Frosted Forest Pine Tree Skirt Free Pattern – A Nordic-Inspired Knit

Wrap your Christmas tree in the cozy charm of a Nordic forest with this textured knit skirt, featuring a snow-dusted lace edge and warm, rustic stripes. This pattern creates a soft, heirloom-quality piece that transforms your tree base into a winter wonderland. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a brave beginner ready for a rewarding project, this tree skirt is a stunning addition to your holiday decor that you'll cherish for years to come.

The design is knitted from the center outward in a large circle, then cut open to create the slit for the tree trunk. It uses a combination of stockinette, garter, and a simple lace pattern to create a textured, forest-inspired design. The rich forest green base is accented with cream and rust red stripes, evoking the warmth of a cozy cabin in the woods.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Forest Green (MC) – approximately 800 yards
  • Cream (CC1) – approximately 300 yards
  • Rust Red (CC2) – approximately 200 yards
• Needles: US Size 8 (5.0 mm) circular knitting needle, 32-inch or longer, and double-pointed needles for finishing.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, crochet hook (optional, for finishing the slit), scissors.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row). Be sure to check your gauge before starting to ensure your skirt comes out the correct size.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

Familiarize yourself with these abbreviations before you begin:

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two stitches together
• YO = yarn over
• PM = place marker
• SM = slip marker
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Special Stitch: Lace Panel (worked over 8 stitches)

This lace pattern creates the delicate snowflake-like panels that give the skirt its frosty charm. Work these rows in sequence as directed in the pattern.

• Row 1 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, K4
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches
• Row 3: K3, YO, K2tog, K3
• Row 4: Purl all stitches
• Row 5: K4, YO, K2tog, K2
• Row 6: Purl all stitches
• Row 7: K5, YO, K2tog, K1
• Row 8: Purl all stitches
• Row 9: K6, YO, K2tog
• Row 10: Purl all stitches
• Row 11: K1, K2tog, YO, K5
• Row 12: Purl all stitches
• Row 13: K2, K2tog, YO, K4
• Row 14: Purl all stitches
• Row 15: K3, K2tog, YO, K3
• Row 16: Purl all stitches
• Row 17: K4, K2tog, YO, K2
• Row 18: Purl all stitches
• Row 19: K5, K2tog, YO, K1
• Row 20: Purl all stitches
• Row 21: K6, K2tog, YO
• Row 22: Purl all stitches

Step-by-Step Instructions

Center Cast-On

With MC, cast on 8 stitches. Distribute onto 4 double-pointed needles (2 stitches per needle). Join in the round, being careful not to twist. PM at the beginning of the round.

Round 1: K1, YO, K1, YO, K1, YO, K1, YO, K1, YO, K1, YO, K1, YO, K1 (16 stitches).

Round 2: Knit all stitches.

Round 3: K1, YO, K2, YO, K1, YO, K2, YO, K1, YO, K2, YO, K1, YO, K2, YO, K1 (24 stitches).

Round 4: Knit all stitches.

Increase Rounds

Continue in this manner, increasing 8 stitches every other round (knit one round plain between increase rounds). On increase rounds, work as follows: K1, YO, knit until 1 stitch before the marker, YO, K1, SM, repeat around. This creates 8 evenly spaced increases. Work until you have 120 stitches total (15 increase rounds).

Body of Skirt

Now you will begin the textured pattern. Work in the round, using the following repeat:

• Round 1 (RS): With MC, knit all stitches.
• Round 2: Purl all stitches.
• Round 3: Knit all stitches.
• Round 4: Purl all stitches.
• Round 5: With CC1, knit all stitches.
• Round 6: With CC1, purl all stitches.
• Round 7: With MC, knit all stitches.
• Round 8: With MC, purl all stitches.
• Round 9: With MC, knit all stitches.
• Round 10: With MC, purl all stitches.
• Round 11: With CC2, knit all stitches.
• Round 12: With CC2, purl all stitches.
• Round 13: With MC, knit all stitches.
• Round 14: With MC, purl all stitches.
• Round 15: With MC, knit all stitches.
• Round 16: With MC, purl all stitches.

Lace Panel Insertion

Now you will incorporate the lace panels. The skirt is divided into 8 sections. Place a marker every 15 stitches (you will have 8 sections).

Round 17: With MC, *K15, work Lace Panel Row 1 over the next 8 stitches, repeat from * around.

Round 18: With MC, *K15, work Lace Panel Row 2 over the next 8 stitches, repeat from * around.

Continue in this manner, working the lace panel rows in sequence (Rows 3-22) while knitting the 15 stitches between panels in stockinette (knit on RS, purl on WS). After completing all 22 rows of the lace panel, you will have completed one full lace repeat.

Repeat the Body and Lace Sections

Repeat the Body of Skirt (Rounds 1-16) and the Lace Panel Insertion (Rounds 17-22) two more times, for a total of three lace panel repeats. After the third lace repeat, work the Body of Skirt (Rounds 1-16) once more.

Edging

With CC1, knit 4 rounds of garter stitch (knit every round). Then bind off loosely in knit.

Finishing the Slit

To create the slit for the tree trunk, fold the skirt in half and mark the center point on the outer edge. Using a crochet hook or tapestry needle, carefully cut one stitch at the center point and unravel the yarn to create a straight slit from the outer edge to the center. Secure the cut ends with a small stitch to prevent further unraveling.

Reinforce the Slit

With MC and a tapestry needle, whipstitch along both sides of the slit to reinforce the edges. This will prevent stretching and give a clean finish.

Weave in All Ends

Take your tapestry needle and carefully weave in all loose ends on the wrong side of the work. Make sure to secure them well so they don't come loose with use.

Blocking

Gently wet block the skirt to even out the lace and set the shape. Lay flat to dry, shaping the circle and straightening the slit. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful, professional finish and ensuring your lace panels open up properly.

Tips for Success

• Count your stitches regularly – especially during the increase rounds and lace panel sections. A stitch marker between each section will help you keep track.
• Use a lifeline – if you're new to lace knitting, thread a piece of scrap yarn through your stitches before starting the lace panels. This way, if you make a mistake, you can easily rip back to the lifeline without losing your work.
• Take your time with the slit – cutting your knitting can be intimidating, but as long as you reinforce the edges afterward, it will be secure. Practice on a swatch first if you're nervous.
• Blocking is essential – don't skip this step! Blocking will transform your skirt from a wrinkled circle into a beautiful, flat piece with defined lace.

This Frosted Forest Pine Tree Skirt is a labor of love that will reward you with a stunning, heirloom-quality piece for your holiday celebrations. The combination of textured stripes and delicate lace panels creates a truly unique design that captures the magic of a winter forest. Happy knitting, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and creativity!