|

Free Chunky Christmas Tree Skirt Knitting Pattern (Large Yarn)

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

If you love cozy, oversized holiday décor, this chunky circular Christmas tree skirt is a perfect fast project.

Knit with jumbo (07) weight yarn and 25 mm/US 50 needles, it works up quickly and adds a soft, cloud-like layer under your tree.

This simple design is great for large yarn knitting beginners — if you can knit, purl, and yarn over, you’re ready to go.

The skirt is worked flat in a circle with easy increases, so you can customize the size to fit any tree, from small tabletop trees to full-sized showpieces.

jumbo yarn Christmas tree

Before You Get Started

Here are a few helpful things to know before you cast on:

  • This is a beginner-friendly project using basic stitches (knit, purl, yarn over).
  • The pattern is designed for jumbo (07) weight yarn, perfect if you want to try large yarn knitting with big, dramatic stitches.
  • You’ll use 25 mm (US 50) circular needles — the circulars are to hold all the stitches while you knit flat (there’s an opening so you can wrap it around the tree).
  • Gauge is not crucial for this tree skirt. Your yarn choice and tension will change the size slightly, but it will still look beautiful.
  • The finished size is easily adjustable — simply knit more repeats if you want a wider, more dramatic skirt.
  • Because the yarn is so thick, you’ll weave in ends with your fingers instead of using a tapestry needle.
Free Chunky Christmas Tree Skirt Knitting Pattern Large Yarn

Tools/Materials Needed

  • Yarn – Jumbo (07) weight yarn – approx. 5–6 skeins (each 140–168 yds)
    Suggested yarns for large yarn knitting:
    • Lion Brand AR Workshop Chunky Knit
    • Hobbii Blanket yarn
    • Bernat Blanket Big
  • Needles – 25 mm (US 50) circular knitting needles
    • Cord length: 32–40 in / 80–100 cm circular (or longer) to comfortably hold all stitches
  • Notions
    • Scissors
    • Scrap yarn or locking stitch markers (for marking increase points)
  • Finishing
    • No large needle needed — weave in ends with your fingers

Size & Gauge

Gauge

  • 2.5 sts / 2 rows in a 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inch) square
  • Worked in stocking stitch (stockinette) with 25 mm/US 50 needles

Note: Gauge is not crucial for this project. Small variations in tension are totally fine in jumbo / large yarn knitting — your tree skirt will still look beautiful.

Finished Size (Approx.)

  • Circumference around tree: about 70 inches/178 cm (measured around the outside edge) – will vary with tension and yarn choice
  • Width (radius – from center to outer edge): around 18 inches/46 cm
  • The size is easily adjustable — simply knit more rows if you want a wider, more dramatic skirt (you’ll need extra yarn).
circular Christmas tree skirt knit pattern

Abbreviations

  • CO – Cast on
  • PM – Place marker
  • Cont – Continue
  • Rep – Repeat
  • K – Knit
  • RS – Right side
  • SM – Slip marker
  • WS – Wrong side
  • St(s) – Stitch(es)
  • YO – Yarn over
  • P – Purl

Pattern Instructions

Skill level – Easy (advanced beginner)

A chunky circular Christmas tree skirt knit flat with jumbo yarn and simple increases.

You will create a circular shape using eight increase points, marked with stitch markers (or pieces of scrap yarn).

The first and last 2 stitches form a neat edge and opening so you can easily wrap the skirt around your tree.

Cast On

CO 12 sts.

Set-up Row (RS)

Row 1: K2, (PM, YO, K1) 8 times, K2.

You now have 8 markers on your needle, each marking an increase point.

Begin Circular Increases

Row 2 (WS): K2, purl to the last 2 sts, K2.

Tip: Keep the first and last 2 stitches in knit on every row — this creates a simple garter-style edge along the opening of your tree skirt.

Row 3 (RS): K2, (SM, YO, K to marker) 8 times, K2.

  • At each marker, you will: slip the marker, YO, then knit all stitches up to the next marker.
  • This creates 8 yarn-over increases on every right-side row, causing the skirt to gently fan out into a circle.

Row 4 (WS): K2, purl to the last 2 sts, K2.

Continue Pattern

Rep Rows 3 and 4 until:

  • You run out of yarn, or
  • You reach your desired width from the center to the outer edge.

Sizing Tip:

  • Try laying the work flat and measuring from the center to the edge.
  • For a larger tree or more dramatic puddling, add extra repeats (and have an extra skein or two on hand).

When you’re happy with the size:

Cast Off:

Cast off all stitches loosely on the next RS or WS row.

Try to match the looseness of your cast-on so the edge sits flat.

Finishing

  • Cut the yarn, leaving a tail.
  • Using your fingers, weave in all yarn ends on the WS of the work.
  • Gently shape the skirt on a flat surface, smoothing out the circle.

Place the opening around the base of your Christmas tree, adjust so it sits evenly, and fluff the fabric so the jumbo stitches show.

chunky knit tree skirt close up base

FAQs & Extra Tips

→ What kind of yarn is best for this Christmas tree skirt?

Jumbo (07) or very bulky blanket-style yarns work best for this pattern and for large yarn knitting in general.

Look for soft, squishy yarns like Bernat Blanket Big, Hobbii Blanket yarn, or Lion Brand AR Workshop Chunky Knit.

They create a plush, cozy texture and knit up very quickly.

→ Do I have to use 25 mm (US 50) needles?

25 mm (US 50) needles are recommended to get the big, open stitches that make large yarn knitting look so modern and bold.

