This Fan Stitch Christmas Tree Crochet Pattern creates a slim green ornament with layered pairs of curved branches, little openings along the center, and a soft tassel underneath. The tiny top fan grows into five larger tiers, giving the tree its graceful tapered shape.
Use deep evergreen cotton for the look of the reference. The tree is worked flat with a simple center-return technique, then finished with a matching hanging loop and a neatly wrapped tassel.
Fan Stitch Christmas Tree Crochet Pattern: Project Details
- Skill level: confident beginner familiar with double crochet and slip stitches.
- Terms: US crochet terminology.
- Estimated size: approximately 16–20 cm long including the tassel, excluding the hanging loop; size varies with materials and blocking.
- Construction: six paired fan tiers worked from the top down, with a return along one fan to reach the central space between tiers.
- Finish: one color throughout, open center, no stuffing, and a green tassel instead of a trunk.
This is an original image-inspired adaptation rather than a transcription of another designer’s pattern. Stitch totals have been reviewed, but this version has not been physically crocheted or independently tested. Use the written instructions for the exact construction.
Materials
- Approximately 15–20 g of smooth sport-weight cotton in emerald or forest green.
- A 2.5–3 mm hook, or a size that produces defined but flexible stitches.
- Tapestry needle and small sharp scissors.
- A piece of firm card about 6 cm tall for winding the tassel.
- Blocking mat and rustproof pins.
- Two removable markers, optional, for identifying the central chain space.
A smooth cotton gives the fans a clear outline and helps the tree hold its shape. Avoid changing yarn weights halfway through the ornament, because the central spaces and fan widths need to increase evenly. The tassel should be made from the same yarn so its color and weight suit the tree.
Responsivo Post 01 – P1
Abbreviations and Counting Notes
- ch: chain.
- sl st: slip stitch.
- dc: double crochet.
- st / sts: stitch / stitches.
- ch-sp: chain space.
- Paired fan: a group of dc, ch 2, and the same number of dc worked into one central space.
The beginning ch 3 counts as the first dc of each tier. All stitch totals below include that beginning chain. The central ch 2 is counted separately. Slip stitches used to return to the center do not count as new fan stitches. This design uses ordinary dc stitches placed together; do not join their tops into a cluster.
Understand the Center-Return Technique
Each tier is one paired fan: both sides are worked into the same foundation ring or central ch-2 space. After completing a tier, your hook is at an outside edge. Turn the work, slip stitch across the dc group nearest the hook, then slip stitch into the central ch-2 space. You are now ready to make the next, wider tier.
For example, after Tier 2 there are four dc on each side. Turn, sl st in each of the four dc on the side nearest the hook, then sl st into the ch-2 space. Keep these return stitches relaxed. They form a subtle ridge over that fan and should not pull the lobe into a tight curl.
Do not crochet across the second fan to the opposite outside edge. The next tier begins in the center. If it helps, place a marker in each new ch-2 space before turning.
1. Start the Small Top Fan
Ch 4 and join with a sl st to the first chain, forming a small foundation ring.
Tier 1: Ch 3, work 2 dc into the ring, ch 2, work 3 dc into the same ring.
Turn. Sl st in each of the three dc nearest the hook, then sl st into the central ch-2 space. The initial ring is the tip of the tree; the central space is where the next tier begins. Keep the ring small, but do not pull the surrounding stitches so tightly that the tip twists.
2. Grow the Paired Fan Branches
- Tier 2:In the central ch-2 space, work ch 3, 3 dc, ch 2, 4 dc. Turn; sl st across the four dc nearest the hook and into the central ch-2 space.
- Tier 3:In the central ch-2 space, work ch 3, 4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc. Turn; sl st across the five dc nearest the hook and into the central ch-2 space.
- Tier 4:In the central ch-2 space, work ch 3, 5 dc, ch 2, 6 dc. Turn; sl st across the six dc nearest the hook and into the central ch-2 space.
- Tier 5:In the central ch-2 space, work ch 3, 6 dc, ch 2, 7 dc. Turn; sl st across the seven dc nearest the hook and into the central ch-2 space.
- Tier 6:In the central ch-2 space, work ch 3, 7 dc, ch 2, 8 dc. Turn; sl st across the eight dc nearest the hook and into the central ch-2 space.
Fasten off with a 15 cm tail. There are six paired tiers in all, with a total of 66 dc across the complete tree. The final return places the tail at the bottom center, ready to help secure the tassel. Do not add a border around the branches: the curved dc groups create the outline.
Responsivo Post 02 – P2
Before finishing, count each side separately: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 dc from top to bottom. If one side is shorter, check whether the beginning ch 3 was counted correctly. A missing stitch is easier to fix now than after blocking.
3. Shape and Block the Tree
Dampen the tree lightly and place it flat on a blocking mat. Arrange the foundation ring at the top and the final central space at the bottom. Spread each pair of fans evenly to the left and right, making a narrow tip and a broad base.
