The Sugarplum Sleighbell Ornaments: A Vintage Candy Cane Trio

There's something magical about handmade holiday decorations—they carry warmth, nostalgia, and a story that store-bought ornaments simply can't replicate. Today, I'm thrilled to share a free crochet pattern for the Sugarplum Sleighbell Ornaments, a trio of heirloom-quality bells that will bring cozy, vintage charm to your Christmas tree. Each bell features a delicate scalloped collar, a soft gold clapper, and a plush, jingle-free design that's perfect for homes with little ones or pets. Whether you choose the classic peppermint swirl, the rich sugarplum violet, or the frosted cranberry, these ornaments are sure to become treasured keepsakes for years to come.

This pattern is beginner-friendly, worked in continuous rounds with simple increases and decreases. The result is a beautifully textured, soft bell that looks like it came straight from a storybook. Let's gather our supplies and get started!

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the stitches, let's make sure you have everything you need. This project is wonderfully portable and requires minimal supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in the following colors:
  • Peppermint red (for the classic bell)
  • Cream (for the scalloped collars and swirl detail)
  • Violet (for the sugarplum bell)
  • Cranberry (for the frosted bell)
  • Gold (for the clappers and hanging loops)
• Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook
• Gauge: 4 sc x 4 rows = 1 inch (not critical for this project, so don't stress about perfection)
• Other: Stitch marker, fiberfill stuffing, yarn needle, scissors

That's it! With just a few basic tools, you'll be well on your way to creating these adorable ornaments.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates three bells, each worked in continuous rounds. I highly recommend using a stitch marker to track your rounds—it will save you from counting headaches later. Let's begin with the bell body, which is identical for all three colorways.

Bell Body (Make 3, one in each color combo)

Round 1: With your main color (e.g., peppermint red), make a magic ring. Work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Increase (inc) in each sc around. This means working 2 sc into every stitch from the previous round. (12 stitches)

Round 3: *Sc in the next sc, inc in the next sc*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)

Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 sc, inc in the next sc*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)

Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 sc, inc in the next sc*; repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)

Rounds 6-10: Sc in each sc around. (30 stitches) — This forms the bell's body, giving it that classic rounded shape.

Round 11: *Sc in the next 3 sc, decrease (dec) in the next sc*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches) — To decrease, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull through, insert into the following stitch, yarn over and pull through, then yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.

Round 12: *Sc in the next 2 sc, dec in the next sc*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)

Round 13: *Sc in the next sc, dec in the next sc*; repeat from * to * around. (12 stitches)

Round 14: Dec 6 times around. (6 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Important: Before closing the last round, stuff the bell firmly with fiberfill. You want it plush but not so tight that it distorts the shape. Once stuffed, thread the tail through a yarn needle and weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the opening, then hide the tail inside the bell.

Scalloped Collar (Worked around the bottom edge of the bell)

This delicate collar is what gives these bells their vintage, feminine charm. It's worked directly onto the bottom edge of the bell, which corresponds to Round 5 of the body.

Step 1: Attach your contrasting yarn (e.g., cream) to any stitch on the bottom edge of the bell using a slip stitch.

Round 1: Chain 1, sc in the same stitch. Sc in each of the next 29 stitches around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (30 stitches)

Round 2: Chain 1. *Skip the next sc, work 5 double crochet (dc) in the next sc, skip the next sc, slip stitch in the next sc*; repeat from * to * around, ending with a slip stitch in the first chain. Fasten off and weave in your ends.

This creates a beautiful scalloped edge that flares out slightly, mimicking the shape of a real sleighbell.

Bell Clapper (Make 3)

The clapper is the small piece that peeks out from the bottom of the bell. While these are "jingle-free," the gold clapper adds a lovely finishing touch.

Round 1: With gold yarn, make a magic ring and work 6 sc into the ring. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Inc in each sc around. (12 stitches)

Rounds 3-4: Sc in each sc around. (12 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff the clapper lightly—just enough to give it a bit of body. Flatten the clapper slightly and sew it to the inside of the bell's bottom opening, centering it so it peeks out just a bit. Weave in all ends securely.

Hanging Loop

Each bell needs a loop to hang on your tree. This is quick and easy:

With gold yarn, chain 12. Slip stitch to form a loop. Attach the loop to the top of the bell (the magic ring area) with a slip stitch, then weave in the ends. Make sure the loop is secure—you don't want your ornament falling off the tree!

Peppermint Swirl Detail (For the Red Bell Only)

This is what makes the peppermint bell so iconic. The spiral swirl is easy to add and gives the ornament that classic candy cane look.

With cream yarn, embroider a spiral on the bell's body using a chain stitch. Start at the top of the bell and work in a spiral down to the bottom, following the rounds of the body. Alternatively, you can surface crochet a chain along the rounds—simply insert your hook through the fabric, pull up a loop of cream yarn, and chain along the surface. This creates a lovely, slightly raised spiral.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all remaining ends carefully. For extra charm, you can add a small ribbon bow at the top of each bell, just below the hanging loop. This is entirely optional but adds a lovely gift-like quality to the ornaments.

And there you have it—your very own set of Sugarplum Sleighbell Ornaments! These make wonderful gifts for friends, family, teachers, or coworkers. They're also perfect for craft fairs or as a special addition to your own holiday décor.

I'd love to see your finished bells! Share your creations on social media with the hashtag #SugarplumSleighbells and tag me so I can admire your work. Happy crocheting, and may your holidays be filled with handmade warmth and joy!