The Frosted Juniper Wreath: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Evergreen Christmas Ornament

The Frosted Juniper Wreath: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Evergreen Christmas Ornament

This isn't your grandmother's doily; it's a modern, sculptural wreath ornament that captures the quiet beauty of a snow-dusted forest. The intricate post stitches create a dense, textured evergreen, while a simple bead detail mimics frozen berries. Perfect for adding a handmade, minimalist touch to your holiday decor, this pattern is designed to be approachable for confident beginners while offering satisfying stitch work for more experienced crocheters.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (80% acrylic, 20% wool; 106 yds / 97m per 85g skein): 1 skein in 'Fisherman' (Color A) and 1 skein in 'Forest Green Heather' (Color B). Small amount of worsted weight yarn in red for berries.
• Hook/Needles: US Size L/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook, tapestry needle, stitch marker
• Gauge: First 4 rounds = 2 inches in diameter. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.
• Additional: Fiberfill stuffing, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Wreath Base (Make 2)

Note: Both bases are worked in continuous rounds. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.

Round 1: With Color B (Forest Green), make a magic ring. Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), work 11 hdc into ring. Pull the magic ring tight to close. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (12 hdc)

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in same st (this is the increase). 2 hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (24 hdc)

Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in same st. *Hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (36 hdc)

Round 4: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in same st. *Hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (48 hdc)

Round 5: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in same st. *Hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (60 hdc)

Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in same st. *Hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (72 hdc)

Round 7: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in same st. *Hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (84 hdc)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 18 inches) for sewing. Make a second identical piece. Do not fasten off the second piece yet; you will use its tail for assembly.

Wreath Texture (worked in the round on one base piece)

Note: This section creates the snowy, ribbed texture. Work only on one of the two base pieces.

Round 8: With right side facing, join Color A (Fisherman) with a sl st in any st. Ch 1. *Fpdc (front post double crochet) around next st, bpdc (back post double crochet) around next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to first fpdc. (84 sts)

Round 9: Ch 1. *Bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to first bpdc. (84 sts)

Round 10: Ch 1. *Fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to first fpdc. (84 sts)

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Assembly

1. Place the two base pieces together with wrong sides facing. The textured piece (with Color A) should be on top, and the plain green piece on the bottom.
2. Using the long tail from the second (plain) base piece and a tapestry needle, whip stitch the edges together. Insert the needle through both layers, about 1/4 inch from the edge, and pull tight. Continue around, leaving a 2-inch opening.
3. Stuff the wreath lightly with fiberfill to give it a plush, dimensional look. Do not overstuff; you want it to be soft and slightly squishy.
4. Continue whip stitching closed. Weave in ends securely.

Hanging Loop

Cut a 12-inch length of Color A. Thread through the top of the wreath at the center of the texture rounds (between the two base pieces). Tie the ends together in a knot to form a loop. Trim ends to about 1/2 inch.

Berries (Make 3-5)

Note: Use red worsted weight yarn and a smaller hook (size G/4.0 mm) for tighter stitches.

Round 1: Make a magic ring, ch 1, work 6 sc into ring. Pull tight. (6 sc)

Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)

Round 3: Sc in each st around. (12 sc)

Round 4: Sc2tog around. (6 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 8 inches). Stuff with a tiny bit of fiberfill (use the tip of a pencil or crochet hook to push it in). Use the tail to sew the berry to the wreath, clustering them together near the bottom or side. Weave in ends securely.

Your Frosted Juniper Wreath is complete! Hang it on your tree, gift it to a friend, or use it as a charming package topper. Happy crocheting!