A mini crochet Christmas wreath is a small project that works beautifully as a tree ornament, gift topper, garland piece, or simple holiday decoration.
This beginner-friendly pattern uses a basic crochet ring worked in single crochet, then adds a tiny contrasting bow and hanging loop.
The wreath is quick to make, uses very little yarn, and is easy to customize with forest green, cream, cranberry, sage, or oatmeal.
Mini Christmas Wreath at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Terminology | US crochet terms |
| Construction | Crochet ring |
| Main stitch | Single crochet |
| Suggested yarn | Medium-weight cotton or acrylic |
| Hook | 3.5–4 mm |
| Finished diameter | Approximately 3.5–4 inches |
| Main color | Forest green |
| Accent color | Muted cranberry |
| Stuffing | None |
Materials
You will need:
- Small amount of forest-green medium-weight yarn
- Small amount of muted-cranberry yarn
- Small amount of warm-cream yarn
- 3.5–4 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Optional stitch marker
This is a good project for leftover Christmas yarn because each ornament uses only a small amount.
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain |
| sc | Single crochet |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| st | Stitch |
| sts | Stitches |
Step 1: Crochet the Foundation Ring
Using forest-green yarn:
Ch 24.
Without twisting the chain, join the first and last chain with a slip stitch.
You now have a small ring.
Before continuing, make sure the chain lies flat and is not twisted.
The exact size can vary slightly depending on your yarn and tension.
Step 2: Fill the Ring With Single Crochet
Work single crochet stitches around the entire chain ring.
Instead of working only into individual chain loops, you can crochet around the chain itself.
This helps cover the foundation chain and creates a fuller wreath.
Work approximately:
36–42 sc around the ring
Push the stitches gently together as you work.
The wreath should become thick and rounded without losing the center opening.
Join the final stitch to the first single crochet with a slip stitch.
Step 3: Add a Second Round
For a fuller wreath:
Ch 1.
Work 1 sc in each stitch around.
Join with a slip stitch.
Fasten off.
A second round gives the wreath a thicker, more substantial look.
If you prefer a thinner minimalist wreath, you can stop after the first round.
Step 4: Shape the Wreath
Lay the wreath flat.
Use your fingers to gently shape it into a smooth circle.
Check that:
- The center opening remains visible
- The outer edge looks even
- Stitches are distributed consistently
- The wreath does not twist
Small irregularities can usually be corrected with gentle shaping.
Step 5: Crochet the Bow
Using muted-cranberry yarn:
Ch 7.
Starting in the second chain from the hook:
Sc across.
6 sts
Rows 2–4
Ch 1 and turn.
Sc across.
6 sts each row
Fasten off.
You now have a small rectangle.
Step 6: Shape the Bow
Pinch the rectangle tightly at the center.
Using a separate piece of cranberry yarn, wrap around the middle several times.
Tie securely at the back.
Gently spread the two sides to create a bow shape.
The bow should remain small enough that it does not cover the center of the wreath.
Step 7: Attach the Bow
Position the bow at the bottom center of the wreath.
Thread cranberry yarn onto a yarn needle.
Sew through the center of the bow and several stitches of the wreath.
Repeat until secure.
Hide the yarn tail inside the green crochet stitches.
The bow should sit flat against the wreath.
Step 8: Add the Hanging Loop
Using warm-cream yarn:
Attach securely at the top of the wreath.
Ch 18–22.
Slip stitch back into the same attachment point.
Fasten off.
Weave in the ends.
You can also use:
- Natural twine
- Thin ribbon
- Matching green yarn
Cream creates a softer contrast against the dark-green wreath.
Step 9: Finish the Ornament
Check for loose yarn ends.
Gently reshape the wreath one final time.
The ornament should have:
- Circular green body
- Clear center opening
- Small cranberry bow
- Secure hanging loop
Your mini Christmas wreath is finished.
Make a Smaller Wreath
For a mini ornament:
Ch 18–20 instead of 24.
Work single crochet around the ring as before.
Use a smaller bow.
This size works well for:
- Tiny Christmas trees
- Gift toppers
- Place settings
- Garland
Make a Larger Wreath
For a larger ornament:
Ch 30–34.
Add more single crochet stitches around the ring.
