Festive Crochet Bell Ornament Pattern – Easy and Decorative Holiday Bells

Introduction

Add a cheerful touch to your holiday decorations with these charming crochet bell ornaments! Featuring a classic bell shape, each ornament is worked flat and finished with a crisp, contrasting border, a hanging loop, and a playful ball at the base. The bells are showcased in traditional holiday colors—red with white trim, cream with red trim, and green with white trim—but you can easily personalize them to match any seasonal palette.
The project’s simple, bold lines and 3D elements make these ornaments both eye-catching and versatile. They can be used as tree decorations, festive garland pieces, or even as part of a unique gift wrap embellishment. Their texture is soft but sturdy, striking the perfect balance for ornamental use, and the clean color changes and edgings give a polished, professional finish to each bell.

What makes this project extra delightful is its quick completion time and modular elements—the bell is easy to construct, and the border and ball allow for endless color combinations. Whether you’re decorating your own home, preparing for a holiday market, or making heartfelt handmade gifts, this crochet bell ornament is certain to please both new and experienced crocheters alike.

Project Overview

This bell ornament is crafted in several straightforward sections:

The main bell shape is crocheted flat in rows of double crochet, slightly widening to achieve the traditional bell silhouette.
A contrasting single crochet border and hanging loop are added in one color after the main shape is complete.
A small, stuffed ball (worked in rounds) is stitched to the bell’s lower edge as a final touch.

Each section is worked separately and joined as you go.

Skill Level

Advanced Beginner – If you are comfortable with double crochet, single crochet, and basic shaping, you’ll find this project relaxing and rewarding. The border and ball are simple enough for any crocheter familiar with US terms, and the whole project serves as excellent practice for working color changes and finishing neatly.

Materials

Yarn: Worsted weight (medium/4) acrylic or cotton yarn in three colors—one for the bell body, one for the border/loop, and one for the ball if desired.
- Main Color (bell body): Approx. 25 g (about 45 yards, 41 m) per bell
- Contrast Color (border/loop/ball): Approx. 15 g (about 25 yards, 23 m) per bell
Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8 US) or size needed to obtain gauge
Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends and sewing ball)
Small amount of fiberfill or yarn scraps (for stuffing the ball)
Scissors
Stitch marker (helpful for ball rounds)

Finished Size

Each bell measures approximately 15 cm (6 in) high from the top of the loop to the bottom of the ball, and about 13 cm (5 in) wide at the base. The decorative ball is about 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter. To adjust the size, use a lighter or heavier yarn and a suitable hook, or add/remove rows from the bell shape as desired.

Gauge

With 5.0 mm hook and worsted weight yarn in double crochet: 14 dc x 7 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in). Small differences in gauge aren’t critical for this project, but changing gauge will affect the final dimensions and drape of the bell.

Stitches and Abbreviations

ch – chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
inc – increase (2 stitches in the same stitch)
dec – decrease (work 2 stitches together)

Pattern Notes

The bell body is worked flat in rows, turning at the end of each row. Turning chains do not count as stitches.
The border is worked in joined, continuous single crochet around the edge. Change colors neatly by working the last yarn-over of the final body stitch with the new color.
The hanging loop is made of chain stitches and slip-stitched into place at the top center of the bell.
The ball is worked in the round and attached securely to the bell’s base. Use a stitch marker to keep track of rounds if needed.
If using cotton yarn, blocking helps smooth the bell shape after assembly.
Weave in all ends carefully for a neat, reversible finish if ornaments will be viewed from both sides.

Crochet Pattern Instructions

Main Bell Body

With Main Color (for example, red, cream, or green), ch 13.
(You can adjust the initial chain for a wider or narrower bell.)
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (beginning ch-3 counts as first dc here), dc in each ch across. (11 dc) Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in first dc, dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in last dc. (13 dc) Turn.
Row 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in first dc, dc in next 11 dc, 2 dc in last dc. (15 dc) Turn.
Row 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in first dc, dc in next 13 dc, 2 dc in last dc. (17 dc) Turn.
Row 5: Ch 3, 2 dc in first dc, dc in next 15 dc, 2 dc in last dc. (19 dc) Turn.
Rows 6–10: Ch 3, dc in each dc across. (19 dc) Turn.
Row 11: Ch 3, 2 dc in first dc, dc in next 17 dc, 2 dc in last dc. (21 dc) Turn.
Row 12: Ch 3, dc in each dc across. (21 dc) Turn.
Row 13: Ch 3, 2 dc in first dc, dc in next 19 dc, 2 dc in last dc. (23 dc) Turn.
Row 14: Ch 3, dc in each dc across. (23 dc) Turn.
Row 15: Ch 3, skip first dc, dc in next 21 dc, skip last dc, dc in top of turning ch. (21 dc) Turn.
(This slight decrease curves the bell edge inward.)

