Crochet Penguin Jingle Bell Ornament

The holiday season is all about cozy decor, heartfelt gifts, and festive cheer. If you’re looking for the perfect crochet project to add a personal touch to your Christmas decorations, this crochet penguin jingle bell ornament is just what you need! 🐧✨

Whether you’re decking out your own tree, making handmade gifts for loved ones, or adding to your holiday craft fair stock, this adorable penguin ornament combines winter charm with a cheerful jingle bell.

Why Handmade Ornaments Matter

Handmade ornaments like this crochet penguin jingle bell ornament bring a special, heartfelt touch to the holidays. Whether it’s the time you spent creating it or the smile it brings to someone’s face, these little projects make the season extra memorable.

By crafting your own decorations, you can create something unique, sustainable, and full of personality – a tradition worth starting this year!

An Heirloom Set: A set of crochet Christmas ornaments would make a wonderful housewarming gift or Christmas gift, combine any of our free crochet ornament patterns to create an heirloom collection.

Jingle Bell Alternatives

If you don’t have jingle bells and can’t find them anywhere close to you, here are a few great alternatives (see photos of all options near the end of this blog post):

1. Big Yarn Pom: The cheapest alternative is to make a big yarn pom and they’re super easy to make with the help of yarn pom makers!
2. Shatterproof Ornaments (plain): Another great options is to use a small 2.5″ diameter shatterproof ornament and hot glue the crocheted character to the top of it. You can find these ornaments in dollar stores and big box stores. If you have neither, there are lots of options on Amazon too.
3. Shatterproof Ornaments (decorative): Same as option 2 above, but these are a little pricier. Amazon has several fun shatterproof ornaments that are more decorative. I think they’ll add a fun twist to the ornaments. Here are a few examples of what I’m referring to: Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3.

Why You’ll Love This Crochet Penguin Ornament

1. Quick and Beginner-Friendly: This project works up fast, making it perfect for last-minute decorations or gifts.
2. Festive and Functional: With a cute jingle bell attached, this crochet penguin adds both charm and sound to your holiday decor.
3. Perfect Gift Idea: Handmade gifts never go out of style, and this ornament is a great choice for teachers, coworkers, kids, or anyone who loves penguins.
4. Customizable: Change up the yarn colors, use a larger or smaller bell, or personalize it with initials for a unique touch.

Ways to Use Your Crochet Penguin Ornament

• Tree Decoration: Add a handmade charm to your crochet Christmas tree decorations.
• Gift Toppers: Replace traditional bows with this adorable penguin for an extra-special touch.
• Stocking Stuffers: The perfect size for slipping into stockings.
• Holiday Craft Fairs: These little penguins are quick to make and great sellers at seasonal markets.

Tips for Crocheting the Perfect Ornament

• Keep Tension Tight: A tighter stitch ensures the stuffing doesn’t show through.
• Experiment with Colors: Use non-traditional colors like blue, red, or green for a whimsical look.
• Add Personal Details: Stitch initials or the year onto the penguin for a memorable keepsake.

Care Tips

To keep your crochet ornaments looking fresh for years to come, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Wrap them in tissue paper to prevent dust and tangling with other decorations.

Yarn

I used Lion Brand Yarn Pound of Love & Basic Stitch for my crochet jingle bell ornament. Both yarns are worsted weight, 100% acrylic yarns. The main reason I chose these yarns is because the colors were perfect for a reindeer crochet ornament.

Other worsted weight yarns can be substituted.

This post contains affiliate links.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted Weight / 4 / Yarn, Lion Brand Yarn Pound of Love & Basic Stitch were used for the samples in the photos.
  • See Pattern Notes below for exact yardage of each color.
• Crochet Hooks: G/6/4.00mm; E/3.50mm, or size needed to obtain gauge (My favorite crochet hooks are the Clover Amour Crochet Hooks, I’ve never had an ache in my hands since switching).
• Locking Stitch Markers
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle
• (2) 8mm black safety / craft eyes
• (1) Jingle Bell 2″ – 2.5″ diameter (optional)
  • Jingle Bell alternative: make a big yarn pom!
  • Shatterproof Ornaments: See the section “Jingle Bell Alternatives” above.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch(s): chain(s)
• sl st(s): slip stitch(es)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• invsc2tog: invisible single crochet decrease
• Rnd: round
• RS: right side
• FLO: front loop only
• yo: yarn over
• Join yarn with a standing single crochet

Experience Level

• Easy

Gauge

• In sc with a 4.00mm crochet hook: 4 sts = 1″; 5 rows = 1.125″

Size

• One Size: 3.75″ W (hoof to hoof) x 2.75″ H (not including jingle bell or hanging loop)

Special Stitches

• Invisible Single Crochet Decrease (invsc2tog): Insert hook into the FLO of stitch indicated, insert hook into the FLO of the next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru all loops on hook.
• Join yarn with a standing single crochet: Begin with a slip knot on your hook, insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated, yo, pull up a loop, yo and draw thru both loops on hook.

