The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, and creating memorable gatherings around the table. One of the best ways to add a personal, handmade touch to your festive setup is with crochet decorations. In this tutorial, we will make a crochet Christmas tree cutlery holder—a flat, tree-shaped piece that doubles as a placemat or decorative utensil pocket.
Not only is this project beginner-friendly, but it’s also quick to make, stylish, and reusable year after year. You can make a full set for your dining table, or even gift them to friends and family. These cutlery holders also work well for Christmas parties, cozy dinners, and holiday markets if you sell handmade crafts.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have your very own crochet Christmas tree table accessory, ready to impress your guests and elevate your holiday table setting.
Materials You Will Need
Gather these supplies before you begin:
Yarn:
- Green cotton yarn, worsted weight (#4 medium). Cotton yarn works best for table settings as it lies flat and washes easily.
- Optional: Add sparkle with a metallic green or yarn with a subtle shimmer.
Hook:
- 4.0 mm (G-6) crochet hook. If you crochet tightly, go up to a 4.5 mm.
Notions:
- Scissors.
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends.
- Stitch markers (optional, to help keep track).
Optional decorations:
- Small star appliqué for the tree top.
- Mini pom-poms, beads, or buttons to resemble ornaments.
- Ribbon for extra holiday flair.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rep – repeat
- inc – increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec – decrease (sc2tog)
Pattern Notes
- The tree is worked flat in rows.
- The shaping comes from simple increases and decreases.
- After finishing, you’ll add a small strap in the middle to hold cutlery in place.
- Finished size: approx. 9–10 inches tall, 8 inches wide at the base (depending on yarn and tension).
Step-by-Step Crochet Pattern
We’ll build this tree section by section: the base, middle layers (branches), and the top.
Step 1: Tree Base
- With green yarn, ch 31.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (30 sts)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (30 sts)
👉 This forms the flat bottom of the tree.
Step 2: First Layer of Branches
- Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Dec over first 2 sts, sc in next 26, dec over last 2 sts. (28 sts)
- Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (28 sts)
- Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, dec. (26 sts)
- Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (26 sts)
👉 You are shaping the first tier of the tree.
Step 3: Second Layer of Branches
- Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, dec. (24 sts)
- Row 8: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (24 sts)
- Row 9: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, dec. (22 sts)
- Row 10: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (22 sts)
Step 4: Third Layer of Branches
- Row 11: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, dec. (20 sts)
- Row 12: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (20 sts)
- Row 13: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, dec. (18 sts)
- Row 14: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (18 sts)
Step 5: Fourth Layer of Branches
- Row 15: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, dec. (16 sts)
- Row 16: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (16 sts)
- Row 17: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, dec. (14 sts)
- Row 18: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (14 sts)
Step 6: Tree Top
- Row 19: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, dec. (12 sts)
- Row 20: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (12 sts)
- Row 21: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, dec. (10 sts)
- Row 22: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (10 sts)
- Row 23: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, dec. (8 sts)
- Row 24: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (8 sts)
- Row 25: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, dec. (6 sts)
- Row 26: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (6 sts)
- Row 27: Ch 1, turn. Dec, sc across until 2 sts remain, dec. (4 sts)
- Row 28: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (4 sts)
- Row 29: Ch 1, turn. Dec twice. (2 sts)
- Row 30: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog. (1 st)
👉 The tree top comes to a perfect point.
Step 7: Border
- Ch 1 and sc evenly around the entire edge of the tree.
- Work 2 sc in each corner point to keep edges flat.
- Sl st to join, FO, and weave in ends.
Step 8: Adding the Cutlery Strap
- With green yarn, ch 16.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (15 sts)
- Row 2–4: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (15 sts)
- FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Position strap horizontally across the middle of the tree.
- Sew both ends securely to the back of the tree, leaving the center free to slip utensils through.
📌Thank you for reading the article.
Assembly and Finishing Touches
Weave in all yarn ends neatly with a yarn needle.
Lightly block your tree by dampening and pinning it flat until dry—this helps sharpen the edges of the “branches.”
Add optional embellishments:
- Sew a star button to the tip of the tree.
- Decorate branches with mini pom-poms or beads as ornaments.
- Embroider a little garland using gold or silver thread.
Tips for Beginners
- Count stitches at the end of every row to avoid unintentional increases or decreases.
- Use stitch markers at the start of each row to keep your edges neat.
- Try different yarns: cotton for flat and durable, acrylic for softer texture.
- Practice tension: keep your stitches even so the tree shape is symmetrical.
Variations and Styling Ideas
- Color Variations: Make trees in white (snowy pine), dark green, or striped green and red.
- Bigger Placemat: Use chunky yarn and a larger hook to make a tree large enough for an entire plate instead of just cutlery.
- Garland Use: Skip the strap and make multiple trees to hang on a string as festive bunting.
- Gift Idea: Place cutlery in the pocket along with a candy cane or small note for guests.
- Personalized Trees: Embroider initials on each one for family members.
Final Thoughts
This crochet Christmas tree cutlery holder is a simple yet elegant project that combines functionality with festive cheer. With basic stitches, clear shaping, and creative decorating options, even beginners can achieve beautiful results.
Imagine your holiday dinner table lined with these little trees, each holding shiny cutlery and perhaps a candy cane tucked inside. Handmade touches like this bring warmth, joy, and personality to seasonal gatherings.
Best of all, this is a quick project—you can complete one in under an hour once you get the hang of it. Make a set for your holiday table, or create extras as thoughtful gifts. Every stitch adds a little more magic to the season.