This year it seems that Christmas lights have reached a whole new level.  Long gone are the days where you had to go through every single  light checking they were all screwed in properly and finding that one broken bulb so you could get the whole lot to work.

Everywhere you look now, you see glass jars, vases and jugs filled to overflowing with fairy lights and I’m not afraid to say that I love them!  I may not go crazy for Christmas decs but lights definitely work for me!

This year I discovered ‘micro lights’ which are tiny fairy lights built into wire.  And I was so excited that I had found something I could make work with crochet.  I’ve always been interested in crocheting with less traditional materials and Christmas is the perfect time to get creative, so I present to you my Light Up Crochet Christmas Tree as the latest in my Free Festive Friday series

It uses a very simple Christmas tree patten, for which I used chunky yarn, crocheting the light string in as a second thread.  This was always going to be a bit of trial and error but I am kind of pleased with how it turned out in the end!

So without further ado, I will share how I created it.

Before you start you should know…

This pattern is worked with the light string and yarn held together as if you were working with 2 strands of yarn.  I did not work the light strand through every stitch, but worked 2 or 3 stitches in a row with it, then missed a stitch.  I always worked the lights in the chain at the end of each row to carry it to the next level where I either worked over it or worked it into the stitch.  It is really up to you how you work the lights, they do take a bit of getting used to!  If you work them into every stitch you will get a denser cluster of lights but they will not go as far.  You can turn your lights on and off as you work to check the distribution.  The great thing about working with wire is it’s malleability so that you can manipulate the placing of the lights and shape of the tree – it may even stand up alone if you keep it small!

I intentionally designed the tree to be worked from the top down so you can simply stop when you reach the end of the light string.  Frogging wire is not much fun!!

The pattern is worked in single crochet (US) with a chain 1 at the end of each row.  The turning chain 1 does not count as a stitch.

Numbers in brackets at the end of each row indicate the number of stitches in that row.

Materials

I bought a 5m string of LED fairy lights for £3.99 from my local Sainsbury supermarket. I have seen these everywhere this season and know you can get good deals for even longer strings on Amazon.  Please beware that lights could be a fire hazard.

I used LionBrand Hometown USA in Key Lime (aff) with a 10mm hook

Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = Chain

st = Stitch

sl st = Slip Stitch

sc = Single Crochet

The Pattern

Make a slip knot, ch2.

Row 1: 2sc in the 2nd chain from hook.  Ch1, turn (2)

Row 2: sc in next 2 st.  Ch1, turn (2)

Row 3: 2sc in first st, sc in next st.  Ch1, turn (3)

Row 4: 2sc in first st, sc in next 2 st.  Ch1, turn (4)

Row 5: sc in next 4 st.  Ch1, turn (4)

Row 6: 2sc in first st, sc in next 3 st.  Ch1, turn (5)

Row 7: 2sc in first st, sc in next 4 st.  Ch1, turn (6)

Row 8: sc in next 6 st.  Ch1, turn (6)

Row 9: 2sc in first st, sc in next 5 st.  Ch1, turn (7)

 

 

Row 10: 2sc in first st, sc in next 6 st.  Ch1, turn (8)

Row 11: sc in next 8 st, Ch1, turn (8)

Row 12: 2sc in first st, sc in next 7 st.  Ch1, turn (9)

Row 13: 2sc in first st, sc in next 8 st.  Ch1, turn (10)

Row 14: sc in next 10 st.  Ch1, turn (10).

This is where my light string ran out.  If you have a longer string you can keep going, by repeating rows 12-14 increasing at the ends of alternate rows.

Row 15: sl st in each of 10 st across the bottom of your tree, sl st up the sides working 1 sl st into each of the 14 rows, work 1 sl st, 1sc, 1 sl st in the first chain (at the top of the tree), then work 14 sl st down the 14 rows on the other side.

Fasten off and sew in ends.

Trunk:  I worked the cable from my light string down behind the trunk

Row 16:  attaching new yarn, work a sc into the back loop of the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th sl st across the bottom.  Ch1, turn (4)

Row 17: sc in next 4 st.  Ch1, turn (4)

Row 18: sc in next 4 st.  Ch1, turn (4)

Row 19: sc in next 4 st (4)

Fasten off and sew in ends

Add ribbon to the top to hang and switch on your lights!

I’ve hung this from a picture hook in my lounge as a decoration, with the little battery box sitting on the shelf below.

I hope you enjoy this project, and as always, don’t forget to tag me in your finished makes!  Nothing makes me happier than seeing my designs brought to life by others.  I love the colour choices and personal touches you add to the patterns!

On Instagram, you can use the hashtag #HookMeHappy or just tag @doradexplored.  You can tweet me your pictures, or add your them to my Facebook page.  And if socials aren’t your thing, feel free to email me your efforts.  It really does make my day!  I’m also a huge fan of Pinterest so if you like my patterns I’d love it if you pin them, or visit my Pinterest page which showcases some wonderful inspirational crochet patterns – the talent out there blows my mind!

Until next time.

Happy Hooking

Dx

(C) DoraDoes 2018.  You may sell what you make from my patterns, but please credit me as the designer. The pattern is for personal use only and may not be shared.  My photos may be shared with credit.

Important notes about Health and Safety.

This item may be a fire hazard.

This is not a toy and should be kept out of the reach of children

Do not allow your lights do not get hot.  This may melt the yarn and be a fire risk.

Do not leave your lights on unattended.

Do not use lights which are mains operated for this project.

Please ensure you meet all safety requirements outlined on the lights that you purchase.

Do not use flammable yarn for this project.

You should always read the label before consuming or using any electrical product and never rely solely on the information presented here.