Introduction
Celebrate the magic of the holidays by creating a charming crochet bell ornament that will be the highlight of your festive decor! This stunning handmade bell features a delightful combination of lacy openwork, scalloped edging, and elegant colorwork in traditional holiday tones of creamy white, festive green, and gleaming gold. The entire piece is set off by a lush, layered bow meticulously placed at the top, and a golden crocheted ball inside, mimicking the soundless clapper of classic bell ornaments.
Perfect for adorning any Christmas tree, hanging in a festive window, or integrating into a garland, this bell is both an eye-catching decoration and an enjoyable project for those who love working with thread and intricate details. Crocheting such an ornament brings traditional charm to your celebrations and gives you the opportunity to share handmade cheer with friends and loved ones—either as a keepsake or a unique last-minute gift. Working this bell is interesting for those who enjoy color changes, motif construction, and a blend of open and textured stitches.
Project Overview
This crochet bell ornament is constructed in several distinct sections: the main bell body is worked in the round from the top down, with increases that shape the gentle flare. The base is decorated with a scalloped edge in green and gold, and the interior features a golden crocheted ball (clapper) suspended from the bell’s center. The final touch is a layered bow made with rows of green, gold, and white thread, stitched and shaped separately before being attached. The piece is finished with a crocheted loop for hanging.
Skill Level
Intermediate. The pattern includes working in the round, changing colors, cluster and popcorn stitches, and assembling multiple decorative components. Some experience with tension control and reading crochet schematics or instructions is recommended.
Materials
- Yarn/Thread: #10 cotton crochet thread
– Cream/White – approx. 30g
– Green – approx. 15g
– Gold (metallic or cotton for accent) – approx. 10g - Crochet Hook: 1.5mm (US 7 steel) or size needed for gauge
- Tapestry Needle for sewing ends and attaching components
- Stitch Markers for marking round starts
- Small Scissors
- Optional: Starch or fabric stiffener for blocking bell shape
- Small glass bead or bell (optional) to use inside the crocheted clapper
Finished Size
The crocheted bell ornament measures approximately 12cm (4.75 inches) tall (excluding hanging loop and bow) and about 10cm (4 inches) wide across the scalloped base. To adjust the size, use thinner or thicker thread and an appropriately sized hook, but adjust yarn amounts accordingly. The pattern may be scaled slightly by increasing or decreasing rounds in the bell body and the ball for the clapper.
Gauge
Approximate gauge: 10 double crochet (dc) stitches and 5 rows = 1 inch (2.5cm) with size 1.5mm hook and #10 cotton thread. Variations in gauge will affect the ornament’s finished size. Precision is less critical but should be checked if you wish to match the finished size and structure closely.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble (triple) crochet
- popcorn – 5 dc popcorn stitch (see notes)
- inc – increase (2 sts in same st)
- dec – decrease (draw up a loop in next 2 sts, yo and pull through all loops)
- MR – magic ring
Pattern Notes
Beginning chains always count as a stitch unless otherwise indicated. Rounds are joined with a slip stitch and a turning chain as specified; the bell body is worked in joined rounds for clear definition. Place stitch markers at the start of each round to help keep your place. For color changes, finish the last yarn over of the final stitch before the new color with the new thread to make transitions neat. Weave in color changes securely. Popcorn stitches (5 dc in same st, remove hook from last loop, insert in first dc, draw loop through and ch 1 to close) are used decoratively in the base edge. Bow and ball are worked separately then sewn to the bell. Take care to keep tension even for best results on openwork sections.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Main Bell Body
- Start: With cream/white thread, make a MR, ch 3 (counts as dc), and work 11 dc into ring. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (12 dc)
- Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around. Join. (24 dc)
- Round 3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st* around. Join. (36 dc)
- Round 4: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts* around. Join. (48 dc)
- Round 5: Ch 3, dc in next st, ch 1, skip one st, *dc in next 2 sts, ch 1, skip one st* around. Join. (48 dc, 24 ch-1 spaces)
- Round 6: Ch 3, dc in next dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in next 2 dc, repeat from * around. Join. (48 dc)
- Round 7: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, ch 1, skip one st, *dc in next 3 sts, ch 1, skip one st* around. Join. (48 dc, 12 ch-1 sps)
