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Knit Tree Skirt Pattern (Free And Easy Christmas DIY)

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.

In this post, you will see a knit tree skirt pattern.

This chunky knitted Christmas tree skirt is fast and easy to make; all you need is a few supplies and an afternoon to get knitting!

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or you can grab a printer-friendly ad-free PDF here.

Knit Tree Skirt Pattern Free (Christmas DIY)

DIY Christmas Tree Skirt

Making a chunky hand-knit length of knitted fabric that can wrap around the bottom of your tree to hide the unsightly stand is really easy with this pattern.

This cover-up is knit in one long length and then wrapped around the stand.

Pom-poms were added in large and extra-large sizes in red and white yarn.

Knit with a soft alpaca wool blend; this is a holiday tree skirt you want to make!

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Christmas tree skirt pattern

A Chunky Knit Christmas Tree Skirt

When you finish putting the tree up and look at how beautiful it is, your eyes travel down to the stand, and it doesn’t look quite right without a tree skirt.

So the only thing to finish it off properly is a handmade tree skirt to hide that stand!

This knitted option is not only fast to make but also feels really cozy.

You can make it in any color and add more or fewer pom poms to the outer edge on the right sides for decoration.

Chunky knitted Christmas tree skirt

More Home Decor Patterns

This tree skirt pattern is a great way for beginners to practice their knit stitches.

Christmas projects like this can be made in different colors to match your living room or other home decor.

Knitting your own Christmas tree skirt adds a handmade touch to your festive decorations.

For more holiday projects and free patterns, please take a look at these posts:

Christmas tree skirt with pom poms
white tree skirt knitted

Free Christmas Tree Skirt Pattern

Get the inexpensive, ad-free, printable PDF pattern HERE.

Notes

Skill Level – Basic (Beginner knitters)

DIY your own Christmas decor by making this super simple no sew tree skirt.

This is a great way to hide your tree stand and the base of your tree.

Bust your yarn stash and use up some super bulky yarn you already have or grab something new that will match your decor for the holiday season.

Christmas presents will look wonderful placed under the tree next to this simple tree skirt.

The edge of the skirt has been decorated with large pom poms to add some texture, but of course, this is optional.

Copyright Info

  • Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
  • If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
  • You may sell items produced using this pattern.
  • Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
  • For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.
Knitted Christmas tree skirt

The Supplies You Need

Yarn

Super Bulky/Super Chunky/14 Ply yarn. (Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart))

Yarn Art Alpine Alpaca (150g/5,28oz/120m/131,23 yds) in the following colors:

Red 434 x 1 skein (for the pom poms)

Cream 433 x 6 skeins

Substitute yarn suggestion: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick in Fisherman – you will need approximately – 6 skeins.

This is a simple project – Knit it in a solid color or stripes with quick color changes.

Needles

Notions

Size Information

Gauge

10 x 10 cm /4 x 4 inches = 4 sts and 6 rows

Size (dimensions)

Size of knitted length – Laying flat:

  • Length = 62 inches / 157  cm
  • Width = 26 inches / 66 cm

*You can make a smaller tree skirt by knitting fewer rows or a longer and larger one by adding more stitches when casting on for the width and more knitted rows for the length – this all depends on the size of your tree.*

chunky knit Christmas tree skirt

Abbreviations

  • CO – Cast on
  • Cont – Continue
  • K – Knit
  • P – Purl
  • Rep – Repeat
  • St(s) – Stitch(es)

Pattern Instructions

With two strands of yarn held together – Cast on 30 sts.

Row 1: Knit to the end of the row.

Row 2: Purl to the end of the row.

Rep rows 1 and 2 (to form stockinette stitch) until your knitted length measures 62 inches.

*You can make this rectangle shorter or longer – depending on the size of your Christmas tree.*

Cast off.

Weave in any loose ends.

Christmas tree skirt laying flat

Making Up

Add pom poms to one edge of the knitted length – I added 5 extra-large in white yarn and 6 in the large size.

I stitched the pom poms 4 inches/10 cm apart.

Weave in all loose ends.

If you did not wish to seam the pom poms you could use a fabric glue or hot glue gun to secure them into place.

Instead of pom poms you could add ribbons or tassels.

The tree skirt is not seamed – you wrap it around your Christmas tree base loosely and arrange it like it is a blanket, with the pom poms at the front and the ends at the back of the base, hidden from view.

tree skirt super chunky knit

What Size Should A Christmas Tree Skirt Be?

