If you want a quick, heart-warming Christmas Angel project, this knitted angel is pure magic.

It works beautifully as a tree ornament, a gift topper, a garland decoration, or a little festive touch for your home.

Besides, it’s a quick knit, perfect for using up those yarn leftovers you’ve been saving all year: “A sweet, scrap-yarn project you can finish in one sitting“, as one of my friends said!

This pattern is worked in the round using the Magic Loop, and the structure is very simple:

Knit the head
Stuff it
Knit the dress
Knit the wings
Attach the wings → done!

Make one… or a whole little choir ✨

Before You Start Knitting Your Christmas Angel

Skill level: Advanced Beginner

Estimated time: 90 minutes

Techniques used:

Knitting in the round
Increases (kfb)
Decreases (ssk)
Yarn overs
Basic sewing/assembly

Yarn suggestions:

Any leftover Worsted, DK, or Aran yarn works beautifully (cotton or wool). I used 100% untreated wool (beginner-friendly, for better shape and texture) #ad

Needles:

US 8 (5 mm) circular needles and a cable/cord at least 24 inches (60 cm) length. I’ve been using this set for many years now, and they’re still my favorite interchangeable wooden needles (smooth transition and memory free-cables) #ad

Optional variations:

Tiny halo (I-cord or metallic thread)
Glitter yarn
Two-tone dress
Embroidered eyes or no face

Materials

US 8 (5 mm) circular needles

30 g yarn (Worsted or DK)

Scissors

Tapestry needle

Stitch marker

Fiberfill stuffing or cotton

Abbreviations

CO: cast on

st: stitch
K: knit
P: purl
yo: yarn over
kfb (increase): “Knit front and back”. Knit one, don’r drop it, and knit into the same stitch through the back loop
M1L (increase): “Make one left”. Take the bar between the last st from your right-hand needle and the first stitch from the left-hand needle, put it from back to front onto your left-hand needle, and knit that stitch through the back loop
ssk (decrease): slip slip knit. Slip one stitch as if to knit, slip the next, place both back onto the left-hand needle and knit them together

How to Knit the Christmas Angel

Head

Cast on 6 sts.

Divide the sts in 2 (place 3 sts on the back needle, and the other 3 on the front needle). Place marker and join in the round.

Increase Rounds

Round 1: K across

Round 2: kfb in every st → 12 sts total

Round 3: K across

Round 4: *K1, M1L, K1*. Repeat from * to *, to end. 6 sts increased, 18 sts total.

Round 5: K across

Round 6: *K1, M1L, K2*. Repeat from * to *, to end. 6 sts increased, 24 sts total.

Rounds 7–10: K across (these rounds form the neck of the Christmas angel).

Decrease Rounds

Round 11: *K1, ssk, K1*. Repeat from * to *, to last st, K1. 6 sts decreased, 18 sts total.

Round 12: K across

Round 13: *K1, ssk*. Repeat from * to *, to end. 6 sts decreased, 12 sts total.

Round 14: K across

Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill or cotton.

Dress

Round 15: As per round 2, *kfb*. 12 sts increased, 24 sts total.

Rounds 16–19: K across

Round 20: *K1, yo*. Repeat from * to *, to end. 22 sts increased, 46 sts total.

Rounds 21–28: K across

Round 29: *K3, yo*. Repeat from * to *, to last st, K1. 15 sts increased, 61 sts total.

Rounds 30 & 32: K across

Rounds 31 & 33: P across

Round 34: Bind off knitwise.

Wings

CO 13 sts
K 13 rows (back and forth)
BO knitwise on row 14

How to Assemble Your Christmas Angel

. Shape the wings and sew it onto the back of the dress (see the video tutorial below).

. Close the head inside the angel, to avoid the filling to escape.

. Add a double hanging loop (yarn or ribbon). Weave in all loose ends.

. Optional: embroider small eyes, add a halo, or embellish the dress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I knit this with straight needles?

Not as written, but you can knit the pieces flat and seam them. For example, you can follow this tutorial to knit the head using straight needles.

Can I make it bigger or smaller?

Yes — just change the yarn weight and needle size.

Do I need to block it?

No. The shape holds well without blocking.

Variations of the Christmas Angel

Halo Angel: 2–3 stitch I-cord in gold thread
Snow Angel: Fluffy mohair or brushed alpaca
Choir of Angels: Knit several in different colors
Star Angel: Sew a tiny felt star to the hands

How to Use Your Christmas Angel

Christmas tree ornament
Gift wrapping decoration
Advent calendar surprise
Mantel or table display
Teacher or hostess gift
Garland / bunting

Video Tutorial

If you’re a visual learner, the video will guide you through the finishing and assembling.

Share Your Christmas Angel With Me!

Tag me on Instagram @sowoolly (I’d love to see your version).

👉 Get your free PDF pattern (instant download)

Printable, easy to follow, and perfect to keep next to your needles.

Hugs and happy knitting,

Carolina – So Woolly

PS: Looking for more knitted Christmas Ornaments? Click here to see my whole collection!