There is something especially charming about a handmade bell hanging among the lights and greenery of a Christmas tree.
This crochet Christmas bell ornament combines a soft cream bell with a rich red decorative band, scalloped edging and optional gold and pearl details. The finished piece feels festive without being overly complicated, making it a lovely project when you want to add a handmade touch to your holiday decorations.
What I especially like about this style of ornament is how much the final look can change without changing the basic construction. Keep it simple with just cream and red yarn, add metallic trim for a more elegant finish, or make several bells in coordinating colors for a matching tree set.
The bell is worked from the top down, gradually increasing toward the bottom. A contrasting band breaks up the shape, while the scalloped lower edge gives it the classic flared silhouette.
How This Crochet Christmas Bell Ornament Is Constructed
The project is made in a few straightforward stages:
- crochet the main bell shape;
- add the contrasting decorative band;
- widen the lower portion;
- crochet the scalloped edge;
- add optional metallic trim and pearl details;
- attach a hanging loop;
- finish with a small clapper underneath.
The bell is not stuffed, which keeps it lightweight enough to hang comfortably on a Christmas tree.
Materials
You will need:
- DK or worsted-weight yarn in cream or white
- Small amount of red yarn
- 3.5–4 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Thin metallic gold cord or crochet thread, optional
- Small pearl beads, optional
- Small gold bead, pom-pom or crocheted ball for the clapper
- Ribbon, yarn or cord for hanging
- Optional fabric stiffener
Choosing Yarn
Cotton yarn is a nice option when you want crisp stitches and a firmer ornament.
Acrylic yarn creates a slightly softer bell and is also easy to work with.
For a delicate ornament, try DK-weight yarn. If you want the bell to feel a little fuller and more rustic, worsted-weight yarn works well.
Finished Size
Approximately 4–5 inches (10–12.5 cm) tall, depending on yarn, hook size and tension.
Gauge is not critical for this project because the ornament does not need to fit a specific measurement.
Abbreviations
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
inc – work 2 sc in the same stitch
st / sts – stitch / stitches
rnd – round
BLO – back loop only
Crochet Christmas Bell Ornament Pattern
Use cream or white yarn.
The bell is worked from the top downward.
Round 1
Make a magic ring.
Work:
6 sc into the ring.
Pull the ring closed.
6 sts
Round 2
Work:
2 sc in each st around.
12 sts
Round 3
Repeat around:
sc in next st, inc in next st.
18 sts
Round 4
Sc in each st around.
18 sts
Round 5
Repeat around:
sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st.
24 sts
Round 6
Sc in each st around.
24 sts
Round 7
Repeat around:
sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st.
30 sts
Round 8
Sc in each st around.
30 sts
Round 9
Repeat around:
sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st.
36 sts
Round 10
Sc in each st around.
36 sts
At this point, the upper section of the bell should begin to have a gently rounded shape.
Red Decorative Band
Change to red yarn.
Round 11
Sc in each st around.
36 sts
Round 12
Sc in each st around.
36 sts
Fasten off the red yarn.
The two red rounds create a simple band that can later be decorated with pearls, embroidery or metallic thread.
Lower Bell Section
Rejoin cream yarn.
Round 13
Working in the back loops only:
Sc in each st around.
36 sts
Working in the back loops leaves a subtle ridge between the red band and the cream lower section.
Round 14
Repeat around:
sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st.
42 sts
Round 15
Sc in each st around.
42 sts
The bell should now begin to flare outward toward the bottom.
Scalloped Lower Edge
This round creates the decorative bottom of the bell.
Repeat around:
skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in next st
Continue the same sequence around.
You should finish with:
7 scallops
Fasten off and weave in the yarn ends.
Shaping the Scallops
Use your fingers to gently open each scallop and make the spacing even.
If the lower edge looks slightly uneven immediately after crocheting, light blocking usually helps define the shape.
Avoid pulling the slip stitches too tightly because this can make the scallops curl inward.
Adding Gold Trim
Metallic trim is optional, but it can completely change the look of the finished ornament.
Using thin gold crochet thread or decorative cord, add a line around the lower edge of the red band.
You can either sew the trim in place or work surface slip stitches around the bell.
A second line of metallic trim can be added along the scalloped edge.
Keep the gold thread relaxed as you work. Metallic fibers often have less stretch than regular yarn, so pulling too firmly can distort the bell.
