Starlight Meadow Gift Tag Ornaments Free Pattern – A Knitted Woodland Charm
Starlight Meadow Gift Tag Ornaments Free Pattern – A Knitted Woodland Charm
Add a touch of handmade magic to your presents this season with our Starlight Meadow Gift Tag Ornaments! These whimsical knitted tags are shaped like tiny forest trees, complete with a hanging loop and a stitched greeting space. Each tag is a miniature tapestry of textured stitches—perfect for adding a cozy, rustic charm to any gift. Whether you're crafting for the holidays, a woodland-themed party, or just because, these eco-friendly tags are a delightful way to say "made with love." Best of all, this free knitting pattern is beginner-friendly and works up quickly!
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather these simple supplies. The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn in three harmonious colors to create a set of three tags—one in each shade.
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or wool blend in:
- Forest Green (MC) – for the main tree body
- Cream (CC1) – for a contrasting trunk and tag
- Rust Orange (CC2) – for another contrasting trunk and tag
- Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional)
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (not critical, but aim for consistency)
Abbreviations
Familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations before starting:
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
- Kfb: Knit front and back (increase)
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- BO: Bind off
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create your own set of Starlight Meadow Gift Tag Ornaments. The pattern is broken into three parts: the tree tag, the trunk, and the hanging loop. Make one in each color for a vibrant trio, or stick to a single shade for a cohesive look.
Tree Tag (Make 1 in MC, 1 in CC1, 1 in CC2)
This section creates the main tree-shaped tag. The stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) gives a smooth surface that naturally rolls at the edges, mimicking tree bark. Work each row carefully, counting your stitches as you go.
Cast On: CO 15 sts.
Row 1 (RS): K all. (15 sts)
Row 2 (WS): P all. (15 sts)
Row 3: Kfb, K13, Kfb. (17 sts) – This increases one stitch at each edge to start widening the tree.
Row 4: P all. (17 sts)
Row 5: Kfb, K15, Kfb. (19 sts)
Row 6: P all. (19 sts)
Row 7: Kfb, K17, Kfb. (21 sts)
Row 8: P all. (21 sts)
Row 9: K all. (21 sts) – This is the widest point of the tree.
Row 10: P all. (21 sts)
Row 11: K2tog, K17, K2tog. (19 sts) – Now we begin decreasing to taper the tree toward the top.
Row 12: P all. (19 sts)
Row 13: K2tog, K15, K2tog. (17 sts)
Row 14: P all. (17 sts)
Row 15: K2tog, K13, K2tog. (15 sts)
Row 16: P all. (15 sts)
Row 17: K2tog, K11, K2tog. (13 sts)
Row 18: P all. (13 sts)
Row 19: K2tog, K9, K2tog. (11 sts)
Row 20: P all. (11 sts)
Row 21: K2tog, K7, K2tog. (9 sts)
Row 22: P all. (9 sts)
Row 23: K2tog, K5, K2tog. (7 sts)
Row 24: P all. (7 sts)
Row 25: K2tog, K3, K2tog. (5 sts)
Row 26: P all. (5 sts)
Row 27: K2tog, K1, K2tog. (3 sts)
Row 28: P all. (3 sts)
Row 29: K2tog, K1. (2 sts)
Row 30: K2tog. (1 st)
Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull through the last stitch to secure. Weave in the end later.
Trunk (Make 1 in CC1 or CC2, contrasting to the tag)
The trunk is worked in garter stitch (knit every row), which creates a bumpy, textured contrast to the smooth stockinette tree body. Choose a trunk color that contrasts with your tag—for example, a cream trunk on a forest green tree, or a rust orange trunk on a cream tree.
Cast On: CO 5 sts.
Rows 1-6: K all. (5 sts) – Work 6 rows of garter stitch.
Bind Off: BO all sts. Cut yarn, leaving a tail for sewing.
Attach Trunk: Using a tapestry needle and the yarn tail, sew the trunk to the bottom center of the tree tag. Position it so the trunk sits just below the widest point of the tree, centered horizontally. Use a whip stitch or mattress stitch for a neat finish.
Hanging Loop
This simple i-cord-style loop allows you to hang your tag from a gift with twine or ribbon.
Cast On: With MC (or a matching color), CO 10 sts.
Bind Off: BO all sts. Cut yarn, leaving a tail.
Form Loop: Fold the knitted strip in half to create a loop. Using the yarn tail, sew the two ends together securely.
Attach Loop: Sew the loop to the top point of the tree tag. Make sure the loop is centered and secure—this will bear the weight of the ornament.
Finishing Touches
Now it's time to personalize your tag and make it truly special.
Weave in Ends: Using a tapestry needle, weave in all loose yarn ends on the wrong side of the work. Trim any excess.
Add Greeting Area: Using a contrasting yarn (e.g., cream on green, rust on cream), stitch a small cross-stitch or running stitch in the center of the tree. This creates a designated "greeting" space—you can write a name or short message here with a fabric pen, or leave it as a decorative element.
Optional Embellishment: For extra charm, sew a small button or bead onto the tree to mimic a tree ornament. Position it near the center or slightly off to one side for a playful look.
Your Finished Ornament
Each finished tag measures approximately 3 inches tall and 2 inches wide—perfect for attaching to a gift with twine, ribbon, or a simple knot. The stockinette stitch gives the tree a smooth, slightly rolled edge that mimics natural bark, while the garter stitch trunk adds delightful texture. The embroidered cross-stitch in the center resembles a tiny gift or star, making each tag a miniature work of art.
These Starlight Meadow Gift Tag Ornaments are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly—they can be reused year after year or gifted as keepsakes. Make a set for yourself, or craft a batch to share with friends and family. Happy knitting!
