So it is officially 41 days before Christmas and I know some of you will agree that it is simply not the same this year. We all know that everyone is coping differently with regards to the pandemic and some are doing better than others. It is a fact though that a lot of people have turned to crafting or DIY projects since we have more time in our hands. I certainly think that this is a good time to explore our creative side.

If you know how to crochet, this is a perfect project for you. If you don’t, you can still make yourself one using a ready made pot or planter, whichever your preference is. The options are endless!

CROCHET PLANTER

To crochet the planter, here are the materials that you need:

1. Crochet hook, M, 9.00 mm
2. Super Bulky Yarn 6, 2 colors of your choice
3. Yarn needle for sewing in the ends
4. Tape measure

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NOTE: It is helpful to measure your work after every round. It is preferred for your planter to have an extra 1/2″ – 3/4″ margin in circumference compared to the styrofoam ball you are using, to also accommodate for the felt that will be used to wrap the foam in.

1. Round 1: Working with 2 strands of the super bulky yarn, chain 4. Join with a slip stitch on the first chain. Chain 2, yarn over in the chain loop, do 1 hdc (half double crochet) in the loop, chain 1. Do 2 hdc, chain 1. Repeat this 2 more times, join with a slip stitch. Round 1 done. Total: 1 2-ch, 7 hdc
2. Round 2: To begin round 2, chain 2 and 2 hdc in first chain. Chain1, 2 hdc in each chain after. Round 2 done. Total: 1 2-ch, 14 hdc
3. Round 3: Round 3 is turning it up to form the planter. This round should have a total of 1 2-ch and 20 hdc. The technique that I found was to do 1 hdc in every hdc and throw an extra hdc after every 3 or 4 hdc’s. A good trick is to gauge and make sure that the planter sides are going straight up. So if the stitches are getting tighter to manage, throw an extra hdc. But keep in mind that this round should have a total of 1 2-ch and 20 hdc.
4. Round 4: Round 4 will have the similar pattern as round 3, only since you already are at 21 stitches, there is no need to add extra ones. Do 1 hdc on every hdc. Total: 1 2-ch and 20 hdc
5. Rounds 5-6: For rounds 5 and 6, repeat Round 4. At the end of the round, tuck in with a slip stitch. Cut off yarn.
6. Round 7-8: For rounds 7 and 8, switch to second color. Repeat Round 4. Slip stitch and fasten off. Weave in ends.

PLANTING YOUR MINI TREE

Okay, so now that you have your planter, you are ready for your mini tree. These are the materials that you will need:

MATERIALS:

1. Crochet Planter or any desired pot/planter, preferably 3 1/2″ bottom circumference, 4″ height
2. Cardboard rounds, 3″ circumference
3. Faux greenery of your choice
4. Glue gun, glue sticks
5. Basic felt 9″x12″, preferably green
6. Spanish moss to cover the felt
7. Styrofoam ball, 2.8 in” circumference (not shown on picture)

PREPARING THE PLANTER AND THE STYROFOAM

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[1] Using the glue gun, position your planter by putting glue on the center for the cardboard round.
[2] Once the cardboard is in place, add glue to the center where the foam ball will be.
[3] Position the greenery of your choice on the foam ball by poking a small hole to the center, about 2 inches deep.
[4] On the center of the felt, cut a small opening slightly bigger than the hole on the foam, and then run a slit on one side of the felt.
[5] Apply glue around the hole on the foam ball down to the sides, about 1 – 1 1/2 inches.
[6] Cover the top of foam with the felt, overlapping the slits a couple inches to control the excess felt when inserting the foam into the planter.

PUTTING IN THE STYROFOAM

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[1] To put the foam in, you might need to wiggle it’s way inside the planter.
[2] The planter should be snug but a bit stretchy.
[3] This is how it looks like after the foam is in, before tucking in the excess felt.
[4] With felt tucked in on one side.
[5] The planter will look like this while you are tucking in the felt. Adjust and tuck the excess to the bottom corners to make it even.
[6] This is how it should look like with the felt on all sides tucked in.

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1. To place your mini tree, apply a generous amount of glue in the prepared hole, and insert the mini tree into position.
2. Apply more glue on the sides as necessary to secure the mini tree into the foam.
3. After a few minutes, apply glue all over the exposed felt, including the sides by the inner planter wall.
4. Gather enough moss to cover the exposed felt, add glue as necessary. Press moss onto the felt surface and onto the sides, tucking some of them in to make the planter full.

And that is it! Voila! You now have your own Mini Tree in Crochet Planter. This is perfect for gifting this Christmas and holiday season, or to decorate your living space. For finished Mini Trees in Crochet Planters, you can visit my Etsy shop and purchase from there.

You are most welcome to give any feedback and please contact me if you have any questions regarding the tutorial and I would be more than happy to assist you.

Happy making!