Frosted Chime Snowflake Bell Knitting Pattern – Free Pattern

Bring the quiet magic of a winter forest indoors with this knitted snowflake bell, a soft, jingling ornament that catches the light and whispers with every breeze. Its delicate lace body and chunky yarn create a cozy, heirloom-worthy piece that's as fun to make as it is to display. Whether you're decorating your own tree or crafting a heartfelt handmade gift, this pattern is perfect for knitters of all levels—even beginners who are ready to try their first lace project.

This free pattern walks you through every step, from casting on to the final sparkly embellishment. The result is a soft, rounded bell with an intricate snowflake motif, a hidden clapper that jingles softly, and a frosty shimmer that will make your holiday decor truly special.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All items are readily available at craft stores or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in arctic white (approx. 50g / 100m). Cotton gives the bell a crisp, defined shape that holds its form beautifully.
• Embellishment Thread: A small amount of silver or iridescent thread for the frost-like accents.
• Knitting Needles: 4.0mm (US 6) knitting needles. Straight needles work fine since the pattern is worked flat.
• Tapestry Needle: For seaming, weaving in ends, and embroidery.
• Fiberfill: A small amount for stuffing the clapper.
• Fabric Stiffener (optional): To make the bell stiffer and more sculptural, if desired.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for a firm fabric so the bell holds its shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat, then seamed and gathered to form a bell shape. The lace pattern creates a snowflake motif that opens up when the bell is stuffed. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful ornament in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• YO: yarn over (creates an eyelet hole)
• St(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side
• M1: make one (increase by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting into the back of it)

Bell Body (Make 1)

CO 30 sts.

Row 1 (RS): K all.

Row 2 (WS): P all.

Row 3: K2, *YO, K2tog, K3, YO, K2tog, K1*; repeat from * to * across, end K2. (You'll still have 30 sts, but the pattern will create a lacy effect.)

Row 4: P all.

Row 5: K1, *YO, K2tog, K1, YO, K2tog, K3*; repeat from * to * across, end K1.

Row 6: P all.

Row 7: K all.

Row 8: P all.

Row 9: K2, *SSK, YO, K1, SSK, YO, K3*; repeat from * to * across, end K2.

Row 10: P all.

Row 11: K1, *SSK, YO, K3, SSK, YO, K1*; repeat from * to * across, end K1.

Row 12: P all.

Repeat Rows 1–12 two more times (total of 36 rows). This will give you three full snowflake motifs around the bell.

Shape the Top of the Bell

Row 37 (RS): K2tog across all sts (15 sts remain).

Row 38 (WS): P all.

Row 39: K2tog across all sts (8 sts remain).

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (about 30cm). Thread the tail through the remaining 8 sts, pull tight to gather, and secure with a knot. This forms the gathered top of the bell.

Clapper (Inside Bell)

The clapper is a small knitted ball that will make a soft jingle when the bell moves. It's simple to make and adds that charming auditory detail.

CO 6 sts.

Row 1: K all.

Row 2: K1, M1, repeat to end (12 sts).

Row 3: K all.

Row 4: K1, M1, repeat to end (24 sts).

Rows 5–8: K all (4 rows of stockinette).

Row 9: K2tog across (12 sts).

Row 10: K2tog across (6 sts).

Cut yarn, thread through the remaining sts, pull tight, and stuff with a small amount of fiberfill before closing. Secure the opening with a few stitches. This clapper will hang freely inside the bell and create a soft, gentle sound.

Finishing

Now it's time to assemble your beautiful snowflake bell. Follow these steps carefully for a polished, professional finish.

1. Sew the side seam: With the right side facing out, use your tapestry needle and a length of yarn to sew the side seam of the bell body. Leave the bottom edge open. Turn the bell right side out if you seamed it inside out.
2. Insert the clapper: Place the clapper inside the bell, positioning it so it hangs freely in the center. It should be visible through the lace openings when the bell moves.
3. Gather the bottom edge: Thread a tapestry needle with a long piece of yarn. Run a running stitch along the bottom edge of the bell (through all stitches). Pull gently to create a soft, curved bottom edge, and secure with a knot. Don't pull too tight—you want a gentle flare, not a tight pouch.
4. Create a hanging loop: Cut a 20cm piece of yarn. Fold it in half and attach it to the top of the bell with a knot, threading the ends through the gathered top. Make sure the loop is secure and long enough to hang on a tree branch.
5. Embellish with frost: Using the silver or iridescent thread, embroider small French knots or straight stitches along the lace pattern. This mimics frost or snow sparkle and adds a magical shimmer. Space them randomly for a natural, organic look.
6. Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in any loose yarn ends. Trim any excess thread.

Optional: Stiffen the Bell

If you prefer a stiffer, more sculptural bell, you can spray it lightly with fabric stiffener and shape it over a small bowl to dry. This will help the bell hold its shape and flare at the bottom more dramatically. Allow it to dry completely before hanging.

Tips for Success

• Count your stitches: The lace pattern relies on yarn overs and decreases that balance each other out. If you lose count, mark your rows with a stitch marker or a piece of scrap yarn.
• Use a lifeline: If you're new to lace knitting, thread a piece of contrasting yarn through the stitches after Row 12. If you make a mistake, you can easily rip back to the lifeline and start again.
• Choose the right yarn: Cotton or cotton-blend yarn is ideal because it holds its shape and doesn't stretch out like wool. The arctic white color is perfect for the frosty theme.
• Make it a set: This pattern is quick to knit, so why not make a whole set of bells in different sizes? Adjust the cast-on count in multiples of 6 to scale the pattern up or down.

Displaying Your Frosted Chime Snowflake Bell

These bells look stunning on a Christmas tree, hung in a window where they can catch the light, or arranged on a mantelpiece. They also make wonderful handmade gifts—wrap them in tissue paper with a sprig of pine for a personal touch. The soft jingle of the clapper and the sparkle of the silver thread will bring joy to anyone who receives one.

We hope you enjoy knitting this Frosted Chime Snowflake Bell. It's a delightful project that combines simple techniques with beautiful results. Happy knitting, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, creativity, and the gentle chime of handmade magic!