A larger wreath can also be used on:
- Cabinet handles
- Door knobs
- Gift baskets
- Holiday wall displays
Try Different Color Combinations
Traditional green and red are only one option.
| Wreath | Bow |
|---|---|
| Forest green | Cranberry |
| Sage | Warm cream |
| Oatmeal | Forest green |
| Cream | Muted red |
| Dark olive | Warm gold |
A group of wreaths in different muted colors can create a beautiful handmade ornament set.
Make a Neutral Scandinavian Wreath
Use oatmeal or warm-cream yarn for the wreath.
Add:
- Forest-green bow
- Natural twine loop
- No other decoration
This creates a simple neutral ornament that works well with wooden and natural Christmas decorations.
Add Tiny Embroidered Berries
Using cranberry yarn, embroider several small stitches around the green wreath.
Keep the berries flat.
Avoid attaching bulky beads if the ornament will be around young children or pets.
Small embroidered details are enough to add color.
Add a Cream Edge
For extra contrast, join cream yarn to the outer edge.
Work a simple round of slip stitches around the outside.
This adds definition without making the wreath much larger.
Make a Wreath Garland
Crochet several wreaths.
Attach them to a long crochet chain.
Try:
Wreath → 15 chains → wreath → 15 chains → wreath
Alternate colors if desired.
For example:
- Forest green
- Sage
- Oatmeal
- Cranberry
Hang the garland across a mantel, shelf, doorway, or window.
Use the Wreath as a Gift Topper
Wrap a present with:
- Kraft paper
- Cream paper
- Linen ribbon
- Natural twine
Tie the crochet wreath onto the package.
After the gift is opened, the recipient can reuse it as a Christmas ornament.
Use Wreaths as Napkin Decorations
Make one mini wreath for each place setting.
Slip a folded napkin through the center.
You can also attach a small paper name tag to the hanging loop.
Use forest green with cream linen napkins for a simple Christmas table.
Add a Tiny Star Instead of a Bow
If you prefer a different look, replace the bow with a small cream or gold crochet star.
Keep it small and flat.
Sew it securely to the lower edge of the wreath.
Why Is My Wreath Twisting?
The foundation chain may have been twisted before joining.
Before making the first slip stitch:
- Lay the chain flat
- Check every chain
- Make sure the front edge faces the same direction
If the ring is twisted, it is usually easier to restart before adding the single crochet round.
Why Is the Center Closing Up?
You may be adding too many stitches around the foundation ring.
If the center becomes very small:
- Use fewer single crochets
- Space stitches more evenly
- Avoid pushing every stitch too tightly together
The wreath should look full but still have a clear opening.
Why Does My Wreath Look Too Thin?
Add a second round of single crochet.
You can also:
- Use thicker yarn
- Hold two strands together
- Use a slightly larger hook
For ornaments, avoid making the wreath too heavy.
Why Is My Wreath Uneven?
Try redistributing the stitches with your fingers.
Because the first stitches are worked around the chain ring, they can slide slightly.
Use this to your advantage.
Push the stitches around until the circle looks balanced.
Can Beginners Make This Wreath?
Yes.
You only need to know:
- Chain stitch
- Single crochet
- Slip stitch
- Basic sewing
There are no increases, decreases, stuffing, or complicated amigurumi shaping.
That makes this a good first Christmas ornament project.
Make a Matching Ornament Set
Pair the wreath with:
- Christmas tree
- Candy cane
- Star
- Stocking
- Snowman
- Gingerbread person
Use the same forest green, cream, cranberry, and oatmeal palette throughout.
The different designs will still look like one coordinated collection.
Safety Notes
If the ornament will be around babies, young children, or pets:
- Avoid beads
- Avoid bells
- Avoid loose buttons
- Secure the bow firmly
- Weave in all yarn ends carefully
Keep crochet ornaments away from candles, fireplaces, and other open flames.
A Simple Ornament You Can Make Again and Again
A Christmas wreath does not need complicated shaping.
Start with one chain.
Join it into a circle.
Cover the ring with single crochet.
Add a tiny bow.
Finish with a hanging loop.
That simple construction gives you a handmade ornament that can be used on the tree, on gifts, in garlands, or around the home.
Make the first one in forest green.
Then try sage, oatmeal, or cream.
Before long, a few small scraps of yarn can become an entire handmade wreath collection.