisation, but plain stripes can be just as effective when working at this scale.
Get the free mini crochet sweater ornament pattern at Zamiguz.
Kirsten Holloway Designs’ poinsettia is a beautiful choice if you enjoy delicate thread crochet and traditional Christmas flowers.
This intermediate pattern uses size 10 crochet thread and a 1.4 mm steel hook. The finished flower measures approximately 4¼ inches across.
The materials include a blocking board and starching spray, so plan for finishing time as well as crochet. A poinsettia like this would make a lovely reusable gift topper before earning its place on the tree.
Find the free poinsettia flower ornament crochet pattern.
Our CraftBits puffy Christmas tree is another option for crocheters who enjoy working with thread.
The pattern lists size 10 crochet cotton and a finished height of approximately 3¼ inches. Its tiered construction creates a different look from a simple flat triangle.
Read the instructions through before starting, particularly the sections worked into the remaining loops of earlier rounds. This is one to choose when you fancy a little detail rather than a quick first crochet project.
Find the free vintage puffy crochet Christmas tree pattern on CraftBits.
Start with the yarn weight specified in your chosen pattern. A small substitution can change the finished size, and that matters when a cover must fit a particular bauble.
For projects made from leftovers, sort your yarn by thickness before sorting it by colour. Two yarns that look perfect together in the basket may behave quite differently once crocheted.
If you need a few colours to pull a collection together, browse the yarn selection at Mary Maxim and match the yarn weight to your pattern. A shared cream, red or green can help a mixture of leftover colours feel intentional.
For more ideas on combining nostalgic ornaments, woodland details and festive crochet around the home, explore our Christmas crochet trends and free patterns.
Test the hanging loop before fastening it permanently. Hold the ornament up and check that it faces forwards instead of tipping sideways.
Keep stuffed ornaments light. Add enough filling to support the shape, then check how the ornament hangs.
Finish the back as carefully as the front. Tree decorations turn, and gift toppers often get inspected from every angle.
Plan for blocking. Flat shapes and thread crochet flowers may need shaping before they look their best. Follow the designer’s finishing instructions and check that any stiffening product suits your fibre.
Choose embellishments for the recipient. For decorations likely to be handled by very young children, avoid detachable small parts and use embroidered details instead.
The Whitefield Wreath and Mini Santa Hat are good patterns to consider if you already know basic crochet stitches. Read the stitch list first and choose a project whose construction feels manageable.
Yes. Many small ornaments need only modest amounts of yarn, although some use more than their size suggests. Keep enough matching yarn for repeated pieces, such as ears, sleeves or both sides of a decoration.
Some do. The tiny tree, snowman, mouse and mushroom are stuffed designs. Other projects use flat construction, an open shape or a separate supporting ornament.
No. A stuffed figure or bauble cover generally gets its shape from its construction. Delicate thread crochet and some flat motifs may benefit from blocking or stiffening, depending on the designer’s instructions.
Absolutely. Tie one onto a parcel, add it to a Christmas card or make a small coordinated set. Include a note explaining that the decoration can be untied and kept.
You do not need to crochet enough ornaments for an entire tree to make something special. Start with one little wreath, one mouse or one snowman, and see where the yarn basket takes you.
A handful of handmade decorations can become the pieces everyone looks for when the Christmas boxes come out. Slightly crooked bow and all.
For 2010, my goals are to do everything in the CALs that I have joined – at least 10 shawls, 10 12×12 inch blocks, at least 1 class a month at HPKCHC, etc.
Oh, and to do at least three skirts for me, while trying not to stress out about my son (who is currently deployed in SW Asia).
Starting the projects is not the problem, finishing them is…oh, and trying to do the majority from my stash.
I just found amigurumi…I’ve been out of crocheting for a while. Last year I crocheted 3 animals for TheToySociety toy drops, this year my goal is to do at least one a month to continue the drops.
Finishing at least one small project a month and FINALLY making something for myself a sweater and a new bedspread. Oh ya and finishing this fine crochet bedspead that I have been working on for TEN YEARS!!! Time to get going on that I think.
My crochet goal is to learn to crochet!
I have the basics down but just can’t seem to make the stitches consistent. So I usually give up and knit instead.
My crochet goal is to use up all the yarn in my stash (which is outta control!!!) and to make and finish at least one project every month. I also want to learn tunisian crochet.
My crochet goal for 2010 is to learn how to read crochet ‘patterns’. I want to learn the lingo well enough to complete projects, right now I just know a few stitches here and there.
I goal is to finish a sweater I started in Feb, 2006 for my DIL. I was about 2/3 done when I had a stroke. I was spared any physical damage but the brain is another thing! I was immediately able to crochet but couldn’t read/understand patterns. I’ve slowly worked my way back and am ready to tackle this again. I want to have it done for her birthday Feb 15. Then I’ll start on other UFOs.
I’ve thought quite a bit about what I want to resolve to do with my crochet. Eventually, I really want to turn my crafting into a legit business (not just the odd contract piece). So, I’m resolving to work on perfecting techniques and finishing–to really give my work that extra “something.”
Actually, this is going to sound weird.My 2 year old grandson is totally in to ROBOTS! MY daughter had just done a painting of one for his room, and I commented that I had to find a pattern to crochet one for him. So that was my immediate goal.
I want to make a teddy bear for my son, who is turning 1 this week. A quality-looking 10″ or so sized one that can be his “Forever Teddy.” If you know where I can find a good pattern, just let me know. Thanks! Happy crocheting!
