A Granny Christmas Tree Crochet Pattern is a charming way to turn colorful granny-style motifs into a dimensional holiday decoration. This design combines petite, classic granny square, and grande motifs in festive shades, then joins them into a tiered tree with a textured, geometric surface. It is an enjoyable project for crocheters who like repetitive motifs and detailed assembly, and the finished tree can decorate a mantel, table, shelf, or holiday display. For another motif-based idea, compare the color planning in this 3D flower granny square color chart.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Project
- It creates a dimensional decoration. The motifs are assembled into clusters and joined into a tree shape rather than remaining flat.
- The color changes are built into the yarn. Red Heart® All in One™ Granny Square yarns create coordinated color sections while you crochet.
- It offers plenty of motif practice. The petite, granny square, and grande versions all use familiar granny-style construction with chain spaces and double crochet groups.
- It makes a seasonal handmade gift. A completed tree is suitable for holiday decorating or gifting to someone who enjoys handmade home accents.
- It develops assembly skills. The project teaches you to overlap motifs, leave specific sections unsewn, and close a three-dimensional form.
My Crochet Flower Tip: Make and label the motif groups as you go. Keeping A through H separated will make the assembly diagrams and cluster instructions much easier to follow.
Before You Start Crocheting
This project includes 60 motifs in three sizes:
- 48 Petite Motifs: 27 with A and 21 with B
- 36 Granny Square Motifs: 13 with C, 10 with D, and 13 with E
- 12 Grande Motifs: 4 each with F, G, and H
The motifs are worked in rounds using chain stitches, slip stitches, and double crochet. The petite motif has three rounds, the granny square motif has five rounds, and the grande motif has ten rounds. Long yarn tails are deliberately left on selected motifs for whip-stitch seaming.
The assembly begins by joining 12 Grande Motifs, 6 Granny Motifs, and 12 Petite Motifs. These pieces are developed into A- through F-Clusters, with particular motif groups left partially unsewn at designated edges. The final step joins the edges of the F-Clusters to close the top of the tree.
Useful abbreviations include ch for chain, sl st for slip stitch, dc for double crochet, rnd for round, RS for right side, and sp for space.
Materials You’ll Need
- Red Heart® All in One™ Granny Square Petite™ (8.8 oz / 250 g; 402 m / 440 yds), 1 ball
- Note: 1 ball makes 36 Motifs
- Contrast A Foxy (0003): 1 ball
- Contrast B Snazzy (0007): 1 ball
- Red Heart® All in One™ Granny Square™ (8.8 oz / 250 g; 417 yds / 381 m), 1 ball
- Note: 1 ball makes 14 Motifs
- Contrast C Soft-White Citrus Twist (2002): 1 ball
- Contrast D Aran Lily Pad (2014): 1 ball
- Contrast E Soft-White Hot Stuff (2000): 1 ball
- Red Heart® All in One™ Granny Square Grande™ (8.8 oz / 250 g; 402 m / 440 yds), 1 ball
- Note: 1 ball makes 4 Motifs
- Contrast F Humdinger (0003): 1 ball
- Contrast G Fantabulous (0002): 1 ball
- Contrast H Topnotch (0004): 1 ball
- Size U.S. I/9 (5.5 mm) Susan Bates® Silvalume® crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
- Susan Bates® yarn needle
The colorway labels are important because the assembly instructions identify motifs by letter. Keep the yarn balls and completed motifs organized by their assigned letter throughout the project.
Complete Crochet Instructions
Petite Motif
With A, make 27.
With B, make 21.
Motifs begin with Color 1, the shortest color repeat, from the center of the pull-skein. Leave a 4″ [10 cm] tail to weave in.
Each color aligns with 1 rnd in the Motif with 3 colors in total. If too much color is left at the end of a rnd, pull back some sts and slightly loosen gauge to re-work sts and finish at the color change. If too little color is left, pull back some sts and slightly tighten gauge to re-work sts and finish at the color change.
