The Frosted Forest Wreath Ornament: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Miniature Holiday Wreath

Introducing the Frosted Forest Wreath Ornament

Capture the quiet beauty of a snow-dusted forest with this charming miniature wreath ornament. Using textured stitches and a soft, wintry palette, this quick project is perfect for adding a handmade touch to gifts, tree branches, or gift tags. The plump, puffy shape and creamy off-white color give it a frosted, snowy appearance, while the oatmeal-colored French knots mimic clusters of fresh snow. A simple forest green bow adds a pop of traditional holiday color. This pattern is designed for beginners and works up quickly with super bulky yarn.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (super bulky weight, 80% acrylic, 20% wool) in the following colors:
  • Color A (Fisherman) – for the wreath base and hanging loop
  • Color B (Oatmeal) – for the textured snow effect
  • Color C (Forest Green Heather) – for the bow (small amount)
• Hook: US Size N/P (10 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, fiberfill stuffing, scissors

Gauge: 4 sc x 4 rows = 2 inches in single crochet (not critical for this project).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes

• The wreath is worked in a continuous spiral. Do not join at the end of rounds unless specified.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
• You will make two identical circles and sew them together.

Wreath Base (make 2 identical pieces)

Round 1: With color A (Fisherman), make a magic ring. Work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)

Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)

Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat around. (24 stitches)

Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat around. (30 stitches)

Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat around. (36 stitches)

Round 7: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat around. (42 stitches)

Round 8: *Sc in the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat around. (48 stitches)

Round 9: *Sc in the next 7 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat around. (54 stitches)

Round 10: *Sc in the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch* repeat around. (60 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 18 inches) for sewing the two pieces together.

Assembly

1. Place the two circles together with wrong sides facing each other (the right sides will be on the outside).
2. Using the long tail from one piece and a tapestry needle, whip stitch the edges together. Insert the needle through both layers, about ¼ inch from the edge, and pull tight. Continue around, keeping stitches even and close together.
3. Leave a 1-inch opening when you are about 1 inch from completing the circle.
4. Lightly stuff the wreath with fiberfill through the opening. Do not overstuff; it should be plump but soft and squishy.
5. Continue whip stitching the opening closed. Weave in the yarn end securely by stitching through the edge a few times, then trim.

Textured Snow Effect

Using color B (Oatmeal) and a separate strand of yarn, embroider small, random French knots or tiny straight stitches across the surface of the wreath to mimic snow clusters. Here’s how to make a French knot:

1. Thread your tapestry needle with a 12-inch strand of Oatmeal yarn.
2. Bring the needle up from the back of the wreath to the front at your desired location.
3. Wrap the yarn around the needle 2-3 times (more wraps = larger knot).
4. Insert the needle back into the same hole (or very close to it) and gently pull the yarn through the wraps until a small knot forms on the surface.
5. Secure the knot by taking a small stitch on the back of the wreath.
6. Repeat randomly across the surface, spacing them about ½ to 1 inch apart. Aim for 8-12 knots total for a natural snow-dusted look.

Alternative: If you prefer, use a small amount of fluffy yarn (like Lion Brand Fun Fur) and stitch it on in small clusters for a fuzzy snow effect.

Bow

1. With color C (Forest Green Heather), chain 10.
2. Work 1 sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (9 sc)
3. Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail.
4. Tie the strip into a simple bow: fold the strip into a loop, wrap the center with the tail, and secure with a knot.
5. Attach the bow to the top of the wreath (at the point where you started and ended the whip stitch) by stitching through the center of the bow and into the wreath a few times. Weave in ends.

Hanging Loop

1. Cut a 6-inch strand of color A (Fisherman).
2. Fold it in half to form a loop.
3. Thread the folded loop through the back of the wreath at the top (just behind the bow).
4. Pull the two ends through the loop and tighten gently.
5. Trim the ends evenly to about 1 inch.

Your Frosted Forest Wreath Ornament is complete! Hang it on your tree, attach it to a gift, or give it as a handmade holiday keepsake. The soft, bumpy texture and subtle color contrast will bring a cozy, rustic charm to any space.