Learning how to make a Crochet Christmas Ball Ornament will be a breeze with this easy crochet pattern and video tutorial! Once you have your beautiful ornament crocheted, you can adorn it with ribbon, greenery, bells, berries, and more. The options are endless.
This specific pattern is part of a matching holiday collection! You can visit our Crochet Christmas Ornament Collection Hub to view our master supply list, compare sizing charts, and grab our other matching ornament styles.
The Crochet Christmas Ball Ornament Pattern is worked in a continuous round, using the spike single crochet stitch, and then stretched around a clear glass or plastic ball ornament, and cinched closed. It’s a very easy technique that gives a little wiggle room to play around with.
If you’re looking for a unique ornament design, to add to your tree this year, this one is for you!
Bonus: The Crochet Christmas Disc Ornament is now available here!!
Let’s get started!
✨ WANT THE PRINTABLE PDF VERSION?
Grab the paid, ad-free printable PDF pattern on Etsy or Ravelry.
👇 Prefer the free version? Keep scrolling—it’s just below!
🎄 Crochet Ornament Collection
Love decorating for Christmas? These quick and easy crochet ornaments are designed to mix and match, making it simple to create a coordinated tree or handmade gift set.
🎄 Christmas Ornament – Worked in Rows
🎄 Christmas Ball Ornament (this pattern)
🎄 Christmas Disc Ornament
📌 Love this project? Save this image to your favorite Christmas crochet board on Pinterest so you can easily find it later!
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Styling & Decorating Ideas For Crochet Ball Ornaments
The Crochet Christmas Ball Ornament, not only looks beautiful hanging on a Christmas tree, but amazing styled on a beautiful mantle, stairway, or grouped in a pretty bowl.
I styled mine around a mantle, hanging from a pretty faux greenery garland.
Choosing Your Holiday Yarn
The Crochet Christmas Ball Ornament Pattern is written using Bernat Maker. This is a size 5, bulky, tube style yarn, made of cotton on the outside and nylon in the center of the tube. I love using this yarn, as it has some stretch to it, making it easy to fit around the ball ornaments, with a little wiggle room. The colors shown are Cream, Clay, and Lichen.
You can grab the exact yarn I used here:
Amazon
Walmart
Yarn Alternatives
I tested out several different alternative yarns for this pattern, and found that the construction is incredibly forgiving! As long as your yarn has a little bit of stretch, it’s completely fine if your gauge turns out slightly smaller than mine.
If you want to dive into your yarn stash, here are my top recommendations and the quick pattern tweaks I used to make them fit perfectly:
Yarn Bee Velvety Smooth Sparkle (Hobby Lobby):
This beautiful olive yarn is a size 4 medium weight with gorgeous gold metallic flecks. I held two strands together and followed the pattern as-is for both sizes, but simply skipped the last 3 rounds before cinching. The color shown is Olive.
Chenille Home Slim, By Loops & Threads from Michaels:
This is a size 6 super bulky yarn. Even though it’s thicker, it looks amazing! I followed the Size Small pattern exactly using my 8.00 mm hook, and it stretched beautifully over the Large (10 cm) ornament ball. Tip: Chenille can break easily, so make sure to follow my alternative chain method below instead of the magic circle, and be very gentle when cinching the top closed! The color shown is Fog.
Lion Brand Hue + Me :
This is a size 5 bulky yarn, but it works up a bit larger and has less stretch than Bernat Maker. To make it fit the small ornament base, I followed the pattern exactly but skipped the last few rounds, finishing with 13 total rounds before fastening off. The color shown is Fatigues.
Ornaments & Embellishments
For these crochet ornament covers, I used clear plastic ball ornaments that I found at Hobby Lobby. I usually prefer glass over plastic because it’s a bit sturdier under the tension of the yarn, but plastic works great too! You can easily find these clear blank forms around Christmas time at Target, Michaels, Walmart, and Amazon. For this specific pattern, I used the 8 cm (3.15”) and 10 cm (3.94”) sizes.
