Add a soft handmade touch to your holiday decorations with this beautiful Crochet Christmas Bell Ornament. Designed with an elegant lacy bell body, a softly scalloped lower edge, a delicate decorative trim, and a large crochet bow at the top, this ornament combines traditional Christmas charm with a warm handmade style.
The finished bell may look intricate at first glance, but the construction is surprisingly approachable. The main body is built gradually using simple crochet rounds, while carefully placed chain spaces create the decorative openwork pattern. A wider lower section forms the recognizable bell silhouette, and a scalloped edging gives the ornament its graceful finishing shape.
In this detailed free crochet pattern, you will learn how to build the bell from the top downward, create the open lace sections, shape the bottom flare, crochet the decorative edging, make the bow, add a hanging loop, and finish the ornament so it keeps its beautiful bell shape.
Crochet Christmas Bell Ornament – Free Pattern
This Christmas bell is worked primarily from the top downward. The first rounds establish a narrow upper section, and increases are gradually introduced as you work toward the bottom.
The open spaces are created with chains between groups of stitches. These spaces are important because they prevent the bell from becoming too heavy and create the delicate lace appearance visible in the finished ornament.
The final rounds create a slightly wider lower edge before a decorative scalloped border is added.
A separate crochet bow is then made and attached near the top, and a long hanging loop allows the finished bell to be displayed on a Christmas tree, branch, garland, wreath, door handle, or holiday gift.
Pattern Overview
- Project: Crochet Christmas Bell Ornament
- Skill Level: Confident Beginner / Easy Intermediate
- Terminology: US Crochet Terms
- Construction: Worked from top to bottom
- Recommended Yarn: Cotton or cotton-blend yarn
- Hook Size: Approximately 2.5–3.5 mm
- Finished Shape: Lacy bell with flared scalloped edge
- Approximate Height: 10–15 cm excluding hanging loop
- Color: Cream, ivory, white, red, green, or gold
Materials You Will Need
This is a relatively small crochet project, so you can often make one bell using leftover yarn from other Christmas projects.
- DK or light worsted cotton yarn
- 2.5–3.5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Sharp scissors
- Stitch marker – optional
- Blocking pins
- Blocking mat or thick towel
- Thin metallic cord or gold yarn – optional
- Small jingle bell – optional
- Fabric stiffener – optional
Choosing the Best Yarn
For decorative crochet bells, yarn choice can make a noticeable difference.
A smooth cotton yarn is an excellent option because it provides strong stitch definition and helps the bell maintain its structure. Cotton also makes the chain spaces and decorative lace sections easier to see.
If you want a softer farmhouse-style Christmas ornament, choose warm ivory, natural cotton, oatmeal, or cream.
For a traditional holiday appearance, you can also make the bell in Christmas red, forest green, or snowy white.
Avoid extremely fuzzy yarn if you want the lace pattern to remain clearly visible.
Abbreviations – US Crochet Terms
- MR – Magic Ring
- ch – Chain
- sl st – Slip Stitch
- sc – Single Crochet
- hdc – Half Double Crochet
- dc – Double Crochet
- tr – Treble Crochet
- st – Stitch
- sts – Stitches
- sp – Space
- rep – Repeat
Understanding the Construction
Before beginning, it helps to understand how the recognizable bell silhouette is created.
The ornament can be divided into four main sections:
- A narrow upper crown.
- A gently expanding lace body.
- A wider lower bell section.
- A decorative scalloped edge.
The crochet bow and hanging loop are added separately.
Instead of dramatically increasing the stitch count in one round, the bell should expand gradually. This creates a smooth curved silhouette rather than a flat circle.
Step 1 – Create the Top of the Bell
Begin with a magic ring.
Work a small group of stitches into the ring to create the crown of the bell. A simple starting structure can be made using approximately 10–12 double crochet stitches.
Join with a slip stitch and gently close the magic ring.
