,

15 Free Crochet Ornament Cover Patterns (Bauble Covers)

·

Original illustration of ivory, sage and coral crochet ornament covers on round Christmas baubles.

You found a cute crochet ornament cover, made it in one evening, and then it wouldn’t stretch over your ornament. Or it slid around like a loose sock. The problem is almost never your crochet. It’s the size of the ball. This list fixes that: 15 free crochet ornament cover patterns from different designers, sorted by the exact ornament size each one fits, so you can match a pattern to the baubles already in your box.

Images are original AI-created editorial illustrations. Follow designer links to see the actual pattern designs.

Quick answer: For a first ornament cover, make The Turtle Trunk’s Basic Ridge Ornament (fits a 3.25 in ball, 35 yards of yarn). For 2.65 in ornaments, try Juniper & Oakes’ Granny Bauble. For big 4 in balls, choose Just Be Crafty’s Easy Crochet Christmas Ornaments (10–20 minutes each, per the designer). Want lace? Petals to Picots’ Lace Christmas Baubles need no ornament at all.

Looking for something specific? Try our Pattern Finder to filter every pattern by skill level, time, sewing and hook size.

A quick note: we curate, we don’t copy. Every pattern belongs to its designer, so the full instructions are on their page. Times marked “approx.” are our estimates. Times marked “per designer” come from the pattern itself.

Jump to: Which pattern fits your ornament? · How to measure · Easy covers · Textured covers · Colorful & scrap covers · Lace & big baubles · Real examples · Easy on the hands · Gift ideas · Gift timeline · Shopping list · FAQ

New to ornament covers? 4 words you’ll see below

  • Ornament cover / bauble cover: a crochet “jacket” that wraps a plastic or glass ball. Bauble is the UK word for the same thing.
  • Fillable (clear) ornament: a plastic ball with a removable cap. It’s light, cheap and won’t break, so it’s the best base for covers.
  • Diameter: the width of the ball straight across. Most patterns use it to tell you which ornament fits.
  • Whip stitch / mattress stitch: two simple ways to sew crochet pieces together around the ball.

Which pattern fits your ornament? (Size chart)

Ornament covers are made to fit one ball size. Use a 3 in ball with a 4 in pattern and the cover sags. Do the opposite and it won’t close.

Almost every free pattern is written for one of four standard sizes: 2.65 in (67 mm), 3.15 in (8 cm), 3.25 in or 4 in (10 cm). Craft stores sell clear fillable ornaments in exactly these sizes.

Measure your ornament (see the next section), then find its row below.

Your ornamentPatterns that fit it
2.65 in / 67 mm#6 Classic Ornament Cover · #8 Simple Moss Bauble · #5 Granny Bauble · #9 Arvensis Bauble · #11 Joy Ornament Cover · #10 Christmas Baubles (about 8 in around)
3.15 in / 8 cm#2 Christmas Ornament for Beginners (80 mm) · #4 Christmas Ball Ornament (small size) · #13 Bauble Cover (Cosy Rosie)
3.25 in / 83 mm#3 Basic Ridge Ornament · #7 Jolly Bauble (small size)
4 in / 10 cm#1 Easy Crochet Christmas Ornaments · #4 Christmas Ball Ornament (large size) · #7 Jolly Bauble (large size)
No ornament needed#14 Lace Christmas Baubles (stiffened over a balloon) · #15 Super Size Baubles (foam ball or stuffing)
Not listed#12 Love and Joy Ornament Cover (pieces are 4.5 in across before seaming)

If your box has the classic 2.65 in clear balls from a craft store, you have five patterns to choose from in one row, so you can make a matching set in five different textures.

Original illustration of measuring a round bauble with yarn, hooks and a crochet swatch for planning an ornament cover.

How to measure your ornament (30 seconds)

Most store labels list ornament size in millimeters, and your old baubles have no label at all.

You only need one number: the diameter. If you can’t measure straight across, measure around and divide.

Here’s what to check:

  1. Wrap a tape measure (or a piece of yarn) around the widest part of the ball.
  2. Divide that number by 3.14. That’s the diameter.
  3. Match it to the chart above. If you’re between two sizes, choose the bigger pattern and go down one hook size, or the smaller pattern and go up one hook size. Several designers below recommend exactly this.

A ball that measures 8.3 in around is 8.3 ÷ 3.14 = 2.64 in across, so it’s a 2.65 in ornament.

