This little wreath ornament looks like a piece of vintage holiday jewelry. It’s an open oval ring covered in round, raised popcorn stitches that catch the light like beads. A cream bow with two pointed loops and a wrapped center knot sits at the bottom center.
The whole ornament is worked in cream or light tan yarn with a strand of gold metallic thread held together throughout. The gold doesn’t show as a separate color. It runs through every stitch and gives the piece a soft, even shimmer. A gold cord at the top center lets it hang vertically on a tree, a door knob or a gift.
The pattern uses US crochet terms. The finished wreath measures about 5 in (12.7 cm) tall and 3.75 in (9.5 cm) wide, with an inner opening of about 3 in x 1.75 in (7.6 cm x 4.4 cm).
Construction is simple. You work a chain ring, then six rounds outward. Two of those rounds are popcorn rounds. Increases are placed only at the top and bottom curves, which creates the oval. You then make two small teardrop-shaped bow loops and a tiny knot strip, assemble the bow, sew it on and add the hanging cord.
Finished Size and Construction
- Finished size: about 5 in (12.7 cm) tall x 3.75 in (9.5 cm) wide
- Inner opening: about 3 in x 1.75 in (7.6 cm x 4.4 cm)
- Skill level: Intermediate (popcorn stitches, shaped increases)
- Terminology: US crochet terms
- Yarn: sport weight (2) cotton held together with fine gold metallic thread
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E-4)
- Number of pieces: 1 wreath ring, plus 2 bow loops and 1 knot strip for the bow, plus 1 hanging cord
- Layout: a single vertical oval, with the bow at the bottom center and the cord at the top center
- Ring band width: 1 in (2.5 cm)
- Size before border (after Rnd 5): about 4.6 in x 3.35 in (11.7 cm x 8.5 cm)
- Border depth: about 0.2 in (0.5 cm), one round of sc
- Bow size: about 3 in (7.6 cm) wide x 1 in (2.5 cm) tall
Materials
Yarn advice: Choose a smooth, mercerized cotton in sport weight. Cotton holds popcorn stitches crisply and blocks well. Pair it with a fine metallic thread, sometimes sold as metallic embroidery or crochet thread. Hold one strand of each together for every part of the ornament, including the bow. This keeps the shimmer and texture consistent across the piece.
- Cream or light tan sport weight cotton: 12 g, about 40 m (43.7 yd)
- Gold fine metallic thread: 5 g, about 45 m (49.2 yd). This covers 40 m held with the cream, plus the hanging cord.
Quantities include a margin of about 20% for gauge swatching and weaving in. Grams per meter vary by brand, so go by length when you buy.
Tools:
– 3.5 mm (E-4) crochet hook
– 4 locking stitch markers
– Tapestry needle
– Scissors
– Blocking mat or foam board and rust-proof pins
– Spray bottle with water
– Ruler or tape measure
– Optional: 6 in (15.2 cm) of ready-made gold cord, instead of a crocheted cord
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- pc: popcorn (see below)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sp: space
- rnd: round
- RS: right side
- [ ] x times: repeat the bracketed steps the stated number of times
Special stitch, Popcorn (pc): Work 4 dc in the same stitch. Remove the hook from the loop and insert it from front to back into the top of the first dc of the group. Pick up the dropped loop and pull it through. The popcorn counts as 1 stitch.
Popcorns pop toward the side facing you. Because you never turn the wreath, they all face the RS.
Gauge and Checkpoints
Gauge: 5 sc = 1 in (2.5 cm), with cream and gold held together on a 3.5 mm hook.
Test before you start: Chain 16 and work 4 rows of 15 sc. The center 10 sc should measure 2 in (5.1 cm). Then work Rnds 1 and 2 of the wreath and check them against the first two checkpoints below before going further.
Checkpoints:
– After Rnd 1: The inner edge has 40 sc and measures 8 in (20.3 cm) around. Laid flat as an oval, it is about 3 in x 1.75 in (7.6 cm x 4.4 cm).
– After Rnd 3: The band is about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) wide.
– After Rnd 5: The band is about 0.8 in (2.0 cm) wide. The outer edge is about 4.6 in x 3.35 in (11.7 cm x 8.5 cm).
– After Rnd 6: The band is 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. The wreath is 5 in x 3.75 in (12.7 cm x 9.5 cm).
If your work is too big: Go down to a 3.25 mm hook.
If your work is too small: Go up to a 3.75 mm hook.
If the edge ruffles: Your stitches are looser than your swatch. Tighten your tension or drop a hook size.
If the edge cups: Your stitches are tighter than your swatch. Loosen your tension or go up a hook size.
Wreath Ring
Hold one strand of cream and one strand of gold together throughout.
