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Christmas Tree Popcorn Garlands
When you think of garlands for decorating your Christmas tree what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it tinsel? Is it ribbon? Is it paper chain? For me it’s popcorn. The funny thing is that I’ve only ever strung popcorn once or twice. Let’s be honest, stringing popcorn is messy! The fluffy white kernels break as you thread them, and if they were popped in oil or butter, they’re greasy too.
But popcorn garlands look oh so cute when they’re finished and on your tree!
Fortunately, as crocheters, we can replicate almost anything out of yarn. Even popcorn! Throw in some red wooden beads and we’ve got the makings for an adorable, reusable, and non-greasy, non-crumbly, non-messy popcorn and cranberry garland.
The Crochet Popcorn Quest
When I decided that I wanted to crochet my own popcorn, I went on the hunt for the perfect crochet popcorn pattern. One version used a tiny crochet spiral. Another used actual popcorn stitches. What do you want in a crochet popcorn kernel?
I wanted my kernels to be:
- Fluffy
- Full
- Easy-to-make
- and to Look Good Enough to Eat!
I tried at least four different patterns without finding exactly what I was looking for. I found Feride Erbasar’s crochet popcorn version to be close. It still wasn’t as full as I wanted, so I altered her pattern to fit my criteria.
Take a look at Feride’s video. Her enthusiasm for making crochet popcorn is contagious!
Perfect Crochet Popcorn Kernel Pattern
Crochet Popcorn and Cranberry Bead Garland Supplies
Size 4/medium weight White or Off-White Yarn — For the first time ever I used Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn brand and I have to say, I loved it! It is super soft and the value cannot be beaten. I crocheted my popcorn in WHITE.
Dark Red Wooden Beads — These beads purchased through Amazon were the perfect dark berry color. These are not the scarlet red commonly seen.
Size H/5.0 mm crochet hook
Yarn needle
Scissors
Cord for stringing — I used yarn for this, though I do not recommend it. See my explanation below under Beading String Options.
Abbreviations
I use standard crochet stitches in US terms.
Chain (CH)
Cluster (CL) — defined below
Popcorn Puff (PP) — defined in instructions
Single Crochet (SC)
Slip stitch (SL ST)
Yarn over (YO)
Cluster Stitch
The cluster used in this pattern is made from 3 partial double crochet stitches. To make the cluster, do the following.
- YO. Insert hook in stitch indicated.
- YO, pull up a loop.
- YO, pull through two loops. (2 loops on hook)
- YO, insert hook in same stitch.
- YO, pull up a loop.
- YO, pull through 2 loops. (3 loops on hook)
- Repeat steps 4-6. (4 loops on hook)
- YO, pull through all 4 loops.
Crochet Popcorn Instructions
For each adorable crochet popcorn kernel, do the following.
- CH5.
- Beginning in second CH from hook, SC in each stitch across. (4 SC)
- Turn, do not CH. In the first stitch (SL ST, CH2, CL1, SL ST). Popcorn Puff (PP) made. In each of the next 3 stitches: (SL ST, CH2, CL1, SL ST). (4 PP)
- Turn to the underside of the foundation CH. Work Popcorn Puff in each stitch across. (4 PP on that side; 8 PP total)
- If desired for extra fullness, work 1 additional Popcorn Puff in the same CH as the very first Popcorn Puff made. (9 PP total)
- Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
- Thread your yarn tail into a large needle and weave the tail through the foundation chain.
- Tie the two yarn ends together, pulling the yarn tight to shape the popcorn kernel.
- Thread the two yarn ends through a large needle and hide them by weaving them into the Popcorn Puffs. Cut off excess yarn.
You’ve made your first popcorn! Only 59 more! Or thereabouts. I’m not going to sugar-coat it. Each popcorn kernel only takes me about 6 minutes to stitch and a minute or 2 to shape it and work in the ends; but, it takes a lot of popcorn kernels to create a 9-foot garland.
Pull up your favorite Christmas movie and get stitching!
If you work just one hour a day, you should have enough crochet popcorn kernels in one week to create one Crochet Popcorn and Cranberry Bead Garland.
Stringing the Perfect Crochet Popcorn and Cranberry Bead Garland
Beading String Options
Now that you’ve got all your popcorn kernels made, it’s time to see the garland come together!
