A handmade tree skirt adds warmth and texture beneath the Christmas tree, and this DIY Crochet Tree Skirt for Christmas Decor creates an especially attractive result from eleven joined motifs. The shell-shaped sections build a graceful, radiating design, while the four-row border adds open spaces and picots for a finished decorative edge. It is a rewarding seasonal project for crocheters who enjoy repeating motifs and structured construction. For another festive handmade display idea, consider pairing it with crochet blooms for hair as part of a coordinated holiday gift set.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Project
- It creates a decorative focal point. The repeated shell motifs form a broad, circular foundation that frames the base of a Christmas tree beautifully.
- The construction is easy to organize. You make one first motif, then join the remaining ten as you work, so the project develops in a clear sequence.
- It practices useful shaping techniques. Slip stitches, double crochet, treble crochet, increases, and partial-row shaping all appear in the pattern.
- It works well for seasonal decorating. Use it beneath a tree, a tabletop evergreen, or another holiday display.
- It can become a meaningful handmade gift. A crocheted tree skirt is practical, reusable, and suitable for someone establishing a new holiday home.
My Crochet Flower Tip: Keep the completed motifs folded or loosely stacked as you work, and avoid pulling on the joined edges. This helps preserve the shape before the border is added. You may also find Crochet Bridal Bouquet Wrap Pattern For Weddings useful.
Before You Start Crocheting
The finished tree skirt is made from eleven motifs: one First Motif followed by ten Second to Eleventh Motifs. The later motifs are joined directly to the previous motif as they are crocheted. Once all eleven motifs are complete, work the four-row border across the motif strip.
The pattern uses US crochet terminology. The supplied instructions use the following abbreviations:
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st/sts: stitch/stitches
- rem: remaining
- beg: beginning
- sp: space
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- tr2tog: treble crochet two together
The border includes a picot, which is formed by chaining three and slip stitching to the top of the last double crochet, exactly as directed in the final row.
Materials You’ll Need
- Bernat® Super Value™ (7 oz/197g; 440 yds/402 m): Color of your choice, 2 balls
- Crochet hook: Size U.S. H/8 (5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
The yarn color determines the overall holiday mood. A classic red, green, cream, or white can create a traditional look, while a soft neutral gives the tree skirt a more understated appearance.
Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions
Construction Overview
Make Eleven Motifs (a “First Motif” plus “Second to Eleventh Motifs”) and join them as directed. Work Border after motifs are complete.
First Motif
1st row (WS)
(3 dc. Ch 3. 4 dc) in 4th ch from hook – counts as beg shell.
Miss next 9 ch. Ch 3. (4 dc. Ch 3. 4 dc) in next ch – shell made. Rep from * to end of chain.
Turn.
2nd row (RS)
Sl st in each of first 4 dc and ch-3 sp.
Ch 3 (counts as dc).
2 dc in same sp as last sl st.
Turn.
Leave rem sts unworked.
3rd row
Ch 4. 2 dc in first dc. 1 dc in next dc.
(2 dc. 1 tr) in last dc.
Turn.
4th row
Ch 4. 2 dc in first tr. 1 dc in each dc to last tr.
(2 dc. 1 tr) in last tr.
Turn.
5th row
Sl st in each of first 6 sts.
Ch 4. 2 dc in same sp as last sl st.
1 dc in each dc to last 6 sts.
(2 dc. 1 tr) in next dc.
Turn.
Leave rem 5 sts unworked.
6th to 8th rows
As 3rd row 3 times.
9th row
As 5th row.
10th to 12th rows
As 3rd row 3 times.
13th row
As 5th row.
14th to 16th rows
As 3rd row 3 times.
17th row
Sl st in each of first 15 sts.
Ch 4. 2 dc in same sp as last sl st.
1 dc in each of next 3 dc.
(2 dc. 1 tr) in next dc.
Fasten off.
Leave rem 14 sts unworked.
Second to Eleventh Motifs
Each of these ten motifs is joined to the previous motif while you work. Pay close attention to the specified slip stitch in the 4th row, because that connection keeps the motif strip together.
1st row (RS)
Join yarn with sl st to ch-3 sp of next shell on left side of previous Motif.
Ch 3. 2 dc in same sp as last sl st.
Turn.
2nd row
Ch 4. 2 dc in first dc. 1 dc in next dc.
