This free crochet Christmas tree applique pattern is a layered tree worked in plain single crochet, with three green tiers and a small brown trunk. It’s an easy crochet applique that finishes at roughly 4 × 4½ inches in worsted yarn. Allow about 45 minutes to crochet it and 20 more to sew it on.
Table of Contents
What you need
- Worsted yarn: green, plus a brown scrap (cotton if you’ll wash it)
- 4.0 mm hook, smaller than the label suggests, for dense stitches
- Red and gold floss for ornaments, yellow for the star
- Tapestry needle and a sharp sewing needle
- Green felt scrap, optional, for a backing
Crochet Christmas tree applique pattern
The chain at the start of each row doesn’t count. You work top down.
- Tier 1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch and across (5). Rows 2–5: ch 1, sc across (5).
- Tier 2, row 6: Ch 1, 2 sc in each of the first 2 sts, sc in the next st, 2 sc in each of the last 2 sts (9). Rows 7–10: ch 1, sc across (9).
- Tier 3, row 11: Ch 1, 2 sc in each of the first 2 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, 2 sc in each of the last 2 sts (13). Rows 12–15: ch 1, sc across (13).
- Trunk: Fasten off green. Turn the work and join brown in the 6th st. Ch 1, sc in the same st and the next 2 sts. Work 2 more rows of 3 sc. Fasten off.
Weave tails along the edges, never across the face. Then stitch six red and gold French knots as ornaments, and a yellow star of five straight stitches at the tip. Do this before you attach the tree.
Why layered tiers work
The step-out at each tier gives the tree its shape with no slope math, and the flat sides give you something firm to sew through. Slanted edges built from one-stitch steps tend to ripple. Straight sides don’t.
Before you commit, take a quick grayscale photo of your yarn beside your fabric. If the tree vanishes, the contrast is too low. Green on cream or red reads clearly. Green on green disappears.
How I attach a crochet applique to fabric
- Pre-wash the fabric so shrinkage can’t pucker it later.
- Cut a tree-shaped felt backing slightly smaller than the crochet tree and sew it to the fabric first. It gives soft or stretchy fabric a stable bed.
- Pin the tree on top. Whip stitch through the outer edge stitches with matching thread, about 1/8 inch apart.
- Keep stitches loose, because tight ones pucker. Knot off at the back.
Fusible web won’t grip crochet, which is why thread does the work. Here’s why fusible web fails.
Where I’d use it
Stocking cuffs, linen tea towels (use cotton yarn), gift bags, a tree skirt, or a table runner. Make three in different greens for a little forest.
Quick fixes
- Edges flare: your hook is too big. Drop a size.
- Tree curls: spritz, pin flat, and dry overnight. Never steam acrylic.
FAQ
Is this crochet Christmas tree applique pattern free?
Yes. Sell finished items with credit and a link back.
Can beginners make it?
Yes. It’s only single crochet and increases.
Can I make it bigger?
Yes. Step out by 4 stitches again for a fourth tier (17 stitches), then work 4 plain rows.
What yarn is best?
Cotton for washing, acrylic for decor.