Shaping the Flared Bottom Edge

Row 16: Ch 1, sc across entire row. (21 sc) Turn.
Row 17: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 19 sts, 2 sc in last st. (23 sc)
Fasten off main color. Weave in ends.

Contrast Border and Hanging Loop

Join Contrast Color (for example, white or red) with a sl st to the center top of the bell.
Loop: Ch 18 (for a 7 cm/2.75 in loop), sl st to the same starting point to form a loop. Sc around chain loop (approx. 20 sc) for thickness, sl st back into bell’s top to secure.
This makes a sturdy, decorative loop at the top of the bell.
Sc evenly around the entire bell edge, working 2 sc in each corner and 1 sc per row or stitch along the sides. Make sure your stitches are even and not too tight, or the piece may curl. Sl st to the first sc to join.
Fasten off and weave in the contrasting border tail securely.

Crocheted Ball for Bell Clapper

With border color (or main color for contrast), make a magic ring (or ch 2, work into the first ch).
Round 1: 6 sc in ring. Pull tight to close. (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around. (12 sc)
Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sc)
Rounds 4–5: Sc in each sc around. (18 sc)
Round 6: *Sc in next st, sc2tog (dec). Repeat from * around. (12 sc)
Lightly stuff the ball with fiberfill or yarn scraps.
Round 7: Sc2tog around. (6 sc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. With tapestry needle, weave through remaining stitches to close, pull tight and knot securely.

Assembly

Using the long tail, sew the ball securely to the center of the bottom edge of the bell, just below the contrast border. Weave in and trim end.
Your festive crochet bell ornament is complete!

Assembly and Finishing

To finish, weave in all yarn ends using a tapestry needle, taking time to ensure there are no loose strands—especially at the color joins. Shape the bell gently with your hands, stretching slightly at the flare to achieve a smooth, bell-like silhouette. For the best appearance, dampen the ornament and pin it into shape on a flat surface, then let it air dry (this is blocking and helps neaten stitch definition).
If desired, lightly steam block acrylic yarn for extra crispness (taking care not to melt the fiber). Check that the loop is centered and the bell’s bottom edge sits straight. The ball should dangle freely but be firmly attached. If the ornament will be hung or handled often, double-knot and anchor all joins securely for durability.

Customization Ideas

Colors: Swap in gold, silver, icy blue, or other pastels for a different seasonal look. Try using variegated yarn for a multicolor effect.
Yarn weight: Use lightweight yarn and a smaller hook for mini ornaments, or bulky yarn and a larger hook for jumbo bell decorations.
Edging: Add a metallic yarn or a picot border for extra sparkle. Embroider small designs (like holly or stars) on the finished bell.
Alternative uses: Join several bells into a holiday garland, use as a gift topper, attach to wreaths, or make double-layered for a reversible effect.

Troubleshooting

Bell curling or puckering: Make sure your border stitches are relaxed and not too tight—loosen your tension or use a larger hook for the border if needed.
Uneven edges: Count stitches at the end of each row and make sure you increase/decrease only as directed. Blocking can fix mild unevenness.
Bell too large or small: Check your gauge—if your bell is much bigger or smaller than expected, adjust your hook size. Remember, slight size difference is fine for ornaments.
Loose color joins: Always complete the last yarn-over of the final stitch before a color change with the new yarn. Weave ends back into the color section they belong.
Uneven ball (clapper): Stuff lightly so the stitches do not stretch apart. Sew securely with multiple passes for durability.

Care Instructions

If you use acrylic or cotton yarn, these ornaments can be gently hand-washed and air dried flat. Dab with a damp cloth to spot-clean if needed. Avoid machine washing if the hanging loop or ball is loosely attached. Lay flat to reshape after washing or if the ornament gets creased during storage.

Final Notes

Remember to count your stitches at the end of each row for accuracy, and don’t hesitate to adjust your tension for a smooth, elegant bell shape. Use the photo as a visual reference for colors and proportions. Enjoy the process and make each bell your own—these ornaments are perfect for sharing festive cheer!