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Little knitted trees are the happiest kind of Christmas knitting. They use up the odd ends of yarn every knitter saves, they grow fast on the needles, and one free evening can fill a whole branch with ornaments.
This list gathers ten free Christmas tree knitted patterns in every shape a tree can take, from flat garter stitch triangles to soft stuffed pines for the mantel. The first three come with full pattern notes written in plain words, so you can cast on without hunting for anything else.
Every pattern here works with DK or worsted scraps and simple stitches. If you can knit, purl and decrease, you can make all ten, and most of them take less yarn than a single mitten.
Pick one tree to start, or plan a whole set in matching greens. A basket of mini trees also makes a sweet handmade gift that posts easily and never breaks in the mail.
Quick Picks
- Fastest finish: Flat Triangle Tree Ornaments, about 30 minutes each
- Best for beginners: Garter Stitch Trees in a Circle, knit stitch only
- Best table impact: Ruffled Tier Pine Trees in Two Greens
1. Flat Triangle Tree Ornaments From Speckled Scraps
⏱ 30 minutes each🛠 BeginnerYarn: DK scraps
Materials Needed
- DK yarn scraps in speckled or solid festive colors, about 10 g per tree
- 4 mm knitting needles
- Small strip of brown yarn or felt for the trunk
- Silver cord or ribbon for hanging loops
- Tapestry needle and scissors
Pattern Notes
Cast on 25 stitches. Knit 2 rows. Then decrease at both ends of every other row: knit 1, knit 2 together, knit to the last 3 stitches, slip slip knit, knit 1. Keep going until 3 stitches remain, knit them together and fasten off. Work a tiny trunk by knitting 4 rows over the middle 5 stitches at the cast on edge in brown, or sew on a felt strip. Thread silver cord through the top point and knot it into a loop. Block lightly so the triangle sits flat.
A speckled yarn like Caron Simply Soft Speckle in White Sage gives this exact flecked finish, and a full set like the Aeelike 11 pair metal knitting needle set covers the 4 mm needles plus every other size on this list.
Tip: Speckled yarn does all the decorating for you, so plain garter stitch looks festive with zero extra work.
2. Ruffled Tier Pine Trees in Two Greens
⏱ 1 evening each🛠 Confident beginnerYarn: DK wool
Materials Needed
- DK wool in two shades of green, about 25 g per tree
- 3.5 mm double pointed needles or a short circular
- Toy stuffing or yarn scraps for filling
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
Pattern Notes
Work three ruffled tiers separately in the round. For the widest tier, cast on 60 stitches and knit 6 rounds, purl 1 round for the frill edge, then decrease 6 stitches evenly every other round until 24 stitches remain. Make the middle tier starting at 45 stitches and the top tier at 30 stitches, shaping the same way. Stack the tiers over a small stuffed cone of stocking stitch, darkest shade at the bottom, and stitch them in place. Finish with a tiny knitted trunk tube of 8 stitches.
A smooth green DK like Korbond DK bright green yarn shows the ruffles clearly, and short double points such as the Prym double point knitting needle set make the small tiers easy to handle.
Tip: Group three trees in mixed heights on a tray with pine cones and the table centerpiece is done.
3. Stuffed Pine Tree Garland for the Fireplace
⏱ A weekend set🛠 BeginnerYarn: Worsted greens
Materials Needed
- Worsted weight yarn in mixed greens, about 20 g per tree
- 4.5 mm needles
- Stuffing, wool scraps or dried balsam needles
- Twine and small metallic beads for stringing
- Tapestry needle
Pattern Notes
Knit two matching tree triangles for each tree. Cast on 21 stitches, knit in stocking stitch and decrease at both ends every 4th row until 3 stitches remain, then fasten off. Place the pair together, sew around the edges and stuff lightly before closing, adding a pinch of dried balsam if you want that pine forest smell. Knit 7 to 9 trees, thread them on twine with a bead between each one, and hang the garland across the fireplace or a window.
A family size bag of Fairfield Poly-Fil polyester stuffing fills a whole garland with plenty left over, and this ANSIO natural jute twine is strong enough to carry nine stuffed trees.
Tip: Keep the garland well away from open flames and hot lights, and hang it where the heat cannot reach the yarn.
4. Garter Stitch Trees in a Circle
A ring of simple garter stitch trees shows how far one stitch pattern can go. Each tree is a shaped triangle with a short trunk, and the garter ridges give the branches their texture for free. Knit them as single ornaments, or link a row together into a mantel garland. A long circular like the KnitPal 47 inch metal circular knitting needles is handy when a whole row of trees sits on one needle.