Easy crochet ornament cover patterns for beginners

Beginners often pick a gorgeous textured cover, then get stuck on special stitches and a fiddly seam at the top of the ball.

The easiest ornament covers use one basic stitch, medium or bulky yarn and a 4.5–8 mm hook. Bigger yarn means fewer rounds and a faster finish.

Start with one of these five. All are rated easy or beginner by their designers.

For example: With the Basic Ridge Ornament (#3), one 35-yard bundle of scrap yarn makes a full cover. A small ball of leftover worsted can turn into three or four gifts.

1. Easy Crochet Christmas Ornaments by Just Be Crafty

Classic crochet covers for big 4-inch fillable ornaments, worked in double crochet. The designer says each one takes 10–20 minutes, so you can make a whole set in an evening and finish them with a ribbon bow.

Skill levelBeginner friendly (per designer)
Time10–20 min each (per designer)
Sewing0/3 · cover over the insert
YarnWorsted (#4)
Hook4.5 mm (7)
Fits ornament4 in plastic fillable ornament
AccessFree on the blog (optional paid PDF)
Best forA fast matching set
Watch outNeeds chain, magic ring and double crochet

Get the free pattern at Just Be Crafty →

2. Christmas Ornament for Beginners by Sigoni Macaroni

Two matching crochet pieces are whip-stitched together around an 80 mm plastic ornament. There’s a video tutorial to follow along.

Skill levelBeginner (per designer)
TimeAbout 1 hr (approx.)
Sewing1/3 · two pieces whip-stitched
YarnWorsted acrylic (#4)
Hook4.5 mm (7)
Fits ornament80 mm / 3.15 in plastic fillable ornament
AccessFree on the blog + video
Best forA first ornament with video help
Watch outUses a spike stitch (explained on the page)

Get the free pattern at Sigoni Macaroni →

3. Basic Ridge Ornament by The Turtle Trunk

A simple ridged cover that uses only 35 yards of yarn. The designer explains how to go up or down a hook size if your ball is slightly bigger or smaller. A video tutorial is included.

Skill levelEasy / beginner (per designer)
TimeAbout 45 min (approx.)
Sewing1/3 · close the top
YarnWorsted (#4), ~35 yd
Hook5 mm (H-8)
Fits ornament3.25 in round ornament (10 in around)
AccessFree on the blog + video (optional paid PDF)
Best forA last-minute gift
Watch outThin covers can show the ball’s color: use clear ornaments

Get the free pattern at The Turtle Trunk →

4. Christmas Ball Ornament by Simply Made by Erin

A chunky, cozy cover in bulky yarn with an 8 mm hook. It’s written in two sizes, for 8 cm and 10 cm ornaments, and comes with a full video.

Skill levelEasy (per designer)
TimeAbout 30–45 min (approx.)
Sewing1/3 · form around the ball and close
YarnBulky (#5), e.g. Bernat Maker
Hook8 mm (L-11)
Fits ornament8 cm / 3.15 in or 10 cm / 3.94 in, glass or plastic
AccessFree on the blog + video
Best forA chunky, modern look
Watch outCheck gauge: bulky yarns vary a lot

Get the free pattern at Simply Made by Erin →

5. Granny Bauble by Juniper & Oakes

A three-color granny-style bauble made from worsted scraps. Two halves are whip-stitched together, and you slip the ball in just before closing.

Skill levelEasy / beginner (per designer)
TimeAbout 1 hr (approx.)
Sewing1/3 · two halves whip-stitched
YarnWorsted scraps (#4), 3 colors
Hook5 mm (H-8)
Fits ornament2.65 in plastic bauble
AccessFree on the blog
Best forUsing up scrap yarn
Watch outLoose tension? Go down a hook size

Get the free pattern at Juniper & Oakes →

Textured and modern ornament covers

Basic covers can look plain on a designer tree, and texture patterns are often hard to size.

Texture comes from stitch choice (moss, ridges, HDC rounds), not from difficulty. Most textured covers here still use one color and medium yarn.

Pick a textured cover in your ornament’s size. Note the levels: two of these are rated intermediate.

For example: Make the Simple Moss Bauble (#8) and the Arvensis Bauble (#9) in the same cream yarn. They both fit 2.65 in balls, so you get two textures that match on the tree.

6. Classic Ornament Cover by Kathy’s Kozies

A seamless-looking cover worked in rows that are slip-stitched into the base, then closed with a slip-stitch seam. It’s on page 1 of Google for a reason: it’s clear and fits the most common ornament size.

