Bauble Decoration

I designed these little hanging decorations to add some colourful, homespun Hooky Goodness to my Christmas Tree this season, but there's no reason why they can't be used all year round and in all sorts of ways. I've had suggestions for using them as baby rattles, baby mobiles, as tags on wrapped gifts, or simply just as little decorative gifts to pass on to friends and family.

These are quick and satisfying little things to work up, ideal to use up those little itty bits of stash yarn that you might have lurking somewhere. I personally prefer to use cotton yarn for making decorations (here I've used Rico Creative Cotton), but any yarn would be fine. I also tend to switch down a hook size for making decorations which keeps the stitches quite tight and prevents the polyester stuffing showing through the gaps. So for example where the Rico cotton suggests a 5mm hook size, I switch down to a 4mm hook.

Before we begin, a little summary of the basic stitches. I'm writing using UK crochet terms ::

sl st [slip stitch] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch, then through the loop on your hook.

dc [double crochet] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook (note :: this is equivalent to the US sc stitch)

htr [half treble]:: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops on hook (note :: this is equivalent to the US hdc stitch)

tr [treble] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (note :: this is equivalent to the US dc stitch)

To begin, chain 4 and join to form a ring.

Round 1 :: ch 2 (counts as 1 htr) then work 9 htr's into the ring, making 10 "spokes" in total (see above)

Slip stitch into 2nd chain of initial chain-2 to join the round. Fasten off.

You should be able to clearly see and count the ten stitches you've just created (picture above) :: you'll be working out of these stitches in the next round.

Join in a new colour by tying a knot close to the stitches, as pictured above.

Insert your hook into the stitch directly to the left of your knot, and pull a loop through to the front.

Round 2 ::

Chain 2 (counts as 1 htr), then work 1 htr into same stitch (as above)

**work 2htr's into the next stitch** (this makes a double "V" stitch, or an increase stitch).

Repeat between **, 8 more times.

At the end of round 2, you should clearly be able to see and count 10 lots of double "V" stitches, as pictured above. You'll now have 20 stitches altogether which you'll work out of for the next round.

Slip Stitch into second chain of initial chain-2 to join the round. Fasten off.

Round 3 :: Join in your new colour, hook it through to the front (as above) and chain 2 (counts as 1 htr). Work 1 htr into the same stitch as the chain....this is your first double "V" stitch.

Now work the following :: 1 htr in next stitch,  **2 htr's in next stitch, 1 htr in next stitch**

Repeat between ** , alternating between the double"V" stitches and the single stitches. I find when I'm working this round that it helps to count 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 etc as I'm working, keeping track of the double stitches and the single stitches.

You should end the round with a single htr in the final stitch (picture above).

Slip Stitch into second chain of initial chain-2 to join the round. Fasten off.

Round 4 ::

This round is worked in DOUBLE CROCHET, and combines "Short dc" stitches with "Long dc" stitches. Don't panic, I'll show you what I mean.....

First off, join in your new colour as usual and hook it through to the front to begin.

Chain 1, then work 1 dc in next stitch (picture above).These are your Short dc's.

Now then...the next stitch is a Long dc and is worked out of the base of the previous row. Look at the picture above and see where I've stuck my needle?? You're looking for the little hole underneath the single htr from the pink row, can you see ????

Insert your hook into this hole, yarn over and pull through a loop to the front. Pull the loop right up over the pink stitches until it's level with the stitches you've just worked. Keep the yarn quite loose ok? As with a normal Short dc, you should have 2 loops on your hook, so yarn over and pull through both loops. That's one Long dc made.

Now make another one in EXACTLY THE SAME HOLE.....insert your hook into the hole (more or less over the top of the previous Long dc you just made), yarn over and pull a loop through to the front. Same as before, pull the loop right up until it's level with the top, remembering to keep the yarn quite loose as you work. Now yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook. That's your second Long dc made, it should be sitting very snuggly next to the first one, as pictured above.

Now working immediately to the left of the two Long dc's, work 1 dc into each of the next 2 stitches (pictured above). These are your two Short dc's.

OK, still with me?

Right-o, time for the next pair of Long dc's. Remember you are looking for that little hole beneath the single htr of the previous (pink) round...my needle in the picture above shows you where it is.

Just as before, work two Long dc's out of this same hole so that they sit snuggly together with each other.

Then work 1 Short dc into each of the next two stitches.

Continue working your way round the circle, alternating 2 Short dc's with 2 Long dc's .

You should end the round by working 2 Long dc's. You should be able to count ten altogether. Now Slip Stitch into the first chain (see my arrow above) to join the round. Fasten off.

Yippee!! Isn't that good? Now you may find that the last row has made the circle go a little bit wavy and wobbly...you'll perhaps need to stretch it out a bit with your hands and flatten it down. It helps if you make an effort to keep your tension quite loose when working that last round.

And this is probably very obvious, but you will of course need to make TWO identical circles for front and back of the Bauble.