When the Motif is complete, cut yarn where Color 3, the longest color repeat, ends, leaving approximately 24″ [61 cm] for seaming. Begin the next Motif with Color 1 and repeat 3 rnds for each Motif.
With Color 1, ch 4. Join with sl st to first ch to form ring.
1st rnd: (RS). Ch 6. (3 dc. Ch 3) 3 times in ring. 2 dc in ring. Join.
2nd rnd: Sl st in next ch-3 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in same sp as last sl st.
*Ch 1. (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more.
Ch 1. 2 dc in first ch-3 sp. Join.
3rd rnd: Sl st in next ch-3 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in same sp as last sl st.
*Ch 1. 3 dc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more.
Ch 1. 3 dc in last ch-1 sp. Ch 1. 2 dc in first ch-3 sp. Join.
Fasten off, leaving 24″ [61 cm] tail.
Stitch key used for motifs:
1 = chain (ch)
2 = slip stitch (sl st)
3 = double crochet (dc)
Granny Square Motif
With C, make 13.
With D, make 10.
With E, make 13.
Motifs begin with Color 1, the shortest color repeat, from the center of the pull-skein. Leave a 4″ [10 cm] tail to weave in.
Each color aligns with 1 rnd in the Motif with 5 colors in total. If too much color is left at the end of a rnd, pull back some sts and slightly loosen gauge to re-work sts and finish at the color change. If too little color is left, pull back some sts and slightly tighten gauge to re-work sts and finish at the color change.
When the Motif is complete, cut yarn where Color 5, the longest color repeat, ends, leaving a tail for weaving in. Begin the next Motif with Color 1 and repeat 5 rnds for each Motif.
With Color 1, ch 4. Join with sl st to first ch to form ring.
1st rnd: (RS). Ch 6. (3 dc. Ch 3) 3 times in ring. 2 dc in ring. Join.
2nd rnd: Sl st in next ch-3 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in same sp as last sl st.
*Ch 1. (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more.
Ch 1. 2 dc in first ch-3 sp. Join.
3rd rnd: Sl st in next ch-3 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in same sp as last sl st.
*Ch 1. 3 dc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more.
Ch 1. 3 dc in last ch-1 sp. Ch 1. 2 dc in first ch-3 sp. Join.
4th and 5th rnds: Sl st in next ch-3 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in same sp as last sl st.
(Ch 1. 3 dc) in each ch-1 sp to next ch-3 sp. Ch 1.*
(3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more, then from * to once.
2 dc in first ch-3 sp. Join.
Fasten off.
Stitch key used for motif illustration:
1 = chain (ch)
2 = slip stitch (sl st)
3 = double crochet (dc)
Grande Motif
With F, make 4.
With G, make 4.
With H, make 4.
Motifs begin with Color 1, the shortest color repeat, from the center of the pull-skein. Leave a 4″ [10 cm] tail to weave in.
Work the color sections as follows:
- 1st and 2nd rnds in Color 1
- 3rd and 4th rnds in Color 2
- 5th rnd in Color 3
- 6th and 7th rnds in Color 4
- 8th and 9th rnds in Color 5
- 10th rnd in Color 6
If too much color is left at the end of a rnd, pull back some sts and slightly loosen gauge to re-work sts and finish at the color change. If too little color is left, pull back some sts and slightly tighten gauge to re-work sts and finish at the color change.
When the Motif is complete, cut yarn where Color 6, the final color repeat, ends, leaving approximately 42″ [106.5 cm] at the end of the motif for seaming. Begin the next Motif with Color 1 and repeat 10 rnds for each Motif.
With Color 1, ch 4. Join with sl st to first ch to form ring.
1st rnd: (RS). Ch 6. (3 dc. Ch 3) 3 times in ring. 2 dc in ring. Join.
2nd rnd: Sl st in next ch-3 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in same sp as last sl st.
*Ch 1. (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more.
Ch 1. 2 dc in first ch-3 sp. Join.
3rd rnd: Sl st in next ch-3 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in same sp as last sl st.
