2-in-1 Tutorial: How to Crochet Red & White Festive Candy & Twisted Wreath from Crochet Stripe

Author: Talha

I am a crochet designer, macramé maker and a crafter who also loves doing MATH.

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Today’s crochet Christmas charms project is the cleverest and super QUICK. Because you can learn how to crochet these two classic Christmas ornaments: a Striped Candy Cane and a Christmas Wreath, both using the same “crochet stripes” method. These crochet peppermint ornaments make GREAT Christmas decorations and bag charms as well. Can be crocheted in under 30 minutes.

Both ornaments use a clever, beginner-friendly crochet technique: when you work multiple stitches into every chain of a long foundation chain, the piece naturally curls into a tight corkscrew spiral.

By interlocking two contrasting spirals together, you create a seamless two-tone striped rope without having to change colors mid-row. The candy cane is shaped using a craft wire inserted through the core, while the wreath is joined into a ring and decorated with cute crochet bows.

Pattern to Crochet the 2-in-1 Festive Charms for Christmas

Skill Level: Beginner – Level 4

Materials & Tools

Yarn:
- 4-ply or 5-ply Milk Cotton yarn (approx. 2.0 mm thickness, e.g., Susan’s Family 5 or Milk Cotton 50g)
- Colors: Red, White, and Green
Crochet Hook: 2.5 mm (if using thinner 1.5 mm yarn, use a 2.0 mm hook)
Craft / Floral Wire: 1 piece of thin green floral wire (approx. 20–25 cm / 8–10 inches)
Adhesive: Hot melt glue gun (or fabric glue)
Tools:
- Sharp yarn scissors
- Tapestry / yarn needle

Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch: Chain stitch
sc: Single crochet
dc: Double crochet
tr: Treble (triple) crochet (yarn over twice)
sl st: Slip stitch
MR: Magic Ring
st(s): Stitch(es)
[ … ]: Repeat instructions within brackets

1. The Core Spiral Strip (Base Component)

This identical strip is used for both the Candy Cane and the Wreath.

For the Candy Cane: Make 1 Red spiral and 1 White spiral.
For the Wreath: Make 1 Red spiral and 1 Green spiral.

Pattern:

Foundation Chain: Ch 61.
(Note: If using thinner ~1.5 mm yarn, ch 51 instead).
Row 1:
- Skip the 1st chain from the hook.
- In the 2nd chain from the hook, work 3 sc into the same chain.
- Work 3 sc into every remaining chain stitch across the entire length (60 repeats total).
- Formula: Skip 1, [3 sc in the same st] x 60
As you work, the strip will curl tightly on its own into a spring-like corkscrew.
Fasten off: Ch 1, cut the yarn leaving a 5–7 cm tail, pull through, and pull tight to secure.

2. Candy Cane Assembly & Green Bow

A. Twisting the Candy Cane

Take the 1 Red spiral and 1 White spiral.
Align their top ends together.
Twist and nestle the two spirals into each other like a double-helix / striped barber pole. They will interlock naturally into a rounded, two-tone rope.
At both ends, tie the red and white yarn tails together tightly so the spirals don’t unravel.
Snip off the excess yarn tails flush with the ends.

B. Inserting the Wire & Shaping

Take your floral craft wire (fold it in half if it is very thin to give it extra stiffness).
Insert the wire through the hollow center channel of the twisted rope from one end all the way through to the other.
Snip off any protruding wire with scissors or wire cutters, making sure the sharp wire tips are tucked safely inside the yarn.
Gently bend the top 1/3 of the rope into a classic curved hook shape.

C. Small Green Accent Bow

Worked with Green yarn and a 2.5 mm hook:

Start with a Magic Ring (MR).
In the MR, work: (ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st) — first bow wing formed.
Repeat into the MR: (ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st) — second bow wing formed.
Pull the center ring tail firmly to close the magic ring tightly.
Cut the yarn, leaving an 8 cm tail. Wrap the tail around the center between the two wings 3–4 times to form the center knot of the bow.
Tie a double knot on the back and trim the ends.
Using hot glue, attach the green bow onto the candy cane at the base of the curve.

3. Christmas Wreath Assembly & Decorations

A. Twisting & Joining the Wreath

Take the 1 Red spiral and 1 Green spiral.
Align the ends and twist them into each other, following the same interlocking method as the candy cane.
Curve the twisted rope into a circle so the two ends meet.
Align the colors where the ends touch (red against red, green against green).
Apply a generous dab of hot glue to both ends, press them firmly together, and hold for 15–20 seconds until the glue sets.

B. Large White Bow (Top Accent)

Worked with White yarn and a 2.5 mm hook:

Start with a Magic Ring (MR).
In the MR, work: (ch 3, 3 tr, ch 3, sl st) — first bow wing formed.
Repeat into the MR: (ch 3, 3 tr, ch 3, sl st) — second bow wing formed.
Pull the ring tail firmly to cinch the center closed.
Cut the yarn, wrap the yarn tail around the middle 3–4 times to define the center knot, tie securely on the back, and trim.
Apply hot glue to the back of the bow and press it over the glued seam of the wreath to conceal the joint.

C. Side Bow Ties (White Accents)

Cut two pieces of White yarn, each about 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) long.
Thread one piece onto a tapestry needle and pass it through the side of the wreath (around the 3 o’clock position).
Tie it into a small decorative bow. Trim the bow tails to your desired length.
Repeat on the opposite side (around the 9 o’clock position) with the second strand of white yarn.

Final Details & Display

You can attach a loop of thread or gold string to the top of both ornaments to hang them on your Christmas tree, use them as gift toppers, or attach a keyring to make festive keychains.