How to Crochet a Tree Skirt

4mm crochet hook (or hook size required to meet stated gauge/tension)

Knitcraft Make the Change DK (85% Recycled Polyester, 15% Recycled Acrylic; 100g/206m)

Yarn A: Biscuit x 4 balls

Yarn B: Green x 1 ball

Yarn C: Demin x 1 ball

Yarn D: Lilac x 1 ball

Yarn E: Cream x 1 ball

Yarn F: Mustard x 1 ball

Gauge/Tension

16 sts by 18 rows to measure 10cm using 4mm crochet hook, or hook required to meet stated tension.

Measurements

Each panel - 50cm/19.75” wide (at widest point) by 42cm/16.5” long.

Constructed - 100cm/39.5” diameter.

Abbreviations

ch(s) chain(s)

dc double crochet

dc2tog double crochet two st together

lp(s) loop(s)

RS right side

sl st slip stitch

st(s) stitch(es)

WS wrong side

yo yarn over

[ ] st counts

YA – Yarn A

YB – Yarn B

YC – Yarn C

YD – Yarn D

YE – Yarn E

YF – Yarn F

Pattern Notes

Tree skirt is worked flat, in six pieces and joined on completion.

Starting/turning 1ch does not count as a st throughout.

Work is turned at the end of each row.

To create the triangle shape, each panel is decreased at the beginning of every six rows out of seven, as shown on the Chart. For example, Row 1 has no decrease, Rows 2-7 work dc2tog (decrease) at the beginning of each row, continue to follow the pattern as directed.

To work the tapestry crochet Rows 3-76 follow the Chart. The first two tapestry crochet rows (Rows 3-4) have been written out as a guide.

When working from Chart, odd number rows (RS) are worked from right to left and even number rows (WS) are worked from left to right.

To prevent work from becoming too bulky not all yarn colours are carried across the row. When indicated leave yarn on the WS of the work to be picked up again in the following row. It may be necessary to join multiple separate yarn balls to assist with this, as set out below.

Yarn A is always carried within sts when not being used to work the current st.

Yarns B-F are left on WS of work when last st has been made in that colour for that specific motif repeat.

Row 3 join main yarn B ball (Christmas trees and stalks).

Row 19 join two separate 7m yarn C balls (one for each blue flower). Do not carry yarn C between motifs.

Row 20 join main yarn D ball (berries).

Row 35 join two separate 2m yarn E balls (one for each snowflake). Do not carry yarn E between motifs.

Row 44 join two separate 2m yarn F balls (one for each U shape). Do not carry yarn F between motifs.

Row 46 join main yarn E ball (snowflake).

Row 50 join two separate 1.5m yarn D balls (one for each semicircle).

Row 55 join main yarn F ball (triangles).

Row 57 join main yarn C ball (triangles).

Row 64 join main yarn D ball (heart).

Download the Chart here

Colour changes are made with the last yo of the previous st.

The yarn colours not currently being worked can be carried within the sts, as sts are worked over the top OR they can be left on the WS of the work to be picked up in the following row, as directed. #

Gently pull the non-active yarns before changing colour to ensure that all yarns lay flat within the work.

Colour changes are worked as follows: With first colour, insert hook into st, yo, pull through, release first colour, yo with second colour, pull through both lps on hook. 

With yarn A, ch 79

Row 1 (RS): Dc in 2nd ch from the hook (starting 1ch does not count as a st), 1dc in each st across, turn. [78 dc]

Row 2 (WS): 1ch (does not count as a st throughout), dc2tog, 1dc in each st across, turn. [77 dc]

Rows 3-74 are tapestry crochet rows. To work these rows follow the Chart. The first two rows have been written out as a guide.

Row 3: 1ch, dc2tog, 11dc, with yarn B, 1dc, with yarn A, 16dc, with yarn B, 1dc, with yarn A, 7dc, with yarn B, 1dc, with yarn A, 8dc, with yarn B, 1dc, with yarn A, 16dc, with yarn B, 1dc, with yarn A, 12dc, turn. [76 dc]

Row 4: 1ch, dc2tog, 10dc, with yarn B, 1dc, with yarn A, 16dc, with yarn B, 1dc, with yarn yarn A, 8dc, with yarn B, 1dc, with yarn A, 7dc, with yarn B, 1dc, with yarn A, 16dc, with yarn B, 1dc, with yarn A, 12dc, turn. [75 dc]

Rows 5-74: Continue to follow Chart. Dc2tog at the beginning of all rows apart from the following: Rows 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 57, 64 and 71.

Row 75:  1ch, dc2tog, 1dc in each st across, turn. [14 dc]

Row 76: 1ch, dc2tog, 1dc in each st across, turn. [13 dc]

Row 77: 1ch, dc2tog, 1dc in each st across, turn. [12 dc]

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Block before construction.

Repeat instructions to make 5 more panels.

Finishing

To join the panels, hold two panels WS together. Using yarn A and starting from the bottom of the panel (Row 1), insert hook through both pieces of crochet fabric, work 1dc in each panel piece row end up the panel side, joining the corresponding rows. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat to join the next four panels. Do not attach the first panel to the last panel, leaving the circle open to allow the skirt to be fitted around the Christmas tree.

To finish, using yarn A and starting at the bottom of each panel (Row 1), work 1dc in each row end up the side of the first and last panels.

Fasten off and weave in all ends.