Frosted bell ornaments that really jingle! Each bell is worked from the top down in rounds that flare into a pretty scalloped edge, with a tiny jingle bell inside as the clapper and a ribbon loop on top. Sparkly white yarn gives them a frosty, wintery look on the tree.
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Finished size: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) wide at the base, 3.0 inches (7.6 cm) tall (excluding ribbon loop)
- Yarn: Fingering weight cotton yarn held together with a fine metallic thread, or a sparkly fingering/sport weight yarn (approx. 25 yards per bell)
- Hook: 2.5 mm (US C/2) crochet hook
- Stitches used: ch, sl st, sc, hdc, dc, shell, inc, dec
- Time to make: 1 hour per ornament
Size customization tips and gauge details are included further down.
What Makes This Crochet Bell Ornament Special
These charming little bells are worked completely in the round from the top loop down, meaning zero sewing is required to shape the bell body! The design starts with a sturdy ring for the ribbon hanger, flares outward evenly using precise increase rounds to create that classic bell silhouette, and finishes with a delicate scalloped shell edge worked in a sparkly silver yarn. Tying a small silver jingle bell inside gives them authentic holiday movement, and the frosty white texture makes them pop right off evergreen tree branches.
Skill Level
- Required skills: Working in the round, basic increases and decreases, making shell stitches, sewing or tying in a jingle bell securely.
- Don’t worry if you are new to top-down shaping; each round is clearly laid out with exact stitch counts so you can follow along with ease!
Finished Measurements
| Dimension | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Width (at widest scalloped base) | 2.5 in | 6.4 cm |
| Height (bell body only) | 3.0 in | 7.6 cm |
| Total Height (with ribbon loop) | 5.5 in | 14.0 cm |
Materials You Will Need
| Material / Notion | Description / Color | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Main Yarn (A) | Fingering weight cotton yarn, Snow White | 25 yards (23 meters) |
| Sparkle Yarn (B) | Metallic silver fingering-weight yarn or thread | 15 yards (14 meters) |
| Crochet Hook | 2.5 mm (US C/2) | 1 |
| Jingle Bell | Silver metallic jingle bell (approx. 10 mm to 12 mm wide) | 1 per bell |
| Ribbon | Silver satin or metallic ribbon (1/4 inch wide x 8 inches long) | 1 piece per bell |
| Tapestry Needle | For weaving in ends | 1 |
| Stitch Marker | To keep track of rounds | 1 |
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Weight | Skein Yardage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schachenmayr Catania | Fingering (Fine 2) | 137 yds / 50g | Crisp stitch definition, perfect for structured ornaments |
| Knit Picks Comfy Fingering | Fingering (Fine 2) | 218 yds / 50g | Soft cotton-acrylic blend with great durability |
| DMC Petra Crochet Cotton Size 3 | Crochet Cotton | 300 yds / 100g | Excellent stiffness for holiday decor |
⚠️ Note: Avoid stretchy acrylic or fuzzy wool yarns for this project. You want a smooth, rigid fiber (like mercerized cotton) so the bell holds its flared shape without collapsing.
Gauge
- Gauge: 22 sc x 24 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) using a 2.5 mm hook in standard single crochet.
- Ornament check: Rnds 1 to 5 of the bell body measure approximately 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) across.
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Term |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| inc | increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch) |
| dec | decrease (sc2tog: single crochet two stitches together) |
| shell | 5 dc in the designated stitch |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| Rnd(s) | round(s) |
| sk | skip |
| FO | fasten off |
UK equivalents: sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr.
Special Stitches Explained
- Magic Ring: Wrap yarn around your index finger twice, insert hook under rings, draw up a loop, and chain 1 to secure. Work initial stitches directly into the ring.
- Shell: Work 5 double crochet stitches into the exact same stitch or space indicated.
- Invisible Decrease (dec): Insert hook into the front loop only of the next two stitches, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops.
