Spiraled Christmas Tree Ornament Crochet Pattern with Star and Bell

Three crocheted Christmas tree ornaments with spiral trees, star toppers featuring snowflakes, and bell bases with holly details, hanging outdoors against a snowy, festive background.

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delightful and unique holiday crochet project, this Spiraled Christmas Tree Ornament is sure to brighten up your festive décor. Each ornament features a charming 3D spiraled tree in classic holiday colors, topped with a six-pointed star embroidered with a snowflake design. The bottom of the spiral leads to a sweet crocheted bell, subtly adorned with holly and berry embellishments, and finished with a gleaming jingle bell. Whether you’re hanging these ornaments on your Christmas tree, decorating windows, or adding a handmade touch to holiday gifts, their cheerful appearance and intricate details will catch every eye.

The project is visually striking, with a palette that typically includes vibrant reds, greens, snowy white, and playful pastel shades for variety. The texture is especially eye-catching—dense, crisp stitches in the spiral mimic the fullness of evergreen branches, while the star and bell shapes offer rich contrast and stability. Best of all, despite the layered appearance, the individual elements are approachable and immensely satisfying to construct. This ornament makes a joyful project for handmade holiday traditions and memorable gifts for loved ones.

Project Overview

The Spiraled Christmas Tree Ornament is constructed in several sections: first, a flat six-point star is created for the top, which is then embroidered with a snowflake. The 3D spiral is crocheted in continuous rounds and attached below the star, mimicking the look of a whimsical tree. The bell at the base is made in separate rounds, decorated with small holly leaves and berries, and a metal jingle bell is attached to the bottom. All pieces are joined vertically for a professional finish, threaded onto a hanging cord or ribbon.

Skill Level

Advanced Beginner to Intermediate: This pattern is suitable for crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches, increases, and decreases, along with some embroidery and assembly. The spiral and bell require attention to shaping and stitch placement, but no intricate shaping or advanced techniques are involved.

Materials

  • Yarn: Light worsted (DK/#3) or sport weight (approx. 50g each in red, green, white, and accent colors like pink and blue for star options, plus scrap amounts for berries and leaves). Cotton or a cotton-blend yarn is suggested for stitch definition and durability.
  • Crochet Hook: 3.5 mm (E-4) or size needed to meet gauge for a firm, structured fabric.
  • Tapestry Needle: For sewing parts and embroidery details.
  • Embroidery Floss/Yarn: White or contrasting color for the star snowflake and berries.
  • Sewing Needle and Thread: For secure attachment of metal bell if needed.
  • Metal Jingle Bells: 1 per ornament (approx. 1.5 cm/0.6 in diameter).
  • Beads: Optional, for embellishment.
  • Stitch Markers: For marking spiral rounds and joins.
  • Scissors

Finished Size

The completed ornament measures approximately 22 cm (8.5 inches) in total hanging length, with the star about 6 cm (2.5 inches) across, the spiral tree 11 cm (4.25 inches) long, and the bell 4.5 cm (1.75 inches) tall. You can adjust the ornament’s size by altering yarn weight and hook size, or by changing the length of the spiral section for a shorter or taller tree.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for this ornament, but for reference: 20 sc x 22 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) with recommended yarn and hook. For best results, crochet tightly and aim for a firm, structured fabric so the ornament holds its shape. Variations in gauge will alter finished size; use a smaller hook if your work feels too loose.

Stitches and Abbreviations

  • ch: chain
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • sc: single crochet
  • hdc: half double crochet
  • dc: double crochet
  • MR: magic ring
  • inc: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
  • dec: decrease (sc 2 together)
  • st(s): stitch(es)

Pattern Notes

  • Unless otherwise noted, rounds are joined with a sl st to the first stitch.
  • Chains at the beginning of each round/row do not count as a stitch unless indicated.
  • For best results, use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round, especially for continuous spiral rounds.
  • Change colors at the final pull-through of the last stitch before the new shade is needed.
  • Work with the right side (RS) of the star and bell facing out; the spiral will naturally twist.
  • Take care with tension—spirals and stars look best with a tight, even fabric. Block pieces if necessary before assembly.

Crochet Pattern Instructions

Star Topper (Make 1 per Ornament)

  1. Using main star color (green, pink, blue, or as desired), make a MR.
  2. Round 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring, sl st to first sc to join. (6 sts)
  3. Round 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around, sl st to join. (12 sts)
  4. Round 3: Ch 1, *sc in next st, inc in next st; repeat from * around, sl st to join. (18 sts)
  5. Round 4 (Points—work all around the circle):
    • *Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in last ch, skip 2 sts on base, sl st to next st*, repeat from * to * around (6 points). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Embroidering the Snowflake: With white yarn or embroidery thread, embroider a snowflake design in the center, radiating 6 lines out onto each star point, then adding branches to each radiating line as shown in the photo. Secure ends neatly at the back.