You can totally leave your ornaments plain, but I love to dress mine up using greenery, holiday berries, bells, and rustic twine! I just buy inexpensive Christmas floral picks from Hobby Lobby and Michaels, use wire cutters to snip them into tiny individual pieces, and attach them over the top cinch using a hot glue gun.
✨ My Secret Finishing Touch: If you can’t find ornaments with gold caps, don’t worry! I simply pop the little metal toppers off and spray paint them gold before assembling everything. It’s an incredibly easy way to instantly make your handmade ornaments look like luxury boutique decor!
Adding Festive Crochet Labels & Wooden Tags
I recently created a blog post on the different crochet tags I use. The full post with extensive detail can be found here.
– The seasonal wooden tags, shown below, are from Savlabot and add the perfect professional finishing touch to handmade gifts!
Sizing & Custom Adjustments
This pattern includes step-by-step instructions for two classic holiday tree sizes:
- Small: Fits 8 cm (3.15 Inch) clear ornaments.
- Large: Fits 10 cm (3.94 Inch) clear ornaments.
How to Change the Size: This design is incredibly simple to modify if you are using mismatched holiday bases or random leftover stash yarn!
To adjust the width: Add or subtract your initial half double crochet (hdc) increase rounds. Just make sure your final increase round ends on an odd number of total stitches so the repeating spike stitch sequence aligns correctly.
To adjust the height: Simply add or subtract total rounds of your alternating single crochet and spike stitches until the cozy sleeve reaches the top neck of your ball.
Pattern Gauge (Working in the Round)
- 1st 3 rounds of pattern (size small) = Just under 3 Inches with L Hook
- 1st 3 rounds of pattern (size large) = Just under 3.5 Inches with L Hook
Please be sure to check your gauge before starting, as tension can vary greatly from person to person and depending on the yarn used.
Pattern Details & Essential Materials
- Skill Level: Easy
US Stitch Key Terms
- beg – beginning
- blo – back loop only
- ch(s) – chain/chains
- sc – single crochet
- st(s) – stitch/stitches
- hdc – half double crochet
- spk-sc – spike single crochet
Required Tools Checklist
Grab all the supplies you need in one place:
👉 [View Supply List Here]
- Yarn: Approximately 30 yards (size small) & 50 yards (size large) Size 5 Bulky Yarn.
- Bernat Maker (highly recommended)
- Hook: Size [L-11 / 8.00 mm Crochet Hook] (or size needed to meet gauge).
- Notions: Tapestry Needle, Flexible Measuring Tape, Scissors, & Stitch Marker.
- Ornament Bases: 8cm or 10cm Clear Glass or Plastic Round Ornaments.
- Optional Accents: Floral greenery picks, holiday berries, ribbon, twine, craft glue, or a hot glue gun.
Special Stitches
Spike Single Crochet (spk-sc)
The spike single crochet stitch is worked following the same steps as a regular single crochet stitch, but instead of working into the current round/row, the hook is inserted 1 or more rounds/rows below the working round/row. The lower you go, the longer the stitch. In this pattern we’ll be working in one round below.
Step 1: Insert your hook into the next stitch, 1 round below the current round.
Step 2: Pull up a loop the same height as your current round.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through both loops on hook (just like a regular single crochet).
Crochet Christmas Ball Ornament Video Instructions
Prefer a video walkthrough? I’ve got you covered! Grab your hook and crochet along with the step-by-step video tutorial right here:
Crochet Christmas Ball Ornament Written Instructions
– The ornament is worked in a continuous round, do not join at end of each round, mark the 1st st of each round with st marker.
Size Small (Fits 8cm/3.15 inch ornaments)
Rnd 1. Create a magic circle, ch1, work 7 hdc in circle. (7hdc)
Alternate Method: Ch4, join with sl st in 4th ch from hook, ch1, work 7 hdc in circle. (7hdc)
Rnd 2. 2 hdc in each st around. (14hdc)
Rnd 3. *Hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st, repeat from * around. (21hdc)
Rnd 4. Sc in each st around. (21sts)
Rnd 5. *Spk-sc in next st, sc in next st, repeat from * around ending with a spk-sc in last st. (21sts)
Rnd 6. *Sc in next st, spk-sc in next st, repeat from * around, ending with a sc in last st. (21sts)
Rnd 7-15. Repeat alternating between rnds 5 and 6. (21sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail, weave in beg tail & continue to forming instructions below.