(2 dc. 1 tr) in last dc.
Turn.
3rd row
Ch 4. 2 dc in first tr. 1 dc in each dc to last tr.
(2 dc. 1 tr) in last st.
Turn.
4th row
Ch 4. 2 dc in first tr. 1 dc in each dc to last tr.
(2 dc. 1 tr) in last st.
Sl st in top of corresponding ch-4 of previous Motif.
Turn.
5th row
Sl st in each of first 6 sts.
Ch 4. 2 dc in same sp as last sl st.
1 dc in each dc to last 6 sts.
(2 dc. 1 tr) in next dc.
Turn.
Leave rem 5 sts unworked.
6th and 7th rows
As 3rd row twice.
8th and 9th rows
As 4th and 5th rows.
10th and 11th rows
As 3rd row twice.
12th and 13th rows
As 4th and 5th rows.
14th and 15th rows
As 3rd row twice.
16th row
As 4th row.
17th row
Sl st in each of first 15 sts.
Ch 3. 1 dc in same sp as last sl st.
1 dc in each of next 3 dc.
(1 dc. 1 tr) in next dc.
Fasten off.
Leave rem 14 sts unworked.
Border
Work the border after all eleven motifs have been joined. Keep the motif strip oriented so you can identify the first dc of the 16th row of the Eleventh Motif.
Border: 1st row (RS)
Join yarn with sl st to first dc of 16th row of Eleventh Motif.
Ch 10 (counts as dc and ch 7).
Miss next 6 dc.
1 dc in next dc.
Ch 7. Miss next 6 dc. 1 sc in first tr of 17th row. Ch 3. Miss next 2 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Ch 3. Miss next 2 dc. 1 sc in last tr of 17th row. Ch 7. Miss next 6 dc of 16th row. 1 dc in next dc. Ch 7. Miss next 7 sts.*
-2 dc in next joining sl st. Ch 7. Miss next 7 sts. 1 dc in next dc of 16th row of next Motif.
Rep from * 10 times more, then from * to once.**
1 dc in last dc of 16th row.
Turn.
Border: 2nd row
Ch 3 (counts as dc).
1 dc in first dc.
Ch 3. 3 dc in next ch-7 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in next ch-7 sp.*
(Ch 3. 2 dc in next dc) twice.
Rep from * 10 times more, then from * to once.**
Ch 3. 2 dc in 3rd ch of ch 10.
Turn.
Border: 3rd row
Ch 3 (counts as dc).
1 dc in next dc.
Ch 6. 3 dc in next ch-6 sp. Ch 6.*
Miss next (3 dc, ch-3 sp, 2 dc).
(3 dc. ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.
Rep from * 10 times more, then from * to once.**
1 dc in each of last 2 dc.
Turn.
Border: 4th row
Ch 3 (counts as dc).
1 dc in next dc.
Ch 7. Tr2tog. Ch 7.*
Miss next 3 dc.
(3 dc. Ch 3. Sl st to top of last dc – picot made. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp.
Rep from * 10 times more, then from * to once.**
1 dc in each of last 2 dc.
Fasten off.
Ways to Display Your Finished Crochet
- Center it beneath a Christmas tree: Arrange the skirt evenly around the trunk so the shell motifs and picot border are visible from all sides.
- Use it beneath a tabletop tree: The open border can add a delicate finish to a small holiday display on a console, side table, or entryway cabinet.
- Create a coordinated seasonal vignette: Pair the skirt with handmade ornaments, wrapped gifts, and a simple garland in related colors.
- Give it as a housewarming gift: A neutral-colored version can suit many decorating styles and become part of a recipient’s annual holiday tradition.
- Layer it with a complementary tree basket or stand: The crocheted fabric can soften the appearance of the base while keeping the display handmade.
- Coordinate it with floral-inspired holiday accents: A project such as a 3D flower granny square can inspire a matching color palette for cushions, gift toppers, or other seasonal crochet details.
Caring for Your Crochet Project
- Dust the tree skirt gently with a soft brush or use a vacuum cleaner on a low setting with a fabric attachment.
- For small marks, use careful spot cleaning rather than saturating the entire piece.
- Avoid excessive heat, which can distort the stitches and change the drape of the fabric.