The size of a Christmas tree skirt can vary based on the size of the tree and personal preferences for the look.

Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Diameter: The diameter of a tree skirt is usually larger than the width of the widest part of the tree. It should be wide enough to accommodate the spread of the branches and create a nice base around the tree. The average size of a Christmas tree skirt is around 48 to 60 inches (4 to 5 feet) in diameter for average-sized trees.
  2. Tree Stand Consideration: Measure the diameter of your tree stand and add extra width to ensure the tree skirt fully covers the stand while leaving some space around the base of the tree for decorative effect. Adding 2 to 3 feet to the diameter of the tree stand is a good starting point.
  3. Fullness: Some people prefer larger tree skirts that extend farther from the tree to create a more dramatic effect, while others might opt for a smaller size for a more understated look.
  4. Tree Height: For tall trees or a large tree, consider a larger tree skirt to maintain proportional coverage. Smaller trees might look better with a slightly smaller skirt.
  5. Personal Style: Your personal taste and the overall look you want to achieve with your tree decorations can also dictate the size. Some may prefer a snug fit around the base of the tree, while others may want a more expansive skirt.

Ultimately, there’s no hard and fast rule for the perfect size of a Christmas tree skirt.

It’s a matter of personal preference and what complements the tree and your decor scheme.

Consider the proportions of your tree and the area where it will be placed to determine the ideal size for your tree skirt.

Christmas Tree Skirt

Can You Use A Throw Blanket As A Tree Skirt?

Absolutely, a throw blanket can be repurposed and used as a tree skirt with a bit of creativity!

Here’s how you can make it work:

Steps:

  1. Select the Right Blanket: Choose a throw blanket that complements your Christmas decor. Typically, larger blankets work better for bigger trees.
  2. Fold or Drape the Blanket: Place the throw blanket under the tree stand and arrange it to cover the tree base. You can fold it neatly into a circle or drape it in a way that it covers the area around the tree.
  3. Arrange and Adjust: Ensure that the blanket adequately covers the tree stand and hides it from view. Adjust the folds or drape to create a visually pleasing look.
  4. Add Embellishments (Optional): If desired, you can further enhance the throw blanket by adding decorative elements such as ribbons, bows, or ornaments around the edges to give it a more tree-skirt-like appearance.
  5. Secure it in Place: Since throw blankets might not naturally stay in place like a traditional tree skirt, you might want to secure the edges or folds with discreet fabric tape or by pinning them in place underneath to prevent shifting.

Using a throw blanket as a tree skirt is a wonderful way to add a cozy and unique touch to your Christmas decor.

It allows for versatility and gives you the opportunity to showcase a beloved blanket while also fulfilling the role of a tree skirt.

In the photo below, I have used this Christmas blanket as a tree skirt – Christmas Blanket Knitting Pattern.

knitted tree skirt

Does A Christmas Tree Need A Skirt?

A Christmas tree doesn’t necessarily require a skirt, but using one can serve several purposes:

  1. Aesthetics: A tree skirt can enhance the overall look of the tree by covering the tree stand and creating a decorative base. It provides a finishing touch to the tree decor and ties the whole display together.
  2. Protection: Tree skirts can protect your floor from any water or pine needles that might fall from the tree. This is especially helpful if you have a live tree that requires watering.
  3. Decoration: Tree skirts add an extra element of decoration to your Christmas setup. They can complement your overall decor theme and can be coordinated with other decorations in the room.
  4. Tradition and Festivity: Using a tree skirt is a traditional part of Christmas decorating for many people. It adds to the festive ambiance and creates a sense of warmth and tradition.

However, if you prefer a minimalistic look or have an alternative way of covering the base of the tree that achieves the same purpose (like a decorative container or a different floor covering), you can absolutely forgo using a traditional tree skirt.

Ultimately, whether or not to use a tree skirt is a matter of personal preference and style.

It’s one of many ways to decorate and protect the area around your Christmas tree, but it’s not a necessity for the tree itself.

Christmas tree red skirt

How Do You Make A Simple Christmas Tree Skirt?

Making a simple Christmas tree skirt from fabric can be a fun and rewarding project.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating one:

Materials Needed:

  • Fabric (fleece, felt, cotton, etc.) – amount depends on the size of the skirt
  • Scissors or rotary cutter
  • Measuring tape
  • Sewing machine or needle and thread
  • Fabric marker or chalk
  • Ribbon or trim (optional)
  • Decorative elements (optional)

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut the Fabric:

  • Measure the diameter of your tree stand, and add an extra 2-3 feet to allow for the skirt to spread out around the base.
  • Use the fabric marker or chalk to mark a circle with the calculated diameter on the fabric.
  • Cut along the marked circle to create the base of the tree skirt.

