Evergreen Embrace Knitted Wreath Free Pattern – Cozy Holiday Door Decor
Evergreen Embrace Knitted Wreath Free Pattern – Cozy Holiday Door Decor
Wrap your door in the soft, textured warmth of a hand-knit evergreen wreath, a modern twist on classic holiday decor. This plush, yarn-based wreath brings a cozy, cabin-inspired feel to any home without a single pine needle. The Evergreen Embrace is a stunning, dimensional piece that combines deep forest greens, spruce teal, and cream white in a beautiful braided pattern. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this wreath is the perfect way to add a handmade touch to your holiday season.
Unlike traditional wreaths that dry out and crumble, this knitted version will last for years, becoming a cherished heirloom you'll bring out every December. The secret lies in the Knit 1 Below (K1B) stitch, which creates a rich, braided texture that mimics the fullness of evergreen boughs. The result is a wreath that's not only beautiful to look at but also incredibly satisfying to create.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials. This project is designed to be accessible, using standard worsted weight yarn and a single circular needle.
Yarn
- Worsted weight yarn in three shades:
- Deep Forest Green (MC) – approximately 250g (about 500-550 yards)
- Spruce Teal (CC1) – approximately 100g (about 200-220 yards)
- Cream White (CC2) – approximately 50g (about 100-110 yards)
Pro tip: Choose a yarn with good stitch definition, such as a wool blend or a soft acrylic. The texture of the K1B stitch really shines with a yarn that has a bit of twist to it.
Needles & Notions
- US 8 (5.0 mm) circular knitting needle, 24-inch length (or longer for ease of handling)
- Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for tracking color changes)
Gauge
- 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (unblocked, slightly stretched).
Note: Gauge is important for achieving the correct wreath size (approximately 14 inches in diameter). However, since this is a gathered wreath, a slightly different gauge won't ruin the project—it will just change the final size slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This wreath is knitted in a single, long strip, then gathered and sewn into a circular form. The textured pattern creates a lush, dimensional look. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful wreath in no time.
Special Stitches
Before you start, familiarize yourself with these two special stitches:
- K1B (Knit 1 Below): Insert the right needle into the stitch one row below the next stitch on the left needle, knit it as normal, then drop the stitch above off the left needle. This creates an elongated, braided texture that gives the wreath its dimensional look.
- Sl1wyif (Slip 1 with yarn in front): Slip the next stitch purlwise, keeping the yarn at the front of the work. (Note: This stitch is listed in the pattern overview but is not used in the main body—it's included for reference in case you want to experiment with edge treatments.)
Getting Started: Cast On
Cast On: Loosely cast on 30 stitches with MC (Deep Forest Green). Use a loose cast-on method, such as the long-tail cast-on, to ensure the edge isn't too tight. This will make the final seaming much easier.
Section 1: Main Color (MC) – Deep Forest Green
This first section establishes the base texture of your wreath.
Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
Row 3: K1, *K1B, K1; repeat from * to last stitch, K1.
Row 4: Purl all stitches.
Row 5: K2, *K1B, K1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2.
Row 6: Purl all stitches.
Rows 7-10: Repeat Rows 3-6 twice more. This creates a rich, braided texture that forms the base of your wreath.
Section 2: First Teal Band (CC1) – Spruce Teal
Time to introduce your first contrasting color. This teal band adds a beautiful pop of color.
Row 11 (Color Change): With CC1, knit all stitches.
Row 12: With CC1, purl all stitches.
Row 13: With CC1, K1, *K1B, K1; repeat from * to last stitch, K1.
Row 14: With CC1, purl all stitches.
Row 15: With CC1, K2, *K1B, K1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2.
Row 16: With CC1, purl all stitches.
Rows 17-20: Repeat Rows 13-16 once more. This creates a contrasting teal band.
Section 3: Return to Main Color (MC)
Switch back to your Deep Forest Green to create a substantial green section between the color bands.
Row 21 (Color Change): With MC, knit all stitches.
Row 22: With MC, purl all stitches.
Rows 23-30: Repeat Rows 3-6 twice. Continue in MC. This gives you a nice, long green section.
Section 4: First Cream Band (CC2) – Cream White
Now for the first of your cream white bands. This light color will really make the wreath pop.
Row 31 (Color Change): With CC2, knit all stitches.
Row 32: With CC2, purl all stitches.
Row 33: With CC2, K1, *K1B, K1; repeat from * to last stitch, K1.
Row 34: With CC2, purl all stitches.
Row 35: With CC2, K2, *K1B, K1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2.
Row 36: With CC2, purl all stitches.
Rows 37-40: Repeat Rows 33-36 once more. This creates a cream white band.
Section 5: Return to Main Color (MC)
Another green section to balance the design.
Row 41 (Color Change): With MC, knit all stitches.
Row 42: With MC, purl all stitches.
Rows 43-50: Repeat Rows 3-6 twice. Continue in MC.
Section 6: Second Teal Band (CC1)
Add your second teal band for symmetry.