Use whatever string you wish to create your garland. I used yarn, but I’m finding that it stretches and what I thought was a full garland when I made it now has unsightly gaps in it. It also gets roughed up from the friction of threading the popcorn and beads. I wouldn’t use twine because it doesn’t drape well, so I’m now on the hunt for the perfect beading cord. The beads came as a garland themselves on nylon cord which I should have saved. I will now be making a run to my craft store to look at beading options.
If you have recommendations, comment below and help a fellow crafter out!
Number of Cranberries
I originally thought that I would use one cranberry bead to one popcorn kernel. I changed my mind for 2 reasons:
- The cranberries tend to get hidden behind the popcorn kernels.
- That’s a lot of popcorn to crochet.
Thinking of all the popcorn needed is daunting! So, I strung mini sample garlands using one, two, and three cranberry beads as seen in the photo above. To me, one bead was too few, three beads was too many, and two beads was just right. I even tried multiple popcorn kernels between beads. It’s all a matter of personal taste so try out your options before committing.
Once you’ve made all your design choices, it’s time to get stringing.
I began and ended my garland with a popcorn kernel so I could knot and weave the ends of the yarn into the popcorn. I did not leave hanging loops on the ends as they aren’t necessary when hanging the garland on a tree.
It looks fantastic on a Christmas tree, don’t you think?
I’m planning to make more crochet popcorn kernels and create swags for my dining room chairs. The red and white garland fits perfectly with my Peppermint Themed Christmas High Tea I am planning for my family.
I’d love to hear how you are planning to use your Perfect Crochet Popcorn and Cranberry Bead Garland. Comment below or send me a photo.
Merry Christmas, my friends! I hope your holidays are filled with family and cheer.
~ Lucinda
the instructions for the perfect crocheted popcorn garland did not state what size crochet hook it starts with chain five. if you could please let me know which hook size we could use I could start making this for Christmas thank you Pam
Huh, you’re absolutely right. That is a definite oversight on my part. When I crochet with a size 4/medium weight yarn as I did for the popcorn kernels, I typically use a size H/5.0 mm hook. I’ll have to doublecheck before I update the post, but I believe that is what I used. The size hook is not terribly important. You could try a couple of sizes and see what you like. I think these are super fun to make and I hope you enjoy making them as well.
What size beads are these and approximately how many beads did you use for that 9 foot strand? It’s beautiful by the way! Thanks
Was just wondering what size those beads are? Thanks and this garland is beautiful. How many did you think you used for the 9 foot strand?
I think the beads are about half an inch. Unfortunately, I’m not at home to measure or count them. (Visiting my new granddaughter!) I think I used approximately half a strand of the beads for the 9-foot garland. The beads I used are on a 9-foot strand themselves. It, of course, depends on how many beads you string between popcorn kernels.
I am using Fishing line to string it. Hoping it will drape as I want it to! I have used it for other drapes and it works and is durable
Any chance you can please post a link to the beads you used?
Certainly! There is a link above in the supplies section, but here it is again: https://amzn.to/3SiKwsC
This would be a great video lesson had it been centered – hard to watch when its barely in the camera viewing area. Remake it so the steps can be easily seen please
The video actually comes from https://www.youtube.com/@ferbasar I just loved her enthusiasm. My pattern is a little different than hers. I currently don’t make videos, but I’ll keep your suggestions in mind if I ever do.
Hi Lucinda, just seen your pattern on Pinterest thought it would look nice on our tree when I decorate it with homemade ornaments.
I am going to use different size hooks for homemade look of real popcorn.
My husband has suggested using fishing line for stringing.
hoping to have it done in time to decorate the tree. My tree is 6 1/2 foot.
You’re smart to start now! It takes a while to get enough popcorn to decorate a tree. Fishing line sounds perfect for stringing. I’d love to see your finished tree with the different size kernels. You can email a photo to lucinda@swishandstitch.com.
I’m currently making these. I found wooden beads on Amazon. They are 20mm and look so cute. I alternate a solid red for the red and black plaid.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B8P3NRXT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Super fun! Thank you for the pattern 🙂
Oh, those are SUPER fun beads! What a great idea to pull in the plaid!
I use dental floss when stringing my popcorn/beads. Cut a nine-yard length, the wrap it around a thick wooden dowel. Lay it to the side while you are stringing the popcorn and beads. Unravel the dowel as you make your garland longer.
