Starlight Spruce Tabletop Tree: A Free Knitted Nordic Forest Charm

Bring a whisper of Nordic winter to your table with this enchanting knitted tree, adorned with delicate star-shaped ornaments. Its textured spiral trunk and soft, snowy tips create a cozy, heirloom-worthy centerpiece that captures the magic of a Scandinavian forest in miniature. This free pattern is perfect for knitters of all levels, and the finished piece makes a thoughtful handmade gift or a charming addition to your own holiday décor.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three shades:
  • Deep Forest Green (MC) – approximately 120 yards
  • Cream (CC1) – approximately 30 yards
  • Gold (CC2) – approximately 20 yards
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, stitch marker (optional), fiberfill stuffing

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS). Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size, so take a moment to check your tension before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This tree is knitted flat in two mirror-image panels, then seamed and lightly stuffed. The star ornaments are knitted separately and attached. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful tabletop tree in no time.

Tree Panel (Make 2)

Using MC, cast on 30 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all.
Row 3: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (28 stitches)
Row 4: Purl all.
Row 5: Knit all.
Row 6: Purl all.
Row 7: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (26 stitches)
Row 8: Purl all.
Row 9: Knit all.
Row 10: Purl all.
Row 11: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (24 stitches)
Row 12: Purl all.
Row 13: Knit all.
Row 14: Purl all.
Row 15: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (22 stitches)
Row 16: Purl all.
Row 17: Knit all.
Row 18: Purl all.
Row 19: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (20 stitches)
Row 20: Purl all.
Row 21: Knit all.
Row 22: Purl all.
Row 23: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (18 stitches)
Row 24: Purl all.
Row 25: Knit all.
Row 26: Purl all.
Row 27: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (16 stitches)
Row 28: Purl all.
Row 29: Knit all.
Row 30: Purl all.
Row 31: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (14 stitches)
Row 32: Purl all.
Row 33: Knit all.
Row 34: Purl all.
Row 35: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (12 stitches)
Row 36: Purl all.
Row 37: Knit all.
Row 38: Purl all.
Row 39: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (10 stitches)
Row 40: Purl all.
Row 41: Knit all.
Row 42: Purl all.
Row 43: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (8 stitches)
Row 44: Purl all.
Row 45: Knit all.
Row 46: Purl all.
Row 47: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (6 stitches)
Row 48: Purl all.
Row 49: Knit all.
Row 50: Purl all.
Row 51: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (4 stitches)
Row 52: Purl all.
Row 53: K2tog twice. (2 stitches)
Row 54: Purl all.
Row 55: K2tog. (1 stitch)

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the remaining stitch to secure. Weave in all ends neatly.

Trunk (Make 2)

Using CC1, cast on 10 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until the trunk measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge. Bind off all stitches. Weave in ends.

Star Ornaments (Make 3)

Using CC2, cast on 5 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all.
Row 3: K1, k2tog, k2. (4 stitches)
Row 4: Purl all.
Row 5: K1, k2tog, k1. (3 stitches)
Row 6: Purl all.
Row 7: K1, k2tog. (2 stitches)
Row 8: Purl all.
Row 9: K2tog. (1 stitch)

Cut yarn, pull through the remaining stitch. This forms one point of the star. Repeat to make 5 points total, but do not cut yarn after the last point. Instead, continue to join the points:

Joining the points: With the last point still on the needle, pick up and knit 1 stitch from the base of the previous point, then knit the remaining stitch from the last point. You will have 2 stitches. Knit these 2 stitches together. Bind off. This creates a 5-pointed star shape. Weave in ends.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring all the pieces together to create your charming tabletop tree.

1. Seam the tree panels: Place the two tree panels together with right sides facing. Using the tapestry needle and MC yarn, sew along the side edges using a mattress stitch or whip stitch, leaving the bottom open. Turn the tree right side out.
2. Stuff the tree: Stuff the tree lightly with fiberfill to give it a soft, plump shape. Be careful not to overstuff, as you want the tree to maintain its conical form without looking stretched.
3. Close the bottom: Sew the bottom of the tree closed with a whip stitch, using MC yarn.
4. Attach the trunk: Place one trunk piece on each side of the tree's base, aligning the cast-on edges with the bottom edge of the tree. Sew them in place using CC1 yarn, leaving the bottom of the trunk open.
5. Stuff the trunk: Stuff the trunk lightly, then sew the bottom closed with CC1 yarn.
6. Attach the stars: Sew the star ornaments onto the tree at random intervals, using a tapestry needle and CC2 yarn. Make sure they are securely attached by stitching through the back of the star and into the tree body several times.
7. Optional hanging loop: If you'd like to hang your tree, create a small loop of CC1 yarn at the top of the tree. Simply thread a 6-inch piece of CC1 through the top stitch, tie the ends together, and weave in the tails. Otherwise, leave it as a tabletop piece.

Your Starlight Spruce Tabletop Tree is complete! This charming piece will bring a touch of Nordic warmth to any room. Whether displayed on a mantel, bookshelf, or as a centerpiece, it's sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Happy knitting!