Spiral Tree (Make 1 per Ornament)

The spiral is created by working in continuous rows with increases on one side only to force the fabric to curl.

  1. With tree color (red, green, or white/silver), ch 46.
  2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (45 sts)
  3. Row 2: Ch 1, turn, work 2 sc in each st across. (90 sts)
  4. Row 3: Ch 1, turn, work (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) across. (135 sts)
  5. Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (135 sts)

The spiral should naturally curl as you go. If you want more curls, add rows with increases. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly steam if needed to enhance the spiral shape.

Bell Base (Make 1 per Ornament)

  1. Using cream or white yarn, make a MR.
  2. Round 1: 6 sc into the MR, sl st to join. (6 sts)
  3. Round 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around, sl st to join. (12 sts)
  4. Round 3: Ch 1, *sc in next st, inc in next st*, repeat from * around. (18 sts)
  5. Round 4: Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sts, inc in next*, repeat from * around. (24 sts)
  6. Round 5: Ch 1, *sc in next 3 sts, inc in next*, repeat from * around. (30 sts)
  7. Rounds 6-8: Ch 1, sc in each st around; sl st to join. (3 rounds of 30 sts)
    Do not fasten off. Check that the bell is bell-shaped and slightly flared at the edge. Add an extra round if more length is needed. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Holly Leaves (Make 2 per Bell)

  1. With green yarn, ch 6.
  2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch.
  3. Do not turn. Working along the opposite side of beg ch, repeat above stitches; sl st in first sc to finish. (Leaf is oblong with a subtle ridge.) Fasten off and weave in ends.

Berries (Make 2-3 per Bell)

  1. With red, pink, or blue yarn, make a MR, work 6 sc into ring. Sl st to first sc to close. Fasten off, pull tight, and weave in ends for a neat sphere.

Assembly Order

  1. Sew two holly leaves and 2-3 berries to the bell’s side near the rim, as shown in the picture.
  2. With a sewing needle and thread, firmly attach a jingle bell to the middle of the bell’s inside so it dangles below.
  3. Thread the spiral through the center of the bell and star, using tapestry needle and leftover yarn. Secure with small stitches so spiral is taut from star to bell, ensuring it hangs straight.
  4. Thread beads (if using) and attach a hanging cord or ribbon to the top of the star. Secure all knots well so the ornament is sturdy.

Assembly and Finishing

Begin by blocking all pieces with gentle steam or a light pressing under a towel to enhance their stitch definition and shape. Embroider the star before attaching it. Sew the jingle bell securely inside the crocheted bell base. Next, use the long tail from your spiral or additional yarn to invisibly sew the top of the spiral to the star’s back center, and the bottom to the inside top of the bell—make sure the ornament hangs straight and the spiral can dangle freely. Attach holly leaves and berries securely around the bell rim. Thread a beaded loop or cord through the top of the star for hanging, and secure all ends by weaving them into the back of your stitches. Give the entire ornament a final shape by lightly steaming, if desired, and trim any visible yarn tails.

Customization Ideas

  • Experiment with the color palette: Try shades of gold, silver, icy blues, or even rainbow hues for the spiral, bell, or star. Make a set in your personal favorite tones for a modern holiday look.
  • Swap the embroidered snowflake for small beads or surface crochet designs on the star.
  • Omit or change the embellishments on the bell: try metallic threads for sparkle, felt holly leaves, or embroidered winter flowers.
  • Use chunkier or sport weight yarns for bigger or mini ornaments; just adjust hook size for a firm fabric.
  • Try using the bell as a tree or door handle bell by omitting the spiral and star sections for a quicker project.

Troubleshooting

  • Spiral not curling: Add an extra increase row or work additional increases in every stitch—you need a significant difference between the base and the added stitches per row for a tight twist.
  • Ornament curls or warps during assembly: Double-check your attachment points and be sure not to overstretch or compress the spiral as you sew it in place. Secure all parts straight and evenly.
  • Edges look uneven: Always count stitches in rows and rounds. If edges are frayed, use a smaller hook or block the component pieces before assembly.
  • Color changes are messy: Always switch color at the final yarn over of the last stitch before the new shade, and weave in ends securely.
  • Finished ornament is too large or small: Adjust your hook size or yarn weight and try again, especially if using different brand yarns than suggested.
  • Bell shape won’t hold: Use denser yarn, tighten tension, and block firmly to set the bell shape. Don’t overstuff with embellishments on the rim.

Care Instructions

Spot clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth if needed; do not machine wash or tumble dry since metallic and embroidered accents may warp. Allow to air dry flat. Store flat in a cool, dry place with a sheet of tissue to preserve the embroidered details and prevent crushing the star or bell shapes.

Final Notes

Always double-check stitch counts for each component and adjust tension for the neatest results. Take your time on embroidery and attachments for a truly crisp appearance. Refer to the photo as a visual guide for proportions, embellishment placement, and color ideas. Enjoy your cheerful new holiday heirloom and share your creativity with friends and family!

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