The center should remain neat and compact because this section supports both the bell and the hanging loop.
Step 2 – Establish the Bell Body
Continue working in joined rounds.
During the first few rounds, keep the increases relatively small. The objective is to create a slightly tapered tube rather than a flat crochet circle.
A combination of double crochet stitches and chain spaces works particularly well.
For example, sections can follow a repeating structure similar to:
2 dc, ch 1, skip 1 st
Repeat the sequence around according to your stitch count.
The chains create the small decorative openings that give the ornament its lace appearance.
Step 3 – Create the Open Lace Pattern
As the body becomes longer, begin arranging the chain spaces in a regular pattern.
Try to position each opening directly above or slightly offset from an opening in the previous round.
This creates an attractive repeating geometric texture.
Continue alternating solid stitch groups and chain spaces around each round.
The lace openings should be large enough to remain visible but not so large that the ornament loses its structure.
Step 4 – Gradually Increase the Width
After the upper portion has been established, begin adding occasional increases.
These increases are what transform the narrow crochet tube into a recognizable bell.
Distribute increases evenly around the round rather than placing several increases together.
For example, if your round contains six repeating sections, add the same increase to each section.
Continue for several rounds until the lower portion begins to flare naturally outward.
Step 5 – Shape the Lower Bell
The bottom third of the ornament should be noticeably wider than the top.
This is where you can introduce slightly more frequent increases.
However, avoid excessive increases. Too many stitches will make the bottom ripple instead of creating a smooth bell silhouette.
Lay the work flat occasionally and check the shape.
You want a gentle outward curve rather than a dramatic ruffle at this stage.
Step 6 – Create the Decorative Lower Band
The inspiration design includes a beautiful solid section immediately above the scalloped edge.
To create this effect, work one or two rounds with fewer chain spaces.
A simple round of single crochet or half double crochet can create a clean visual separation between the lace body and decorative border.
This is also the perfect location for adding a thin metallic gold accent.
Optional Gold Accent
A subtle metallic detail can make a simple cream crochet bell look especially festive.
Use fine metallic yarn, gold embroidery thread, or a thin decorative cord.
Weave the metallic strand through one of the lower rounds, moving alternately over and under the crochet stitches.
Do not pull the decorative strand tightly. It should sit naturally around the circumference without distorting the bell.
Step 7 – Crochet the Scalloped Edge
The scalloped border gives the bottom of the ornament its finished Christmas-bell appearance.
A simple shell border can be created using:
sl st, 5 dc in next stitch or space, sl st
Repeat this sequence evenly around the lower edge.
Depending on your stitch count, you may need to adjust the number of stitches between shells so the scallops remain evenly distributed.
The finished shells should gently flare outward.
Step 8 – Make the Crochet Bow
The large bow is one of the most charming features of this ornament.
It is easiest to crochet the bow separately and sew it onto the bell afterward.
First Bow Loop
Chain enough stitches to create a small oval or rectangular section.
Work several rows of single crochet or half double crochet until the piece has enough width.
Second Bow Loop
Create an identical second section.
Alternatively, crochet one longer rectangle and pinch it in the center to create both loops simultaneously.
Bow Center
Wrap yarn tightly several times around the center.
Secure it at the back using a yarn needle.
Shape both sides gently until the bow looks symmetrical.
Step 9 – Attach the Bow
Position the finished bow directly beneath the hanging loop.
Using matching yarn and a yarn needle, sew through the center of the bow and several stitches on the upper bell.
Avoid sewing through the outer edges of the bow loops because they should remain slightly raised and dimensional.
Secure the yarn firmly on the inside and weave in the ends.
Step 10 – Create the Hanging Loop
There are several ways to create the hanging loop.
Crochet Chain Loop
Attach yarn at the top of the bell and chain approximately 25–35 stitches.
Join the end of the chain back to the starting point using a slip stitch.