You’ll need: DK scraps, 4 mm needles, silver cord for loops.
Best for: First time Christmas knitters
5. Tiered Mini Trees With a Star Topper
Three little trees in graduated sizes make a ready made table scene. The branches are worked in soft tiers, the trunks are short and sturdy, and a tiny star on the tallest tree pulls the group together. Style them on a wooden board with fake snow for an instant winter village corner. Ready made loops such as these JUNEBRUSHS ornament ribbon hangers finish the hanging in seconds.
You’ll need: Green DK yarn in two shades, stuffing, a small gold star charm.
Best for: Table and shelf displays
6. Christmas Tree Made From Knitted Squares
Six plain squares, one on top, two in the middle and three at the base, build a tree with no shaping at all. This is the friendliest pattern on the list for new knitters and a clever way to use practice swatches. Sew the squares onto a felt backing and add a ribbon loop to hang it on a door. A mixed DK pack like the JubileeYarn amigurumi select yarn assortment is perfect for gathering the six green shades.
You’ll need: Six 8 cm squares in green yarn, felt backing, ribbon.
Best for: Using up practice swatches
7. Embroidered Tree Ornaments in Cream and Green
Plain knitted tree shapes turn into keepsakes with a few embroidered stitches. French knots become baubles, a lazy daisy becomes a star, and a line of chain stitch looks like tinsel. Cream trees with green stitching look calm and classy next to the brighter green set. A big floss set like the INSCRAFT embroidery floss set keeps every bauble color in one box.
You’ll need: Plain tree shapes in stocking stitch, leftover embroidery thread, a sharp needle.
Best for: Slow stitching evenings
8. Five Little Trees on a Mini Sled
Red, pink, mint and two greens prove that tree ornaments do not have to match the tree they hang on. Five small designs piled on a miniature sled make a photo worthy gift set, and each one uses a different simple stitch pattern, so knitting the set never gets dull. Display them on a mini sled like this jojofuny wooden sleigh decor set for the same photo worthy finish.
You’ll need: Small balls of yarn in five colors, 3.5 mm needles, ribbon loops.
Best for: Gift sets and craft fairs
9. Tiny Fir Trees Hanging Outdoors
Small fir shaped ornaments photographed on a real evergreen branch show the prettiest way to style these knits. The shape is a slim triangle with a neat trunk, sized to sit among real needles without weighing the branch down. Pure wool yarn handles a sheltered porch spot well. Fine metallic cord like this TEAMOLA metallic ornament string cord disappears against real branches.
You’ll need: Fingering or DK wool, 3.25 mm needles, twine loops.
Best for: Porch and garden styling
10. Tree Ornaments on a Wooden Display Stand
A tree shaped wooden stand turns a set of ornaments into a display piece for a hallway table or craft stall. Knit your trees in one color family, hang them in size order, and let the stand do the styling. It is also a kind way to gift ornaments to someone who has no tree.
You’ll need: Seven tree ornaments in matching colors, a wooden tree stand or a bare branch in a heavy pot.
Best for: Gifting a full ornament set
Frequently Asked Questions
What yarn works best for knitted Christmas trees?
DK and worsted scraps are the sweet spot. They knit up quickly, hold their shape, and show stitch patterns like garter ridges and cables clearly. Wool and wool blends feel nicest, but acrylic scraps work fine for ornaments.
How long does one mini tree take to knit?
A flat triangle ornament takes about 30 minutes. Stuffed and tiered trees take one to two hours each, mostly for the sewing and stuffing. A set of six flat trees is a comfortable single evening project.
Can beginners knit these trees?
Yes. Start with the garter stitch trees or the squares tree, which need no shaping beyond simple decreases. If you can knit two together, every pattern on this list is within reach.
How do I make flat trees stand up on a table?
Sew a small knitted trunk and slip the tree over a cork or a short stick set in a tiny pot. A dot of stuffing inside a doubled triangle also helps it stand on a shelf.
What can I use for stuffing?
Toy stuffing, yarn clippings, wool roving scraps or dried balsam needles all work. Keep trees with dried fillings away from heat and open flames, and choose plain stuffing if children or pets will handle them.
How do I hang knitted trees without stretching them?
Thread the loop through the very top stitches and keep ornaments light. Store them flat in a box after Christmas so the loops and points stay in shape for next year.
Final Thoughts on Free Christmas Tree Knitted Patterns
A drawer of yarn scraps and a few free evenings is all it takes to knit a whole forest. Start with the flat triangles, try a tiered pine when you feel brave, and by December your tree, mantel and gift boxes can all carry a little handmade green. Happy Christmas knitting.