*Ch 1. 3 dc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. (3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more.
Ch 1. 3 dc in last ch-1 sp. Ch 1. 2 dc in first ch-3 sp. Join.
4th to 10th rnds: Sl st in next ch-3 sp. Ch 6. 3 dc in same sp as last sl st.
*(Ch 1. 3 dc) in each ch-1 sp to next ch-3 sp. Ch 1.
(3 dc. Ch 3. 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more, then from * to once.
2 dc in first ch-3 sp. Join.
Fasten off, leaving 42″ [106.5 cm] tail.
Assembly
The assembly stitch key is:
- Double crochet (dc)
- Chain (ch)
- Slip stitch (sl st)
Following the Assembly Diagram, sew motifs together using Whip Stitch as follows.
Step 1
Join 12 Grande Motifs, 6 Granny Motifs, and 12 Petite Motifs as shown in Step 1.
Step 2
Following the diagram, make 6 A-Clusters, overlapping Granny Motifs at the center to make squares. Note that there are two 3-dc groups at each side of the overlapping corner.
Cluster key for A-Clusters:
- A = Petite Motif with A
- C = Granny Motif with C
- B = Petite Motif with B
- D = Granny Motif with D
- E = Granny Motif with E
- F = Grande Motif with F
- G = Grande Motif with G
- H = Grande Motif with H
Step 3
Following the diagram, make 6 B-Clusters, leaving two 3-dc groups unsewn on the side edges of Granny Motifs.
Cluster key for B-Clusters:
- A = Petite Motif with A
- C = Granny Motif with C
- B = Petite Motif with B
- D = Granny Motif with D
- E = Granny Motif with E
- F = Grande Motif with F
- G = Grande Motif with G
- H = Grande Motif with H
Step 4
To make C-Cluster, 6 pcs, sew Petite Motif under B-Cluster, leaving two 3-dc groups unsewn at each side of the top corner.
Make D-Cluster by sewing Granny Motif between C-Cluster.
Step 5
To make E-Cluster, 6 pcs, sew Granny Motif under D-Cluster, leaving three 3-dc groups unsewn at each side of the top corner.
For F-Cluster, sew Petite Motif under E-Cluster, leaving two 3-dc groups unsewn at each side of the top corner.
Step 6
Sew the edges of F-Cluster together to close the top of the Tree.
Finishing
Use the leftover tails as follows:
- Petite Motif: 24″ [61 cm] tail for seaming after cutting where Color 3 ends
- Granny Square Motif: tail for weaving in, cut where Color 5 ends
- Grande Motif: approximately 42″ [106.5 cm] tail at the end of the motif for seaming, cut where Color 6 ends
For more motif inspiration before changing this project, a sunflower granny square crochet pattern offers another example of how color placement changes the look of a granny-based design.
Ways to Display Your Finished Crochet
- Place the finished tree on a mantel beside candles, framed holiday art, or other seasonal accents.
- Use it as a dimensional centerpiece on a dining or entryway table.
- Display it on a shelf where the layered silhouette and colorful motifs can be viewed from several angles.
- Give it as a handmade holiday decoration to a crochet enthusiast or someone building a festive collection.
- Group it with smaller crochet ornaments and a coordinated table runner for a unified display.
- Use it as part of a winter-themed arrangement alongside botanical crochet decorations; a crochet flowers wreath pattern can provide inspiration for combining textile-made seasonal pieces.
Caring for Your Crochet Project
Treat the completed tree as a decorative textile rather than an everyday washable item. Dust it gently with a soft, dry cloth or a clean, soft brush, taking care around the joined motif edges.
For small marks, use careful spot cleaning with minimal moisture and avoid soaking the assembled tree. Excess water can distort the overlapping clusters and may make the three-dimensional shape difficult to restore. Allow any damp area to dry completely away from direct heat.
Store the tree in a clean, dry container between seasons. Avoid compressing it under heavy items, since pressure may flatten the clusters. Keep it away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and anything that could snag the long joined edges.