[a Little Note :: if you fancy having a go at making your circles into a Star, you'll now need to hot foot it to THIS tutorial to add a fifth round of pointy triangle star-making bits].

Right, now for the Embellishing and Assembling.

Embellishing first....start by stitching a button to the centre of each circle. Then using some fine yarn or embroidery floss, attach a couple of beads and/or bells to the bottom of the circle, as pictured above.

The Hanging Loop ::

Make a slip stitch leaving a tail end roughly 6 inches long. Chain 30. Fasten off, leaving another 6 inch tail end (pictured above)

Bring yarn ends together and thread them both together through 2 or 3 beads. If your yarn is quite thick like the Rico cotton is, you will need to choose your beads carefully and find ones with nice big holes. Otherwise you will be using a few Choice Words trying to get them to thread. I can tell you that after many Choice Words with some very pretty but small-holed glass beads, I ended up using Little Lady's plastic beads from her bracelet making set as they were bright and colourful and the holes were Big.

When the beads have been threaded successfully, breathe out a sigh of relief. Then thread the ends of yarn onto a darning needle and stitch the beaded loop securely to the edge of the circle. Make sure it sits directly opposite the beads/bells you've already stitched on (see above) so that it hangs nicely.

Onto the Assembly now then....it's up to you whether you stitch or crochet your two circles together, either method will work well. I chose to crochet mine together.

Hold the two circles together (right sides facing out) and start at the bottom next to the bead/bell you stitched on earlier. Insert your hook through the INNER LOOPS ONLY of both circles (picture above) and draw the yarn through. Leave a tail end which you can darn in at the end. Working out of the next stitch, insert hook through the inside loops of each circle. Pull yarn through both loops, then through the stitch on your hook (Slip Stitch).

Keep working your way round, slip stitching through the inside loops of both circles....you'll be forming a neat little chain ridge around the edge.

When you are half way round, you'll come to the hanging loop :: simply continue to sl st either side of the beads, they should be stitched securely in place already.

About 2/3 of the way round you'll need to add in the stuffing. I used a small handful of polyester stuffing, but you could use whatever you have to hand (wadding, or perhaps even cotton wool would do the job). Don't use too much filling, you want it to be sort of padded, not stuffed. Continue to close up the gap with your slip stitches until you get back to where you started.

Snip off the yarn leaving a 6 inch tail end and fasten off the crochet. Thread the yarn end onto a darning needle and darn it in securely.

And there you have it :: one little Crochet Bauble Decoration. Cute eh??

Now skip off and make many, many more, you know you want to.

Happy hooking!

ps If you fancy having a go at making a Star, you'll need to make two circles as described above, then hot foot it to THIS tutorial to add a fifth round of pointy triangle star-making bits.

pps You can see and read more about my Decorations in this Ta-dah post.

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All my tutorials are created for you to use and enjoy for free. However, if you would like to make a donation you can do so using the button below (all donations are gratefully received and will be used to fund future projects).

 

xx Thank you xx

Comments

[Chris]

Lucy you have done it again girl!!!!
They're wonderful!!!
Thank you so much.
The donations button is a great idea too, you go girl!! to the wool shop I mean.

[Dennis Marquez]

Wow! I love it! I started right away, thanks for all the time you've put into this!

One little comment though (sorry!). In the star part, you don't mention back loop only, but I think that's what you've done looking at your pictures in the tutorial. Also somewhere in the beginning of the star part, after 1 Half treble, treble, picot, you say HTR, TR, but this should be the other way round I guess. Just so you know!

This was not criticism though, since I can't wait to start making a lot of these! Thanks again!

[teejay]

thanks! up at 0-dark-thirty this a.m. in California to peek--and the pattern is up!

Tried to figure it out from just the photos, but missing the idea of the long dbls. So, thanks again, off to th lys for some Sugar and Cream cotton. woo-hoo!
--tj

[nora]

lucy, you're so very creative and thanks for tutorial. the bauble is so so cute and adorable. Thanks.

[Nuria]

Thank you very much for your tutorial!!, you are very generous !!! Your baubles are lovely!!,

[Nicky]

Can't wait to gather those cottons together... Great idea to have a donate button too. Thanks for all the help and inspiration you have given me,x

[Claire]

It suddenly all looks so possible when you explain in this way. Brilliant, fabulous and I can't wait to give them a go. Thanks

[Vicki Porter]

Thank you Lucy

I have been waiting Down Under with baited breath for the directions. Sadly can't find the gorgeous cotton yarn colours you have but no problem they can be traditional red and green until I do. Thank you so much haven't crocheted for years but am loving it again all over again.
Vicki

[Wendy]

Beautiful work, Lucy. Thank you so much. I have knitted for years, but I first learned to crochet. I sort of put it aside and haven't done it in a long time. Your gorgeous pictures and tutorials make me want to pick it up again.

[Susanne Tyree]

Thank you Lucy!! All along have thought to myself that you should sell your patterns. I will donate just as soon as I can figure out US dollars to your currency....