Double-Strand Loop
For a thicker loop similar to the pictured ornament, make two crochet chains and position them together.
Ribbon Loop
A narrow satin ribbon can create a more elegant appearance.
Whatever method you choose, make sure the loop is centered so the bell hangs vertically.
Optional Jingle Bell
For a more traditional Christmas decoration, attach a small metal jingle bell inside the bottom of the crochet bell.
Thread strong yarn through the center of the upper crown and allow the jingle bell to hang slightly below the scalloped edge.
Make sure the attachment is secure.
This simple addition turns the decorative crochet ornament into a charming little ringing Christmas bell.
Blocking the Finished Bell
Because this is a three-dimensional ornament, traditional flat blocking is not always the best method.
Instead, gently dampen the finished crochet and shape it over a suitable rounded form.
A small cup, glass, foam cone, or similarly shaped household object can help.
- Lightly dampen the crochet.
- Place it over the shaping form.
- Arrange the lace openings evenly.
- Straighten the lower border.
- Shape each scallop.
- Allow it to dry completely.
Remove the shaping form only when the yarn is completely dry.
Should You Stiffen a Crochet Bell?
Stiffening is optional, but it can dramatically improve the shape of decorative crochet bells.
If you are using cotton yarn and tight tension, blocking alone may provide enough structure.
If the bell collapses when hanging, apply a small amount of fabric stiffener before shaping.
Avoid excessive stiffener because the ornament should still look like soft handmade crochet rather than hardened fabric.
Approximate Finished Size
Using DK cotton yarn with a 3 mm crochet hook, your bell may measure approximately:
- Height: 10–15 cm
- Bottom Width: 9–13 cm
- Hanging Loop: 8–12 cm
These dimensions are flexible.
Thinner yarn creates a delicate miniature ornament, while thicker yarn creates a larger statement bell.
Christmas Color Variations
Classic Ivory
Use warm cream or ivory cotton with a gold accent for an elegant vintage Christmas style.
Traditional Red
Crochet the entire bell in deep Christmas red and use cream yarn for the bow.
Forest Green
A dark green bell with a red bow creates a classic Christmas palette.
Winter White
Use bright white cotton and silver metallic thread for a snowy winter look.
Champagne Gold
Combine beige or warm cream cotton with subtle champagne metallic thread for sophisticated holiday décor.
Two-Color Bell Idea
For additional contrast, work the main body in cream and change color for the final two rounds.
Beautiful combinations include:
- Cream + Burgundy
- White + Forest Green
- Ivory + Gold
- White + Dusty Blue
- Cream + Traditional Red
You can then make the bow in the contrasting color to coordinate the entire ornament.
How to Make a Mini Crochet Bell
Miniature bells are perfect for garlands, gift toppers, and small Christmas trees.
Use sport-weight or crochet-thread yarn with a smaller hook.
You can also reduce the number of body rounds.
Keep the overall construction identical but make each section shorter.
How to Make a Larger Bell
For a larger hanging decoration, use worsted-weight yarn with approximately a 4–5 mm hook.
Add extra rounds to the main body before beginning the lower flare.
A larger version can be used as:
- Door decoration
- Window ornament
- Fireplace decoration
- Christmas wreath centerpiece
- Wall hanging
Make a Set of Three Christmas Bells
This pattern looks particularly beautiful when several bells are displayed together.
Try making three ornaments in slightly different sizes.
For example:
- Large ivory bell with gold trim
- Medium red bell with cream bow
- Small forest-green bell with red bow
Tie them together with ribbon or hang them at different heights from a branch.
Turn the Bell Into a Christmas Garland
Crochet several small bells and attach them along a long chain or piece of natural twine.
Alternate the bells with crochet snowflakes, stars, wooden beads, or small pom-poms.
A handmade bell garland looks beautiful across:
- A fireplace mantel
- A staircase
- A window
- A bookshelf
- A Christmas tree
- A holiday table
Use the Bell as a Gift Topper
Instead of using a disposable Christmas bow, attach a miniature crochet bell to a wrapped present.
