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Bonsai Tree Crochet Pattern

Bonsai Tree Crochet Pattern
4.5★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
2.3K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive knitting.

🏡

Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Bonsai Tree Crochet Pattern

This bonsai tree pattern combines multiple techniques to create a realistic miniature tree. You'll work with different stitch types including single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet to achieve the natural trunk shape. The pattern includes detailed instructions for creating three different leaf sizes and matching branches for authentic layering.

Bonsai Tree Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The finished piece measures approximately 22cm tall and 25cm wide, making it a perfect decorative accent. The pot features realistic support legs and textured soil with decorative stones.

Why You'll Love This Bonsai Tree Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love how this pattern brings the peaceful essence of a zen garden into any home! The combination of different stitch techniques keeps the project engaging, and watching the tree come to life as you add each leaf is incredibly satisfying. The realistic proportions and attention to detail make this a showstopper piece that guests always admire.

Bonsai Tree Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Bonsai Tree Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Bonsai Tree Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Bonsai Tree Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how versatile this bonsai pattern can be with just a few creative tweaks! You can easily change the pot color to match your home decor - imagine it in terracotta brown, classic white, or even a bold turquoise for a modern twist.

I often experiment with different leaf arrangements too. Sometimes I cluster more leaves on one side for an asymmetrical look, or add a few extra small branches for a fuller appearance.

For seasonal variations, I've tried making cherry blossom versions using pink yarn for tiny flowers instead of some leaves, or creating an autumn bonsai with orange and red foliage.

The stone placement is another fun area to customize - you could make more stones in different sizes, or even add a tiny crocheted meditation figure sitting beside the tree.

I've found that slightly varying the trunk curve during construction gives each tree its own unique character, making every bonsai truly one-of-a-kind.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Forgetting to use stitch markers when working in spirals can cause uneven rounds and incorrect stitch counts ✗ Over-stuffing the tree trunk can make it difficult to shape and create the natural bonsai curves ✗ Placing heavy leaves at the top of the tree will cause it to tip over and lose balance ✗ Not following the leaf placement guidelines can result in an unnatural appearance and poor weight distribution

Bonsai Tree Crochet Pattern

Create your own peaceful zen garden with this stunning bonsai tree crochet pattern! Standing 22cm tall, this detailed project features a beautiful flowering pot with supports, realistic soil texture, an intricate twisted trunk, and multiple sizes of leaves for authentic layering. Perfect for bringing nature indoors and adding a touch of tranquility to any space.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Bonsai Tree Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Light worsted weight / DK yarn in light green (160m/180yd)
  • 02
    Dark green yarn (72m/80yd)
  • 03
    Light brown yarn (80m/88yd)
  • 04
    Dark brown yarn (80m/88yd)
  • 05
    Light grey yarn (10m/11yd)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size G / 4.0mm
  • 02
    Tapestry/sewing needle
  • 03
    Fiberfill stuffing
  • 04
    Stitch markers
  • 05
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

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— The flower pot (in light green) :

Round 1 :

MR4 =4

Round 2 :

inc2sc in every st. =12

Round 3 :

Repeat 4x(1sc, inc2sc in next st, 1sc). =20

Round 4 :

Repeat 4x(2sc, inc2sc in next st, 2sc). =28

Round 5 :

Repeat 4x(3sc, inc2sc in next st, 3sc). =36

Round 6 :

Repeat 4x(4sc, inc1sc in next st, 4sc). =40

Round 7 :

Repeat 4x(5sc, inc1sc in next st, 4sc). =44

Round 8 :

Repeat 4x(5sc, inc2sc in next st, 5sc). =52

Round 9 :

Repeat 4x(6sc, inc1sc in next st, 6sc). =56

Round 10 :

Repeat 4x(7sc, inc1sc in next st, 6sc). =60

Round 11 :

Repeat 4x(7sc, inc2sc in next st, 7sc). =68

Round 12 :

