This free crochet Christmas garland pattern gives you three quick, flat motifs (a five-point star, a round bauble and a holly leaf) that you join along a simple chain cord. Everything is written in UK crochet terms, with the US equivalents alongside, so you can follow it whichever way you learned.
At a glance: Yarn and hook: DK (light worsted) yarn and a 4mm (UK 8) hook (US G-6). Time: about 10 to 20 minutes per motif. Terms: UK, with US conversions.
There is no gauge to match, no shaping to worry about and no stuffing. Each motif takes a few rounds, so a crochet Christmas garland is a lovely project to dip in and out of during the evenings in December. You can make one long string for the tree, a short swag for the mantelpiece, or a little garland for a window.
We also cover how many motifs you need per metre, colour ideas, two easy variations (bunting flags and pom-poms), and how to hang, store and use your garland safely.
Crochet Christmas garland pattern at a glance
| Skill level | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Motifs | Five-point star, flat bauble and holly leaf, each about 6cm across in DK |
| Yarn | DK acrylic or cotton in red, green, white or cream, plus gold if you like |
| Hook | 4mm (UK 8, US G-6) |
| Time | About 10 to 20 minutes per motif; about 9 motifs per metre |
| Terms | UK crochet terms with US conversions |
| Price | Free pattern |
About this crochet Christmas garland
The design is deliberately simple. You make a pile of small flat motifs first, then crochet a chain cord and attach each motif to it as you go. The motifs hang just below the cord, so they swing a little and catch the light.
Because each piece is made separately, you can mix and match. Use only stars for a clean, modern look, alternate baubles and holly for a traditional feel, or add all three for a busy, cheerful string. A crochet Christmas garland made this way is also a great way to use up leftover yarn from other festive makes.
Skill level
This is a beginner-friendly pattern. If you can make a chain, a slip stitch and a few basic stitches, you can make every part of it. The only technique that may be new is the magic ring, and you can start with a small chain ring instead if you prefer.
What you need
- Yarn: DK (light worsted) yarn in red, green and white or cream. A little gold, silver or metallic DK is a nice extra. Acrylic or cotton both work well.
- Hook: 4mm (UK 8, US G-6), or the size recommended on your yarn label.
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
- Scissors.
- Stitch marker (optional), to mark the first stitch of a round.
If you are unsure what DK means, the Craft Yarn Council yarn weight system explains the standard yarn weights and the hook sizes usually paired with them. Any smooth DK will do, and you only need small amounts of each colour.
Sizing without gauge
Tension is not important for a garland, because nothing needs to fit. Worked in DK with a 4mm hook, the motifs come out at roughly these sizes:
- Star: about 6cm from point to point.
- Bauble: about 6cm across after Round 2, or about 7cm with the optional border round.
- Holly leaf: about 6 to 7cm long.
A thicker yarn and bigger hook will give larger motifs, and crochet cotton with a small hook will give dainty ones. Just keep the same yarn and hook for every motif so they match.
Abbreviations: UK terms with US equivalents
This pattern uses UK terms. If you usually follow US patterns, our guide to UK vs US crochet terms explains the differences in more detail.
| UK term | US term | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ch | ch | chain |
| ss | sl st | slip stitch |
| dc | sc | double crochet (US single crochet) |
| htr | hdc | half treble (US half double crochet) |
| tr | dc | treble (US double crochet) |
| dc2tog | sc2tog | double crochet two stitches together (a decrease) |
| st(s) | st(s) | stitch(es) |
| picot | picot | ch3, ss into the 3rd ch from hook |
Need a refresher on the basics? See our guides to slip stitch crochet and how to do a crochet magic ring.
Crochet Christmas garland motif 1: five-point star
Make the stars for your crochet Christmas garland in white, cream, gold or yellow. Each one is just two rounds.
Start: make a magic ring.
Round 1: ch1 (does not count as a st), 10 dc into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring, then ss into the first dc to join. (10 sts)
Round 2 (points): *ch4, ss in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, htr in next ch, skip the next dc of Round 1, ss in the following dc; repeat from * 4 more times. Your last ss lands in the same st as the joining ss of Round 1. (5 points)
Fasten off, leaving a 10cm tail. Weave in the starting tail and use the other tail later if you want to sew the star on, or weave it in too.
Tip: each point is worked from the tip back towards the centre, so the stitches get taller (ss, dc, htr) and the point tapers nicely. Gently pull each point into shape when you finish.
Crochet Christmas garland motif 2: flat bauble
These little circles look like flat baubles, especially in red, green, gold or a mix. For more rounded, stuffed baubles, try our crochet bauble pattern.
Start: make a magic ring.
