Introduction

If you enjoy making small crochet projects for the holidays, these spiral and twisted Christmas ornaments are a fun one to add to your list. They are simple to make, use very little yarn, and the finished spirals have a lovely shape that looks especially pretty hanging from a Christmas tree.

I originally liked this design because it looks more complicated than it actually is. Once you make the first few stitches, the spiral starts to curl on its own, which makes the project both easy and satisfying to watch come together.

You can make these ornaments in classic Christmas colors such as red, white, and green, or experiment with your own combinations. They also work well with leftover yarn, so they are a great way to use up small amounts from your yarn basket.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make the basic spiral ornament step by step, including the hanging loop and a few simple ways to change the look of your finished piece. I’ve also included a candy-cane-inspired version and some tips to help you get the curl and shape you want.

Whether you’re decorating your own tree, making handmade gifts, or simply looking for a quick crochet project, I hope you enjoy making these little spirals as much as I did.

Materials You Will Need

You only need a few basic crochet supplies to make these spiral Christmas ornaments. They are also a great project for using small amounts of yarn left over from other crochet projects.

• Yarn: DK or light worsted weight yarn. Cotton works especially well because it gives the spiral a neat and defined shape.
• Crochet hook: 2.5–3.5 mm, depending on the yarn you choose and how firm you want the ornament to be.
• Scissors: For cutting the yarn after finishing.
• Yarn needle: For weaving in the ends.
• Stitch marker: Optional, but useful if you prefer to mark your starting point.
• Optional decorations: Metallic or glitter yarn, small bells, beads, or other lightweight Christmas embellishments.

Choosing the Right Yarn

For a firm and well-defined spiral, I recommend cotton yarn. Acrylic yarn can also be used and gives the ornament a softer, more flexible feel.

You don’t need a large amount of yarn for one ornament, which makes this pattern particularly useful for leftover yarn. Red, white, green, gold, and silver are classic choices, but you can use any colors that match your Christmas decorations.

Finished Size

The finished size of your spiral ornament will depend on the length of the foundation chain and the yarn and hook you use.

With DK-weight yarn and a 2.5–3.5 mm crochet hook, a typical ornament will be approximately 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) long. You can easily make it shorter or longer by changing the number of chains at the beginning.

Keep in mind that the spiral will naturally curl as you work, so the final length may look slightly different once the piece has relaxed and taken its shape.

Stitches and Abbreviations

This pattern uses only a few basic crochet stitches, so it is suitable for beginners who are comfortable with chain stitches and single crochet.

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• FO – fasten off

How the Spiral Shape Is Created

The spiral shape is created by working several single crochet stitches into each chain of the foundation chain. The extra stitches add fullness, causing the crochet to naturally curl and twist.

You do not need to force the spiral while crocheting. As you work across the foundation chain, the piece will gradually begin to curl on its own.

The number of stitches worked into each chain affects the final shape. More stitches create a fuller, tighter curl, while fewer stitches create a more open spiral.

Yarn weight, crochet hook size, and tension can also affect the final result. A smaller hook generally creates a firmer spiral, while a larger hook produces a softer and more flexible shape.

Free Spiral Christmas Ornament Pattern

This basic spiral ornament is quick to crochet and only requires a small amount of yarn. The spiral forms as you work several single crochet stitches into each chain.

Basic Spiral Ornament

Foundation Chain

Ch 21.

Spiral Row

Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 3 sc in each chain across.

You will have 60 sc at the end of the row. The piece will begin to curl naturally as the stitches build along the foundation chain.

Hanging Loop

Ch 25.

Join the chain to the end of the spiral with a sl st to create the hanging loop.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Gently arrange the spiral with your fingers until you are happy with its shape.

Candy Cane Version

You can easily turn the basic spiral into a candy-cane-inspired Christmas ornament by using red and white yarn.

Option 1: Two-Color Spiral

Work the spiral as described above, changing between red and white yarn every few stitches.

For a more traditional candy-cane look, keep the color changes consistent as you work along the chain.

Option 2: Twisted Two-Color Spiral

Make two separate spirals using the same pattern, one in red and one in white.

Gently twist the two spirals around each other, then secure the ends together. Add a hanging loop to finish the ornament.

This version creates a fuller, more decorative candy-cane effect.

Color Ideas

One of the nicest things about these spiral ornaments is how easily you can change their appearance just by switching the yarn colors.

For a traditional Christmas tree, red and white make a lovely combination. Green and gold can give the ornaments a more classic festive look, while blue and white work beautifully for a winter or snow-inspired theme.

If you have small amounts of yarn left from other projects, this is also a good pattern for using them. You can even mix several colors to create playful rainbow spirals.

For a more subtle decoration, try a single color such as cream, burgundy, forest green, or silver. Metallic or glitter yarn can also add a little sparkle without needing any extra embellishments.