Pattern Instructions
- Notes: The bell body is worked top-down in continuous rounds. Do not join with a slip stitch unless specified; use a stitch marker to track the first stitch of each round. Hold Yarn A and Yarn B together for the final scalloped round, or use Yarn A for the body and switch to Yarn B for the trim as specified.
Section 1: Bell Top Loop & Upper Body (Snow White, Yarn A)
- Rnd 1: Ch 8, sl st to the first ch to form a secure hanging loop ring, then work 12 sc directly around the ch-8 loop ring. (12 sc)
- Rnd 2: (1 sc, inc) x 6 around. (18 sc)
- Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc) x 6 around. (24 sc)
- Rnds 4 to 6: sc in each st around. (24 sc)
- Rnd 7: (3 sc, inc) x 6 around. (30 sc)
- Rnds 8 to 9: sc in each st around. (30 sc)
- Rnd 10: (4 sc, inc) x 6 around. (36 sc)
- Rnds 11 to 12: sc in each st around. (36 sc)
✅ Checkpoint: At the end of Rnd 12, your piece should measure about 2 inches long from the top loop and begin flaring outward like a small funnel.
Section 2: Flare and Scalloped Edge (Snow White + Metallic Silver)
- Rnd 13: (5 sc, inc) x 6 around. (42 sc)
- Rnd 14: sc in each st around. (42 sc)
- Rnd 15: (6 sc, inc) x 6 around. (48 sc)
- Rnd 16 (Scalloped Trim): Join Sparkle Yarn (Yarn B) alongside Yarn A. [Sk 1 st, shell of 5 dc in next st, sk 1 st, sl st in next st] repeat around 12 times. Join with a sl st to the first sl st. (12 shells)
- FO both yarns, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving.
Assembly & Finishing
- Attaching the Clapper: Take your silver jingle bell and securely sew or tie it using a piece of matching thread directly to the underside of Rnd 1 (inside the top ring), so it hangs freely just inside the bottom opening of the bell.
- Adding the Ribbon Hanger: Thread an 8-inch length of silver satin ribbon through the top ch-8 ring (Rnd 1), tie the ends in a neat bow at the top, and leave a loop for hanging on your Christmas tree branches.
- Weaving in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave all remaining yarn tails neatly into the interior of the bell.
- Stiffening (Optional): If you prefer a stiffer, more structured bell, spray lightly with a fabric stiffener or diluted PVA glue, shape over a small cone mold, and let dry completely.
Size Customization Tips
- Making it smaller: Use a 2.0 mm hook and embroidery thread or lace-weight yarn. Omit Rnd 13 and Rnd 15 to keep the bell shorter and narrower.
- Making it larger: Use a 3.5 mm hook and sport-weight yarn, adding an extra increase round before the scalloped edge to widen the base flare proportionally.
Care Instructions
- Spot clean gently with a damp cloth if needed.
- Do not machine wash or tumble dry to preserve the metallic sparkle thread and crisp shape.
- Store flat in a tissue-lined box during the off-season.
FAQ
Can I use regular worsted weight yarn for this pattern?
Worsted weight yarn will make a much larger, chunkier bell (about twice the size shown) and require a 4.0 mm hook. For the delicate, frosty look in the photos, stick to fingering weight cotton.
How do I keep the bell from sagging?
Mercerized cotton naturally holds its shape well. If your yarn is very soft, applying a light fabric stiffener spray while shaping the wet bell over a small funnel will keep it rigid all season.
Are these safe to hang around young children and pets?
The crocheted bell itself is completely soft and safe. However, the small metal jingle bell inside and the hanging ribbon can be choking hazards if detached. Make sure the jingle bell is securely anchored with multiple stitches if hanging on lower tree branches with small children or pets nearby.
Happy Crocheting!
I hope you love creating these frosty, jingling bell ornaments for your holiday tree! Be sure to save this pin on Pinterest and leave a comment below sharing what colors you decided to use for your festive creations.
📄 Your free PDF pattern