Great idea! Dental floss doesn’t stretch or fray as you string the beads.
I just finished my first piece of popcorn! My husband guessed correctly what it was. I am so excited! Today is September 22, 2024. I hope to have a couple garlands done by Christmas. Thank you so much for sharing this adorable pattern with me! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…
Yay! The popcorn is fun to make. I’d love to see your garlands when you’re finished. You can email me a photo at lucinda@swishandstitch.com.
My popcorn looks smaller than yours, what am I doing wrong I wonder?
It could be one of a number of factors. The weight of the yarn, the size of the hook, the tension you crochet all could play a part. I used a medium (4) weight yarn and an H/5.0 mm crochet hook. It looks like I didn’t state the yarn weight and hook I used in the instructions. I’ve now updated the post.
I used the same hook and yarn size. Maybe it’s my tension. I’m loving the pattern! Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Amazing pattern! I’m trying a get a garland done for my tree this year. I wanted to know how long your garland ended up being and how tall your tree was. I have a 4 ft. tree so I think I’ll be making popcorn for awhile haha. Your pattern tweak is amazing by the way! The popcorn is so full!
Thanks so much! I’m so glad you like the pattern. Unfortunately, I took my garland apart for other project photos and haven’t restrung it, so I can’t say how long it was. Sorry! When you finish yours, comment again—I’m sure other people would love to know your answer.
Love your popcorn pattern! Thank you so much. I did make one little change; I did 4 loose sl sts in the ch 5 starting chain. Also, I had a question. Using the 2 red beads & 1 popcorn, could you tell me approximately how many popcorns do I need for a 9″ garland?
I’m so sorry I’ve been out for the holidays. Sadly, I took my garland apart for other photos and haven’t restrung it. If you finished your garland this year, please comment again and let everyone else know what how many popcorn it took you.
I haven’t crocheted much, but I understand you can adjust your hook size to get the right tension.Lucinda, is that correct? I think you’d go from the H to an I or J to make it bigger. Maybe Lucinda will weight in on this.
I think it would be cute to have a variety of popcorn sizes on the garland. I’m starting mine tonight. So excited!!
Yes, you can definitely try that. Kernels crocheted with a larger hook will be looser and ones crocheted with a smaller hook will be tighter. You’ll just have to see if you like the look. I’d love to hear your opinion when you do it.
I am using the cord from the beads hoping it with hang on the tree ok. Love this pattern and idea!! Can’t wait to put it on my tree!
Yeah, I should have been smarter and tried the same. Let me know how it works out for you. And I love to see photos of crafters’ finished projects. You can send me one at lucinda@swishandstitch.com.
How many popcorns would you say you could get out of a skein of I love this yarn? We always have a GIGANTIC tree and I’m wondering how many skeins I should start with. Also, how many kernels for a 9 yard garland? Roughly.
Ooh, a 9-yard garland. That sounds amazing! If you’re using the Hobby Lobby I Love this Yarn brand, you’re going to get a lot of kernels as their skeins are twice some other skeins. Unfortunately, I don’t know how many you’ll get. I really need to crochet up a skein and add it to the post since so many people are asking.
I just made this for a gift. It was very easy to follow the pattern. I added a velvet ribbon on the ends. Absolutely love how it turned out!
Thank you!
That sounds beautiful! Did you hang in on your tree or a mantel or banister? I’d love to see a picture. You can send one to lucinda@swishandstitch.com.
What size tree did you hang the 9ft garland on? I’m hoping to make a garland for my full size tree (7.5 ft) and am trying to calculate how many popcorns I’ll need.
My tree was a 4-foot one that I keep on my front porch. I’m sure a 7-foot tree will need a lot more. Let me know how many garlands you ended up making.
Love this idea! Going to look for off white natural looking yarn, because I like a little contrast, lol. Just a suggestion for everyone asking about the length of garland. With all the different heights, widths and how tight or loose each person likes their garlands. Try taking a piece of string, yarn (better yet whatever you plan to use for your garland )and wrap it around your tree how tight or loose you would want your garland to be and then measure the length. You’ll then have the perfect length and draping for your own tree, plus you’ll be ready to crochet and string as you go. Have fun!!