Pattern Notes

• Yarn Notes:  Lion Brand Yarn Pound of Love & Basic Stitch were used for the samples pictured in the photos.
• Pound of Love Yarn: 100% Premium Acrylic, (1,020 yards / 454 g / 16 oz / 932 m).
• Basic Stitch: 100% Acrylic, (185 yards / 100 g / 3.5 oz / 170 m)•
• Another comparable worsted weight yarn may be used as long as gauge is met.
• Colors & Yardage
  • Pound of Love Black: 27 yards
  • Pound of Love White: 5 yards
  • Pound of Love Cherry: 1 yard
  • Orange for Nose: 18″
  • Blue for Earmuffs & Scarf: 8 yards
• Penguin Jingle Bell Ornament Construction: This jingle bell ornament is crocheted in a few pieces, then assembled. First, you’ll crochet the penguin’s head and work his arms directly onto it. Next, you’ll crochet his beak, earmuffs, and scarf. Then add facial features. After that, make and attach a hanging loop, then stuff his head and cinch it closed. Lastly, attach the penguin to the top of the jingle bell (or pom pom, or bauble) and wrap his scarf around his neck.
• Jingle Bell Alternatives: See the section above with the title “Jingle Bell Alternatives” for a few different options.

Penguin Jingle Bell Crochet Ornament Pattern

Penguin Head

Note: The penguin’s head is worked in continuous rounds to keep from having an unsightly seam. Do not join at the end of each round, instead use a scrap piece of yarn to keep track of the beginning of each round. Move the scrap of yarn up as you complete each round.

Rnd 1 (RS): With black yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, ch 2, work 6 sc into the 2nd ch from your hook. Do not join. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)

Rnd 3: (2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st) 6 times. (18 sts)

Rnd 4: (2 sc in the next st, sc in each of the next 2 sts) 6 times. (24 sts)

Beginning in Round 5, you’ll begin switching between black and white. Work all color changes on the last pull through of the last stitch of a color. Do not fasten off between rounds. You can either work over any unused color, or float it behind your work in the inside of the head.

Rounds 5 – 11: Work ALL stitches in FLO. Doing so helps to keep the stitches of your colorwork lined up.

Rnd 5: FLO, (black) sc in next 3 sts, (white) sc in next 2 sts, (black) sc in next 3 sts, (white) sc in next 2 sts, (black) sc in next 14 sts. (24 sts)

Rnds 6 – 7: FLO, (black) sc in next 2 sts, (white) sc in next 4 sts, (black) sc in next st, (white) sc in next 4 sts, (black) sc in next 13 sts. (24 sts)

Rnds 8 – 10: FLO, (black) sc in next 2 sts, (white) sc in next 9 sts, (black) sc in next 13 sts. (24 sts)

Rnd 11: FLO, (black) invsc2tog, (white) (sc next 2 sts, invsc2tog) 2 times, sc next st, (black) sc next st, (invsc2tog, sc next 2 sts) 3 times. (18 sts) the 1st Wing.

Fasten off, leaving a 15″ tail of yarn for later attaching the penguin to the jingle bell. Place a SM in stitch #17. Continue on to

1st Wing

Note: Penguin’s wing is worked in continuous rounds to keep from having an unsightly seam. Do not join at the end of each round, instead use a scrap piece of yarn to keep track of the beginning of each round. Move the scrap of yarn up as you complete each round.

Note: The photos below is of a different character (different color), but the construction is the same.

Rnd 1 (RS): With black yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, join yarn with a standing sc in the FLO of the stitch marked with a SM, FLO sc in each of the next 3 sts along the last rnd of the head, ch 4. (4 sc + 4 chs)

Rnd 2: Connect the ch to the 1st sc of the previous round with a sc in the 1st st, sc in each of the remaining 3 sts and 4 chs around. (8 sts)

Rnds 3 – 6: Sc in each st around. (8 sts)

Rnd 7: Invsc2tog 4 times. (4 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a tail yarn to close the tip of the wing. With a yarn needle and tail of yarn, close the tip of the hand. Weave in ends Continue on to 2nd Wing.

Wing should measure approximately .75″ W x 1.5″ L (when laid flat).

2nd Wing

Note: Penguin’s wing is worked in continuous rounds to keep from having an unsightly seam. Do not join at the end of each round, instead use a scrap piece of yarn to keep track of the beginning of each round. Move the scrap of yarn up as you complete each round.

