This pattern is for a Christmas Tree advent calendar and includes the background tree as well as opening hanging decorations in 5 different shapes.

The idea is that you start with the numbers showing on your tree. Each day you open a decoration (they can hold a sweet or note / joke) then re-hang the decoration, this time turning it around to reveal the embroidered side. As December passes you get to decorate your tree…

The pattern contains lots of photos to help you every step of the way. It is written in English, using American crochet terms. All of my patterns have been independently tested prior to publication.

You will need:
Yarn of your choice. I used a combination of Patons Smoothie DK and Knitcraft Cotton blend DK yarn for my project (these are both quite thick DK yarns so they are equivalent to aran or light worsted weight in other brands) and my finished advent calendar measures approximately 50cm long and 42cm wide. Please ensure that you use the same weight yarn throughout your project.

For the tree section you will need the following colours:

• Main tree colour - I used green (approx. 190m).
• Pot / Trunk colour - I used dark grey (approx. 17.5m).
• Tinsel & Star colour (also used to embroider the decorations) - I used gold (approx. 23m).

The hanging decorations can be made in any colour but you will require the following quantities:

• Gift (approx. 10m each) I made 5 of these in different colours.
• Bauble (approx. 9.5m each) I made 7 of these in different colours.
• Tree (approx. 9.5m each) I made 6 of these in different colours.
• Star (approx. 9m each) I made 4 of these in different colours.
• Bell (approx. 10.5m each) I made 3 of these in different colours.

Please note = The amount of yarn used will vary according to yarn weight, hook size and stitch tension so these measurements are only a rough guide.

You will also need:

• A suitable size hook for the yarn you have chosen - I used a 4mm hook.
• 25 medium green buttons (mine were 20mm in diameter) and a needle and thread with which to attach them.
• Felt self-adhesive numbers. Mine were 25mm tall and 13-35mm wide depending on the number. If you can’t find any suitable felt numbers, they could always be embroidered on instead.
• ‘7 count’ plastic canvas. I had a 26cm x 33cm sheet (that’s 10.25 x 13.5 inches) & I used less than half a sheet. A higher count (that’s the number of holes per inch) will mean the plastic is more bendy so stick to 7 count if possible.
• Other tools you will need are a tapestry needle, some scissors and some stitch markers.

You are welcome to sell the items that you make using this pattern, but please do not sell / share the pattern itself.
Thank you.