- Reshape the skirt gently by hand after cleaning, then allow it to dry fully before storing.
- Store it clean and completely dry in a breathable container or folded in acid-free tissue.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on the folded border for long periods, since the open spaces and picots may become flattened.
- Keep the skirt away from damp storage areas, sharp decorations, and anything that could snag the yarn.
Follow the yarn manufacturer’s care instructions when laundering is necessary, and test any cleaning method on a discreet area first.
Tips for Better Results
- Mark the right and wrong sides. The First Motif begins on the WS, while later motifs begin on the RS. A removable stitch marker or small safety pin can help you keep the orientation clear.
- Count the shells in the first row. The first motif establishes the foundation for the entire project, so check each “Miss next 9 ch” and shell placement carefully.
- Watch the partial rows. Rows 2, 5, and 17 intentionally leave stitches unworked. Do not continue across the full row unless the instruction specifically tells you to.
- Track the repeated sections. On the First Motif, rows 6–8, 10–12, and 14–16 repeat the 3rd row. The 9th and 13th rows use the 5th-row shaping.
- Join at the exact location. For the Second to Eleventh Motifs, the 4th row slip stitch goes into the top of the corresponding ch-4 of the previous motif.
- Check the border spaces as you go. The border uses ch-7 and ch-6 spaces in different rows, so distinguish them carefully before working the next row.
- Do not overlook the picots. In the fourth border row, each picot is made by chaining three and slip stitching to the top of the last dc.
- Secure ends neatly. Fasten off each motif securely, weave in the ends without pulling the fabric out of shape, and keep the joining edges flat.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Project
The approved pattern is worked in one color, but the following options are optional styling ideas and do not change the written instructions:
- Choose a traditional holiday shade. Red, deep green, cream, or white can emphasize the seasonal purpose of the tree skirt.
- Use a modern neutral. Oatmeal, gray, or soft beige can blend with a contemporary room while allowing the tree decorations to stand out.
- Plan a coordinated palette. Select a color that repeats an accent from your ornaments, ribbon, stockings, or wrapped gifts.
- Try subtle striping only as an adaptation. Changing colors between motifs can create a patchwork effect, but it will add more ends to secure and may alter the visual continuity of the joined shells.
- Consider yarn substitutions carefully. A different yarn may change the fabric’s thickness, drape, appearance, gauge, finished size, and yarn requirements. Use the specified 5 mm hook or the hook size needed to obtain the intended gauge for your chosen yarn.
- Style the surrounding display. Add crochet flowers, greenery, or handmade ornaments nearby rather than attaching extra elements directly to the tree skirt, which could weigh down the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tree skirt made from separate pieces?
It is made from eleven motifs, but the Second to Eleventh Motifs are joined to the previous motif while you crochet them. The border is added after all motifs are complete.
What yarn does the pattern recommend?
The pattern calls for Bernat® Super Value™ in a color of your choice, using 2 balls. Each ball is listed as 7 oz/197g and 440 yds/402 m.
What crochet hook should I use?
Use a U.S. H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook, or use the size needed to obtain gauge.
How many motifs are required?
Make eleven motifs total: one First Motif and ten Second to Eleventh Motifs.
When are the motifs joined?
For each Second to Eleventh Motif, join the yarn to the ch-3 space of the next shell on the left side of the previous motif. The 4th row also includes a slip stitch to the top of the corresponding ch-4 of the previous motif.
What decorative detail does the border create?
The fourth border row includes treble-two-together sections, open chain spaces, and picots. These details create a scalloped, textured finish along the outer edge.
Can I use another yarn?
You may choose a substitute as an optional adaptation, but yarn weight, fiber, hook size, gauge, drape, finished dimensions, texture, and yarn requirements may change. Make a gauge swatch and adjust the hook size as needed.
How should I store the finished tree skirt?
Clean and dry it fully, fold it carefully, and store it in a breathable container away from moisture, heat, sharp objects, and heavy pressure on the border.
Conclusion
This crochet tree skirt combines repeating shell motifs with an airy, picot-edged border to create a memorable handmade Christmas decoration. The joined construction keeps the project organized, while the single-color design makes it easy to coordinate with existing holiday decor. For another seasonal crochet idea to compare, explore this free farmhouse Christmas tree skirt pattern, then choose the style and color palette that best suits your home.
