A cluster looks fullest when the bell mouths remain visible rather than stacked directly over one another. This crochet Christmas bell cluster uses three identical hollow shapes; different suspension lengths and a single ribbon bow create the finished arrangement.
Design and Fit
Exactly three hollow ivory cotton crochet bells with antique-gold rims, recognizable flared open mouths and one small wooden bead clapper inside each. Staggered thin gold cords gather at a small wooden ring with one burgundy fabric ribbon bow. No spirals, no elf, no extra bells.
Counts have been checked digitally; this original design has not been physically sample-tested. Gauge and final dimensions are estimates. Make a sample and check the assembled object before use.
Pattern Details
- Skill Level: Easy
- Yarn Weight: DK
- Hook Size: 3.5 mm
- Finished Size: Each bell approximately 6 cm high; complete cluster approximately 22 cm
- Gauge: 18 sc = 10 cm using firm cotton; use a smaller hook if bell walls collapse
- Estimated Time: 3–4 hours
- Terminology: US
Materials
- Firm DK cotton: approximately 100 m ivory and 25 m antique gold
- 3.5 mm hook, markers, needle and scissors
- Three 10 mm wooden beads, three 50 cm strong gold cotton cords, one 3 cm wooden ring
- 40 cm burgundy fabric ribbon about 15 mm wide
Terms and Construction Notes
US terms: ch = chain; sc = single crochet; hdc = half double crochet; dc = double crochet; sl st = slip stitch; st(s) = stitch(es). Yarn over means wrap the working yarn over the hook. An increase here is the stated number of stitches in one base position. Mark the first actual stitch of a round. Joins and height chains never count unless a mesh space is explicitly included.
Step-by-Step Crochet
Make the complete bell below three times. Use a fresh ivory ring for each bell. None of the bells is stuffed.
Cluster bell
With ivory, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, work 6 sc into it, close the ring and join with sl st to the first sc. (6 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in every stitch; join to the first sc. (12 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, repeat [sc in the next 1 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times; join to the first sc. (18 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each stitch; join to the first sc. (18 sts)
Round 5: Ch 1, sc in each stitch; join to the first sc. (18 sts)
Round 6: Ch 1, sc in each stitch; join to the first sc. (18 sts)
Round 7: Ch 1, sc in each stitch; join to the first sc. (18 sts)
Round 8: Ch 1, sc in each stitch; join to the first sc. (18 sts)
Round 9: Ch 1, repeat [sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times; join to the first sc. (24 sts)
Round 10: Ch 1, repeat [sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times; join to the first sc. (30 sts)
Round 11: Change to antique gold on the last pull-through of the preceding round. Ch 1, sc in each stitch; join to the first sc. (30 sts)
Rounds 3–8 form straight walls; Rounds 9–10 widen the mouth. Round 11 is the gold lip. Keep the opening unclosed.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave each starting tail to close and secure the bell crown. Fold a gold cord in half and pass its two ends from outside to inside through two separate crown stitches. Thread both ends through a wooden bead; knot securely below it. Adjust the loop until the bead hangs just inside the mouth, not below the gold rim. Secure the cord to the crown stitches with two small sewn tacks so the clapper cannot slide. Tie the three upper loops to the wooden ring, choosing suspension drops of approximately 5, 8 and 11 cm above the bell crowns. Position bells slightly left, middle and right so every mouth shows. Tie the fabric ribbon around the ring in a bow with two 7 cm tails. These wooden clappers are decorative, not a promise of a ringing sound. Check knots and beads before every display; this is not a toy.
Care and Display
Support the damp bells over smooth covered molds of matching size and let them dry completely; remove the molds before hanging. Do not leave stuffing or a permanent plastic insert inside. Follow the cotton care label and keep wooden beads dry.
Questions and Troubleshooting
Why are the bells closing up?
Do not decrease or gather the last round. The two widening rounds and gold rim stay open.
Can I leave out the beads?
Yes. Leave the bell mouths hollow and tie the hanging cord to the crown; no other stitch counts change.
Why do the bells overlap?
Increase the height difference between cords and rotate the ring so the three mouths remain separate.
