About This Christmas Bells Pattern
This pattern teaches you how to crochet a pair of festive bells with leaves and berries for a classic Christmas decoration. It includes stitch-by-stitch rounds, a crab (reverse) stitch edge, and instructions to add tiny tambourine jingle bells. The pieces are crocheted in continuous spirals and assembled to create a polished ornament.
Clear materials and tool lists are included along with helpful photos for tricky steps. The finished decoration measures approximately 4.7 x 5.1 inches with the hanging loop when made with the specified yarn and hook.
Why You'll Love This Christmas Bells Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it balances simplicity with festive detail, giving you a beautiful ornament without overwhelming complexity. I enjoy the tiny finishing touches like the crab stitch edge and the little jingle inside each bell that make it feel special. I find the leaves and berries add a classic look that pairs well with many holiday styles. I also love that you can customize colors and sizes easily, creating unique gifts or decorations for your home.
Switch Things Up
I love how simple it is to customize this pattern by changing yarn color; try metallic or sparkly yarn for a glitzy holiday finish.
For a rustic look, switch to a natural-colored cotton or linen blend and use wooden beads instead of tambourines.
To make mini versions for gifts or garlands, use thinner yarn and a smaller hook to scale the bells down into tiny charms.
If you want a chunkier ornament, use a bulkier yarn and a larger hook for a more substantial, cozy bell.
I sometimes add embroidery or a tiny bow to the top of the leaves to personalize each piece for the recipient.
Try different berry counts or cluster shapes — three berries is classic, but two or five can give a fresh layout.
You can attach a loop of ribbon instead of a crocheted loop if you want a softer hanging option or quicker finish.
I recommend swapping the jingle bell for a wooden bead or button if you prefer a silent decoration.
For an outdoor-friendly decoration, use acrylic or weather-resistant yarn and seal any wooden components.
I often make a set of three different sizes in the same colorway to hang as a layered mobile on the tree.
To create a matching gift tag, crochet a small flat bell shape and stitch a name or year onto it with contrasting yarn.
Don't be afraid to mix yarn brands — just swatch first to match gauge if you want consistent sizing across multiple ornaments.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Crocheting too loosely will make the stuffing show through the fabric; maintain a tighter tension and use the recommended hook to prevent gaps.
✗ Skipping the crab (reverse) stitch edge will give an unfinished look; work the final row in crab stitch to create a neat, decorative rim.
✗ Not securing the tambourine/jingle well inside the bell can cause it to fall out; tie the bell language securely and double-knot before hiding the tails inside.
✗ Forgetting to leave long tails on leaves and berries makes assembly harder; always leave a long tail for sewing and hiding threads during assembly.