Repeat 4x(8sc, inc1sc in next st, 8sc). =72

Round 13 :

Repeat 4x(9sc, inc1sc in next st, 8sc). =76

Round 14 :

Repeat 4x(9sc, inc2sc in next st, 9sc). =84

Round 15 :

Repeat 4x(10sc, inc1sc in next st, 10sc). =88

Round 16 :

Repeat 4x(11sc, inc1sc in next st, 10sc). =92

Round 17 :

Repeat 4x(11sc, inc2sc in next st, 11sc). =100

Round 18 :

Repeat 4x(12sc, inc2sc in next st, 12sc). =108

Round 19 :

Crochet 5 rounds of sc. =108

Round 20 :

Crochet 1sc and move your stitch marker/starting point of the round to this point. Continue to work on the next step, do not finish the round.

Round 21 :

Repeat 4x(12sc, sc3tog, 12sc). =100

Round 22 :

Crochet 4 rounds of sc. =100

Round 23 :

Crochet 1sc and move your stitch marker/starting point of the round to this point. Continue to work on the next step, do not finish the round.

Round 24 :

Repeat 4x(11sc, sc3tog, 11sc). =92

Round 25 :

Repeat 4x(11sc, sc2tog, 10sc). =88

Round 26 :

Repeat 4x(10sc, sc2tog, 10sc). =84

Round 27 :

Repeat 4x(9sc, sc3tog, 9sc). =76

Round 28 :

Repeat 4x(9sc, sc2tog, 8sc). =72

Round 29 :

Repeat 4x(8sc, sc2tog, 8sc). =68

Round 30 :

Repeat 4x(7sc, sc3tog, 7sc). =60

Round 31 :

Repeat 4x(7sc, sc2tog, 6sc). =56

Round 32 :

Repeat 4x(6sc, sc2tog, 6sc). =52

Round 33 :

Repeat 4x(5sc, sc3tog, 5sc). =44

Round 34 :

Repeat 4x(5sc, sc2tog, 4sc). =40

Round 35 :

Repeat 4x(4sc, sc2tog, 4sc). =36

Round 36 :

Repeat 4x(3sc, sc3tog, 3sc). =28

Round 37 :

Repeat 4x(2sc, sc3tog, 2sc). =20

Round 38 :

Repeat 4x(1sc, sc3tog, 1sc). =12

Round 39 :

Repeat 4x(sc3tog). =4

Round 40 :

Crochet 1slst and fasten off.

Info :

Do not stuff the flowerpot. Place the last slst you crocheted on top of the MR of step 1 and fold the flowerpot in shape.

— The supports for the flowerpot :

Round 43 :

MR6 =6

Round 44 :

inc1sc in every st. =12

Round 45 :

1sc, inc1sc in next st. Repeat all round. =18

Round 46 :

1sc, sc2tog. Repeat all round. =12

Round 47 :

Stuff the support a little bit, do not use too much stuffing.

Round 48 :

sc2tog, repeat all round. =6

Round 49 :

sc3tog, skip 1st, crochet 1slst and fasten off.

Info :

Make 4 in total. Sew the supports onto the bottom of the flowerpot underneath every corner. Keep a distance of 8 rounds of sc in between the top of the pot and the outside of the support.

— The soil (in dark brown) :

Round 1 :

MR4 =4

Round 2 :

inc2sc in every st. =12

Round 3 :

Repeat 4x(1sc, inc2sc in next st, 1sc). =20

Round 4 :

Repeat 4x(2sc, inc2sc in next st, 2sc). =28

Round 5 :

Repeat 4x(3sc, inc2sc in next st, 3sc). =36

Round 6 :

Repeat 4x(4sc, inc1sc in next st, 4sc). =40

Round 7 :

Repeat 4x(5sc, inc1sc in next st, 4sc). =44

Round 8 :