Size Large(Fits 10cm/3.94 inch ornaments)
Rnd 1. Create a magic circle, ch1, work 9 hdc in circle. (9hdc)
Alternate Method: Ch4, join with sl st in 4th ch from hook, ch1, work 9 hdc in circle. (9hdc)
Rnd 2. 2 hdc in each st around. (18hdc)
Rnd 3. *Hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st, repeat from * around. (27hdc)
Rnd 4. Sc in each st around. (27sts)
Rnd 5. *Spk-sc in next st, sc in next st, repeat from * around ending with a spk-sc in last st. (27sts)
Rnd 6. *Sc in next st, spk-sc in next st, repeat from * around, ending with a sc in last st. (27sts)
Rnd 7-20 . Repeat alternating between rnds 5 and 6. (27sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail, weave in beg tail & continue to forming instructions below.
Forming Around the Christmas Ball Ornament
Note: The finished crochet piece should cover most of the ornament before fully cinching closed. If using a less stretchy yarn, you may need to adjust the pattern accordingly, by adding or subtracting rounds of the spike stitch.
With piece right side facing out, weave remaining tail end in & out around last round of stitches (working in front loops only), DO NOT CINCH CLOSED YET. Stretch crochet piece around Christmas ornament and once positioned and securely in place, finish cinching the remaining tail end tightly around the top of Christmas ornament. Fasten off and weave in loose end.
Adorn with optional embellishments and enjoy!!
Your Crochet Christmas Ball Ornament is complete!! If you try the pattern, I’d love to see pics. Be sure to tag me @simplymadebyerin
🎄 Explore More Free Holiday Crochet Patterns
Looking for more festive holiday crafting inspiration? Explore these popular free seasonal crochet pattern collections and roundups to keep your hooks moving all season long:
- The Full Simply Made by Erin Crochet Christmas Ornament Collection Hub
- 15+ Free Crochet Patterns for Christmas in July
- The Full Simply Made by Erin Christmas Crochet Collection
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44 Comments
M
What was the alternative cinching method that you mentioned with the chenille yarn?
Erin
Instead of the magic circle try chaining 4 or 5, sl st to the last chain to join, then work in the circle.
Julie
Yes! I tried the magic circle with a velvet yarn. It was a no go. The chain works great!
Erin
Glad it worked for you!
Kristen
Can you make a video using the yarn bee velvet sparkle yarn?
Erin
Hi Kristen, I probably won’t be putting a video out, but you can follow the same video and pattern, you’ll just skip a few rounds.
Kristen
Can you explain what you mean when you said “I held two strands together”
Erin
You take two strands of the velvet yarn and hold it together to make a thicker strand. You can pull from the outside and middle of the skein to get two strands.
Kris
Can you make a video using the velvet yarn? It would be great to see an example with the yarn doubled up as you said.
Erin
You take two strands of the velvet yarn and hold it together to make a thicker strand. You can pull from the outside and middle of the skein to get two strands.
Cassie
It’s my first time crocheting and mine is turning out more like a coaster than a tube to put an ornament in. What am I doing wrong?
Erin
Thank you for sharing!
Crystal Collins
Is there a right side and a wrong side to this stitch or do both sides look about the same?
Erin
There is a right side, the side facing you as you work is the right side.
Lynn
Is there an adjustment for 2.64″ balls? I have a plethora of those
Erin
Not specifically listed, but you may be able to skip a round of hdc, or use a smaller hook.
Lynn
Thank you!
Olivia
How big are the tags that you used? I can’t find them on Etsy.