Row 51 (Color Change): With CC1, knit all stitches.
Row 52: With CC1, purl all stitches.
Rows 53-60: Repeat Rows 13-16 twice. This creates a second teal band.
Section 7: Return to Main Color (MC)
Row 61 (Color Change): With MC, knit all stitches.
Row 62: With MC, purl all stitches.
Rows 63-70: Repeat Rows 3-6 twice. Continue in MC.
Section 8: Second Cream Band (CC2)
Row 71 (Color Change): With CC2, knit all stitches.
Row 72: With CC2, purl all stitches.
Rows 73-80: Repeat Rows 33-36 twice. This creates a second cream white band.
Section 9: Return to Main Color (MC)
Row 81 (Color Change): With MC, knit all stitches.
Row 82: With MC, purl all stitches.
Rows 83-90: Repeat Rows 3-6 twice. Continue in MC.
Section 10: Third Teal Band (CC1)
Row 91 (Color Change): With CC1, knit all stitches.
Row 92: With CC1, purl all stitches.
Rows 93-100: Repeat Rows 13-16 twice. This creates a third teal band.
Section 11: Return to Main Color (MC)
Row 101 (Color Change): With MC, knit all stitches.
Row 102: With MC, purl all stitches.
Rows 103-110: Repeat Rows 3-6 twice. Continue in MC.
Section 12: Third Cream Band (CC2)
Row 111 (Color Change): With CC2, knit all stitches.
Row 112: With CC2, purl all stitches.
Rows 113-120: Repeat Rows 33-36 twice. This creates a third cream white band.
Section 13: Final Main Color Section (MC)
Row 121 (Color Change): With MC, knit all stitches.
Row 122: With MC, purl all stitches.
Rows 123-130: Repeat Rows 3-6 twice. Continue in MC.
Bind Off
Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely in knit on the right side. Use a loose bind-off method (like the standard knit bind-off but not pulling too tight) to ensure the edge remains flexible for seaming.
Finishing: Assembling Your Wreath
Now comes the magical part—transforming your long knitted strip into a beautiful circular wreath. Follow these steps carefully for a professional finish.
Step 1: Seam the Strip
With the right side facing, use the tapestry needle and a length of MC yarn to sew the cast-on edge to the bind-off edge, creating a long loop. Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch, working through the edge stitches. Make sure your seam is secure but not too tight, as this will be the inner edge of your wreath.
Step 2: Gather the Loop
Thread a long piece of MC yarn (about 36 inches) through the tapestry needle. Working on the wrong side of the loop, run the needle through the purl bumps along the center of the strip. Essentially, you're creating a running stitch down the middle of your knitted tube.
Once you've threaded the entire length, gently pull the yarn to gather the loop into a circular wreath shape. Important: Distribute the gathers evenly as you pull, so the wreath forms a nice, even circle. The textured bands should naturally ruffle and radiate outward. Secure the yarn with a tight knot, and weave in the ends.
Step 3: Create the Wreath Form
Flatten the gathered circle, arranging the textured bands so they radiate outward. The braided texture from the K1B stitches will naturally create a ruffled, dimensional edge. Take your time to arrange the folds and ruffles so they look organic and lush, like real evergreen boughs.
Step 4: Add a Hanging Loop
Cut a 12-inch piece of MC yarn. Fold it in half, and thread the folded end through the back of the wreath at the top (through one of the purl bumps or between stitches). Pull the two loose ends through the folded loop to create a secure attachment. Tie the ends into a secure knot to form a hanging loop. Weave in any loose ends.
Step 5: Optional Embellishment – I-Cord Bow
For a festive touch, you can add a cute bow to the bottom of your wreath:
- With CC2 (Cream White), cast on 3 stitches onto a double-pointed needle or the tip of your circular needle.
- Knit an I-cord for 10 inches: Knit 3 stitches, slide them to the other end of the needle, and knit again. Repeat until you reach 10 inches.
- Bind off and sew the ends together to form a loop.
- Flatten the loop and pinch the center to form a bow shape. Wrap a small piece of yarn around the center to secure it.
- Sew the bow to the bottom of the wreath (opposite the hanging loop) for a charming finishing touch.
Tips for Success
- Keep your tension consistent. The K1B stitch can be a bit tight if you're not careful. Try to keep your tension even throughout.
- Weave in ends as you go. Since there are many color changes, weaving in ends at the end can be tedious. Weave them in after each section to save time.
- Don't over-gather. When pulling the gathering yarn, stop when the wreath looks full but not bunched up. You want the ruffles to be visible and lush.
- Blocking (optional): If your wreath looks a bit uneven, you can lightly steam block it (without flattening the texture) to help it relax into shape.
Your Evergreen Embrace knitted wreath is now complete! Hang it on your door, above the mantel, or anywhere you want a touch of cozy, handmade holiday charm. This wreath is sure to be a conversation starter and a beloved part of your holiday decor for years to come. Happy knitting!
