This originally started as a way to make the hatstand I use to air my roller derby gear a bit prettier. Then it just evolved into a massive sculptural undertaking.

Anyway, these are instructions on how to make a gum tree out of a hatstand. Alternatively you could just make some leaves and use them as bookmarks, which is much quicker and less weird.

As you can see, my tree has already attracted a magpie 🙂

My tree has 20 leaves and 9 blossoms.

Tree

First, find a hatstand. I bought mine at a garage sale for $4 🙂 Then crochet it a brown cover. I used 8 ply brown wool and a 4 mm hook. Obviously the method will depend on the hat stand but here are some pictures that may help.

Leaves

For the leaves you will need green and brown 8 ply wool and a 2.5 mm hook. To make a stem for a leaf so you can sew it onto a tree just attach the wool at the top and chain three. Each leaf is about 21 cm long.

The pictures are a little small because I have trouble uploading large pictures onto this website. I have posted better pictures on Ravelry.

Blossoms

You will need brown 8 ply wool, pink 4 ply wool, a 2.5 mm hook and a tapestry needle. This pattern is written in American crochet notation. Each flower is approximately 5 cm long.

Round 1: 4 sc in a magic ring (4 stitches)

Rounds 2 – 4: sc in each stitch (4 stitches)

Round 5: increase, sc in the next stitch, increase, sc in the next stitch (6 stitches)

Round 6: increase in each stitch (12 stitches)

Round 7 – 8: sc in each stitch (12 stitches)

Fasten off, weave in end.

With 4 ply pink wool

Turn the flower inside out and sew short lengths of wool into the stitches near the edge and tie a knot. Turn the flower back the right way and trim the excess pink wool.

 

I hope you enjoy your trees 🙂