Tips for Better Results
- Start each pull-skein correctly. Begin with Color 1, the shortest color repeat, from the center of the pull-skein and leave the specified 4″ [10 cm] tail.
- Watch the color transitions. Slightly adjust tension when needed so each round finishes at the intended color change.
- Keep motif groups separate. Place A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H motifs in separate piles or labeled bags.
- Preserve the long tails. The 24″ [61 cm] petite tails and 42″ [106.5 cm] grande tails are intended for seaming, so do not trim them prematurely.
- Check the corner spaces. The ch-3 spaces form the corners of the granny-style motifs; placing the 3-dc groups correctly is essential for flat, even motifs.
- Use the unsewn sections as landmarks. During assembly, the instructions deliberately leave two or three 3-dc groups unsewn in specific places. Mark these sections if necessary.
- Whip stitch consistently. Match corresponding edges and keep your stitches firm but not so tight that the motifs pucker.
- Assemble on a flat surface. Lay each cluster out before sewing so the motif letters and color sequence remain easy to verify.
Color and Styling Variations
The approved pattern uses the specified Red Heart® All in One™ colorways and motif assignments, but you can plan optional variations without changing the construction.
- Use a restrained palette of cream, green, and red for a traditional holiday appearance.
- Choose jewel-toned colors for a richer tree with stronger contrast between motif sizes.
- Arrange lighter Granny Square Motifs toward the center of each cluster to emphasize the overlapping square shapes.
- Display the finished tree on a contrasting solid-color runner so the granny texture stands out.
- Make a coordinated holiday grouping by pairing the tree with other handmade crochet decorations.
- If substituting yarn, choose a comparable yarn carefully and expect the motif dimensions, texture, color transitions, and total yarn requirements to change. A different yarn weight or hook size can also affect how the clusters align during assembly.
Keep any color substitution organized by the original letter assignments so the assembly sequence remains unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Granny Christmas Tree crochet pattern suitable for beginners?
It uses familiar chain, slip stitch, and double crochet techniques, but the full project requires careful motif organization and three-dimensional assembly. Beginners may find the individual motifs approachable while needing extra time to follow the cluster construction.
How many motifs are made altogether?
The pattern makes 48 Petite Motifs, 36 Granny Square Motifs, and 12 Grande Motifs, for a total of 96 motifs.
Which hook size is recommended?
Use a size U.S. I/9 (5.5 mm) Susan Bates® Silvalume® crochet hook or the size needed to obtain gauge.
Can the colors be changed?
Yes, color changes are an optional design choice. Keep the original letter assignments and motif quantities organized if you want the assembly instructions to remain easy to follow.
Why are some yarn tails left so long?
The petite motifs leave approximately 24″ [61 cm] tails for seaming, and the grande motifs leave approximately 42″ [106.5 cm] tails for seaming. The Granny Square Motif tail is used for weaving in.
How are the motifs joined?
The motifs are sewn together with Whip Stitch. The assembly proceeds through A-Clusters, B-Clusters, C-Clusters, D-Clusters, E-Clusters, and F-Clusters before the F-Cluster edges are sewn together to close the top.
Can another yarn be substituted?
A substitute may be used, but it can change the size, drape, texture, color placement, and yarn quantity. Differences in yarn weight may also prevent the motifs from aligning correctly during assembly.
How should the finished tree be cleaned?
Dust it gently and spot-clean carefully when necessary. Avoid soaking or compressing the assembled tree, and store it dry with protection from heat and snags.
Conclusion
This Granny Christmas Tree crochet pattern combines colorful granny-style motifs with thoughtful seaming to create a dimensional holiday decoration. The project is especially rewarding for crocheters who enjoy making repeated pieces and watching them become a sculptural design. Keep the lettered motifs organized, follow the unsewn sections carefully, and enjoy displaying or gifting the finished tree. For another take on a granny-based Christmas tree, see the Granny Christmas Tree pattern from Tw-In Stitches.