Repeat 4x(5sc, inc2sc in next st, 5sc). =52

Round 9 :

Repeat 4x(6sc, inc1sc in next st, 6sc). =56

Round 10 :

Repeat 4x(7sc, inc1sc in next st, 6sc). =60

Round 11 :

Repeat 4x(7sc, inc2sc in next st, 7sc). =68

Round 12 :

Repeat 4x(8sc, inc1sc in next st, 8sc). =72

Round 13 :

Repeat 4x(9sc, inc1sc in next st, 8sc). =76

Round 14 :

Repeat 4x(9sc, inc2sc in next st, 9sc). =84

Round 15 :

Repeat 4x(10sc, inc1sc in next st, 10sc). =88

Round 16 :

Repeat 4x(11sc, inc1sc in next st, 10sc). =92

Round 17 :

Repeat 4x(11sc, sc2tog, 10sc). =88

Round 18 :

Repeat 4x(10sc, sc2tog, 10sc). =84

Round 19 :

Repeat 4x(9sc, sc3tog, 9sc). =76

Round 20 :

Repeat 4x(9sc, sc2tog, 8sc). =72

Round 21 :

Repeat 4x(8sc, sc2tog, 8sc). =68

Round 22 :

Repeat 4x(7sc, sc3tog, 7sc). =60

Round 23 :

Repeat 4x(7sc, sc2tog, 6sc). =56

Round 24 :

Repeat 4x(6sc, sc2tog, 6sc). =52

Round 25 :

Repeat 4x(5sc, sc3tog, 5sc). =44

Round 26 :

Repeat 4x(5sc, sc2tog, 4sc). =40

Round 27 :

Repeat 4x(4sc, sc2tog, 4sc). =36

Round 28 :

Stuff the soil with fiberfill.

Round 29 :

Repeat 4x(3sc, sc3tog, 3sc). =28

Round 30 :

Repeat 4x(2sc, sc3tog, 2sc). =20

Round 31 :

Stuff the soil with fiberfill.

Round 32 :

Repeat 4x(1sc, sc3tog, 1sc). =12

Round 33 :

Stuff the soil with fiberfill.

Round 34 :

Repeat 4x(sc3tog). =4

Round 35 :

Crochet 1slst and fasten off.

Info :

Get a long strand of dark brown yarn and pull the yarn with your sewing needle or crochet hook through the soil, from top to bottom and back. Tighten the yarn, this way little dents will occur. Make two flat knots on top of each other to secure the yarn. Repeat this 16 times, or as much as you like. This will give the soil some strength and a more natural look. Place the soil in the flowerpot and sew it in place.

— The tree (in light brown) :

Round 1 :

ch30, close the chain with a slst. =30

Round 2 :

30sc. =30

Round 3 :

8sc, sc2tog. Repeat all round. =27

Round 4 :

7sc, sc2tog. Repeat all round. =24

Round 5 :

6sc, sc2tog. Repeat all round. =21

Round 6 :

4sc, 3hdc, 7dc, 3hdc, 4sc. =21

Round 7 :

4sc, 3hdc, 7dc, 3hdc, 4sc. =21

Round 8 :

4sc, 3hdc, 7dc, 3hdc, 4sc. =21

Round 9 :

4sc, 3hdc, 7dc, 3hdc, 4sc. =21

Round 10 :

4sc, 3hdc, 7dc, 3hdc, 4sc. =21

Round 11 :

10sc, sc2tog, 9sc. =20

Round 12 :

9sc, sc2tog, 9sc. =19

Round 13 :

8sc, sc2tog, 9sc. =18

Round 14 :

Crochet 10sc and move your stitch marker/starting point of the round to this point. Continue to work on the next step, do not finish the round.