You can use slightly smaller or larger needles if that’s what you have, but it will affect the overall drape and size of the skirt.

→ Can I make the tree skirt larger or smaller?

Yes! This pattern is very easy to customize:

  • To make it larger: keep repeating Rows 3 and 4 until the skirt is as wide as you like, adding more yarn as needed.
  • To make it smaller: stop earlier, when the radius (center to edge) is the right size for your tree.

→ How do I stop the yarn overs from looking like big holes?

With jumbo yarn, yarn overs will naturally look like decorative eyelets.

If you prefer a slightly denser fabric:

  • Keep your tension a little tighter on the YOs.
  • Gently stretch and arrange the skirt when you block/shape it so the holes look intentional and evenly spaced.

→ Can I knit this in one evening?

Many knitters find that jumbo/large yarn knitting is very fast, especially with 25 mm needles.

Depending on your speed and how large you make the skirt, you can often finish it in a night or over a relaxed weekend.

→ How do I wash and care for the finished skirt?

Always check the yarn label first.

Most jumbo blanket yarns are:

  • Machine washable on a gentle, cold cycle (or handwash), and
  • Best dried flat to keep their shape and fluffiness.

Avoid high heat, as it can flatten or damage some synthetic jumbo yarns.

farmhouse Christmas tree skirt knitting pattern

Free Printable

To make this project even easier, I’ve created a free printable version of the tree skirt pattern.

You can keep it handy while you work—no need to keep checking your phone or scrolling through the blog.

It’s perfect for printing out or saving to your tablet for easy access anytime.

Just click the print button below to grab your free copy!

Yield: Super chunky circle knitted tree skirt

Chunky Christmas Tree Skirt Knitting Pattern (Free Printable)

Free Chunky Christmas Tree Skirt Knitting Pattern Large Yarn

Keep this handy printable by your side as you knit your chunky Christmas tree skirt.

It includes the full free pattern, yarn and needle details, and clear row-by-row instructions for knitting a cozy circular tree skirt with large yarn.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Active Time 2 hours
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty Advanced Beginner
Estimated Cost $30+

Materials

  • Yarn – Jumbo (07) weight yarn – approx. 5–6 skeins (each 140–168 yds)
  • Suggested yarns for large yarn knitting:
  • Lion Brand AR Workshop Chunky Knit
  • Hobbii Blanket yarn
  • Bernat Blanket Big

Tools

  • Needles – 25 mm (US 50) circular knitting needles
  • Cord length: 32–40 in / 80–100 cm circular (or longer) to comfortably hold all stitches
  • Notions
  • Scissors
  • Scrap yarn or locking stitch markers (for marking increase points)
  • Finishing - No large needle needed — weave in ends with your fingers

Instructions

A chunky circular Christmas tree skirt knit flat with jumbo yarn and simple increases.

You will create a circular shape using eight increase points, marked with stitch markers (or pieces of scrap yarn).

The first and last 2 stitches form a neat edge and opening so you can easily wrap the skirt around your tree.

Cast On

CO 12 sts.

Set-up Row (RS)

Row 1: K2, (PM, YO, K1) 8 times, K2.

You now have 8 markers on your needle, each marking an increase point.

Begin Circular Increases

Row 2 (WS): K2, purl to the last 2 sts, K2.

Tip: Keep the first and last 2 stitches in knit on every row — this creates a simple garter-style edge along the opening of your tree skirt.

Row 3 (RS): K2, (SM, YO, K to marker) 8 times, K2.

  • At each marker, you will: slip the marker, YO, then knit all stitches up to the next marker.
  • This creates 8 yarn-over increases on every right-side row, causing the skirt to gently fan out into a circle.

Row 4 (WS): K2, purl to the last 2 sts, K2.

Continue Pattern

Rep Rows 3 and 4 until:

  • You run out of yarn, or
  • You reach your desired width from the center to the outer edge.

Sizing Tip:

  • Try laying the work flat and measuring from the center to the edge.
  • For a larger tree or more dramatic puddling, add extra repeats (and have an extra skein or two on hand).

    When you’re happy with the size:

Cast Off:

Cast off all stitches loosely on the next RS or WS row.

Try to match the looseness of your cast-on so the edge sits flat.

Finishing

  • Cut the yarn, leaving a tail.
  • Using your fingers, weave in all yarn ends on the WS of the work.
  • Gently shape the skirt on a flat surface, smoothing out the circle.

Place the opening around the base of your Christmas tree, adjust so it sits evenly, and fluff the fabric so the jumbo stitches show.

Notes

Size & Gauge

Gauge

  • 2.5 sts / 2 rows in a 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inch) square
  • Worked in stocking stitch (stockinette) with 25 mm/US 50 needles

Note: Gauge is not crucial for this project. Small variations in tension are totally fine in jumbo/large yarn knitting — your tree skirt will still look beautiful.

Finished Size (Approx.)

  • Circumference around tree: about 70 inches/178 cm (measured around the outside edge) – will vary with tension and yarn choice
  • Width (radius – from center to outer edge): around 18 inches/46 cm
  • The size is easily adjustable — simply knit more rows if you want a wider, more dramatic skirt (you’ll need extra yarn).

Abbreviations

  • CO – Cast on
  • PM – Place marker
  • Cont – Continue
  • Rep – Repeat
  • K – Knit
  • RS – Right side
  • SM – Slip marker
  • WS – Wrong side
  • St(s) – Stitch(es)
  • YO – Yarn over
  • P – Purl

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

large yarn knitted cape
The knitted circle shape can also become a really cozy knitted cape!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *