Last updated on December 21st, 2022 at 01:12 am
Free Knitting Pattern to Make Little Christmas Bells
The two Christmas jingle bells shown here can be made up quite quickly, and they both look lovely as a homemade ornament on the tree.
The lower bell, with the rolled brim, is the knitted version, and the free knitting pattern is included on this page. I love the way the edge of perl stitches just wants to roll up and form the bottom of the bell almost like magic.
We also have a free pattern to make the Crocheted Christmas Bells as well, so why not try them both? Or add a few charming knitted mini Christms trees as well.
by Jane Lake
The samples shown were done in a worsted weight sparkling metallic yarn, but you could use finer yarn and smaller needles to make smaller bells. You can also adjust the length or circumference of the knitted bells, as discussed below.
These looked so pretty that I thought they would make lovely wedding bells, done in white, and attached to a wreath, door hanging or centerpiece.
Pattern Supplies:
- Knitting needles – mine were inherited from my Grandmother, made in England, and stamped as Size 9, or 3.75 mm (U.S. needle Size 5)
- Patons Brilliant Crystal Cream yarn
- brass jingle bells
- bodkin or yarn needle
Note: Photo at right is shown actual size on a desktop computer.
See: SheepandStitch.com for a handy printable knitting needle conversion chart.
Pattern Instructions:
1. Cast on 15 stitches (to make the bell longer, increase this by 5 stitches).
2. Knit across first row.
3. Purl 5 stitches, and knit across remaining stitches.
4. Knit across row.
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until you have at least 28 rows. (You can increase the number of rows if you’d like the bell to be rounder.) Cast off.
Thread a bodkin or yarn needle with a length of yarn and sew up the short sides (with right sides together). Turn right side out.
Thread bodkin with another length of yarn and sew a gathering stitch around top edge of bell. Pull yarn tight and tie off. Use end of yarn to form a looped hanger at the top of the bell.
With your fingers, roll the purl stitches up into a brim. They tend to curl out and up anyway so just encourage the process with a little rolling motion of your fingers.
Tie a piece of yarn to the top of a brass jingle bell. Secure this to the top inside of the knitted bell, so that the brass bell hangs just below the rolled brim.
Jocelyn M. Harvey says
So happy to find this pattern again. Thank you for posting it.
Jane Lake says
I’m truly happy to get your comment. This simple pattern is a knitted heirloom and I hang the one pictured here every year. Others that I have made, in different colors, hang from the Christmas trees of family members around the world. Isn’t that wonderful?
Lily says
Hey Cindy,
Too bad you can’t read but you shouldn’t take it out on Jane!
You’re such a jerk!
It’s a lovely pattern and a lovely memory.
Jane Lake says
Thanks for your support, Lily!
I did find a needle conversion chart, here: https://sheepandstitch.com/library/knitting-needle-sizes-conversion-chart/ which says that a U.K. size 9 knitting needle equals U.S. size 5 or, in metric, 3.75mm.
The tension in this pattern isn’t super critical and you can go up or down in needle size, or adjust the length or width of the rows, to suit yourself.
Lisa Ogilvie says
A Uk size 9 needle is equivalent to a US size 5, the size 17/12mm you suggested would be far too large.
Jane Lake says
You are correct. My apologies for leading people astray. I am editing my previous comment to provide a link to a more accurate conversion chart. Thank you so much for helping out with this!
Jan says
Well said, I love these bells and am knitting them for all my family, nothing like Christmas in August lol
Jane says
You’re ahead of me for Christmas, Jan, but I’m sure your family will treasure their homemade knitted bells. Good for you!
Jan says
I’m new to knitting so looking forward to the outcome and not too big to get bored . With the right yarn these are so pretty. I love them ❤️
Jane says
The right yarn makes all the difference! Thank you for your uplifting comments! ❣
Evelyn S Johnson says
We made these years ago,no longer have the pattern so really pleased to find the pattern again. Thank you so much and a early Merry Christmas! God bless you.
Jane Lake says
You are most welcome! I’m always happy when someone enjoys one of my free patterns!
Karen says
can I ask how you print this out? I can’t seem to download it. I LOVE it. You have great patterns. Thank you for sharing with us.
Cindy DeV says
I wanted so much to make this but I couldn’t understand your outlandish directions. The word bodkin was last used in the 18th century. I don’t care what is stamped on your grandmother’s needles, this is America and I want an American size.
Tony says
Not everyone is American. And a bodkin is still a type of needle.
Jan says
Rude or what!
Bela T says
OH I am SO doing this! Real cute…… Can’t wait to add this to my already HUGE Xmas collection/decorations! These are also going to look great on top of a wrapped gift instead of a boring bow!
Jane Lake says
I’ve added these to gift boxes too. It’s a great idea, and makes a little extra gift to go with the main present that people seem to really enjoy.
Esther Leadley says
Thank you!
Jane Lake says
You are most welcome. Merry Christmas!
Rosemary Dominy says
I look forward to making the little bells. I would also like to have a pattern for
crocheting a simple little angel. Is such a thing available?
Jane Lake says
Not as yet, Rosemary. But coming soon I hope.