Round 15 :

3sc, 3hdc, 6dc, 3hdc, 3sc. =18

Round 16-25 :

3sc, 3hdc, 6dc, 3hdc, 3sc. =18

Round 26 :

8sc, sc2tog, 8sc. =17

Round 27 :

7sc, sc2tog, 8sc. =16

Round 28 :

7sc, sc2tog, 7sc. =15

Round 29 :

Stuff the tree with fiberfill.

Round 30 :

7sc, sc2tog, 6sc. =14

Round 31 :

Crochet 7sc and move your stitch marker/starting point of the round to this point. Continue to work on the next step, do not finish the round.

Round 32-36 :

2sc, 2hdc, 6dc, 2hdc, 2sc. =14

Round 37 :

2sc, 2hdc, 2dc, dc2tog, 2dc, 2hdc, 2sc. =13

Round 38 :

2sc, 2hdc, 5dc, 2hdc, 2sc. =13

Round 39 :

Stuff the tree with fiberfill.

Round 40 :

2sc, 2hdc, 1dc, dc2tog, 2dc, 2hdc, 2sc. =12

Round 41 :

2sc, 2hdc, 4dc, 2hdc, 2sc. =12

Round 42 :

Stuff the tree with fiberfill.

Round 43-44 :

2sc, 2hdc, 4dc, 2hdc, 2sc. =12

Round 45 :

Stuff the tree with fiberfill.

Round 46 :

2sc, 2hdc, 1dc, dc2tog, 1dc, 2hdc, 2sc. =11

Round 47 :

5sc, sc2tog, 4sc. =10

Round 48 :

4sc, sc2tog, 4sc. =9

Round 49 :

4sc, sc2tog, 3sc. =8

Round 50 :

Stuff the tree with fiberfill.

Round 51-52 :

8sc. =8

Round 53 :

Crochet 4sc and move your stitch marker/starting point of the round to this point. Continue to work on the next step, do not finish the round.

Round 54 :

1sc, 1hdc, 4dc, 1hdc, 1sc. =8

Round 55 :

2sc, 1hdc, 2dc, 1hdc, 2sc. =8

Round 56 :

Stuff the tree with fiberfill.

Round 57-58 :

2sc, 1hdc, 2dc, 1hdc, 2sc. =8

Round 59 :

Stuff the tree with fiberfill.

Round 60 :

6sc, sc2tog. =7

Round 61 :

5sc, sc2tog. =6

Round 62 :

Stuff the tree with fiberfill.

Round 63 :

4sc, sc2tog. =5

Round 64 :

3sc, sc2tog. =4

Round 65 :

2sc, sc2tog. =3

Round 66 :

1slst and fasten off.

Info :

Stuff the bottom of the tree some more with fiberfill if needed and sew the tree on top of the soil, right in the middle.

— The stones (in light grey) :

Stone A :

MR6 =6

Round 2 :

inc1sc in every st. =12

Round 3 :

1sc, inc1sc in next st. Repeat all round. =18

Round 4 :

1sc, sc2tog. Repeat all round. =12

Round 5 :

sc2tog, repeat all round. =6

Round 6 :

sc3tog, skip 1st, crochet 1slst and fasten off.

Info :

Do not stuff the stone with fiberfill.

Stone B :

MR6 =6

Round 2 :

inc1sc in every st. =12

Round 3 :

sc2tog, repeat all round. =6

Round 4 :

sc3tog, skip 1st, crochet 1slst and fasten off.

Stone C :

MR6=6

Round 2 :

sc3tog, sc2tog, 1slst and fasten off.

Info :

Do not stuff the stone with fiberfill. Place the stones onto the soil, next to the tree. Place stone A a little bit on top of stone B, place stone C next to A and B with 1-2sc in between.

