Winter Forest Crochet Apron Free Pattern
Introduction
The Winter Forest Crochet Apron is a cozy, Nordic-inspired kitchen apron that works up quickly in worsted weight yarn and a 6 mm hook. It is designed for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable with double crochet, single crochet, and simple filet mesh, but every step is written out so a confident beginner can follow along too. The deep green body feels smooth and sturdy, while the white filet band and five little tree appliqués give it a crisp, wintry look. Finished with a bright red waist tie and edging, it is a cheerful, practical piece you will love wearing or giving as a gift.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic or cotton. Color A (deep green): 400 yards. Color B (white): 100 yards. Color C (red): 50 yards.
- Hook: 6 mm (US J/10) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, measuring tape.
- Finished size: 20 inches wide by 28 inches long, excluding ties.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- dc — double crochet
- sc — single crochet
- sc2tog — single crochet two stitches together (a decrease)
- sk — skip
- sp — space
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- RS — right side
Gauge
12 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches in double crochet. To check, crochet a small swatch in double crochet and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Count your stitches at the end of every row — the apron body stays at 58 dc throughout, so a quick count keeps the rectangle straight.
- Keep your filet chain-1 spaces loose and even so the open mesh band lies flat against the solid rows.
- Make all five tree appliqués first, then lay them out along the bottom edge before sewing so the spacing looks even.
- Use a slightly smaller hook for the red waist tie if you want it firmer and less stretchy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Apron Base (Color A)
Row 1: Ch 61, dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across (58 dc).
Rows 2–40: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (58 dc).
Fasten off.
Tree Band (Color B)
Work across the bottom of the apron, with the right side facing.
Row 1 (RS): Join B to bottom right corner, ch 3, dc in each st across (58 dc).
Row 2: Ch 3, turn, dc in next 2 sts, [ch 1, sk 1, dc in next 3 sts] across, ending with dc in last 3 sts (14 ch-1 sps).
Row 3: Ch 3, turn, dc in next 2 sts, [dc in ch-1 sp, dc in next 3 sts] across, ending with dc in last 3 sts (58 dc).
Rows 4–7: Repeat Rows 2–3 twice more, ending on a Row 3 repeat (58 dc).
Fasten off.
Tree Appliqués (Color B) — Make 5
Row 1: Ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (10 sc).
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog (8 sc).
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog (6 sc).
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog (4 sc).
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog twice (2 sc).
Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog (1 sc).
Fasten off. Repeat for all 5 trees.
Trunks (Color A) — Make 5
Row 1: Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (3 sc).
Fasten off. Sew one trunk to the base of each tree.
Waist Tie (Color C)
Row 1: Ch 151, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (150 sc).
Fasten off. Sew the tie to the top edge of the apron, centered, leaving 36 inches on each side for tying.
Edging (Color C)
Join C to the bottom right corner, sc evenly around the entire apron, working 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Sew the trunks to the trees, then sew the five trees evenly spaced along the bottom edge of the apron, 2 inches apart, with their bottoms aligned to Row 1 of the tree band. Sew the waist tie to the top edge, centered. Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side. Block the apron lightly by misting with water and pinning it flat to shape, then let it dry completely before wearing.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the white tree band for cream or silver yarn for a softer, more muted winter look.
- Add a small pocket in Color A near the center front for holding a phone or recipe card.
- Make the waist tie longer or shorter by adjusting the starting chain in multiples that suit your waist size.