Rnd 1 (RS): Skip 5 sts along the edge of the head, from the 1st arm, then with black yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, join yarn with a standing sc in the FLO of the next st along the edge of the head, FLO sc in each of the next 3 sts, ch 4. (4 sc + 4 chs)

Rnd 2: Connect the ch to the 1st sc of the previous round with a sc in the 1st st, sc in each of the remaining 3 sts and 4 chs around. (8 sts)

Rnds 3 – 6: Sc in each st around. (8 sts)

Rnd 7: Invsc2tog 4 times. (4 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a tail yarn to close the tip of the wing. With a yarn needle and tail of yarn, close the tip of the wing. Weave in ends Continue on to the Beak.

Wing should measure approximately .75″ W x 1.5″ L (when laid flat).

Beak

Row 1: With orange yarn & a 3.50mm crochet hook, ch 3, working into the back LOOP of the ch, sl st into the 2nd ch from your hook, ch 2, sl st into the 2nd ch from your hook, sl st into the back LOOP of the next ch, ch 1, rotate to work into the opposite loops of the ch, sl st into the next back loop of the ch, ch 2, sl st into the 2nd ch from your hook, sl st into the back loop of the next ch. (1 diamond shaped beak made)

Scarf

Row 1: With any color yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, ch 3, working into the back hump of the ch, hdc into the 3rd ch from your hook, hdc in the next ch. Turn. (2 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, BLO hdc in each st across. Turn. (2 sts)

Rep Row 2 until the scarf measures approximately 8″ L (unstretched).

Fasten off. Weave in ends. Continue on to Earmuffs.

Earmuffs

Rnd 1: With any color yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, ch 2, work6 sc into the 2nd ch from your hook. Do not join. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the 1st st. (6 sts)

Do not fasten off. Now you’re going to begin working in rows.

Row 3: Ch 1, 2 hdc in the first st. Turn. (2 sts)

Rows 4 – 17: Ch 1, BLO hdc in each st. Turn. (2 sts) Earmuff should measure 3.25″ L at this point, including circle muff.

Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Rep Rnds 1 & 2 to create the second circle muff. Fasten off and attach it to the end of the earmuff where you fastened off the strap.

Facial Features & Finishing

Filling in Color Gaps

When working color changes, sometimes you’re left with odd looking little jogs in your work. IF this bothers you as much as it does me, keep reading. If this doesn’t bother you, continue on to Eyes.

To fill in these little jogs where you can see the black yarn, use a piece of white yarn and a yarn needle and stitch over the black spaces.

Eyes

I used (2) 8mm black plastic safety eyes for the penguin. You can also embroider eyes with black thread or yarn.

With the penguin facing you, as shown below, center the safety eyes on the white portion of his head, between Rounds 7 & 8, with approximately 5 stitches between them.

Attaching the Beak

With tails of yarn and a yarn needle, secure his beak onto his face as shown in the photo above, between Rounds 8 & 9.

Continue on to Attaching the Earmuffs.

Attaching the Earmuffs

With tails of yarn and a yarn needle, attach the earmuffs to the penguin’s head as shown in the photo.

Continue on to Hanging Loop.

Hanging Loop

With any color yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, create a chain that is 6″ long. Join with a sl st to the 1st ch.

Fasten off, leaving a tail of yarn. With a yarn needle & tail of yarn, sew the hanging loop onto the top of the penguin’s head. Weave in ends.

Hanging Loop Alternative

You could also use a 6″ piece of ribbon as a hanging loop, instead.

Then attach it onto the top of the penguin’s head with a needle and thread.

Continue on to Attaching Penguin to the Jingle Bell.

Attaching Penguin to the Jingle Bell

If you did not use your ends to stuff your penguin, or you feel he needs more stuffing, add batting (to his head or more yarn scraps).

Do not fasten off. Use the same tail of yarn to secure the penguin to the top loop of the jingle bell. Once he’s snug, secure the yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.

Jingle Bell Alternatives

Related: If you enjoyed making this Penguin Christmas ornament, I think you’ll love the Snowman Jingle Bell Ornament, Reindeer Jingle Bell Ornament, Gingerbread Girl Jingle Bell Ornament, Mrs. Claus Jingle Bell Ornament and Girl Elf Jingle Bell Ornament.

More Crochet Christmas Tree Decorations You’ll Love

• Santa Candy Cane Holder Ornament
• Santa Boot Ornament
• Gingerbread Boy & Girl Candy Cane Holder
• Cookies for Santa Ornament
• Mrs Claus Jingle Bell Ornament

Even More Crochet Ideas for Christmas

• O’ Christmas Tree Crochet Hand Towel
• Reindeer Candy Cane Holder
• Gingerbread Man Crochet Hand Towel
• Crochet Gingerbread Man Hot Pad
• O’ Christmas Tree Crochet Mason Jar Cozy
• Reindeer Crochet Coffee Sleeve