Round 1: ch3 (counts as 1 tr), 11 tr into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring, then ss into the top of the ch-3 to join. (12 sts)
Round 2: ch3 (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr in the same st, 2 tr in each st around, ss into the top of the ch-3 to join. (24 sts)
Round 3 (optional border): change to a contrast colour if you like. Ch1 (does not count as a st), *dc in each of the next 3 sts, 2 dc in the next st; repeat from * 5 more times, ss into the first dc to join. (30 sts)
Fasten off and weave in the ends. A gold or white border round makes the bauble stand out nicely against a red or green centre.
Optional bauble cap
To make it look more like a tree bauble, take a short length of grey or gold yarn and use a tapestry needle to sew three or four straight stitches over the top edge. This is the point you will attach to the cord.
Crochet Christmas garland motif 3: holly leaf
Make the holly leaves for your crochet Christmas garland in a mid or dark green. The picots form the spiky points along the edges.
Foundation: ch11.
Side 1: ss in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, htr in next ch, picot, tr in each of the next 2 ch, picot, tr in each of the next 2 ch, picot, htr in next ch, dc in next ch, 3 dc in the last ch.
Side 2: now work along the other side of the foundation chain, into the same chains you have just used. Dc in next ch, htr in next ch, picot, tr in each of the next 2 ch, picot, tr in each of the next 2 ch, picot, htr in next ch, dc in next ch, ss in next ch.
Finish: ss into the ch you skipped at the tip. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
The end with the 3 dc is the stem end. Attach the leaves to the cord by this end. Two leaves next to a red bauble look like holly with a berry.
Optional holly berries
For tiny berries, make a magic ring in red, ch1, 6 dc into the ring, pull it closed and ss into the first dc. Fasten off and sew two or three berries where a pair of leaves meet.
How to join your crochet Christmas garland
Once the motifs for your crochet Christmas garland are made, lay them out on a table in the order you want. This makes it easy to check the colour pattern before you join anything.
Method 1: join as you chain
- Leaving a 25cm tail, ch30. This is the hanging tie at the start.
- Ch10 (this is the gap before the first motif).
- Pick up your first motif. Insert your hook into the attaching point (the tip of a star point, the top of a bauble, or the stem end of a leaf), yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook to ss the motif in place.
- Ch10, then attach the next motif in the same way.
- Repeat until all your motifs are joined.
- Ch30 for the second hanging tie and fasten off, leaving a 25cm tail.
For a firmer cord that twists less, you can turn at the end and work a ss into each ch all the way back, skipping over the joins. This doubles the thickness of the cord.
Method 2: thread onto a finished cord
If you would rather keep the motifs movable, make a long chain first, then use a tapestry needle and a short length of matching yarn to tie each motif on. You can slide them along to adjust the spacing, which is handy if you are not sure where the garland will hang yet.
How long to make it: motifs per metre
The number of chains between motifs sets the spacing. These figures are approximate for DK motifs about 6cm wide, so lay out a short test length and measure it before you make the whole crochet Christmas garland.
| Spacing | Chains between motifs | Motifs per metre (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Close | ch6 | about 11 |
| Standard | ch10 | about 9 |
| Airy | ch16 | about 7 |
Some typical lengths, using standard spacing:
- Window or small shelf (1m): about 9 motifs.
- Mantelpiece swag (1.5m): about 13 to 14 motifs.
- Christmas tree wrap (3m or more): about 27 motifs or more, depending on the height of your tree.
Remember to allow extra length if you want the garland to drape in a curve rather than hang straight. A gentle swag uses roughly a fifth more length than the straight distance.
Colour scheme ideas for a crochet Christmas garland
The same three motifs can look completely different depending on the colours you pick. Here are a few ideas to start with:
- Traditional: red baubles, green holly leaves and gold stars on a green or red cord.
- Scandi style: white and cream stars with red baubles on a natural or white cord.
- Frosty: white, pale blue and silver stars and baubles. These pair well with our crochet snowflake pattern if you want to mix in a few snowflakes.
- Woodland: sage green, forest green and mustard, with a brown or oatmeal cord.
- Scrappy rainbow: every motif in a different colour, which is perfect for using up odd balls.
To keep a crochet Christmas garland looking balanced, repeat a short sequence along the cord, such as star, leaf, bauble, leaf, then start again.
Crochet Christmas garland variations
Crochet Christmas bunting (triangle flags)
For a festive bunting, swap the motifs for little triangle flags. Use DK and a 4mm hook as before.
Foundation: ch13.
Row 1: dc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to the end, turn. (12 sts)
Row 2: ch1 (does not count as a st), dc in each st to the end, turn. (12 sts)
Row 3: ch1, dc2tog, dc in each st to the last 2 sts, dc2tog, turn. (10 sts)
Rows 4 to 11: repeat Rows 2 and 3 four more times. You will have 8, 6, 4 and then 2 sts after each decrease row.
Row 12: ch1, dc2tog. (1 st) Fasten off and weave in the ends.
To join the flags, follow Method 1 above, but instead of a single ss, work 1 dc into each of the 12 remaining loops along the foundation edge of each flag. The foundation edge becomes the top of the flag, so it sits flat along the cord. Ch8 between flags works well.
