Round 6:Sl st in each of the next 2 dc to reach the center of the first shell. Ch 1, sc in that center dc. Ch 5, then repeat 5 times. Skip all intervening stitches and spaces. Sl st in the first sc.Count: 6 sc and 6 ch-5 spaces.
Round 7:Sl st into the first ch-5 space. Ch 3 and work 4 dc in that space, then ch 1. Repeat 5 times. Sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3.Count: 6 shells (30 dc) and 6 ch-1 spaces.
Rounds 8 and 10: Repeat Round 6. Count each round: 6 sc and 6 ch-5 spaces.
Rounds 9 and 11: Repeat Round 7. Count each round: 6 shells (30 dc) and 6 ch-1 spaces.
After Round 11, the body has four shell rounds: 5, 7, 9 and 11. Keep the six chain arches relaxed and equal in length. This section should form a flexible hollow body; the shaping step supplies the final silhouette.
Widening the rim without losing the repeat
Round 12:Sl st in each of the next 2 dc to reach the first shell center. Ch 1, sc in that center dc. Ch 7, then repeat 5 times. Sl st in the first sc.Count: 6 sc and 6 ch-7 spaces.
Round 13: Sl st into the first ch-7 space. In that space work (ch 3, 4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc), then ch 1. Repeat [(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in the next ch-7 space, ch 1] 5 times. Sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3. Count: 12 shells (60 dc), 6 ch-2 spaces within the pairs and 6 ch-1 spaces between pairs.
Round 14:Sl st in each of the next 2 dc to reach the center of the first five-dc shell. Ch 1, sc in that center dc. Ch 3, then repeat 11 times. Skip all intervening stitches and spaces. Sl st in the first sc.Count: 12 sc and 12 ch-3 spaces. Both shells in every pair get their own center anchor.
Round 15:Sl st into the first ch-3 space. Ch 3 and work 4 dc in that space, then sc in the next sc. Repeat 11 times. Sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3. Fasten off.Count: 12 scallops (60 dc) and 12 sc. The final sc is worked in the first sc of Round 14 before the join.
A loop that sits neatly on the crown
Make the loop separately: ch 13, sc in the second chain from the hook and in each remaining chain. Count: 12 sc. Fasten off with a sewing tail. Bend the strip into a loop, sew the short ends together and attach that seam securely to the outside center of the crown. Weave in the tails before stiffening. Add a ribbon through the loop if more hanging length is needed.
Shaping the bell and keeping the lace open
Choose a covered form with a narrow rounded top and a wider base that fits the fabric without forcing it. A smooth plastic cone with a rounded cap can work; cover every contact surface so the stiffener cannot bond the ornament to the form. Check that the form can be removed through the open rim before applying stiffener.
Follow the stiffener manufacturer’s dilution, drying and fiber-compatibility directions. Work it through the cotton evenly without filling the lace holes. Position the crown over the rounded top, arrange the six panels and spread the rim gently. Support the twelve scallops at an even height while the ornament dries completely.
Do not assume damp blocking alone will make the bell stand upright. If you want a softer hanging ornament, omit stiffener and let the lace drape. For a firm display bell, use a compatible stiffener and avoid crushing the dried piece.
Checking an uneven body or brim
- A panel disappears: count six arches in every body mesh round. A skipped shell center removes a repeat.
- The rim stays narrow: check Round 13. Each of the six arches receives two complete five-dc shells, not one.
- The edging is uneven: check Round 14 for twelve separate center anchors, including both fans in each pair.
- The crown pulls sideways: check the loop attachment and the joins before stretching the fabric over a form.
- The fabric resists the form: use a smaller form. Stretching hard can distort the arches and flatten the fans.
To change scale, change yarn weight and hook size together while keeping the repeat counts. To make the body longer, add a complete mesh-and-shell pair after Round 11, then continue with the rim instructions. This adds height without changing the six body panels or twelve rim scallops.
White makes the openwork especially visible against dark greenery; cream gives a warmer look beside wooden decorations. A puff stitch crochet snowflake brings a different raised texture to the same display. For more shapes to combine, browse the seasonal crochet collection.
Store the bell upright in a small box with gentle support around the rim. Keep stiffened cotton dry and follow the stiffener’s care instructions; washing may require reshaping and another application. The defining detail of this shell stitch crochet bell is the balance between open panels and a wider rim, so protect those spaces when hanging or packing it.
Bell details and decorating inspiration
The supplied images below show similar lace bells and decorative construction illustrations. Their diagrams and stage pictures are visual inspiration, not verified charts or progress photographs for the original written pattern above. Follow the written round counts for this version.