- Round 8: Ch 3, dc in each st and ch-1 space around. Join. (48 dc)
- Round 9: (Begin lacy segment) Ch 3, dc in next st, ch 2, skip two sts, *dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, skip two sts* repeat around. Join. (24 dc, 12 ch-2 sps)
- Round 10-15: Repeat Round 9, aligning dc groups above each other and maintaining openwork. Bell will softly flare. After Round 15, you should have a bell shape about 7-8cm tall. (Stitch count remains: 24 dc, 12 ch-2 sps per round)
Colorwork and Lower Motif Section
- Round 16 (Green): Attach green in any ch-2 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, skip next dc group, *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 sp, skip next dc group* repeat around. Join. (6 shells total)
- Round 17 (Gold): Attach gold to top of any shell. Sl st, ch 1, sc in each st around, placing 2 sc in each ch-2 sp. (Approx. 48 sc)
Scalloped Edge (Cream/White and Gold)
- Round 18 (Cream): Attach cream into any shell ch-2 sp. Ch 3, 4 dc in same sp, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, *sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next ch-2 sp, sk 2 sts, sc in next st* around. Join. (6 scallops of 5 dc each)
- Round 19 (Gold): Attach gold at the top of any scallop. Ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in top of each scallop, sl st in each sc between. Repeat around. Join and fasten off. (6 looped arches at each scallop tip)
Hanging Loop
- With gold, join at any scallop tip. Ch 22, sl st to form loop. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Clapper (Interior Ball)
- With gold: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring. (6)
- Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st. (12)
- Rnds 3-4: Sc in each st. (12)
- Rnd 5: (Sc2tog) six times. (6) Stuff lightly before drawing closed. Leave a tail for attaching and thread through bell’s center from inside, knot at top inside the bell.
Bow (Green, Gold, Cream/White)
- With green: Ch 28, dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across. (25 dc)
- Change to cream: Ch 3, turn, dc across. (25 dc)
- Change to gold: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. Fasten off.
- Fold into bow shape, pinch center and wrap with gold thread several times. Stitch bow to just above the bell. Shape loops out and secure ends neatly.
Assembly and Finishing
To assemble, first sew the clapper (golden ball) to the inside center of the bell, ensuring it hangs down enough to be visible but not protrude past the base. Use a doubled thread for extra security. Attach the bow by sewing it securely to the very top center above the bell body and below the hanging loop—make sure no stitch tails protrude from the front. Weave in all yarn ends inside the bell or along the back of the bow. Block the bell by misting with water or using a mild starch, shaping over a bell-shaped mold (or a cup/bowl) to allow the bell to dry with crisp, even edges and an elegant flare. The ornament will keep its three-dimensional form best if it is lightly stiffened.
Customization Ideas
Personalize your bell by switching up the color palette—try red and silver for a frosty look, or royal blue and white for a wintery theme. Use sparkly metallic threads for extra shimmer or try a gradient set for the scallops. If desired, increase rounds in the body to make a larger bell, or decrease for a petite ornament. Make multiple bells for an elegant garland, or attach to wreaths and gift packaging. The center ball can be replaced with a real mini jingle bell or pearl for a musical feature.
Troubleshooting
Bell curling or flopping: Too-loose tension or soft thread may lead to a floppy bell; block and stiffen as needed.
Wavy or uneven scallops: Make sure to work each scallop in the center of the shell section—count increases.
Bell too large/small: Check your gauge and adjust hook size if your bell is coming out much larger or smaller than expected.
Loose color changes: Always join new colors by finishing the last yarn over of the previous stitch with the new thread.
Uneven openwork: Place your dc and ch spaces carefully; use stitch markers if necessary to keep grid even.
Clapper hangs off-center: Carefully count center stitches and anchor ball at dead center with tight stitches inside.
Care Instructions
Handwash gently in lukewarm water with mild soap if needed. Do not wring; blot and reshape while damp. Allow to air dry completely. Re-starch or block if bell loses stiffness over time. Store flat or hanging out of direct sunlight to prevent color fading and deformity.
Final Notes
Always count your stitches at the end of each round to ensure accuracy. Adjust your tension as needed for openwork and solid sections. Use the provided image as a visual reference to help with color placement, scallop shaping, and bow assembly. With patience and care, you will create a beautiful, heirloom-quality crochet bell ornament perfect for holiday cheer and gifting!
