Perfect Crochet Popcorn and Cranberry Bead Garland

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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!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPRJzl7T1VM&ab_channel=CrochetandKnitwithFerideErba%C5%9Far

Perfect Crochet Popcorn Kernel Pattern

Crochet Popcorn and Cranberry Bead Garland Supplies

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.

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.

1. YO. Insert hook in stitch indicated.
2. YO, pull up a loop.
3. YO, pull through two loops. (2 loops on hook)
4. YO, insert hook in same stitch.
5. YO, pull up a loop.
6. YO, pull through 2 loops. (3 loops on hook)
7. Repeat steps 4-6. (4 loops on hook)
8. YO, pull through all 4 loops.

Crochet Popcorn Instructions

For each adorable crochet popcorn kernel, do the following.

1. CH5.
2. Beginning in second CH from hook, SC in each stitch across. (4 SC)
3. 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)
4. Turn to the underside of the foundation CH. Work Popcorn Puff in each stitch across. (4 PP on that side; 8 PP total)
5. If desired for extra fullness, work 1 additional Popcorn Puff in the same CH as the very first Popcorn Puff made. (9 PP total)
6. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
7. Thread your yarn tail into a large needle and weave the tail through the foundation chain.
8. Tie the two yarn ends together, pulling the yarn tight to shape the popcorn kernel.
9. 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.

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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:

1. The cranberries tend to get hidden behind the popcorn kernels.
2. 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