Three yarn colors, a simple ring, and a few decorative details turn this beginner-friendly crochet pattern into a colorful Christmas ornament for the tree.
Crochet Christmas Ornament Pattern
One of the nicest things about this ornament is how quickly a plain ring starts to look festive once the crochet is worked around it. The first round is mostly about covering the ring evenly, while each new color adds another layer of texture and detail.
The twisted single crochet is the stitch that may need a little extra attention the first time you try it. The hook is turned as you pull the yarn through, so keeping that movement consistent around the ring helps the stitches face the same way. After that, the shell round, border, bow, and beaded hanger bring the crochet ornament together without complicated shaping.
Credit Zhielle’s Creation
Materials & Tools Needed
- Medium/Size 4 yarn: Choose three colors.
- Crochet hook: Size H/5 mm
- Ring: 2–3-inch diameter
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Two beads: Choose beads with holes large enough for the yarn or chain to pass through
Finished Size & Customization
The finished ornament fits snugly around a 2–3-inch ring and includes a 25-chain hanging loop.
You can change the appearance by:
- Using different color combinations to match your Christmas decorations.
- Trying a different ring shape, such as a snowflake-shaped form.
- Choosing glittered yarn for extra sparkle.
- Replacing the bow with another small seasonal shape, such as a star.
Crochet the Ornament Base
The ring provides the shape for the ornament, while the first crochet round covers its surface. Work the stitches close together as needed so no part of the ring remains visible.
Cover the Ring
Foundation Round: Create a slip knot on your hook and attach the first yarn color to the ring. Work single crochet stitches directly into the ring, spacing them evenly around the entire surface. If the stitches do not completely cover the ring, push them closer together and continue until the ring is covered. Join to the first sc with a sl st to close the round.
The exact number of stitches will depend on the size of the ring and how closely your stitches sit. The important check here is the coverage: the ring should no longer show through before you move to the next color.
Add the Twisted Single Crochet Round
The second color creates a decorative band around the base. This round uses twisted single crochet worked through the front loop only.
Attach the second color and cut and secure the first color at the back.
Row 2: Ch 1. Insert the hook into the front loop only of the next stitch. Yarn over, twist the hook counterclockwise, and pull through to make a twisted single crochet. Repeat the twisted sc around the ring.
The twisting movement is the part to watch here. Keep the hook turning in the same direction each time so the decorative stitches have a consistent appearance.
At the last stitch, cut the yarn and use a yarn needle to make a seamless join. Insert the needle into the first stitch, then return it to the back of the last stitch. Pull through to create the finished join and secure the yarn tail at the back.
Twisted Stitch Check
Before moving on, look around the ornament and check that the twisted stitches are facing in the same direction.
If one stitch looks different, it is easier to correct it now than after the next color has been added.
Create the Double Crochet Shell Round
The third color creates the fuller decorative layer. This round is worked through the back loops and uses groups of three double crochets.
Create a slip knot with the third yarn color and attach it to any stitch, working into the back loop only.
Create the hanging loop first by chaining 25 stitches. Go back to the first chain from the hook and make a slip stitch to form the loop.
Row 3: Ch 3, which counts as 1 dc, then work 2 additional dc into the same stitch. Continue around by working 3 dc in each stitch. At the last stitch, join with a sl st to the top of the starting chain-3. Cut the yarn and secure the loose ends at the back.
The groups of three double crochets create the ornament’s fuller outer texture. Keep the groups consistent as you work around the ring so the edge remains even.
Finish the Border
The final round gives the ornament a cleaner outer edge.
Attach the second yarn color with a slip knot and insert the hook into any stitch.
Row 4: Work 1 sc in each stitch around the ornament’s edge. At the last stitch, cut the yarn and use a yarn needle to create a seamless join. Insert the needle into the first stitch, then return it through the back loop of the last stitch. Pull through and secure the yarn at the back.
The crocheted ornament base is now complete.
Make the Bow
The bow is made separately and then sewn onto the ornament. Its long narrow strip is created by repeatedly working into the chain as the piece is turned slightly.
Choose your desired yarn color.
Bow: Create a slip knot and chain 2. Slightly turn the work clockwise. Locate the two loops at the top of the chain, insert the hook, and yarn over to pull through so that two loops are on the hook. Repeat the same process, turning the work slightly each time, until the chain reaches approximately 12 inches (1 foot).
Cut the yarn and leave a long tail.
Fold the completed strip in half and sew the two ends together with a yarn needle. Fold the joined strip in half again to form the bow shape, then sew through the center to hold the shape. Wrap the yarn around the center several times to create the bow’s knot and secure it at the back.
Shape the Bow Before Sewing
Check the two loops before attaching the bow to the ornament.
If one loop is much larger than the other, adjust the folds first. A balanced bow will sit more neatly on the ornament and make the finished piece look more polished.
Add the Beaded Hanging Cord
The ornament gets its final decorative detail from a chain with a bead at each end.
Create a slip knot with any leftover yarn and chain 25.
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail.
Thread one bead onto each end of the chain. Make a small knot at each end to keep the beads from slipping off.
Attach the beaded chain to the back of the ornament, tying it securely just below the bow to form the hanging loop.
The chain should be centered behind the ornament so the finished piece hangs straight rather than leaning to one side.
Assemble the Ornament
Sew the bow onto the front of the ornament using a yarn needle. Secure it firmly at the back.
Attach the beaded chain securely to the back, just below the bow.
Before trimming the remaining yarn ends, check the ornament from the front:
- The ring should be fully covered.
- The twisted stitches should face consistently.
- The outer edge should look even.
- The bow should sit in the center.
- The hanging loop should be centered.
- Both beads should remain securely knotted.
- Loose yarn ends should be tucked and trimmed.
Final Balance Check
Hold the ornament by its hanging loop and let it hang naturally.
This quick check can reveal whether the bow or hanging cord is pulling the ornament to one side. If it is, adjust the attachment point before finishing the remaining yarn ends.
Try Different Christmas Color Combinations
The basic ornament can look completely different simply by changing the three yarn colors.
Traditional red, green, and white can give it a classic Christmas feel, while softer colors can make it work with a more modern holiday palette. Glittered yarn can add extra sparkle, and a different ring shape can change the outline without changing the basic crochet technique.
You can also replace the bow with another small seasonal decoration to make several ornaments that do not all look identical.
A Simple Handmade Ornament for the Tree
Once the bow and beaded hanger are securely attached, this little ring-based ornament is ready for the Christmas tree.
The most useful thing to remember is that neatness starts with the base. Cover the ring evenly, keep the twisted stitches consistent, and check the position of the bow and hanging loop before securing them permanently. Those small checks make the later finishing much easier and help the completed ornament hang and sit evenly.
