Two slim spiral trees hang from a pine branch, one in deep green and one in cream, each built from a single twisted ribbon of crochet that coils tighter at the top and opens wider toward the base. Small red beads are scattered along the coils, the green one has a fine gold bead line running along the spiral edge, and both finish with a gold jingle bell at the bottom and a red bow at the top where the hanging loop attaches. The green tree carries a second small tan bow just above its bell.
The spiral is the whole trick. Instead of shaping a cone in rounds, each tree looks like a long, narrow strip worked as a continuous band that is allowed to twist into a coil. That is a much lighter build than a stuffed amigurumi tree, and it explains why the ornaments look so slim and hang so well from a branch.
This suits crocheters who want a quick holiday make and have already done basic increases and small motifs. It is also a good stash project, since each ornament uses very little yarn.
Reading the Construction
The flat-lay shows the spiral pieces laid out before assembly: a green coil and a cream coil, each loose and springy, alongside separate bows, a bell, and a small hanging cord. That points to a strip that is worked long and narrow, then wound around something to set the coil shape, such as a pencil, dowel, or cone form.
The spiral widens from top to bottom, so the strip itself probably widens too, with a few extra stitches added as it grows, or it is wound onto a cone-shaped form so the coils spread naturally. The edge looks firm and slightly raised, which suggests a dense stitch like single crochet or slip stitch worked into the sides, and this is what lets the coil hold its shape.
The red beads look like they were sewn on afterward at irregular intervals, or threaded onto the yarn and placed as the strip was worked. The gold bead line on the green tree follows the edge of the coil like a garland, which would be easier to add after the spiral is set.
The bows look like small flat crocheted bows, tied or stitched at the center. The bell is a standard metal jingle bell, probably attached with a short loop of yarn.
Materials You’ll Need
- Green and cream yarn (a smooth, fine cotton or cotton blend is a reasonable suggestion, since crisp stitches keep the coil defined)
- Red yarn for the bows
- A small amount of tan or gold-toned yarn for the second bow, if you want it
- Small red beads and fine gold beads
- Two gold jingle bells
- A crochet hook sized to your yarn (see below)
- A cone form, pencil, or dowel to wind and set the coil
- Stiffener such as fabric stiffener or diluted white glue, if you want the spiral to hold firmly
- Yarn needle, sewing needle, and thread for beads
- Scissors
Yarn and Hook Notes
The coils look slim and fine, so a fingering to light DK cotton is a sensible starting point, with a hook roughly in the 2mm to 2.75mm range. Work a little tighter than the label suggests so the strip stays firm. Mercerized cotton gives a slight sheen and crisp edges. Test one strip first and wind it to see how many coils you get before committing to a batch.
Skill Level
Confident beginner. The stitches are basic and the pieces are small. What takes care is keeping the strip even in width, shaping the widening gradually, and sewing on beads and bows neatly at such a small scale.
Stitches Likely Involved
- Chain (ch): foundation, the hanging loop, and the bows
- Slip stitch (sl st): firm edging and joining
- Single crochet (sc): the strip itself and edging
- Half double crochet (hdc): optional, for a slightly taller band
- Increase (inc): widening the strip toward the base
- A small flat bow: worked as a short strip, then pinched at the center
Building It: A Practical Sequence
Make the strip. Work a narrow band in rows, adding a stitch here and there so it widens gradually toward the bottom.
Edge it firmly. A round of single crochet or slip stitch along both long edges helps the coil keep its shape.
Wind it onto a form. Spiral the strip around a cone, dowel, or pencil, with the narrow end at the top and the wide end at the base. Pin it in place.
Set the shape. If you want a firm coil, apply stiffener and let it dry fully before removing the form.
Add the beads. Sew the red beads on at uneven intervals, and the gold line along the edge for the green version.
Make the bows. Crochet small strips, pinch them at the center, and wrap with a thread or a short length of yarn.
Attach the hardware. Stitch the bell at the base and the bow at the top, and add a hanging loop of cord.
Adjusting the Fit and Look
Height depends on the length of the strip. A longer strip gives a taller tree or more coils, and a shorter one gives a stubby ornament. Using a thicker yarn and bigger hook makes a larger tree for a mantel, while a finer one gives a delicate tree for a branch.
Colors are easy to swap. White with silver beads would read as snowy, and a red coil with gold beads would look different again. For a quicker version, skip the second bow and beads and let the spiral and bell do the work.
Where It’s Easy to Go Wrong
A strip that curls unevenly. If the edges are worked at different tensions, the coil twists lopsidedly. Edge both sides the same way.
A spiral that collapses. Without stiffener or a firm stitch, the coil will droop. Test one before making a batch.
Beads that pull the strip. Heavy beads can drag fine crochet. Use small, light beads and attach them securely.
A bell that is too heavy. A large jingle bell will stretch the base. Pick small ones, or reinforce the attachment with extra yarn.
Bows that look limp. Use a slightly smaller hook and consider a bit of stiffener on the bow.
Care
These are decorations rather than wearables, so spot cleaning and gentle dusting are enough. Avoid washing if the coil is stiffened, since water can undo the shape. Store flat in a box or hang on a branch away from damp, and keep small beads and bells out of reach of children and pets.
Common Questions
Do I have to stiffen the spiral?
No, but without stiffener the coil will be softer and may droop. A firm stitch and a tight gauge help a lot.
Can I make these bigger?
Yes. Use thicker yarn, a larger hook, and a longer strip, and wind it on a bigger cone.
Are these safe for kids?
Beads and bells are small parts, so they suit decor rather than toys.
Can I use a different color?
Yes. Any color combination works, and white or red versions look festive too.