Pom-pom garland
A pom-pom garland is quick and fluffy. Make small pom-poms with a pom-pom maker, or by winding yarn around a fork or a piece of card, then tie them on to a crochet chain cord with their tying strands. Leave long strands when you tie each one so you can knot it firmly around the cord.
You can also alternate pom-poms with stars or holly leaves for a mixed crochet Christmas garland. Trim the pom-poms neatly so they are all a similar size.
More ways to vary it
- Work the stars or baubles in a metallic yarn for a bit of sparkle.
- Thread a wooden bead between motifs on Method 2 for a rustic look (only for garlands kept well out of reach of small children).
- Hang a short, single-motif string from a door handle or a cupboard knob.
Modern crochet Christmas garland ideas
A Christmas crochet garland does not have to be red and green. For a modern look, keep the colours simple and leave plenty of space between the motifs.
- Scandi style: white stars only, with a few natural wooden beads threaded between them on a cream cord.
- Cream and gold: cream baubles and stars with one round in a metallic gold yarn.
- Minimal stars: one colour of star with the airy ch16 spacing, hung straight across a window.
- Snowy garland: swap some stars for small white crochet snowflakes.
- Bakery garland: alternate red baubles with a few crochet gingerbread men for a sweet kitchen garland.
Hanging your crochet Christmas garland
The long chain ties at each end make hanging easy. Tie them around a curtain pole, a stair banister or a pair of small adhesive hooks. On a mantelpiece, you can weigh the ends down under candlesticks only if the candles are never lit (see the safety note below), or use small hooks under the shelf edge.
On the tree, start at the top and wind the crochet Christmas garland loosely around the branches, letting it dip slightly between each turn. It looks lovely alongside our crochet Christmas tree ornaments.
If the motifs flip over or curl, give them a quick steam block before joining. Hold a steam iron just above them without touching, then pat them flat and leave them to cool. Do not press acrylic yarn with a hot iron, as it can melt or go limp.
Storing your crochet Christmas garland
To stop the cord tangling, wind the crochet Christmas garland around a piece of stiff card or an empty kitchen roll tube. Tuck the ends in and store it in a box or a cloth bag in a cool, dry place.
Avoid storing it squashed under heavy decorations, as the stars and leaves can lose their shape. If they do get creased, a light steam will usually bring them back. Adding a lavender bag or cedar block to the box can help keep moths away.
Safety note: keep it away from candles and heaters
Yarn is flammable, so please treat any crochet Christmas garland with care around heat.
- Never hang it near lit candles, open fires, log burners or patio heaters.
- Keep it away from radiators, electric heaters, fairy light transformers and hot bulbs.
- Do not drape it over a mantelpiece above a working fire.
- Turn off and unplug fairy lights wound with the garland when you go out or go to bed.
- Hang garlands out of reach of babies, young children and pets, as long cords and small parts are not safe for them to play with.
More Christmas makes to go with it
If you enjoy making this, there is plenty more to try. A crochet Christmas wreath for the front door makes a lovely matching set, and our round-up of easy crochet Christmas decorations has lots of other quick ideas. The stars and baubles from this pattern also make good tree decorations on their own if you add a hanging loop.
Frequently asked questions about crochet Christmas garland
What yarn is best for a crochet Christmas garland?
A smooth DK yarn in acrylic or cotton is ideal. It shows the stitches clearly, comes in plenty of festive colours, and holds the flat shapes well. Cotton gives slightly crisper motifs, while acrylic is a little softer and lighter.
How many motifs do I need for a 2 metre garland?
With standard spacing (ch10 between motifs), you will need about 18 motifs for 2 metres. Use ch6 for a fuller look, about 22 motifs, or ch16 for an airy look, about 14 motifs.
Can a beginner make a crochet Christmas garland?
Yes. The motifs use only chains, slip stitches, double crochet, half trebles and trebles (UK terms). If the magic ring feels tricky, start each star or bauble with ch4 joined into a ring with a ss instead.
How do I stop my crochet Christmas garland from curling?
Steam block the motifs before joining them. Pin them flat, hold a steam iron just above them without touching, then leave them to cool and dry completely. Working a row of ss back along the cord also helps stop it twisting.
Is a crochet Christmas garland safe near the fireplace?
No. Yarn can catch fire, so keep any crochet Christmas garland well away from lit candles, open fires, log burners and heaters. Hang it somewhere cool, such as a window, a banister or a shelf away from heat sources.
Is this crochet Christmas garland pattern free?
Yes. All three motifs, the joining methods, the bunting variation and the motifs per metre chart are free to use for personal makes and gifts.
How long should a crochet Christmas garland be for the tree?
For an average 6ft (about 1.8m) tree, plan on about 3 to 4 metres of garland, which is roughly 27 to 36 motifs with standard spacing.
