Easy Crochet Christmas Bell Ornament: Free DIY Pattern

A jingling bell crafted from soft cotton adds a nostalgic touch to any evergreen branch during the winter months. This project fits well into a busy December schedule, requiring only a few yards of scrap yarn and minimal finishing time. Whether you plan to hang these on your tree, string them into a garland, or gift them to neighbors, the tight stitches ensure the bell keeps its rounded shape throughout the season. Beginners will find the process simple to follow, focusing on basic increases and a firm, single crochet texture that creates a structured finish. Learning to crochet this small ornament provides a sense of accomplishment without the commitment of a large blanket.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This simple crochet drawstring pouch uses a sturdy single crochet base and a decorative eyelet round to create a functional everyday accessory. It works up quickly with less than one skein of worsted weight yarn, making it an ideal project for clearing out leftover scraps from larger blankets or garments. The construction relies on a flat circular base that transitions into a seamless tube, resulting in a clean finish that holds its shape well under daily use. Beginners will appreciate the straightforward stitch pattern, while experienced makers will enjoy the meditative, rhythmic nature of working in a continuous spiral.

I finished this pouch in one afternoon while watching a movie. The instructions for the eyelet row were easy to follow and the final result feels very durable for holding my small sewing notions.

— Sarah, embroidery enthusiast

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Approximate Time: 2 to 3 hours
• Construction: Working in continuous rounds for the base, followed by a transition to a worked-in-the-round cylinder with a decorative eyelet row for the drawstring.
• Finished Dimensions & Sizing: Approximately 5 inches wide by 6 inches tall when flat.

Materials & Supplies Needed

• Yarn: Worsted #4 weight, 100% cotton yarn, approximately 80 yards. Cotton provides the structural integrity needed for a pouch.
• Hook Size: 4.5 mm / US 7. This size creates a tighter tension that prevents small items from slipping through the stitches.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a locking stitch marker to keep track of the start of your round, and 15 inches of cotton cord or ribbon for the drawstring.
• Safe Yarn Substitutions: Acrylic worsted yarn can be used for a softer feel, though it may stretch more than cotton. Wool yarn is a viable option if you intend to felt the pouch for extra thickness.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring.
• ch: Chain.
• sc: Single crochet.
• inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch).
• yo: Yarn over.
• dc: Double crochet.
• sl st: Slip stitch to join.
• st/sts: Stitch/stitches.
• YO: Yarn over.
• BLO: Back loop only. Working into the back loop creates a visible ridge that helps the side of the pouch stand up vertically from the base.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Pouch Base

1. Rnd 1: Start with a MR and work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
2. Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
3. Rnd 3: (1 sc in next st, inc in next) 6 times. (18 sts)
4. Rnd 4: (1 sc in next 2 sts, inc in next) 6 times. (24 sts)
5. Rnd 5: (1 sc in next 3 sts, inc in next) 6 times. (30 sts)
6. Rnd 6: (1 sc in next 4 sts, inc in next) 6 times. (36 sts)

Pouch Sides

1. Rnd 7: Working in BLO, 1 sc in each st around. (36 sts)
2. Rnds 8–20: 1 sc in each st around. Continue working in a spiral, moving your stitch marker to the first stitch of every round. (36 sts)

Eyelet Row and Finishing

1. Rnd 21: Ch 3 (counts as dc and ch-1 space), skip next st, 1 dc in next st. Repeat (ch 1, skip 1, dc in next) around until 1 st remains, ch 1, sl st to top of starting ch-3. (18 dc, 18 ch-1 spaces)
2. Rnd 22: 1 sc in each dc and each ch-1 space around. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in all ends. (36 sts)
3. Assembly: Thread your cord or ribbon through the eyelets created in Rnd 21, weaving in and out of the dc stitches. Knot the ends of the cord securely.

Care & Washing Instructions

• Machine wash your pouch on a gentle cycle in cool water (30°C/86°F) to preserve the yarn integrity.
• Reshape the pouch while damp and lay it flat on a clean towel to dry away from direct sunlight.
• Do not bleach or tumble dry, as high heat can shrink cotton fibers and distort the round shape of the base.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Maintain consistent tension throughout the sides to ensure the pouch does not lean to one side; if your stitches are naturally loose, drop down one hook size.
• Always place a stitch marker in the very first stitch of each round to avoid losing your count in the continuous spiral.
• Weave your yarn tails in at least three different directions through the back of the stitches to ensure they do not pull out with regular use.
• If you want a larger pouch, add more increase rounds to the base (e.g., Rnd 7: (1 sc in next 5 sts, inc in next) 6 times for 42 sts), but remember that this will require more yarn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

You can use a different weight, but changing the yarn weight will significantly alter the finished size. A lighter yarn will create a smaller pouch, while a heavier yarn will result in a larger, stiffer pouch. Always adjust your hook size to match the recommended tension for your chosen yarn.

Is this project suitable for a complete beginner?

Yes, this project is ideal for beginners who are comfortable with working in the round. It focuses on basic stitches like single crochet and double crochet, which are fundamental to most crochet work.

How do I adjust the size of the pouch?

To make the pouch wider, add more increase rounds to the base section. To make it taller, simply add more rounds of single crochet before reaching the eyelet round. Ensure your stitch count remains consistent for every added round.

Am I allowed to sell pouches made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern provided you credit the designer. Please do not sell, distribute, or reproduce the written pattern itself in any format.

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These completed bells look lovely when hung in clusters of three, catching the light as they sway gently from the branches. You might try using metallic thread held along with your yarn for extra shimmer, or swap the cotton for wool to create a softer, more rustic look. Once you finish your set, take a photo and tag me in your posts so I can see your colorful display. Check out the archive on my blog for more holiday patterns to fill your home with handmade decor.