*****UPDATE...July 23, 2013. I'm sorry...I meant the stitch is a CLUSTER STITCH not a POPCORN STITCH. But I think the Popcorn Stitch would look really nice too. The directions remain the same. I am sorry for any inconvenience*****
Mom never had a name for the stitch used, just the directions. Since then,,,I have found out the stitch we use is called the Cluster Stitch. It gives a nice texture to the tree. I'm sure there are different variations, so before starting the pattern, I will explain how we do the Cluster stitch.
I tried re-writing the pattern in a way everyone else can understand. Mom, more or less just had the basics to get us started each year. If you have a problem understanding the pattern...Please leave a message and I will try to help.
Mom never had a name for the stitch used, just the directions. Since then,,,I have found out the stitch we use is called the Cluster Stitch. It gives a nice texture to the tree. I'm sure there are different variations, so before starting the pattern, I will explain how we do the Cluster stitch.
I tried re-writing the pattern in a way everyone else can understand. Mom, more or less just had the basics to get us started each year. If you have a problem understanding the pattern...Please leave a message and I will try to help.
Crocheted Christmas Tree
Hook Size: G or H
Abbreviations: YO=Yarn Over
Cluster Stitch:
After Starting Chain...
After Starting Chain...
YO, Insert Hook into designated stitch, YO, Pull loop through stitch, YO, Pull loop through 2 loops,
YO, Insert Hook into SAME stitch, YO, Pull loop through stitch, YO, Pull loop through 2 loops,
YO, Insert Hook into SAME stitch, YO, Pull loop through stitch, YO, Pull loop through 2 loops...
(Should have 4 loops on your hook)...YO and bring loop through all 4 loops. ***always chain 1 after completed Cluster.
Row 1:
1 Cluster Stitch
Chain 4
YO, Insert Hook into 1st stitch, YO, Pull loop through stitch, YO, Pull loop through 2 loops,
YO, Insert Hook into SAME stitch, YO, Pull loop through stitch, YO, Pull loop through 2 loops,
YO, Insert Hook into SAME stitch, YO, Pull loop through stitch, YO, Pull loop through 2 loops...
(Should have 4 loops on your hook)...YO and bring loop through all 4 loops. chain 1.
(1 Cluster Stitch)
Row 2:
2 Cluster Stitches
1st Cluster Stitch...
Chain 3, Turn...
YO, Insert Hook into chain 1 space from Row 1, YO, Pull through stitch, YO, Pull through 2 loops...Repeat this 2 more times...(Should have 4 loops on your hook)...YO and bring loop through all 4 loops. chain 1.
2nd Cluster Stitch...
Repeat Cluster Stitch in the hole with the tail...(same stitch as beginning).... Don't forget to chain 1
Row 3:
3 Cluster Stitches
1st Cluster Stitch
Chain 3, Turn...
Complete one Cluster Stitch in chain 1 space from last chain 1 on previous row.
2nd Cluster Stitch
YO, Insert Hook in hole between the two Clusters in previous row. Complete Cluster Stitch. chain 1.
3rd Cluster Stitch
YO, Insert Hook in the space at edge of row. Complete Cluster Stitch. chain 1.
Row 4:
4 Cluster Stitches
Chain 3, Turn...
Complete one Cluster Stitch in chain 1 space from last chain 1 on previous row.
2nd Cluster Stitch
YO, Insert Hook in hole between the first and second Clusters in previous row. Complete Cluster Stitch. chain 1.
3rd Cluster Stitch
YO, Insert Hook in hole between the second and third Clusters in previous row. Complete Cluster Stitch. chain 1.
4th Cluster Stitch
YO, Insert Hook in the space at edge of row. Complete Cluster Stitch. chain 1.
Continue with pattern until you have a row with an odd number of Cluster stitches. Cut off main color. Weave in ends.
Small: 7 Rows
Large: 15 Rows
For the bottom:
Row 1: Right Side
Row 2: Wrong Side
so odd number rows are the Right Side
- Small tree...
Attach new color on right side... in the space after 2 Cluster stitches, Chain 2, Complete Cluster Stitch in this space plus then next 3. Cut yarn and Weave in end. (4 Cluster Stitches)
- Large tree:
Attach new color on wrong side... in the space after 5 Cluster stitches, Chain 2, Complete Cluster Stitch in this space plus next 5. chain 1.
Row 2:
Chain 3, Turn...
Complete one Cluster Stitch in chain 1 space from last chain 1 on previous row. Plus 6 more. Cut yarn, weave in ends.
Tips:
If adding magnets...glue them on the back before decorating.
Decorate:
Mom always uses the little balls for decorating, but I have used beads, sequins and anything else I could find that I thought would look cute. For the bigger trees,,, I always end up using the little balls. That is how Mom always made them and making them that way brings back memories of when we were young.
Smaller trees are really cute using strings of beads as garland and little sequins placed around.
Smaller trees are really cute using strings of beads as garland and little sequins placed around.
We glue magnets on the back and hang the tree on our fridge.
If you use something different for decorating,,,please share pictures. I would love to see different versions.
*** This pattern is not my own, it was given to my Mom, about 35 years ago, from a friend in Central Pennsylvania. To this day,,, When the Holidays come around,,,They are still proudly displayed on many fridges in our small hometown... Hope making these bring as much joy to your family and friends as it does ours.
