Here’s an easy crochet Christmas bell decoration with a festive bow and hidden jingle bells that make every holiday display feel extra special.
Small handmade details can make holiday decorations feel extra special, and these crochet Christmas bells are a perfect example. Worked in cheerful yellow, white, and red, each bell is paired with a matching bow and a real jingle bell hidden inside, creating a decoration that looks festive from every crochet angle.
This design comes together with simple rounds, an easy crochet flat bow, and a neat hanging loop that keeps everything connected. As each crochet piece is assembled, the festive details gradually come together, making the final decoration even more rewarding to see as you follow the tutorial.
Credit Xuxu Crochet
Materials
- Yarn: Susan 5 yarn (5-ply cotton/acrylic blend, ~2 mm thickness)
- Colors: Yellow, White, and Red
- Jingle Bells: 2 small jingle bells (10 mm size)
Tools
- Crochet Hook: 2.5 mm
- Notions:
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Pattern Notes
Construction
- Bell: Worked from the top down in joined rounds, meaning you’ll circularly crochet the bell, building stitch by stitch toward the base.
- Bow: Crocheted flat along a foundation chain, meaning the bow will be started with a chain and then expanded with rows to get its shape.
Special Features
- Color Blocking: Use contrasting or complementary colors to make sections of the bell and bow stand out, adding vibrant holiday flair.
- Functional Jingle Bells: Attach the jingle bells to the bell or bow for both decoration and audible holiday charm.
- Integrated Hanging Strap: Crochet or assemble a strap directly onto the bell to allow for easy hanging on trees or garlands.
Tips for Success
- Gauge: Check if the pattern requires a specific gauge to ensure proper size and fit of the bell and bow.
- Materials: Opt for a festive yarn (e.g., metallics or traditional holiday colors) and ensure jingle bells are securely fastened.
- Assembly: Attach all components (bow, bells, strap) securely after crocheting each piece to avoid loose decorations.
Abbreviations
- MR: Magic Ring
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single Crochet
- inc: Single Crochet Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- hdc: Half Double Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- st(s): Stitch(es)
Pattern Overview & Making Process
The tutorial begins by crocheting the first bell from the top down in joined rounds. Starting with a magic ring, the stitches increase gradually to shape the bell before the yellow and white color sections are worked. A final increase creates the wider lower edge, and the bell is then fastened off with the ends woven in neatly.
The bow is crocheted separately on a foundation chain. After completing the white base, a red round adds the decorative shape using single, half double, and double crochet stitches. Once finished, both ends are folded toward the center and wrapped securely to create the gathered bow.
For the final assembly, a jingle bell is attached inside the first bell using the long starting tail. A hanging chain is crocheted from the top, threaded through the center of the bow, and joined to the second bell. After securing the second jingle bell and weaving in the remaining ends, the festive decoration is ready to hang on a Christmas tree, garland, or holiday display.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Bell 1 Instructions
- Start: Before beginning, leave a 70–80 cm tail for later use. This will be used to attach the jingle bell and hanging strap.
- Round 1:
- Create a magic ring (MR).
- Work 6 single crochets (sc) into the MR.
- Slip stitch (sl st) to the 1st stitch and chain 1 (ch 1). [6 stitches total]
- Round 2:
- Work an increase (inc) in each stitch around (2 sc in each st).
- Sl st to the 1st stitch and ch 1. [12 stitches total]
- Round 3:
- Repeat: 1 sc, inc 6 times.
- Sl st to the 1st stitch and ch 1. [18 stitches total]
- Rounds 4–6 (Yellow):
- Work 1 sc in each stitch around.
- At the end of each round, sl st to the 1st stitch and ch 1. [18 stitches total, 3 rounds]
- Round 7 (White yarn):
- Switch to White yarn and 1 sc in each stitch around.
- Sl st to the 1st stitch and ch 1. [18 stitches total]
- Round 8 (Back to Yellow yarn):
- Switch to Yellow yarn and repeat: 1 sc, inc 9 times.
- Sl st to the 1st stitch and ch 1. [27 stitches total]
- Round 9:
- Work 1 sc in each stitch around.
- Sl st to the 1st stitch, fasten off, and weave in ends neatly. [27 stitches total]
Two-Tone Ribbon Bow Instructions
- Foundation Chain (White):
- Chain 30 (ch 30).
- Row 1 (White):
- Skip the 1st chain.
- Work 2 sc in the 2nd chain from the hook.
- Sc in the next 27 chains.
- Work 3 sc in the last chain.
- Turn and work along the opposite side of the foundation chain.
- Sc in the next 28 chains. [58 stitches total]
- Row 2 (Red):
- Attach Red yarn with a sl st to the 1st stitch and ch 1.
- Follow this stitch sequence:
- 1 sc, inc, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 8 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, 3 sl st, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 8 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, inc (this covers half of the work).
- Then repeat for the other half:
1 sc, inc, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 8 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, 3 sl st, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 8 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, inc.
- Sl st to the 1st stitch from the Red yarn, fasten off, and leave a long red tail.
- Shaping the Bow:
- Fold both ends of the bow toward the center so they meet.
- Stitch the folds together in the middle.
- Use the long red tail to wrap around the center multiple times, creating a gathered bow shape.
Assembly Instructions
First Bell & Jingle Bell Placement:
- Thread the long yarn tail from Bell 1 through a 10 mm jingle bell.
- Position the jingle bell so it hangs freely inside Bell 1.
- Bring the remaining yarn tail out through the top center MR hole of Bell 1.
Making the Hanging Chain:
- Reattach your hook to the yarn tail emerging from Bell 1’s top MR.
- Chain 40 (or adjust length as needed) to create the hanging loop.
Bow Connection:
- Thread the hanging chain through the back loops of the bow’s center wrap.
(This securely attaches the bow to the chain.)
Second Bell & Jingle Bell Placement:
- Using the remaining end of the hanging chain, join it with a sl st to the top of Bell 2.
- Securely sew a jingle bell into Bell 2 using its yarn tail.
Finishing Touches
- Weave in all remaining ends neatly.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- Jogless Color Changes: For seamless transitions between Yellow and White, pull the new color through the last stitch of the previous round.
- Stitch Tension: Use a 2.0 mm hook instead of 2.5 mm if your stitches feel too loose, to give the bell structure.
- Customization: Experiment with colors (e.g., green and gold, or pastel shades). Add metallic thread for sparkle!
- Adaptations: These bells work as napkin rings, gift decor, or door hangers when the strap is adjusted.
Conclusion
You’ve just completed a pair of festive crocheted Christmas bells with a matching bow! These charming, giftable ornaments are quick to make and customizable for any color palette. Whether adorning your tree or complementing a holiday gift, they’re sure to delight.