The ring is divided into four zones:
– T: the top curve
– R: the right side
– B: the bottom curve
– L: the left side
Increases happen only in T and B. Zones R and L stay at 6 sts every round, which keeps the sides gently straight and creates the vertical oval.
Foundation: Ch 40. Join with a sl st to the first ch to form a ring. Make sure the chain is not twisted.
Rnd 1: Ch 1 (does not count as a st here or in any later round). Sc in each ch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (40 sc)
Now place the 4 markers:
– in the 1st sc (start of T)
– in the 15th sc (start of R)
– in the 21st sc (start of B)
– in the 35th sc (start of L)
Zone counts are T 14, R 6, B 14, L 6.
Move the markers up into the first stitch of each zone as you work each round.
Rnd 2 (increase): Ch 1.
– T: [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] 4 times, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st. (19 sts)
– R: sc in next 6 sts. (6)
– B: work the same as T. (19)
– L: sc in next 6 sts. (6)
Join. (50 sc: T 19, R 6, B 19, L 6)
Rnd 3 (popcorn): Ch 1. [Sc in next st, pc in next st] 25 times. Join to the first sc. (50 sts: 25 sc, 25 pc)
There are no increases in this round. Zone counts stay at T 19, R 6, B 19, L 6. Push each popcorn to the RS as you go.
Rnd 4 (increase): Ch 1. Work 1 sc into each sc, and work into the closing top loop of each pc.
– T: [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] 4 times, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st. (24)
– R: sc in next 6 sts. (6)
– B: work the same as T. (24)
– L: sc in next 6 sts. (6)
Join. (60 sc: T 24, R 6, B 24, L 6)
Rnd 5 (popcorn): Ch 1. [Sc in next st, pc in next st] 30 times. Join. (60 sts: 30 sc, 30 pc)
The increases in Rnd 4 shift the alignment, so these popcorns nestle between the Rnd 3 popcorns. The result is the dense, jeweled look. Zone counts are unchanged.
Check the size against the “After Rnd 5” checkpoint before working the border.
Bow Loops (Make 2)
Hold cream and gold together.
Each loop is a small ring with one sharp tip. When you flatten it, it becomes a pointed teardrop.
Foundation: Ch 16. Join with a sl st to the first ch.
Rnd 1: Ch 1. Work the round as follows, then join:
– sc in the first ch (this is the base)
– sc in the next 7 ch
– (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch (this is the tip)
– sc in the next 7 ch
(17 sc + 1 ch-2 sp)
Check: 1 + 7 + 1 + 7 = 16 ch used. 1 + 7 + 2 + 7 = 17 sc made.
Rnd 2: Ch 1. Work the round as follows, then join:
– sc in the base sc
– sc in the next 8 sc
– (sc, ch 2, sc) in the ch-2 sp
– sc in the next 8 sc
(19 sc + 1 ch-2 sp)
Check: 1 + 8 + 8 = 17 sc used. 1 + 8 + 2 + 8 = 19 sc made.
Fasten off, leaving a 6 in (15.2 cm) tail.
Checkpoint: Flatten the loop with the base and tip at opposite ends. It should measure about 1.25 in (3.2 cm) from base to tip and about 1 in (2.5 cm) across.
Bow Knot Strip
Hold cream and gold together.
Row 1: Ch 4. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in the next 2 ch. (3 sc)
Rows 2–5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (3 sc)
Fasten off, leaving an 8 in (20.3 cm) tail.
Checkpoint: The strip measures about 0.6 in (1.5 cm) wide and 0.75 in (1.9 cm) long.
Assembly
-
Pinch the loops. Pinch the base of each bow loop flat. Place the two bases together, with the tips pointing outward to the left and right, angled slightly downward. Use one loop’s tail to stitch the bases together with 2–3 tight stitches.
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Wrap the knot. Wrap the knot strip around the pinched center from front to back. Sew the short ends together at the back with the strip’s tail. Pull snugly so the loops flare out. The bow should measure about 3 in (7.6 cm) wide.
-
Attach the bow. Center the bow on the bottom curve (zone B) of the wreath, at the midpoint between the B and L markers’ opposite ends. The knot should sit over the band. Sew through the back of the knot and the loop bases into the Rnd 4 and Rnd 5 stitches. Keep the stitches invisible from the front.
-
Make the hanging cord. Use gold metallic thread alone. Ch 25. The chain should measure about 5 in (12.7 cm). Alternatively, cut 6 in (15.2 cm) of ready-made gold cord.
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Attach the cord. Fold the cord in half. Thread both ends through the top center of zone T, between Rnd 5 and Rnd 6. Tie a secure square knot at the back to form a hanging loop about 2.5 in (6.4 cm) long.