Skill levelIntermediate (per designer)
TimeAbout 1 hr (approx.)
Sewing1/3 · slip-stitch seam
YarnWorsted (#4)
Hook5.5 mm (I-9) or 6 mm (J-10)
Fits ornament2.65 in / 6.7 cm plastic ball
AccessFree on the blog (PDF available)
Best forA clean, classic look
Watch outWork into the chain’s back bump for the seamless finish

Get the free pattern at Kathy’s Kozies →

7. Jolly Bauble by The Crochet Village

A flat rectangle of rows that wraps and sews around the ornament, with no bulk at the top or bottom. It’s written in two sizes and looks great in self-striping or ombré yarn.

Skill levelEasy (per designer)
TimeAbout 1 hr (approx.)
Sewing2/3 · rectangle sewn around the ball
YarnWorsted (#4), ~40 yd small / ~60 yd large
Hook4.5 mm (7)
Fits ornament3.25 in (small) or 4 in (large) plastic ball
AccessFree on the blog (optional paid PDF)
Best forRefreshing old, faded ornaments
Watch outOmbré yarn changes the look a lot: try a swatch

Get the free pattern at The Crochet Village →

8. Simple Moss Bauble by Juniper & Oakes

A one-color moss stitch cover with a soft, woven texture. The top closes by weaving the tail through the last round. There’s a video tutorial.

Skill levelIntermediate (per designer)
TimeAbout 1 hr (approx.)
Sewing1/3 · cinch the top
YarnWorsted scraps (#4), 1 color
Hook5 mm (H-8)
Fits ornament2.65 in plastic bauble
AccessFree on the blog + video
Best forA neutral, Scandinavian-style tree
Watch outGauge not essential: adjust hook or bauble size

Get the free pattern at Juniper & Oakes →

9. Arvensis Bauble by High Desert Yarn

A textured half double crochet cover worked in the round. You pop in the ball and close the top with the last round, so there’s no seam to sew.

Skill levelAdvanced beginner (per designer)
TimeAbout 1 hr (approx.)
Sewing0/3 · closed with the last round
YarnWorsted acrylic (#4)
Hook5 mm (H-8)
Fits ornament2.65 in plastic ornament
AccessFree on the blog
Best forA seamless textured cover
Watch outNeeds HDC, increases and decreases

Get the free pattern at High Desert Yarn →

Colorful and scrap yarn ornament covers

Small yarn scraps pile up all year, and most projects need a full skein.

Ornament covers are the perfect scrap project. Each uses only 30–60 yards, and stripes or granny rounds look even better in mixed colors.

Use these four colorful covers to turn leftover yarn into a full set of baubles.

A bag of fingering-weight scraps can become a whole tree of Annie Design’s Christmas Baubles (#10). Change colors every round and no two baubles look the same.

10. Crochet Christmas Baubles by Annie Design Crochet

Bright, round baubles in fingering-weight scraps with a 2.5 mm hook. The page also offers printable PDFs in Dutch and French, which is rare for a free pattern.

Skill levelEasy (per designer)
Time1–2 hrs (approx.)
Sewing1/3 · two halves sewn together
YarnFingering (#1) scraps, assorted colors
Hook2.5 mm
Fits ornamentA ball about 8 in / 20 cm around (≈ 2.5 in across)
AccessFree on the blog (optional paid PDF)
Best forColorful, stash-busting baubles
Watch outSmall hook and thin yarn take longer

Get the free pattern at Annie Design Crochet →

11. Joy Ornament Cover by Oombawka Design

A festive striped cover in three colors of fine yarn, joined with a slip-stitch seam. It’s designed for a standard 67 mm plastic ball.

Skill levelNot rated
Time1–2 hrs (approx.)
Sewing1/3 · slip-stitch seam
YarnFine (#2), e.g. Lion Brand Bonbons, 3 colors
Hook3.25 mm (D-3)
Fits ornament67 mm / 2.65 in plastic ball
AccessFree on the blog
Best forClassic red-and-green stripes
Watch outFine yarn: tension matters for the fit

Get the free pattern at Oombawka Design →

12. Love and Joy Ornament Cover by The Stitchin Mommy

A colorful two-piece cover made with about 42 yards of mini yarn bonbons. The pieces are whip-stitched together, and the cap is cinched at the top.