Creative Ways to Use Your Spiral Ornaments

These little crochet spirals can be used for more than just decorating a Christmas tree. Because they are small and lightweight, there are plenty of ways to use them during the holiday season.

Christmas Tree Decorations

Add a simple hanging loop and place the spirals between your other Christmas ornaments. Making them in different colors and lengths can give your tree a more handmade and playful look.

Gift Wrapping

A small crochet spiral makes a lovely addition to a wrapped gift. Tie it onto ribbon or twine and the recipient can keep it as a decoration after opening the present.

Garland and Wreath Decorations

Make several spirals and attach them to a Christmas garland or wreath. You can use one color throughout or mix several festive shades.

Handmade Gifts and Craft Fairs

These ornaments are quick projects, so they can be made in small batches for handmade Christmas gifts or craft fairs. Try making sets of three or four coordinating colors and packaging them together.

Bag Charms and Keychains

With a shorter spiral and a secure loop, the design can also be adapted into a small bag charm or keychain. If you make one for everyday use, choose a durable yarn and secure all the ends carefully.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Follow these simple steps to crochet your spiral Christmas ornament.

Step 1: Make the Foundation Chain

Chain 21 stitches. Keep your chain loose enough to work into comfortably.

Step 2: Crochet the Spiral

Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 3 single crochet stitches into each chain across.

As you continue, the extra stitches will make the piece curl naturally into a spiral.

Step 3: Add the Hanging Loop

Chain 25 stitches at the end of the spiral. Join the chain to the end of the spiral with a slip stitch.

Fasten off and weave in the yarn ends.

Step 4: Shape the Ornament

Gently arrange the spiral with your fingers. You can loosen or tighten the curl slightly to get the shape you prefer.

Your crochet spiral Christmas ornament is now ready to hang on the tree.

Tips for Better Spirals

A few small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in the final shape of your ornament. If your first spiral doesn’t look exactly as you expected, don’t worry—the yarn and hook size can change the way it curls.

Choose Your Yarn Carefully

Cotton yarn is a good choice when you want a firm, well-defined spiral. Acrylic yarn creates a softer and more flexible ornament.

If you’re using leftover yarn, make sure the yarn weight is reasonably similar to the recommended DK or light worsted weight so the finished size stays close to the measurements in this pattern.

Adjust Your Hook Size

A smaller crochet hook will usually create a firmer spiral, while a larger hook will give you a softer and more flexible result.

If your stitches feel difficult to work into, try going up a hook size. If the finished spiral feels too loose, a slightly smaller hook may give you better definition.

Experiment With the Length

The number of chains in your foundation chain determines how long the spiral will be.

For a small tree ornament, a shorter chain works well. If you want a longer decoration for a larger tree or a garland, simply add more chains.

Let the Yarn Do the Work

The spiral should curl naturally as you crochet. Try not to force the shape while you are working.

Once you finish, gently separate and arrange the curls with your fingers. This is usually enough to give the ornament a neat, balanced shape.

Keep Color Changes Neat

When making a striped version, take a little extra care when changing colors. Keep the unused yarn tidy so it doesn’t become tangled while you work.

For a cleaner finish, weave in the yarn ends securely at the back of the ornament rather than leaving long loose tails.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make one ornament?

Once you are familiar with the pattern, one basic spiral ornament can be made fairly quickly. The exact time depends on your crochet speed, the length of the spiral, and whether you add decorations.

Is this pattern suitable for beginners?

Yes. The pattern uses basic crochet stitches, mainly chain stitches, single crochet, and slip stitches. The spiral shape may look unusual at first, but it becomes easier to recognize as you work.

What type of yarn should I use?

DK or light worsted weight yarn works well for this pattern. Cotton is a good choice if you want a firm, clearly defined spiral, while acrylic yarn creates a softer and more flexible ornament.

Why isn’t my spiral curling properly?

Make sure you are working 3 single crochet stitches into each chain. Yarn weight, hook size, and crochet tension can also affect the shape. If the spiral is too loose, try a smaller hook. If it feels too tight while crocheting, try a larger hook.

Can I make the ornament larger or smaller?

Yes. The easiest way to change the length is to adjust the number of chains in the foundation chain. A shorter chain creates a smaller ornament, while a longer chain creates a longer spiral.

Can I sell ornaments made from this pattern?

Yes, you may sell finished ornaments made from this pattern. Please credit Amyliva Handmade as the designer and include a link to the original pattern when possible. Do not copy, translate, or redistribute the written pattern itself.

Copyright & Usage Policy

This crochet pattern is designed by Amyliva Handmade and is provided for personal use.

You may sell finished ornaments made from this pattern, but please do not copy, translate, reproduce, or redistribute the written pattern or publish it as your own. If you share or sell finished items, crediting Amyliva Handmade as the designer and linking to the original pattern is appreciated.

Thank you for supporting independent crochet designers and respecting original patterns.

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