How to Make a Crochet Popcorn Garland That’ll Have Your Tree Looking Like a Cozy Winter Dream

How to Make a Crochet Popcorn Garland That’ll Have Your Tree Looking Like a Cozy Winter Dream

Making a crochet popcorn garland might sound like something your crafty grandmother would tackle on a snowy afternoon, but trust me, this project is about to become your new holiday obsession.

I stumbled into this craft three years ago when I was tired of throwing away those sad, stale popcorn garlands every January. Now I’ve got a collection of handmade beauties that come out every December, and honestly, they look better each year.

Why Bother Crocheting Fake Popcorn?

Let me answer the question you’re already asking: why would anyone crochet popcorn when real popcorn exists?

Real popcorn garlands turn brown. They attract bugs. They crumble into a million pieces when you try to pack them away.

Crochet popcorn garlands are forever. They’re washable, squishable, and they won’t leave butter stains on your carpet. Plus, there’s something ridiculously satisfying about making tiny yarn snacks.

What You’ll Actually Need

The Yarn Situation

Grab yourself some worsted weight yarn in cream or white for that authentic popcorn vibe. I prefer acrylic because it’s cheap, holds its shape, and doesn’t pill like some fancy wools do.

Each little popcorn kernel eats up about 2 yards of yarn. Do the math on your garland length, then buy way more than you think you need. You’ll mess up a few, trust me.

If you’re impatient like me, switch to super bulky yarn and watch your project fly.

Tools That Matter

• A 5mm crochet hook for worsted weight (or 6.5mm for chunkier yarn)
• Red wooden beads for your “cranberries”
• Yarn needle with a big eye
• Scissors that actually cut (not those kitchen disasters)

Making Your First Popcorn Kernel

Here’s where it gets fun.

Step 1: Start with a magic ring

Chain 2, then you’re going to make what crocheters call “bumps.” These are basically chain-and-slip-stitch combos that create texture.

Step 2: Create 5-6 bumps

• Chain 3
• Insert hook back into the ring
• Slip stitch to secure
• Repeat until you’ve got 5 or 6 bumps

Five bumps look more realistic. Six bumps space better on the garland. I do six because I’m lazy and don’t want my popcorn smooshed together.

Step 3: Tighten everything

Pull that magic ring shut like you’re cinching a drawstring bag. Knot it off. Leave yourself a long tail for stringing later.

Step 4: Fluff it up

This is the secret step nobody talks about.

Twist the popcorn between your fingers. Push the bumps outward. Squish it around until it actually looks like popcorn instead of a sad yarn blob.

Each piece takes maybe 1-2 minutes once you get into a rhythm.

Stringing Your Garland Together

Threading these little guys is where your yarn needle earns its keep.

The Assembly Process:

Cut a long piece of yarn (I go with 8-10 feet at a time). Thread your needle.

Pro tip: Go through the SIDE of each popcorn, not through the center. This keeps them spaced nicely and prevents that squashed look.

The Classic Pattern:

• Popcorn
• Popcorn
• Bead
• Repeat forever

You can switch it up with three popcorns per bead, or go rogue and do random spacing. There’s no garland police.

How Long Will This Actually Take?

Let’s be real about time commitment.

For a 6-foot garland:

Plan on 4-6 hours if you’re comfortable with basic crochet. Double that if you’re learning as you go.

For a 9-foot garland:

About 6 hours of active stitching time. Add breaks for snacks, Netflix, and questioning your life choices.

I like to make popcorn pieces while watching TV, then string them all together in one satisfying session.

How Much Do You Need?

The old decorator’s rule says 9 feet of garland per foot of tree height. So a 7-foot tree wants about 63 feet of garland.

That’s a LOT of tiny popcorn.

I usually make 15-20 feet for my tree and call it a day.

Making It Look Actually Good

Color Variations:

Nobody says you have to stick with white and red.

I’ve seen gorgeous garlands with:

• Blue “popcorn” and silver beads for a winter wonderland vibe
• Natural cream yarn with wooden beads in various sizes
• Pastel rainbow popcorn for a candy-coated look

Sizing Games:

Make some popcorn kernels with 5 bumps, some with 6, some with 7. Real popcorn isn’t uniform, so your crochet version shouldn’t be either.

The Cranberry Situation:

Red wooden beads are classic, but I’ve also used:

• Felt balls
• Large red pony beads
• Real dried cranberries sealed with Mod Podge (they lasted two seasons before looking sketchy)

Caring for Your Garland

This is where crochet beats real popcorn hands down.

Storage:

Loop it loosely in a fabric storage bag or cardboard box. Don’t cram it into a tiny container or you’ll flatten all those beautiful bumps.

Cleaning:

Wipe with a barely damp cloth for dust. Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum if you’re feeling fancy. Don’t throw it in the washing machine unless you want felt.