— The leaves (in dark green) :

Type A (make 2) :

ch5, turn. Start working in the 2nd ch st as counted from the crochet hook: 3sc, inc2sc in next st. =6

Round 3 :

Continue to work on the bottom of the foundation chain: 3sc, inc2sc in next st. You have now created a new round counting 12 stitches. Continue to work in spirals. =12

Round 4 :

3sc, repeat 3x(inc1sc in next st), 3sc, repeat 3x(inc1sc in next st). =18

Round 5 :

3sc, repeat 3x(1sc, inc1sc in next st), 3sc, repeat 3x(1sc, inc1sc in next st). =24

Round 6 :

3sc, repeat 3x(2sc, inc1sc in next st), 3sc, repeat 3x(2sc, inc1sc in next st). =30

Round 7 :

3sc, repeat 3x(3sc, inc1sc in next st), 3sc, repeat 3x(3sc, inc1sc in next st). =36

Round 8 :

3sc, repeat 3x(3sc, sc2tog), 3sc, repeat 3x(3sc, sc2tog). =30

Round 9 :

3sc, repeat 3x(2sc, sc2tog), 3sc, repeat 3x(2sc, sc2tog). =24

Round 10 :

3sc, repeat 3x(1sc, sc2tog), 3sc, repeat 3x(1sc, sc2tog). =18

Round 11 :

3sc, repeat 3x(sc2tog), 3sc, repeat 3x(sc2tog). =12

Round 12 :

3sc, sc3tog, 3sc, sc3tog. =8

Round 13 :

Crochet 1slst and fasten off.

Info :

Do not stuff the leaf with fiberfill but flatten it and sew the remaining hole shut.

Type B (make 4) :

ch5, turn. Start working in the 2nd ch st as counted from the crochet hook: 3sc, inc2sc in next st. =6

Round 3 :

Continue to work on the bottom of the foundation chain: 3sc, inc2sc in next st. You have now created a new round counting 12 stitches. Continue to work in spirals. =12

Round 4 :

3sc, repeat 3x(inc1sc in next st), 3sc, repeat 3x(inc1sc in next st). =18

Round 5 :

3sc, repeat 3x(1sc, inc1sc in next st), 3sc, repeat 3x(1sc, inc1sc in next st). =24

Round 6 :

3sc, repeat 3x(2sc, inc1sc in next st), 3sc, repeat 3x(2sc, inc1sc in next st). =30

Round 7 :

3sc, repeat 3x(2sc, sc2tog), 3sc, repeat 3x(2sc, sc2tog). =24

Round 8 :

3sc, repeat 3x(1sc, sc2tog), 3sc, repeat 3x(1sc, sc2tog). =18

Round 9 :

3sc, repeat 3x(sc2tog), 3sc, repeat 3x(sc2tog). =12

Round 10 :

3sc, sc3tog, 3sc, sc3tog. =8

Round 11 :

Crochet 1slst and fasten off.

Info :

Do not stuff the leaf with fiberfill but flatten it and sew the remaining hole shut.

Type C (make 3) :

ch5, turn. Start working in the 2nd ch st as counted from the crochet hook: 3sc, inc2sc in next st. =6

Round 3 :

Continue to work on the bottom of the foundation chain: 3sc, inc2sc in next st. You have now created a new round counting 12 stitches. Continue to work in spirals. =12

Round 4 :

3sc, repeat 3x(inc1sc in next st), 3sc, repeat 3x(inc1sc in next st). =18

Round 5 :

3sc, repeat 3x(1sc, inc1sc in next st), 3sc, repeat 3x(1sc, inc1sc in next st). =24

Round 6 :

3sc, repeat 3x(1sc, sc2tog), 3sc, repeat 3x(1sc, sc2tog). =18

Round 7 :

3sc, repeat 3x(sc2tog), 3sc, repeat 3x(sc2tog). =12

Round 8 :

3sc, sc3tog, 3sc, sc3tog. =8

Round 9 :

Crochet 1slst and fasten off.

Info :

Do not stuff the leaf with fiberfill but flatten it and sew the remaining hole shut.