Weave in all ends along the back of the sc rounds.
Border
Border gauge: The border uses the same gauge as the ring, 5 sc = 1 in (2.5 cm). It is not worked tighter or looser.
Rnd 6 (sc border): Hold cream and gold together. Ch 1. Work 1 sc into each existing sc, and work into the top of each pc.
– T: [sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] 4 times, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st.
– R: sc in next 6 sts.
– B: work the same as T.
– L: sc in next 6 sts.
Join and fasten off.
This is a trim round, not a popcorn growth round. Its count is 60 sts worked 1-per-existing-stitch, plus 10 extra increase stitches (5 in T and 5 in B), for 70 sc total.
Per-zone counts:
– T: 24 worked into + 5 extra = 29
– R: 6
– B: 24 worked into + 5 extra = 29
– L: 6
29 + 6 + 29 + 6 = 70
Why the math works:
– At 5 sc per inch, 70 sc equals 14 in (35.6 cm) of outer edge.
– The two side zones are 6 sts each, so each straight side is 1.2 in (3.0 cm).
– That leaves 58 sts, or 11.6 in (29.5 cm), for the two curves. Two half-circles with a combined length of 11.6 in have a radius of about 1.85 in (4.7 cm). That gives a width of about 3.7 in (9.4 cm), which blocks to 3.75 in (9.5 cm).
– The height is the width plus the 1.2 in straight side, or about 4.95 in. This blocks to 5 in (12.7 cm).
– The inner edge follows the same logic. Its 40 sts give a 1.75 in (4.4 cm) wide, 3 in (7.6 cm) tall opening.
– Half of the 2 in (5.1 cm) difference in width is 1 in (2.5 cm), which is exactly the band width.
Final Blocking
- Lay the wreath RS up on the blocking mat.
- Mark a 5 in x 3.75 in (12.7 cm x 9.5 cm) oval on the mat. Also mark a 3 in x 1.75 in (7.6 cm x 4.4 cm) inner opening, centered.
- Pin the outer edge to the outer line every 0.5 in (1.3 cm). Pin the inner edge to the inner line.
- Lift any flattened popcorns from the front with a fingertip.
- Mist the piece evenly until it is damp. Do not press or apply direct heat, because this can dull the metallic thread.
- Pin the bow loops flat with the tips pointed, and puff the knot slightly.
- Let everything dry fully, about 4–6 hours, before unpinning.
Final Quality-Control Checklist
- [ ] Rnd 1 has 40 sc, Rnd 2 has 50, Rnd 3 has 50, Rnd 4 has 60, Rnd 5 has 60 and Rnd 6 has 70
- [ ] All 55 popcorns face the RS
- [ ] The sides (zones R and L) look gently straight, and the oval is taller than it is wide
- [ ] The wreath measures 5 in x 3.75 in (12.7 cm x 9.5 cm)
- [ ] The band is 1 in (2.5 cm) wide all the way around
- [ ] Both bow loops have a sharp tip and match in size
- [ ] The bow is centered on the bottom curve, and the cord is centered at the top
- [ ] No ends or sewing stitches show on the front
- [ ] The ornament hangs straight from the cord
Troubleshooting
Popcorns lean to the back. You are inserting the hook from back to front when closing them. Always insert from front to back into the first dc.
The ring is round, not oval. Increases have drifted into the side zones. Recheck the marker positions and make sure R and L stay at 6 sts.
The ring twists. The foundation chain was twisted when you joined it. Restart, and lay the chain flat before joining.
Popcorns look flat. Your dc are too short. Pull up a slightly taller loop on each dc, or make sure all 4 dc go into the same stitch.
The metallic thread snags or separates. Wind both strands together into one ball before you begin. Use a smooth hook.
The bow loop tip is rounded. Make sure you worked (sc, ch 2, sc) into the tip in both rounds. Pin the tip sharply when blocking.
The bow droops forward. Sew it to the band in two places, at the knot and at both loop bases.
Care
Spot clean or hand wash gently in cool water, then reshape and dry flat. Store the ornament flat so the popcorns and bow loops keep their shape.
Final Notes
The size of this ornament depends on one measurement chain:
– 5 sc = 1 in (2.5 cm)
– 40 sc inner ring = 8 in (20.3 cm)
– Rounds of 50, 50, 60 and 60 sts build a 1 in (2.5 cm) popcorn band
– A 70 sc border = 14 in (35.6 cm)
– Finished wreath = 5 in x 3.75 in (12.7 cm x 9.5 cm)
Check your gauge first and confirm each checkpoint as you go. Your gilded popcorn wreath will come out with a neat oval shape, a jeweled texture and a crisp pointed bow.
Happy crocheting!