Crochet Charcoal Tree with Oatmeal Garland Stripes Free Pattern
Crochet Charcoal Tree with Oatmeal Garland Stripes – Free Pattern
Introduction
This little charcoal tree is the perfect cozy project for anyone who loves Scandinavian-style holiday decor. Worked in soft chenille yarn, it feels plush and squishy in your hands and looks like a sweet, minimalist Christmas decoration. The two thin oatmeal stripe rounds give it a subtle garland look, and the matching round base and star topper tie everything together. It's an advanced beginner pattern that uses only single crochet, simple shaping, and easy color changes — a wonderful first amigurumi tree for your holiday shelf.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Chenille plush yarn, super bulky (weight 6), 100% polyester. Color A (Charcoal): approx 90 yd. Color B (Oatmeal): approx 20 yd.
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, small amount of polyester fiberfill (optional, for a firmer base)
- Finished size: Approx 6 inches (15 cm) tall including the star, 3.5 inches (9 cm) diameter at the base
Abbreviations
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase: work 2 sc in the same stitch
- dec – decrease: work 2 sc together
- MR – magic ring
- blo – back loop only
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sts – stitches
Gauge
4 sc x 4 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in continuous sc. To check your gauge, crochet a small flat swatch in the round and measure a 1-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round — continuous rounds can be tricky to track in plush yarn.
- Change colors on the last stitch of the previous round for a clean, even stripe.
- Keep your tension slightly firm so the tree holds its cone shape; chenille yarn can stretch.
- Work the back-loop-only round gently so the base edge stays neat and doesn't pucker.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Base (Color B – Oatmeal)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts)
Rnd 6: sc in blo (30 sts)
Rnds 7-8: sc in each st around (30 sts)
Change to Color A (Charcoal).
Tree Body (Color A – Charcoal)
Rnd 9: sc in each st around (30 sts)
Rnd 10: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24 sts)
Rnd 11: sc in each st around (24 sts)
Rnd 12: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts)
Rnd 13: sc in each st around (18 sts)
Change to Color B (Oatmeal).
Rnd 14: sc in each st around (18 sts)
Change to Color A (Charcoal).
Rnd 15: sc in each st around (18 sts)
Rnd 16: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts)
Rnd 17: sc in each st around (12 sts)
Rnd 18: dec x6 (6 sts)
Rnd 19: sc in each st around (6 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the top.
Star Topper (Color B – Oatmeal)
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 5 sc in the 2nd ch from hook (5 sts)
Rnd 2: [ch 2, sl st in next st] x5 (5 points)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Assembly and Finishing
Using the tail from the star, sew the star securely to the top of the tree, positioning it centered over the closed point. Weave in all ends on the inside of the tree. If you'd like a firmer base, lightly stuff the bottom section with a small amount of polyester fiberfill before closing. Gently shape the tree with your hands and steam or lightly block the base so it sits flat.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the oatmeal stripes for a metallic or sparkly yarn for a festive garland effect.
- Add a small crochet loop at the top of the star to turn the tree into an ornament.
- Use a 4.5 mm hook for a slightly smaller, firmer tree, or a 5.5 mm hook for a larger, softer version.