— The branches (in light brown) :

Type A (make 2) :

MR6 =6

Round 2 :

4sc, sc2tog. =5

Round 3 :

3sc, sc2tog. =4

Round 4 :

Crochet 5 rounds of sc. =4

Round 5 :

2sc, sc2tog. =3

Round 6 :

Crochet 1slst and fasten off.

Info :

Do not stuff the branch with fiberfill.

Type B (make 4) :

MR6 =6

Round 2 :

4sc, sc2tog. =5

Round 3 :

3sc, sc2tog. =4

Round 4 :

Crochet 4 rounds of sc. =4

Round 5 :

2sc, sc2tog. =3

Round 6 :

Crochet 1slst and fasten off.

Info :

Do not stuff the branch with fiberfill.

Type C (make 3) :

MR6 =5

Round 2 :

3sc, sc2tog. =4

Round 3 :

Crochet 4 rounds of sc. =4

Round 4 :

2sc, sc2tog. =3

Round 5 :

Crochet 1slst and fasten off.

Info :

Do not stuff the branch with fiberfill.

— Assembly :

Info :

Divide the tree in three parts. Place the heaviest leaves (A) and their branches mostly on the bottom third of the tree, but maybe also one in the middle. Place the lightest leaves (C) and their branches on the top third of the tree. Place the medium weight leaves (B) and their branches on the middle part and bottom third of the tree.

Step 1 :

First, sew all branches onto the tree, one by one.

Step 2 :

Then, sew the matching leaves (type A leaves for type A branches, etc) onto the branches. Keep the edge of the leaf close to the tree itself.

Step 3 :

Repeat until all branches and leaves are sewn onto the tree.

Info :

When finally sewing all branches and leaves onto the tree, make sure all leaves are pointing in the same direction.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew all branches onto the tree trunk one by one, distributing them according to the placement guidelines
  • Attach Type A leaves to Type A branches, keeping the edge of each leaf close to the tree trunk
  • Attach Type B leaves to Type B branches in the middle and bottom sections of the tree
  • Attach Type C leaves to Type C branches in the top third of the tree for proper balance
  • Ensure all leaves are pointing in the same direction for a natural appearance
  • Place the completed tree on top of the soil in the center of the flowerpot and sew securely
  • Arrange the three stones around the base of the tree for a realistic zen garden look

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers consistently to track your rounds, especially during the tree trunk construction
  • 💡Stuff each section firmly but not too tightly to maintain the natural bonsai shape
  • 💡Follow the leaf placement guidelines carefully to ensure the tree maintains proper balance
  • 💡Work in spirals throughout most of the pattern unless otherwise specified
  • 💡Pin leaves and branches in different positions before final sewing to find the best composition

This enchanting bonsai tree pattern brings the peaceful art of zen gardening into your home through the meditative craft of crochet. With its realistic proportions, detailed trunk work, and thoughtful leaf placement, this project creates a stunning decorative piece that captures the essence of traditional bonsai artistry. The pattern combines multiple techniques to challenge your skills while creating something truly special. Perfect for meditation corners, desks, or as a meaningful handmade gift that will be treasured for years to come. 🧶✨

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FAQs

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

The pattern is designed for DK/light worsted weight yarn. Using different weights will significantly change the final size and proportions of your bonsai tree.

How do I keep track of all the different stitch types in the trunk?

The pattern uses single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet in specific sections. Use stitch markers and keep the pattern nearby for reference throughout the trunk construction.

What if my tree tips over when I add the leaves?

Follow the weight distribution guidelines carefully - place heavier Type A leaves on the bottom third, lighter Type C leaves on top, and medium Type B leaves in the middle sections.

Can I make the tree taller or shorter?

Yes, you can adjust the trunk height by adding or reducing rounds in the middle sections, but be careful to maintain the proper proportions for stability.

How do I create the natural soil texture mentioned in the pattern?

Use the yarn threading technique described in step 36 of the soil section - pull yarn through from top to bottom to create realistic dents and texture.