Natural kraft paper, jute twine, and a cream crochet bell create a particularly beautiful rustic combination.
After opening the gift, the recipient can keep the bell and hang it on their Christmas tree.
Common Problems and Solutions
My Bell Looks Like a Tube
You probably need additional increases toward the lower half. Introduce them gradually and distribute them evenly around the round.
The Bottom Is Too Wavy
This usually means there are too many increases. Reduce the number of added stitches before making the scalloped border.
My Bell Collapses
Use a smaller hook, tighter tension, cotton yarn, or a small amount of fabric stiffener.
The Lace Holes Are Uneven
Count the chains and stitch groups carefully. Each repeating section should contain the same number of stitches.
The Scallops Are Different Sizes
Check that each shell contains the same number of double crochet stitches.
My Bow Does Not Stay Flat
Block the bow separately before sewing it to the bell. You can also add a few hidden stitches behind each loop.
The Ornament Hangs Sideways
The hanging loop is probably positioned off-center. Reattach it directly above the center of the bell.
Tips for a Professional Finish
- Choose smooth yarn with clear stitch definition.
- Maintain even tension throughout the project.
- Count your stitches at the end of each round.
- Distribute increases evenly.
- Keep chain spaces consistent.
- Weave yarn tails into the inside of the bell.
- Block the bow before attaching it.
- Shape the lower scallops carefully.
- Keep metallic accents subtle.
- Center the hanging loop precisely.
Ways to Use Your Crochet Christmas Bell
- Christmas tree ornament
- Holiday gift topper
- Christmas wreath decoration
- Window decoration
- Fireplace mantel décor
- Christmas garland
- Door-handle ornament
- Holiday table decoration
- Handmade Christmas gift
- Stocking decoration
- Craft-fair item
- Winter wall hanging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Crochet Christmas Bell Beginner Friendly?
Yes, especially for a confident beginner who already understands chains, slip stitches, single crochet, double crochet, working in rounds, and simple increases. The lace construction requires careful counting, but no extremely advanced technique is necessary.
What Yarn Is Best for Crochet Christmas Bells?
Cotton or a cotton-rich blend is usually the best choice because the stitches remain clearly defined and the finished ornament holds its shape well.
Can I Use Acrylic Yarn?
Yes. Acrylic can work well, although the finished bell may be softer. Blocking and light fabric stiffening can help improve its shape.
Does the Bell Need Stuffing?
No. This design is intended to remain hollow like a traditional bell.
Do I Need to Add the Gold Trim?
No. The metallic accent is completely optional. The ornament looks beautiful in a single solid yarn color as well.
Can I Add a Real Jingle Bell?
Yes. A small metal jingle bell can be suspended inside the ornament for an additional festive detail.
Can I Make Several for a Garland?
Absolutely. Miniature versions of this pattern work especially well when repeated along a crochet chain or piece of twine.
Final Thoughts
This Crochet Christmas Bell Ornament is a charming project for anyone who loves handmade holiday decorations.
Its combination of open lace stitches, a softly flared silhouette, scalloped edging, decorative bow, and optional metallic details gives it a classic Christmas appearance while still feeling warm and handmade.
Once you understand the basic construction, the pattern is also easy to personalize. Change the yarn color, adjust the size, replace the gold accent with ribbon, add a real jingle bell, or make several coordinated ornaments for your Christmas tree.
A single bell makes a beautiful ornament, but a complete collection in cream, red, green, and gold can create an especially impressive handmade Christmas display.
Whether you hang it from your Christmas tree, use it as a reusable gift topper, or combine several bells into a garland, this small crochet project is a lovely way to add handmade texture to your holiday season.
Choose your favorite holiday yarn, grab your crochet hook, and make a beautiful handmade bell for your Christmas tree this year.