[Susan]

I am just blown away by everything you do. I look forward to every idea you have. The colors you use,your design work, your optimism, - I could gush on and on - everything is so inspiring and makes me happy. Your precise instructions and photographs have helped me to understand crochet so much better. You are a natural, perfect teacher. Thank you for all of your time and hard work. I will be making stars and baubles for the whole family!

[Sherrie]

You are brilliant! Thank you so much for posting these tutorials. My tree ornaments this year are mostly all homemade of yarn, ribbon, beads, and felt. I will definitely be adding a few of these as well. I love your cheerful, vibrant colors. :-) Thanks again and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! (p.s. I have to work in wool or acrylic as I have little patience for cotton - it always seems to stick on my hook - leading to much frustration and choice words!).

[Susanne Tyree]

Merry Christmas! Donation was just sent :)
Have 4 baubles in the works. Stayed up all night with my scraps of yarn (no cotton handy). The possibilities are endless on embellishing these. I have a lady on Ebay who lives in UK and I buy my baby yarn from her. It makes beautiful baby shawls. Her mum use to own a yarn shop. I think you need to open a little shop, what fun, huh?

[Kari Lambrechts]

This decoration is so great. Thank you so much for sharing. You continue to amaze me with your wonderful blog. I will be making some of these great decorations soon!

[Natasha Price]

Thanks again for inspiring me. I've always been a knitter, but after gazing at your blog for several months, I was driven to learn to crochet. Your tutorials are thorough and easy to understand. I can't wait to churn out these ornaments!

-Natasha from Alaska

[Paula Neves]

Hi Lucy, This is Paula from Portugal. I haven't crocheted in years but as soon as I found your blog I felt so inspired that I am now making my first afghan.
These decorations are really great. I'm planning on buying some yarn and start to make some right away.
Thanks for the inspiration.

[Denise Jenkins]

You should totally bring out a book! it would be the yummiest scrummiest book ever!xxx love your blog!

[Kim L.]

Ok...you're going to be responsible for making me go home "sick" from work right now...cough,cough...and gee, maybe a quick stop at the yarn store will help this "cough" I seem to have developed...

[GRACIELA FERRARI]

Hermoso trabajo y tan colorido gracias por compartir, un beso desde Argentina
Thanks for sharing kisses for you from Argentina!!!

[Alice and Raymond!!!]

Hello Lovely Lucy!
Yay, I am making a set of these for my Mum for christmas in red and natural coloured wool and I LOVE them!
thank you so much for sharing your lovely pattern, if you have time, which I'm sure you actually don't (!!!) I'm popping them on my blog.... also, I used your granny stripe pattern mixed in with my granny circle pattern to create an awesome granny tea cozy which I've been meaning to tell you about! So thank you for that inspiration too!
You have brightened so many people's lives Lucy including mine and I thank you so much for sharing your love and generosity and general you-ness around the world!
Wishing you a very merry festive season and lots and lots of love, from Alice and Raymond XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[Heather]

GENIUS! Oh Lucy, these are so fabulous! I wish I had seen them earlier! I participated in a Handmade Ornament Swap with some Blogfriends and this would have been PERFECT!!!! I think I know what I'm doing for christmas now! Thank you for being so wonderfully wonderful and generous with your time and talen! You are so cherised!
I am blogging about these fabulous baubles and I will link to you!! <3

[JULIE MEENAN]

DEAR LUCY, JUST HAPPENED TO STOP INTO YOUR ATTIC WHILE LOOKING AROUND CROCHET SITES. NOW I KNOW HOW DOROTHY FELT WHEN SHE OPENED THE DOOR INTO MUNCHKIN LAND FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!! THE COLOR!!!! OH,MY!
I'VE SPENT THE LAST MONTH OR SO GOING THRU YOUR ARCHIVES. I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW HOW VERY MUCH IT TOUCHES ME. EVERYTHNG ABOUT IT IS JUST SO SPECIAL.
WE HAVE MUCH IN COMMON AND I HAVE BEEN TO THE ATTIC ALMOST DAILY.
I COULD GO ON AND ON BUT JUST KNOW THAT YOU HAVE ANOTHER DEVOTED FAN IN THE US ( CHICAGO ). THANKS FOR THE INSPIRATION.

[Taking Heart]

Hey A-Two-Four,

Scribe here (aka TH, aka Queen of Whatever's BFF). I wanted to drop you a note to say helloo from across the pond. Your ornaments are dee-light-full and I'm surely going to make some and take all the credit... not really... but... ahem. I love your work, your colors... and your tutorials. I hope you have a loverly day, and a Merry Christmas from my yarn to yours.

~Taking Heart

[Kaye Kim]

I am soooooo happy that I found your website. I immediately started making these Baubles with the yarns that I have. Could you kindly show me how to make the star edge.

Thanks

[Liz Swinbank]

Hi Lucy, you are so inspirational, please let me know when you write your book, i will be buying a copy for me and one for my friend, Liz