Skill levelEasy (per designer)
TimeAbout 1 hr (approx.)
Sewing2/3 · two pieces whip-stitched, cap cinched
YarnLion Brand Bonbons, ~42 yd
Hook3.75 mm (F-5)
Fits ornamentNot listed (each piece is 4.5 in across before seaming)
AccessFree on the blog
Best forUsing a mini-skein pack
Watch outTest the fit on your ball before seaming

Get the free pattern at The Stitchin Mommy →

13. Christmas Bauble Cover by Cosy Rosie Crochet

A UK-designed bauble cover in soft DK cotton, sewn with mattress stitch for a neat seam. It’s written in US terms with UK terms in brackets, which makes it easy for both.

Skill levelBeginner (per designer)
TimeAbout 1 hr (approx.)
Sewing2/3 · mattress stitch around the bauble
YarnDK cotton (#3)
Hook4 mm (G-6)
Fits ornament8 cm shatterproof bauble (per the materials list)
AccessFree on the blog (optional paid PDF)
Best forMakers in the UK and Europe
Watch outThe page also lists 18 cm / 7.25 in: measure your bauble first

Get the free pattern at Cosy Rosie Crochet →

Lace baubles and big baubles (no plastic ornament needed)

Glass ornaments break, cheap plastic ones look shiny under thin covers, and some homes with small kids or pets would rather skip both.

Not every crochet bauble needs an insert. Lace baubles can be stiffened over a balloon, and big baubles can be filled with a foam ball or toy stuffing.

Pick lace for a vintage, heirloom look, or go big for soft, safe decor.

For a family with toddlers, make Annie Design’s Super Size Baubles (#15) with toy stuffing instead of a foam ball. They’re soft and light, and nothing can shatter.

14. Lace Christmas Baubles by Petals to Picots

Delicate lace baubles in size 10 cotton thread with a 2 mm steel hook. They’re shaped and stiffened over small balloons, so there’s no ornament inside. This is the vintage-style lace look many crocheters search for.

Skill levelNot rated (thread lace)
Time2–3 hrs plus drying (approx.)
Sewing1/3 · two halves joined
YarnSize 10 cotton thread or lace weight
Hook2 mm steel hook
Fits ornamentNone needed: stiffened over a small balloon (about 6 in around)
AccessFree on the blog
Best forVintage, heirloom-style lace
Watch outAllow drying time for the stiffener

Get the free pattern at Petals to Picots →

15. Super Size Easy Crochet Baubles by Annie Design Crochet

Big, squishy granny baubles in worsted chenille, made in two halves and sewn over a foam ball. The designer suggests toy stuffing instead for a softer bauble for families with kids.

Skill levelEasy (per designer)
Time1–2 hrs (approx.)
Sewing1/3 · two halves sewn together
YarnWorsted (#4) chenille, small amounts
Hook5 mm (H-8)
Fits ornament3.5 in foam ball (11 in / 28 cm around), or toy stuffing
AccessFree on the blog (optional paid PDF)
Best forBig, soft decor and kid-friendly homes
Watch outSew both halves firmly if children will handle them

Get the free pattern at Annie Design Crochet →

Real examples: which ornament cover to make

These are practical picks based on the pattern cards above.

Your situationMake thisWhy
“I’ve never crocheted an ornament cover.”#3 Basic Ridge OrnamentEasy, 35 yd, one size, video
“I need 10 covers by the weekend.”#1 Just Be Crafty covers10–20 min each (per designer)
“I have a box of old 2.65 in baubles.”#5, #6, #8, #9 or #11Five patterns made for that exact size
“My ornaments are faded and ugly.”#7 Jolly BaubleWraps fully, no gaps, designed for old ornaments
“I want a Scandinavian, all-neutral tree.”#8 Simple Moss + #9 ArvensisTwo textures, one color
“I have toddlers and a cat.”#15 Super Size Baubles with stuffingNo glass, no plastic, soft
“I love vintage lace.”#14 Lace Christmas BaublesThread lace, no ornament inside
“I’m in the UK and use UK terms.”#13 Cosy RosieUS terms with UK terms in brackets

Easy on the hands: ornament covers with big hooks

Small hooks and thin yarn can make your hands and wrists ache, especially when you’re making a whole set for the tree.

Most ornament covers on this list already use a 5 mm hook or bigger. Only three use small hooks (2–3.25 mm): #10, #11 and #14.