Erin
They’re .95 inches, it looks like she may be sold out, but I’m sure she’ll restock soon, here is her shop link: /go/etsy/Savlabot
MM
Does the loops and Threads slim home yarn (color Fog) have a green hue to it? Your ornament looks gray or silver but in the store the yarn looks like a pale sage green.
Erin
Yes, it’s green, I don’t think it comes across well in photos, but it has a light green hue to it.
MM
Please remove my last name from comment.
Lauren
Mine is also coming out like a coaster instead of a tube shape like yours. I’ve done 2 rounds of the spike stitch (alternating with singles). Any suggestions??
Erin
Is your stitch count correct? The only other think I can think of is that you are working the spike stitch extremely loose. Have you watched the video by chance?
Lauren
Yes, I watched the video. This is my first time to crochet, so I didn’t realize how tight the stitches had to be! After attempt 5ish, I got it down! Thank you!!
Erin
You’re welcome!
Lauren
Yes, I watched the video! The issue was the tightness of my stitches. This is my first time crocheting, but I finally figured it out. Your response helped – thanks!
Erin
Glad it worked out for you!!
Erin
Thank you for the shout-out!
Lynne
I just love small crochet projects. Have made two ornaments and just love them! Thank you!
Erin
You’re very welcome, I love quick project as well!!
MB
Forgive my ignorance. I don’t crochet, but I have someone making these for me. How many small ornaments will 30 yards of yarn make? How many large ornaments will 50 yards of yarn make?
Thank you!
Erin
Hi there, it will vary slightly depending on the yarn you use, but 30 yards will make approximately 1 small, and 50 yards will make 1 large ornament.
Julie
First, I love this pattern! I’m on my 7th ornament! I made a few with bulky (5) yarn, however, I have more worsted weight at my disposal. How to use this pattern with worsted yarn? I figured it out! I use a 7mm Clover hook, and add a row of increases (sc into two stitches, then 2sc in the next. Repeat around.). Then I begin the spike stitch pattern. This covers the 3.15” ornament very well. You will have 28 stitches around instead of 21, so you will always begin a round with a spike stitch instead of alternating. This actually gives a sort of spiral pattern when finished! I hope this helps those of us who work with worsted most of the time.
Erin
Thanks for the info! You can also use a double strand of worsted and follow the pattern as is, it works with most worsted weight yarns.
Nivia
Hi Erin just wanted to drop a line and say thank you so much for your super generosity in this post. Have a good amount of worsted weight yarn and longed for the perfect little project to use it all up. Again thank you for the thoughtfulness in the way you covered everything.
Erin
You’re so very welcome, I really enjoy sharing! I’m not sure if you saw the post I made several days back, but two strands of worsted held together make a great substitute without having to make many adjustments.
Nivia
Yes I saw that reply and it totally made my day. 🤩. Not only will it help, like you said, avoid a ton of adjustment but the added possibilities of marbled color🌈 will be great. Thank you again for covering so many angles.
Nivia
Yes, I did see that reply. It totally made my day because of my supply of worsted weight yarn. Along with doubling up to help save on a ton of adjustments the possibilities of marbled color will be fun too 🤩🌈. Thank you again for all the tips and covering all the angles.
Erin
You’re welcome!!
Caryn
Hi, I love these ornaments! I love the ribbon you used with the cream ornament. Is it on Amazon? I can’t find anything in that color! They are too shiny hold and don’t look as elegant s yours.
Can you provide a link? Thanks!
Erin
Thank you, it’s from Michaels, linked here: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/SimplyMadeByErin/productsets/11ef8d7dd2e1af988fc90242ac11002c
C Miller
Thank you for the video! I am loving this pattern! I have been using Yarn Bee Scrub-Ology from Hobby Lobby. https://www.hobbylobby.com/yarn-needle-art/yarn-tools/yarn/white-yarn-bee-scrub-ology-scrub-it-yarn/p/80891117 It gives it a nice texture and a little shine. Make sure you wait for it to go on sale! I have even used a Red/White and Green/White pattern. I’d send a photo, but I’m not sure how to do that on this site.
Thanks again!
Erin
That yarn sounds amazing, thank you!