My goal is to get my nine year old daughter hooked on crochet. Actually…any of my children, but I’ve been softening her up. Now I’ve just got to grasp that hook and show her how much fun it can be.
My crochet goal for 2010 is basically threefold. 1. To finish off the projects that are lying around almost finished. 2. To make more baby outfits for the charity that I belong to. 3. To really make an effort to do some Tunisian crochet and do it properly and finish it.
My crochet goal for 2010 is to complete one amigurumi character a month.
crochet goals: finish daughter black & gray afghan; design &make son’s purple, black & red afghan; make slipper socks for everyone’s Christmas visit; make bed slippers for hubby; Make 2 shawls/month for church charity project; Design & make dresses for large porcelian dolls-showcase items; join CGOA & take master crochet course.
For 2010, I have promised myself that I will stop making things for me that I won’t wear. I find enticing frilly things that I just love, make them, and then am not comfortable wearing them. I will continue taking those ‘unwearables’ apart and making something that I will use with the yarn. I really hate wasting yarn!
My crochet goal in 2010 is to learn how to crochet! I’ve been admiring other people’s beautiful works for a couple of months now, and I think it’s time that I learn it myself!
My crochet goals for 2010 are to finish an afghan by joining a block-a-month group, creating my own patterns, and making things for myself as well as others.
My goal for 2010 is to make more presents for my family crocheting or knitting. Also to make more items for myself.
I will finally get back to crocheting once my wrist has healed. I will finish my daughters afghan that’s 2/3 of the way complete & also continue crocheting the scarfs for the caritas men that my church supports.
My goal this year is to crochet enough items to have for a booth at a yearly craft fair held every November here. Plus, my sister-in-law is pushing me to sell my crocheted items and write down my patterns. Lol, looks like a busy year for me.
I’m 8 months pregnant and so my crochet goal is to make something for baby this year!
I recently moved from Canada to Austria, so my 2010 goal is to learn to read crochet patterns in German to be better able to make use of all the resources here.
Goals… I have some but I am not exactly sure what they are… they are more like vague ideas on where I want my life to go… things like I want to make more time to crochet and paint and design jewelry… but I have to finish all the UFO’s first, then the WIP’s, then get the craft room organized after I figure out what I’m keeping and where I’ll put it…
So I guess my goal is to make some time every day to work toward these things… maybe one day I’ll crochet, one day make jewelry, one day go thru my stash of fabrics… but if I tackle a little every day after a while my goals will be accomplished.
My crochet goal for 2010 is to keep learning new patterns and stitches. I also want to finish a sweater set for my grandnephew who is going to be born around August
My goal is to continue busting my stash by making cat beds for a local rescue group.
My crochet goal is to finish a NY Yankees afghan I just started and to start making patterns that are in the intermediate category and get away from simply single and double crochet projects.
My goal for this year, is to quit work, and crochet for my home. I have so many places in my home begging to be crocheted for. I have started to lay awake at night thinking of things I can crochet for each and every room. I think I have some crochet illness. I’m sure you all must have the same condition.
My main goal right now is to finish my first afghan ever! I haven’t ever made one, it seems like such a huge project but I chose a good one I think. I’m doing the sampler afghan 6401. Yippie! I’m working on the third block now 🙂 It’s only 48 total (only.. heehee)
So I’ll make a blanket and get to practice 48 ways of stitches!
Here’s the pattern I’m doing
http://www.purplekittyyarns.com/afghan-patterns/vol64-no6401
My goals are twofold:
1. Finish my middle son’s afghan-in-progress
2. For new projects, crochet only from stash (with a near-certain falling off the wagon at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival)
My crochet goal this year is to crochet at least 6 items. I work fulltime and have a 7 year old daughter who is into activities and homework so my crochet time is very limited. I have already begun by crocheting a Granny Square Christmas Tree (pic on Crochet Partners), I’m working on a caplet now for my daughter’s fist communion in March and I want to make some things for me. So, for me this is a big goal
My goal is to finish the afghan that I had started for my husband to give to my grandson since my husband passed away on January 6, 2010 and this little guy will never know his papa.
I’ve had a Babette in my queue waiting to be hooked seems like forever. I’ve got the yarn, and have started working on a few squares. Let’s see if 2010 is the year I finally finish an afghan.
I intend to finish the Dale Earnhardt afghan (so much larger than an afghan) that I originally started 3 years ago.
I just started learning crochet at the end of 2009 and when my best friend found out she said she wanted me to crochet her a waistcoat for Christmas 2010. So that is my goal to be able to crochet her waistcoat by this coming Christmas 🙂 Eek!
Hi , my goal is to to teach as much and to as many as possible the dying art of crochet . I also want to distrbute maximum profit to each one of my NGO girls for all the hard work they put in . So guys , please pray that all our exhibitions here in India area a roaring success !!
To feel more in control, proficient, comfortable with it. I still feel like i am stumbling around, or guessing. But with the help of the internet and a few good books with photos i am getting htere!
My goal for 2010 is to use all the Red Heart Super Saver yarn (tubs full) that is not soft enough for hats, scarves, afghans, etc. BEFORE I buy any more yarn! I inherited the yarn from my mother and sister and feel guilty every time I buy other yarn to make a project.
I want to make my daughter a doll afghan — shouldn’t take long!
I would love to learn more than just the basics of crochet.