Introduction
Brighten your festive season with these charming Colorful Christmas Crochet Bells Ornaments! These delightful decorations brim with holiday spirit—each bell featuring a vivid color, crisp white scalloped edging, holly-inspired leaves, and a trio of bold berries. Their playful shape and joyful color palette instantly conjure memories of carolers, twinkling lights, and cozy holiday cheer. Whether you hang them on your Christmas tree, attach them to holiday packages, or string them along a mantelpiece, these crochet bells will sparkle with personality and warmth. Not only do they add a homey, handcrafted touch to your décor, but they’re also quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones!
Even if you’re not an experienced crocheter, don’t worry. This project is accessible to advanced beginners and is a wonderful way to explore working in the round, changing colors, and making quick embellishments. Plus, each ornament is small enough to finish in an evening, making it perfect for last-minute decorating. Let your creativity ring out with this festive project!
Project Overview
These crochet bells are made in the round, starting at the tip and worked outward. Each bell comprises three main elements: the bell body, a ruffled white edge, and a hanging loop. Once the bell is finished, separate leaves and crocheted berries (or beads) are attached to the top for a classic holly motif. The pieces are assembled using a tapestry needle, and the ornament is easily finished with a hanging loop. The bells can be made in a rainbow of colors, and the size can be adjusted by using different weights of yarn or varying hook sizes. The entire project uses only basic crochet stitches, yet the result is wonderfully detailed and festive!
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner. This pattern uses basic stitches (chain, single crochet, double crochet, increases, decreases) and some simple techniques for shaping and color changes. Following rounds and attaching small pieces are required, but the pattern is approachable for anyone with a bit of crochet experience.
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn (size 4), in assorted bright colors for bell bodies—20g per ornament.
- Worsted weight yarn in white for edges—8g per ornament.
- Worsted weight yarn in green for leaves—8g per ornament.
- Small amount of red yarn or 3 small red beads per ornament (for berries), or use felt balls or buttons.
- US G/6 (4.0mm) crochet hook.
- Tapestry needle.
- Scissors.
- Stitch marker (optional, for marking rounds).
Finished Size
Each bell ornament measures approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) tall and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide at the base, not including the hanging loop. You can easily adjust the size by selecting a lighter or heavier yarn, or using a larger or smaller hook. To make miniature bells, try switching to sport weight yarn and a smaller hook!
Gauge
Gauge is approximately 16 double crochets and 8 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) with your chosen yarn and hook. As ornaments do not need to be a precise size, exact gauge is less important. However, a tighter gauge will help the bells keep their shape.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- inc – increase (work 2 stitches in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (single crochet two together)
- MR – magic ring
Pattern Notes
Ch 2 at the start of rounds does not count as a stitch unless stated. Rounds are joined with a slip stitch at the end. Always work with the right side facing you. For clean color changes, finish the last stitch of the round with the new color. Small differences in yarn or hook size may affect the final size of your ornament. Stitch markers help track round beginnings for the bell body. Berries can be crocheted or replaced with small beads. Always weave in ends as you go for a neater finish.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Bell Body
- With bell color, make a MR. Ch 2 (does not count here), work 8 dc into ring. Join with sl st. (8 sts)
- Ch 2, 2 dc in each stitch around. Join. (16 sts)
- Ch 2, [1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next] repeat around. Join. (24 sts)
- Ch 2, [1 dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next] repeat around. Join. (32 sts)
- Ch 2, [1 dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next] repeat around. Join. (40 sts)
- Ch 2, dc in each stitch around. Join. Repeat this plain round 1 time for a bit more length. Fasten off bell color.
Bell Edge
- Attach white yarn to any stitch at base of bell. Ch 1, *sc in same stitch, ch 2, sc in next stitch; repeat from * around the bell’s bottom. This creates a ruffled shell edge. Join with sl st and fasten off. Weave in ends.
Bell Loop
- With bell color (or white for contrast), join yarn at top of bell. Ch 18-20 (or desired length), sl st in same spot to form a loop. Fasten off and weave in ends inside bell.
Leaves (make 2 per ornament)
- With green yarn, ch 7. In second ch from hook: sc, hdc in next, dc in next 2, hdc in next, sc in last. Ch 1, pivot and repeat down the other side of the chain: sc, hdc, dc in next 2, hdc, sc. Sl st to first st to close leaf, fasten off (leave a tail for sewing).
Berries
- Option 1: Sew 3 small red beads to top of bell, between leaves.
Option 2: Crochet berries – with red yarn, make MR, ch 1, work 6 sc in ring, pull tight, fasten off leaving long tail. Make 3 per bell and sew on.
Assembly
- Using yarn tails and a tapestry needle, sew leaves securely to the center top of bell. Overlap the bases slightly for a natural holly effect.
- Sew or glue berries over the base of the leaves, fanning them in a small cluster.
- Adjust position as needed and weave in all ends neatly on the back.
Assembly and Finishing
After crocheting each bell, attach the leaves first to the very top, gently curving them outward. Stitch the berries close together between the leaves for a classic Christmas look. If using beads or buttons, sew them securely. Check your work from both sides and neatly weave in any yarn tails. To give the bells a crisp appearance, lay them flat and lightly steam or pin them into shape if needed. Let them cool completely before hanging or gifting. This helps the bells keep their cheerful shape throughout the season!
Customization Ideas
Mix up the yarn colors to fit any holiday palette—classic red and white for a traditional feel, icy blues and silver for a winter wonderland, or fun rainbow hues for a playful tree. Use sparkly or metallic yarn for extra shine. Larger hooks and chunkier yarn give a rustic look, while finer yarn creates dainty ornaments. Turn the bell into a brooch, keychain, or festive garland by omitting the loop or stringing several together. Personalize each bell with initials or tiny embroidery for a unique touch!
Troubleshooting
If your bell curls or warps, check that your edge is not too tight—try loosening your tension or adding ch 3 between shell stitches. Uneven edges usually come from inconsistent stitch heights; aim for steady tension and finish rounds carefully. If the bell seems floppy, try a tighter hook or a firmer yarn. Gaps at the color change can be minimized by always finishing the last stitch before a join with the new color. If your motif seems too large or too small, adjust your hook size or try a different yarn weight. Always reshape or block gently if needed.
Care Instructions
Hand wash finished ornaments gently in cool water with mild detergent. Roll in a towel to remove moisture, reshape while damp, and lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing, harsh agitation, or high heat, especially if using acrylic yarn. Bells may be gently reshaped after washing.
Final Notes
Enjoy crafting your set of crochet Christmas bells! Check your stitch count at the end of each round for the neatest results, and don’t be afraid to play with colors and embellishments. Use the project photo as a guide, but let your imagination jingle all the way. Happy hooking and warmest holiday wishes to you!
