Knit Tabletop Christmas Trees – Pattern in 5 Sizes

Create your own cozy handmade forest for the holidays with my new Knit Tabletop Christmas Trees Collection, a holiday pattern available in five sizes. These narrow cone-shaped trees are knitted in the round from the top down. Using thick super bulky weight yarn, this design features easy knit stitches that create simple, sculptural textures.

Get your free written pattern instructions for all five winter tree sizes in different knit stitch pattern textures below.

About the Design

Perfect for Christmas decorating or gifting, each tree adds warmth and handmade charm to your home’s seasonal display on your mantel or holiday table. This collection grew from my love of simple, modern holiday décor. Whether you choose cozy wool, soft neutrals, or festive metallics, these knitted trees fit effortlessly into any winter holiday theme.

Skill Level: Intermediate. This pattern is ideal for those comfortable knitting in-the-round on double-pointed needles.

Knitting Construction

This project forms a narrow cone shape that tapers smoothly from top to bottom. Each tree begins at the top and is worked top-down, gradually increasing at the edges to create its signature three-dimensional shape.

Estimated Time: 1–4 hours per tree, depending on size.

Two Textures from One Stitch

With just one stitch pattern, you can create two distinct looks for your knitted trees. The Stockinette Stitch forms a smooth, classic surface that highlights your yarn’s color and shape. When you turn your work inside out, the Reverse Stockinette side reveals a softly textured, rustic finish. This simple switch lets you choose between modern and cozy styles without changing the pattern, giving you two beautiful textures from one easy technique.

Christmas Tree Sizes

This Knit Tabletop Tree Collection includes five sizes ranging from small ornaments to large centerpiece trees. Each is knit from the top down, increasing gradually at regular intervals to shape the cone.

Size Options:

• Extra Small – 4.5” tall × 6.5” cir base (11.5 x 16.5 cm)
• Small – 6” tall × 8” cir base (15 x 20 cm)
• Medium – 8” tall × 9.5” cir base (20 x 24 cm)
• Large – 10” tall × 12” cir base (25.5 x 30.5 cm)
• Extra Large – 12” tall × 13.5” cir base (30.5 x 34.5 cm)

Gauge and Swatching

Before beginning, knit a small swatch in stockinette stitch to confirm your gauge. My gauge is approximately 9 stitches and 14 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette, worked in the round on US 11 (8.0 mm) needles using the recommended Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn.

Creating a quick swatch helps confirm that your stitches and rows align with the pattern. If your gauge is too tight, try a larger needle size. If it’s too loose, switch to a smaller one. Matching gauge ensures your finished trees reach their intended shape and height.

• Yarn: Super Bulky Size #6 Weight Yarn (10 – 100 yards)
  Samples are knit with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, color Fisherman
  See yarn amounts by tree size below >
• 4 DPNs: Double Pointed Needles, size 7 inch US 11 / 8 mm
• Tapestry Needle
• Scissors
• Foam Craft Cones
• Crochet Hook, size 8 mm (optional for embellishment)
• Poly-Fil (optional, if not using foam craft cones)
• Beads (optional) They should be large hole beads to allow the thick yarn to enter. I used pearly beads (size 10×8 mm, hole: 5 mm) and a variety of blue decorative beads (size 10×14 mm, hole 4.8 mm).

Yarn Amount by Tree Size

This recommended yarn holds its shape beautifully and can be displayed with poly-fil stuffing. However, I strongly recommend finding foam craft cones for consistent shaping. The pattern was developed using a variety of standard craft cone sizes.

Each Knit Tabletop Tree uses a small amount of super bulky yarn, making this an ideal project for leftover skeins or partial balls. The following yardages are based on Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Solids (170 g / 106 yds per skein).

• Extra Small – 17 yards (15.5 m), 4.5” tall × 6.5” circumference
• Small – 24 yards (22 m), 6” tall × 8” circumference
• Medium – 31 yards (28 m), 8” tall × 9.5” circumference
• Large – 41 yards (37.5 m), 10” tall × 12” circumference
• Extra Large – 56 yards (42 m), 12” tall × 13.5” circumference

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Decorating Your Knit Tabletop Trees

Once your knitted trees are complete, it’s time to trim and style them with handmade details. Add cozy texture, a bit of sparkle, or natural simplicity to match your holiday theme. Here are easy garland and ornament ideas you can make with leftover yarn, perfect for wrapping, draping, or layering around your tree.

1. Knitted I-Cord Garland
   Create a continuous knitted cord using my I-Cord Tutorial on Studio Knit. I knitted my sample with a 3-stitch i-cord, which creates a thick rope. It drapes beautifully and adds a handmade finish to your tree.
2. Crochet Foundation Chain Garland
   A crochet chain makes an elegant wraparound garland. For beginner-friendly instructions, see Yarnspirations’ Crochet Chain Stitch Tutorial.
3. Braided Yarn Garland
   Combine three strands of yarn to make a simple braided garland. For clear visual steps, see this Three Strand Braid Tutorial by Animated Knots.
4. Knitting with Beads
   Adding beads is another beautiful way to customize your project. I have a complete Studio Knit tutorial on adding beads to knitting with step-by-step instructions.
5. Yarn Color Changes
   Design your own trees by changing yarn colors. You can also experiment with self-striping yarn for natural color shifts.

Display and Styling Ideas

• Arrange your trees by height for an elegant tabletop display.
• Pair them with candles, pinecones, or fairy lights for a warm holiday glow.
• Create a mantel scene with different yarn textures for contrast.
• Use smaller sizes as gift toppers or accents in your Christmas village.

Whether you knit one as a single statement piece or create the entire five-tree collection, these designs bring a modern, handmade charm to your holiday decorating.

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Knitting Techniques

Need to brush up or learn a new technique? Check out my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help you along as you knit up this project. 

• Slip Knot 
• CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
• Knitting in the Round on Double-Pointed Needles
• K = Knit Stitch
• M1 = Make One Increase
• Bind Off
• Weave in Yarn Tails