Starlight Poinsettia Tree Skirt Free Pattern – A Celestial Knit Holiday Heirloom

Wrap your Christmas tree in a celestial embrace with this stunning knitted tree skirt. Deep emerald greens meet garnet reds and shimmering gold accents in a design that transforms each poinsettia bloom into a textured star. This heirloom-quality centerpiece will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions for years to come. Best of all, this free pattern is beginner-friendly, with clear instructions that guide you from the very first cast-on to the final blocking.

Whether you're an experienced knitter looking for a new festive project or a beginner ready to tackle something special, this tree skirt delivers a beautiful, professional result. The combination of a raised star motif, delicate poinsettia flowers, and a golden garter stitch edge creates a rich, cozy texture that will make your tree the focal point of any room.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All yarn amounts are approximate, so it's always wise to purchase an extra skein of each color to ensure you don't run out mid-project.

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
  • MC (Main Color): Emerald green – approximately 800 yards
  • CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Garnet red – approximately 400 yards
  • CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Gold – approximately 200 yards
  • CC3 (Contrast Color 3): Cream – approximately 100 yards

Needles & Notions

• US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles, 32-inch or longer (for the main body)
• US 8 (5.0 mm) double-pointed needles (for small sections and the star motif)
• Stitch markers (at least 10)
• Yarn needle (for weaving in ends and sewing flowers)
• Scissors
• Blocking mats and pins (optional but recommended)

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge before starting to ensure your finished skirt is the correct size. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This tree skirt is knitted in the round from the center outward, then split for the opening. It features a textured star motif and embroidered poinsettia flowers. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful heirloom piece in no time.

Abbreviations

k = knit, p = purl, yo = yarn over, k2tog = knit two together, ssk = slip slip knit, pm = place marker, sm = slip marker, st(s) = stitch(es), MC = main color, CC1 = contrast color 1, CC2 = contrast color 2, CC3 = contrast color 3.

Center Circle

With MC, cast on 8 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.

• Round 1: *k1, yo* repeat around (16 sts).
• Round 2: *k2, yo* repeat around (24 sts).
• Round 3: *k3, yo* repeat around (32 sts).

Continue increasing in this manner (knit all stitches, yo before marker) until you have 120 stitches. You will have a flat circle. Work even in stockinette for 2 inches.

Star Motif Section

This section creates the beautiful raised star in the center of your skirt. The decreases will naturally form the star shape.

• Round 1 (CC2): *k12, pm* repeat around (10 markers).
• Round 2: *k2tog, k8, ssk* repeat around (100 sts).
• Round 3: *k10* repeat around.
• Round 4: *k2tog, k6, ssk* repeat around (80 sts).
• Round 5: *k8* repeat around.
• Round 6: *k2tog, k4, ssk* repeat around (60 sts).
• Round 7: *k6* repeat around.
• Round 8: *k2tog, k2, ssk* repeat around (40 sts).
• Round 9: *k4* repeat around.
• Round 10: *k2tog, ssk* repeat around (20 sts).
• Round 11: *k2tog* repeat around (10 sts).

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in the end. This creates a raised star in the center of your skirt.

Skirt Body

Now we'll build the main body of the tree skirt. With MC, pick up and knit 120 stitches along the outer edge of the star motif. Join in the round.

• Round 1: *k12, pm* repeat around.
• Round 2: *k1, yo, k10, yo, k1* repeat around (140 sts).
• Round 3: *k14* repeat around.
• Round 4: *k1, yo, k12, yo, k1* repeat around (160 sts).

Continue increasing in this pattern (knit all stitches, yo before and after the center stitch of each section) until you have 240 stitches. Work even in stockinette for 4 inches.

Poinsettia Embellishment

These beautiful flowers are worked separately and sewn onto the skirt. Make 5 poinsettia flowers with CC1 and CC3.

Flower (make 5)

With CC1, cast on 6 stitches. Work back and forth in stockinette for 2 inches. Bind off. This is a petal. Make 5 petals per flower. Sew petals together in a star shape. With CC3, make a French knot in the center. Sew flowers evenly around the skirt.

Pro tip: To make a French knot, bring the yarn through to the front, wrap it around the needle 2-3 times, then insert the needle back down near where it came up. Gently pull through to create a small, tight knot.

Opening and Edging

This final section creates the opening for the tree trunk and adds the beautiful golden border.

1. Place the skirt flat. Mark the center of one section.
2. Cut yarn. With the right side facing, begin at the center back and work back and forth in rows, decreasing 1 stitch at each edge every 4 rows until you have 120 stitches.
3. Bind off all stitches.
4. With CC2, pick up and knit 1 stitch for every bound-off stitch along the entire edge.
5. Knit 3 rows of garter stitch (knit every row).
6. Bind off. Weave in all ends.

Finishing Touches

Block gently to shape. This step is crucial for achieving that professional, polished look. Soak the skirt in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash, then lay it flat on blocking mats. Pin it to the desired shape and dimensions, paying special attention to the star motif and the edges. Allow it to dry completely before placing it around your tree.

Your Starlight Poinsettia Tree Skirt is now complete! This heirloom-quality piece will bring warmth and celestial beauty to your holiday home for generations. The combination of rich colors, textured star, and delicate poinsettia flowers creates a truly magical centerpiece for your Christmas tree.

Happy knitting, and may your holidays be filled with light and love!