Knit Moss Stitch Cone Tree Free Pattern
Knit Moss Stitch Cone Tree Free Pattern
Introduction
This little moss stitch cone tree is the perfect quick win for anyone who wants a handmade Christmas decoration without committing to a big project. It is beginner-friendly, worked flat from just 3 stitches, and shaped with simple increases into a soft triangle that folds and seams into a cone. The super bulky chenille yarn makes it feel squishy and plush, while the moss stitch gives the surface a lovely bumpy, bark-like texture. Finished with a tiny ribbed trunk and a lichen-green star on top, it looks charming on a shelf, mantel, or gift topper.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Super bulky (weight 6) chenille yarn, 100% polyester, approx 50 yds (46 m) per 100 g skein.
- MC moss green: approx 40 yds (37 m)
- CC lichen (light green): approx 10 yds (9 m)
- Brown: approx 5 yds (5 m)
- Needles: 6.0 mm (US J-10) knitting needles (straight or circular for working flat), plus a set of double-pointed needles or a short circular for the trunk tube.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, small amount of polyester toy stuffing, scissors.
- Finished size: Approx 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) wide at the base.
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- BO: bind off
- st(s): stitch(es)
- k: knit
- p: purl
- RS: right side (the outside of the tree)
- WS: wrong side (the inside of the tree)
- m1L: make one left — lift the bar between stitches from front to back and knit it through the back loop
- m1R: make one right — lift the bar between stitches from back to front and knit it through the front loop
- Rnd(s): round(s)
- rep: repeat
Gauge
10 sts and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in moss stitch. Knit a small swatch in moss stitch and measure a 4-inch section; adjust needle size if needed so the finished tree matches the stated size.
Tips Before You Start
- Chenille yarn sheds and can be slippery, so use a slightly blunt tapestry needle for seaming and keep your tension even to avoid gaps.
- Moss stitch is simply k1, p1 on the RS and p1, k1 on the WS — always knit the purls and purl the knits of the previous row.
- Place a marker at each end of the row so you never miss an increase on RS rows.
- Stuff the cone lightly — overstuffing stretches the moss stitch and hides the texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tree (MC)
Worked flat in moss stitch, increasing 1 st at each end every RS row.
CO 3 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k1, p1, k1 (3 sts).
Row 2 (WS): p1, k1, p1 (3 sts).
Row 3: k1, m1L, p1, m1R, k1 (5 sts).
Row 4: p1, k1, p1, k1, p1 (5 sts).
Row 5: k1, m1L, [p1, k1] to last 2 sts, p1, m1R, k1 (7 sts).
Row 6: p1, [k1, p1] to end (7 sts).
Rows 7–28: Continue in moss stitch, increasing 1 st at each end every RS row (work the WS rows even in moss stitch) until you have 25 sts.
Rows 29–31: Work even in moss stitch (25 sts).
Next row: BO all sts.
Trunk (brown)
Worked in the round in k1, p1 rib.
CO 8 sts and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Rnds 1–4: [k1, p1] rep to end (8 sts).
Next rnd: BO all sts.
Star (CC)
Worked flat in moss stitch, shaped with increases then stepped bind-offs to form points.
CO 1 st.
Row 1: k1 (1 st).
Row 2: m1L, k1, m1R (3 sts).
Row 3: p1, k1, p1 (3 sts).
Row 4: k1, m1L, p1, m1R, k1 (5 sts).
Row 5: p1, k1, p1, k1, p1 (5 sts).
Row 6: k1, m1L, [p1, k1] to last 2 sts, p1, m1R, k1 (7 sts).
Row 7: p1, [k1, p1] to end (7 sts).
Row 8: BO 2 sts, work in moss stitch to end (5 sts).
Row 9: BO 2 sts, work in moss stitch to end (3 sts).
Row 10: BO 1 st, work in moss stitch to end (2 sts).
Row 11: BO 1 st, work in moss stitch to end (1 st). Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Fold the tree piece in half with RS together. Sew the side edges together to form a cone, leaving the bottom open. Turn RS out. Stuff lightly with polyester filling. Sew the trunk tube to the bottom opening of the cone. Sew the star to the top point. Weave in all ends. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping by hand; do not press with a hot iron, as chenille can crush.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Make a set in different green shades and heights by stopping the increases at 19 or 21 sts for smaller trees.
- Swap the star for a small knitted snowflake or a tiny pom-pom in a contrasting color.
- Add a hanging loop of yarn at the top so the tree doubles as an ornament.
