A crochet Christmas bell adds soft, handmade charm to any tree. It works up fast, so you can finish one in about an hour. Even better, it uses only a few yards of yarn. In this guide, you will learn how to make a simple bell ornament with a jingle clapper. You will also find tips on yarn, stiffening, and styling. If you love lace, you will find a few other options too.
Why Make a Crochet Christmas Bell This Year?
Christmas crochet bells are quick, cheap, and fun to make. What’s more, they suit every skill level. Beginners only need single crochet and simple increases. Meanwhile, experienced makers can add lace or color changes. In fact, because the shape is so simple, one pattern covers many styles.
Crocheted Christmas bells also make thoughtful gifts. For instance, tie one to a present instead of a store-bought bow. Similarly, a row of bells looks lovely on a mantel. Even better, a single crochet Christmas bell fits inside a card envelope. That’s why searches for crochet bells Christmas ideas jump every November.
Materials for Your Christmas Bell Ornament
Before you begin, gather these supplies. Most of them are probably in your craft bag already.
- Yarn: About 25 yards of worsted weight cotton in red, white, or gold. Cotton holds its shape well, so choose it first.
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E-4). This size is smaller than most labels suggest. As a result, your stitches stay tight and firm.
- Jingle bell: One 12 mm to 15 mm gold bell for the clapper. Alternatively, use a wooden bead.
- Hanger: 8 inches of matching yarn. You can also use thin twine.
- Ribbon: 8 inches of 3/8-inch ribbon for the bow.
- Stiffener: Fabric stiffener, or white glue mixed 1:1 with water. Although optional, this step helps the bell hold its shape.
- Tools: Stitch marker, yarn needle, and scissors.
No cotton on hand? Acrylic works too. However, it needs stiffener to keep the bell shape. If you prefer a smaller bell, try DK yarn with a 3 mm hook. In that case, expect a bell about 2 inches tall.
Gauge, Size, and Abbreviations
Gauge is not critical for this project. Still, tight stitches matter. With the materials above, 6 single crochet stitches measure about 1 inch. The finished bell stands roughly 3 inches tall and 2½ inches wide. For a bigger bell, use a 4.5 mm hook. Therefore, expect a height of about 3½ inches.
The pattern uses US terms:
- MR: magic ring
- sc: single crochet
- inc: two single crochets in the same stitch
- sl st: slip stitch
- ch: chain
- st(s): stitch(es)
You work in a continuous spiral, so do not join the rounds. Instead, place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round. Then move it up as you go.
Free Pattern for Crochet Christmas Bells
This free Christmas bell crochet pattern starts at the top and works down. To begin, make the dome. Next, flare the rim. After that, add the clapper and hanger. Best of all, this crochet Christmas bell ornament pattern uses only basic stitches.
Crochet the Bell Dome
- Round 1: 6 sc in an MR. (6)
- Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
- Round 3: 1 sc, inc; repeat around. (18)
- Round 4: 2 sc, inc; repeat around. (24)
- Round 5: 3 sc, inc; repeat around. (30)
- Rounds 6–9: Sc in each st around. (30)
Once you finish Round 5, check your stitch count. You should have 30 stitches. Otherwise, the rim will not flare evenly. If you notice an error, rip back and recount before continuing.
Work the Flared Rim
- Round 10: 4 sc, inc; repeat around. (36)
- Round 11: Sc in each st around. (36)
- Round 12: 5 sc, inc; repeat around. (42)
- Round 13: Sc in each st around. (42)
- Round 14: Sl st in each st around. (42) Fasten off and weave in the end.
The increases make the rim flare out. As a result, you get the classic bell shape.
Would you prefer a decorative edge? If so, try a picot edge instead of Round 14. Work sc in next 2 sts, ch 3, sl st in the 3rd ch from the hook, sc in next st. Repeat 14 times. Once finished, fasten off.
Add the Clapper and Hanging Loop
Before attaching the clapper, if you plan to stiffen the bell, do that first. To learn how, read the next section, then come back here.
