“Because Every Tree Deserves a Nice Set of Balls”
Andrea ClementsIf you’ve ever looked at your Christmas tree and thought, “You know what this needs? More yarn… and maybe some balls,” then you’re in the right place. Today I’m sharing a simple (and dangerously addictive even if I do say so myself) crochet pattern for handmade Christmas bauble decorations. They’re cute, they’re festive, and they won’t shatter when your dog (or drunken partner) inevitably body-slams the tree at 3am.
Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or you just picked up a hook yesterday and are still trying to remember which end is which, these baubles are the perfect little project. Grab some yarn, pop on a cheesy holiday movie, and let’s make your tree the envy of every yarn lover this season.
What materials do you need?
To get started, you will need some basic supplies including yarn in various colours, a crochet hook, scissors, and stuffing. You can choose pastel colours for a modern look or go traditional with reds and greens.
I used cotton 8 ply yarn -Fiddlesticks Wren
MATERIALS AND TOOLS
3.0 mm hook
tapestry or finishing needle with a blunt end for sewing of the details;
stitch markers
scissors,
toy fill.
Unless you crochet super tightly I tend to use a smaller hook than usual for my yarn. This gives me a nice tight finish on my work.
Special stitches and notes:
I used yarn under throughout as it gives a tighter finish to the stitches and helps to ensure that you can't see the stuffing in the finished ball.
How to make a basic bobble stitch
- Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook (2 loops remain).
- Yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook (3 loops remain).
- Yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook (4 loops remain).
- Yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook (5 loops remain).
- Yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (7 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook (6 loops remain).
- Yarn over and pull through all the loops on your hook at once. Chain one to close your bobble.
How to make a puff stitch
- Yarn over and insert your hook into the designated stitch.
- Pull up a loop to the desired height. You should have three loops on your hook.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2
- Repeat steps 1 and 2
- Yarn over again and pull through all the loops on your hook except the last one.
- Yarn over again and pull through the last loop.
Pattern:
Pattern is in UK terms.
(Make 2)
With yarn colour A, begin with a magic circle.
Round 1:
Into the circle, 6 DC. Do not join.
(6 DC stitches)
Round 2:
2DC into every stitch. Join with a SS, fasten off and weave in ends.
(12 DC stitches)
Round 3:
Join yarn colour B into the top of any DC stitch and CH 1 (does not count as a stitch).
1 DC into the same stitch.
1 DC into the next stitch.
2 DC into the next stitch.
*1 DC into the next stitch.
1 DC into the next stitch.
2 DC into the next stitch.*
Repeat from * to * until the end.
Join with a SS.
(18 DC)
Round 4:
CH 1 (does not count as a stitch).
1 DC into the same stitch.
1 DC into the next stitch.
1 Bobble Stitch into the next Stitch.
* 1 DC into the next stitch.
1 DC into the next stitch.
1 Bobble Stitch into the next Stitch.*
Repeat from * to * 4 times.
Join with a SS.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
(12 DC, 6 Bobble stitches)
Make sure you ‘pop’ all your bobble stitches forward.
Round 5:
Join yarn colour A into any DC after a bobble stitch and chain one (does not count as a stitch).
DC into the same stitch.
1 DC into the next stitch.
2 DC into the top of the Bobble stitch
*DC into the next stitch.
1 DC into the next stitch.
2 DC into the top of the Bobble stitch*
repeat from * to * until the end.
Don’t join - work directly unto the next stitch in te next round.
(24 DC)
Round 6:
*1 DC into the next stitch.
1 DC into the next stitch.
1 DC into the next stitch.
2 DC into the next stitch.*
repeat from * to * until the end.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
(30 DC stitches)
Round 7:
Join yarn colour B
*1 DC into the next stitch.
1 DC into the next stitch.
1 DC into the next stitch.
2 DC into the next stitch.*
repeat from * to * until the end.
Join with a SS.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
(30 DC stitches)
Round 8:
Join yarn colour B chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).
1 DC in the same stitch.
1 puff stitch in the next stitch.
*1 DC in the next stitch,
1 puff stitch in the next stitch.
repeat from * to * until the end.
Join with a SS. Do not fasten off.
(15 DC stitches & 15 puff stitches)
Joining:
Line up your two circles with the right sides facing out (wrong sides together). Make sure that when you crochet the edging, you are going through the top of the stitches from both circles.
You will join using a DC through the back loop only of the front circle and the matching front loop only on the back circle. Continue joining until you have about 5 stitches left on each circle left to join.
Take a small amount of stuffing and place it inside. You may stuff as much or as little as you prefer. When you have finished stuffing, continue crocheting 1 DC into the back loop only of the front circle and the matching front loop only on the back circle on each of the last stitches. SS to join. DO NOT FASTEN OFF.
You will now create your loop by chaining 25. Fasten off leaving a tail of approximately 15 cm at the end of your chains.
Feed the tail through your bauble several times fastening off, securing it and weaving in the end.
And there you have it—your very own crocheted Christmas baubles, ready to dangle proudly from your tree, your doorknobs, or........anywhere else that needs a little festive… flair. If your family asks where you bought them, feel free to smile mysteriously and say, “Oh, these? I made them.” Then bask in the stunned silence that follows.
Remember: bauble-making is a slippery slope. Today it’s a couple of cute decorations… tomorrow you’re crocheting an entire nativity scene and wondering when you last saw daylight. But honestly? Totally worth it.
Happy hooking, happy holidays, and may your tree be full of handmade charm (and zero glitter explosions).
You are welcome to share the pattern, however please acknowledge that the design belongs to Yarn Me Calm respecting my rights as a designer, thank you! I would also love it if you tag me if you make any of my designs!
I do my best to make sure that there aren't any errors but hey, I'm human! If you do find any bugs in the pattern please don't hesitate to contact me via email so I can iron them out!
I am not perfect so I definitely make mistakes!
If you have questions about this pattern, please contact me at
I hope you enjoy the pattern!
Andrea xx