Ten little circles and one long chain – that is the whole garland. This easy crochet Christmas garland uses a two-round circle that even a first-time crocheter can make in a few minutes. Work the circles in red, green and cream, string them on a chain, and you have about 6 ft / 1.8 m of handmade decoration for the mantel, the tree or the stairs.
In this tutorial
What You Need
- Worsted weight (#4) cotton or acrylic yarn in red, green and cream (about 4 g per circle, plus 10 g for the chain)
- 4 mm (G-6) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle and scissors
- Optional: a steam iron or spray bottle to flatten the circles
Abbreviations (US terms): MR = magic ring, ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, dc = double crochet, st(s) = stitch(es).
Free Crochet Circle Pattern (Baubles)
Make 10 circles: for example 4 red, 3 green and 3 cream. Work in joined rounds and do not turn.
Round 1: MR, ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), 12 dc in the ring. Pull the ring closed and sl st to the first dc. (12)
Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count), 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to the first dc. (24)
Fasten off and weave in both ends. Each circle measures about 3 in / 7.5 cm across. If the edges ruffle, your stitches are loose – go down half a hook size. If the circle cups, go up half a size.
Steam or spritz the circles with water and press them flat with your hands; let them dry before joining.
Join the Circles Into a Garland
Use green or cream yarn for the chain so it shows between the colours.
Step 1: Leave a 6 in / 15 cm tail and ch 25 for the hanging end.
Step 2: Pick up your first circle. Sl st through the top of any dc on its edge, then sl st through the next dc. The circle now hangs from the chain.
Step 3: Ch 15.
Step 4: Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until all 10 circles are joined, changing colours in the order you like.
Step 5: After the last circle, ch 25 for the second hanging end. Fasten off, leaving a 6 in tail, and tie each end into a small loop.
Lay the garland flat before you finish to check that the circles are evenly spaced. Counting the chains carefully is the secret to a neat result.
Free printable version
Prefer paper? Download this free tutorial as a printable PDF to keep next to your yarn.
Keep crocheting
Your next free pattern: Free Crochet Coaster Pattern for Beginners + Christmas Coaster Ideas. Free crochet coaster pattern for beginners: a flat round cotton coaster in 30 minutes, plus peppermint, snowflake and wreath ideas.
Free pattern · step by step · US terms
Make It Longer or Change the Look
- Longer garland: each extra circle plus its 15-chain gap adds roughly 6.5 in / 16 cm.
- Snowy version: swap some circles for our easy crochet snowflakes.
- Granny garland: join small granny squares by one corner instead of circles.
- Bauble look: add a tiny 3-stitch “cap” in gold yarn at the top of each circle before you join it.
Where to Hang Your Garland
- Along the mantel, with stockings hanging below
- Wrapped around the Christmas tree instead of tinsel
- Across a window or a kitchen shelf
- Around a doorway, or as the string for an advent calendar with little bags pegged on
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my circles look like little bowls?
You are crocheting tightly compared with the increases. Try a bigger hook, and make sure Round 2 has exactly 24 stitches.
Can I use leftover yarn?
Yes – this is a perfect scrap-buster. Just keep to one yarn weight so the circles are the same size.
How do I store it after Christmas?
Wind it loosely around a piece of cardboard so the chain does not tangle, and keep it in a dry box.
Can I make it outdoors-proof?
Use acrylic yarn, which dries quickly, and hang it under a porch roof. Cotton fades and stays damp outside.
Happy hooking! 🧶 Want more Christmas decorations? Try our crochet snowflakes and the Christmas coasters.
Leave a Reply