- Cut 4 inches of yarn. Tie it to the jingle bell’s loop with a double knot.
- Then, thread the free end onto a yarn needle.
- Stitch through two top stitches from the inside. Afterward, tie three tight knots.
- Check the length. The bell should hang about ½ inch above the rim. Otherwise, it will peek out.
- Finally, cut 8 inches of yarn for the hanger. Thread it through the top, then tie the ends in a double knot to form a loop.
Finish With a Bow
Tie the ribbon into a small bow. Next, sew or glue it over the hanger knot. As an added bonus, the bow hides any messy knots. For an extra festive touch, add a pearl bead in the center of the bow.
Stiffen Your Crocheted Christmas Bells
A soft bell can sag after a few days on the tree. Fortunately, stiffener fixes this fast.
- Wrap a small plastic cup (about 2½ inches wide) in plastic wrap. Turn it upside down.
- Mix equal parts white glue and water.
- Brush a thin coat onto the bell. Be careful, because too much glue leaves the yarn shiny and hard.
- Next, slip the bell over the cup and shape the rim with your fingers.
- Let it dry for 12 to 24 hours. Once completely dry, lift it off the cup.
Most importantly, stiffening before you add the clapper also keeps the jingle bell glue-free.
Common Bell Crochet Mistakes to Avoid
- Loose stitches: They make a floppy bell. Therefore, drop down one hook size.
- No stitch marker: Because you work in a spiral, it is easy to lose your place. For this reason, mark the first stitch of every round.
- Miscounted increases: Count after Rounds 5, 10, and 12. Additionally, fix any error right away.
- A clapper that is too long: It hangs outside the rim. Consequently, the bell looks messy.
- Too much glue: Heavy coats ruin the soft look. Instead, use one thin layer.
More Christmas Bell Crochet Patterns Free to Try
Looking for more crochet Christmas bells free patterns? These links offer fresh takes on the same idea. Many free crochet patterns for Christmas bells also include photos or video help. Availability and pricing can change, so check each page first.
- Golden Lace Christmas Bell by Pattern Obsession gives you a lacy, golden look. It suits crocheters who want a fancier ornament.
- Simple Christmas Bells by Oombawka Design pairs nicely with this ornament. Likewise, it makes a good next project.
- This YouTube playlist of video tutorials lets you watch stitches in motion. As a result, tricky steps feel much easier.
Ways to Decorate With Crochet Bells
- Tree ornaments: Hang bells near the branch tips, so the clappers can jingle.
- Garland: Space 7 bells about 6 inches apart on 4 feet of twine. In short, you get a mantel-ready garland.
- Gift toppers: Tie a small bell onto the ribbon of a present. Plus, guests can keep it as a bonus gift.
- Wreath: Cluster three bells at the base of a plain wreath.
- Matching set: Make a crochet angel ornament too. Then hang both together for a full handmade set.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a crochet Christmas bell take?
Most beginners finish one in 45 to 60 minutes. Meanwhile, experienced crocheters often need less than 40 minutes. However, stiffening adds extra drying time.
Can I skip the jingle bell?
Yes! Instead, use a wooden bead or leave the inside empty. Either way, the bell still looks great on the tree.
What yarn works best for a bell crochet project?
Worsted weight cotton is the top choice because it stays firm and shows stitches clearly. However, acrylic also works well when you add stiffener. For this reason, choose the yarn that best suits your project.
How do I make a lace version?
To create a delicate look, switch to size 10 crochet thread and a 1.5 mm hook. Afterward, stiffen the finished piece well. Alternatively, for a ready-made lacy design, see the Golden Lace pattern above.
Final Thoughts on Crocheted Christmas Bells
A crochet Christmas bell is a small project with big holiday charm. Best of all, it uses basic stitches, little yarn, and just one evening. Start with a single red bell. Next, make a set in white and gold for a full garland. Finally, once you finish, save this pattern on Pinterest so you can find it again next December.