2. Cut a Center Hole for the Tree:

  • Find the center of the fabric circle.
  • Measure the diameter of your tree trunk and mark this measurement as a smaller circle at the center of the fabric.
  • Cut out this smaller circle to allow the skirt to fit around the tree trunk.

3. Hem the Edges (optional):

  • To create a clean straight edge, fold the outer edge of the fabric circle over about 1/4 to 1/2 inch and sew it in place.
  • This step is optional if you’re using a fabric that doesn’t fray.
  • You could add bias tape to the edges.

4. Add Decoration (optional):

  • You can embellish the skirt by adding ribbon, lace, or other decorative trim around the outer edge or along the seams. Sew these embellishments onto the fabric as desired.

5. Customize (optional):

  • Get creative! Add appliques, sequins, buttons, or other festive decorations to personalize your tree skirt. You can sew or glue these decorations onto the fabric.

6. Assemble and Place:

  • Once you’re satisfied with the decorations and any additional customizations, place the skirt around the base of your Christmas tree.

Tips:

  • You can use multiple layers of fabric for a more textured or quilted look.
  • If you’re not confident with sewing, fabric glue can be used for attaching decorations and hems.
  • Pre-washing the fabric can prevent any unexpected shrinking after the skirt is made.

Remember, this is a basic guide.

Feel free to adapt and embellish the tree skirt to suit your personal style and preferences!

Share your work with us…

If you enjoyed making the knitted tree skirt, I’d love to see yours on Instagram; tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy knitting!

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11 Comments

  1. Hi just wondering if this pattern can be made using normal needles instead of circular ones and if so does it change the design at all thanks in advance x

    1. Hello Heather,
      Yes – you can indeed use 25mm (US 50) straight needles if you don’t have the circulars.
      It will not change the pattern in any way.
      I was knitting back and forth (flat) on the circulars anyway, I did not join in the round to make the Christmas tree skirt.
      I used those needles because I got them for my chunky knit blanket patterns.
      The circulars take the weight of the yarn because it can get really heavy with many stitches.
      I hope that helps and you enjoy making the pattern!
      Louise

  2. Hi Louise,

    I also have 25mm straight needles, would you need to seam it up at the end? If so, how large would the hole be, we have a pot stand that holds a real tree.

    Many thanks,
    Fatema

    1. Hello Fatema,
      I didn’t seam up my Christmas tree skirt, I wrapped it around the stand and overlapped it a little at the back.
      It just makes it easier to move and you can rearrange it if you need to.
      It looks like a super chunky blanket wrapped around the bottom of the tree.
      I don’t think seaming it will work very well as the shape is too long to look right.
      I hope that helps!
      Louise

  3. I think my daughter would love this with different colored pompoms .. Any idea would much yardage it took to just make the skirt? Thank you.

    1. Hello Maria,
      You need – approx 131.23 yards of red and 918.61 yards of white = 1049.84 yards all together.
      This may change if you add more pom poms.
      I hope that helps!
      Louise

      1. Thank you – that number 918.61 for the white – does that include some white pompoms? I thank you for your assistance. I think she wants just the skirt to be white with muli-color pompoms. Even a guess on yardage just for the white skirt only would be most appreciative.

        1. Hi, Maria,
          yes, that includes the skirt and pom-poms. The poms actually use quite a bit of yarn.
          You could use perhaps 6 skeins just for the skirt (knit with two strands together) and then add another 1 or 2 skeins for the poms if you wanted to make them all white.
          The yardage for each skein I used is in the pattern post under the yarn section.
          I hope that helps!
          Louise

          1. Yes, that helps. Thank you for taking the time to assist me and for sharing your beautiful patterns with everyone. The chunky cable blanket I made from your pattern is just so beautiful and cozy.. Happy Holidays.

  4. Do you have a picture you could share of the tree skirt before it is wrapped around the tree?

    I am looking forward to making this for my daughter! Thank you for sharing the pattern!

    1. Hello Delyn,
      I had that on my to-do list and have just added a photo showing the Christmas tree skirt laying flat.
      I hope you enjoy the pattern!
      Louise