If small hooks bother you, choose from these seven:

PatternHookWhy it’s easier
#4 Christmas Ball Ornament8 mmBulky yarn, fewest rounds
#6 Classic Ornament Cover5.5–6 mmWorsted yarn, worked in rows
#3 Basic Ridge Ornament5 mmOne simple stitch, 35 yd
#5 Granny Bauble5 mmGranny rounds, easy to count
#8 Simple Moss Bauble5 mmOne color, no color changes
#9 Arvensis Bauble5 mmNo seam to sew
#15 Super Size Baubles5 mmBig and soft, chenille yarn

For example: Love the colorful look of #10 but not the 2.5 mm hook? Make the Granny Bauble (#5) in three bright worsted scraps instead. You’ll get a similar striped bauble with a hook twice as thick.

Gift ideas: make it personal

A plain bauble is lovely, but it can feel like something from a store.

A small personal touch turns a 1-hour ornament cover into a keepsake people keep for years.

Here’s what to check:

  • Add a name or year: tie a small kraft tag with the person’s name or “2026” to the hanging loop.
  • First Christmas: make a soft #15 Super Size Bauble in pastel colors for a new baby (with stuffing, not a hard ball).
  • A set in a box: three covers in matching colors, such as #8, #9 and #5, in a small gift box for a neighbor or coworker.
  • Ornament exchange: make one cover per friend in her favorite color.
  • Family heirloom: a white lace bauble (#14) for a grandmother or a wedding-year ornament.

For a teacher gift, put three Basic Ridge Ornaments (#3) in the school colors in a clear box with a tag that says “Thank you for a great year.”

Gift timeline: which cover to make by when

Ornament covers look quick, but a set of 10 still takes time, especially if lace needs to dry.

Most covers take 30 minutes to 2 hours each. The real time savers are big hooks and making covers in batches.

Use this plan for Christmas on December 25:

Time left before ChristmasMake theseApprox. time each
2+ weeks (by Dec 11)#14 Lace Baubles (plus drying), #10 Christmas Baubles, #12 Love and Joy1–3 hrs
1 week (by Dec 18)#6, #7, #8, #9, #11, #13About 1 hr
Last weekend#2, #3, #5, #1545 min–2 hrs
The night before#1 Just Be Crafty covers, #4 chunky Christmas Ball10–45 min

Mailing gifts abroad? Finish them in the “2+ weeks” row, because international post can take two weeks or more in December.

Batch tips: make 10 covers without losing your mind

  1. Buy all your ornaments in one size, so you follow one pattern size for every cover.
  2. Crochet all the first rounds first, then all the second rounds. It’s faster than finishing one cover at a time.
  3. Pick 2–3 colors only. A small color palette looks more expensive on the tree.
  4. Weave in ends as you go, so you don’t face 40 tails at the end.
  5. Label each cover with a sticky note (pattern number and size) until it’s gift-wrapped.

European crafters: bauble covers in the UK and EU

In the UK and Europe, “ornament” patterns can be hard to find because the shops and searches use “bauble”, and sizes are sold in centimeters.

A 6, 8 or 10 cm bauble in a European shop is the same as the 2.4, 3.15 or 4 in balls in US patterns. Shatterproof baubles are widely sold and are the safest base for covers.

Here’s what to check:

  • Search for “bauble cover” as well as “ornament cover” when you look for more patterns.
  • Convert sizes: 6.7 cm = 2.65 in, 8 cm = 3.15 in, 10 cm = 3.94 in. Use the size chart at the top.
  • Check the terms: Cosy Rosie (#13) writes US terms with UK terms in brackets. Remember that US single crochet is UK double crochet.
  • Language: Annie Design’s Christmas Baubles (#10) offer free printable PDFs in Dutch and French.
  • Reuse old baubles: covering last year’s faded baubles is a cheap, low-waste way to refresh the tree.

A maker in the Netherlands with 8 cm shatterproof baubles can use #2, #4 (small) or #13 straight away, and follow #10 in Dutch.

Shopping list: what you need for ornament covers

Check each pattern’s own materials list, but most covers use:

  • Clear fillable plastic ornaments in 2.65 in, 3.15 in (8 cm), 3.25 in or 4 in (10 cm). Clear ones won’t show through the stitches.
  • Worsted (#4) yarn scraps: 30–60 yards per cover.
  • A crochet hook in the size the pattern names (mostly 4–5 mm; 2–2.5 mm for thread and fingering).
  • A yarn needle for seams and weaving in ends.
  • Ribbon or twine for hanging loops and bows.
  • Optional: a 3.5 in foam ball or toy stuffing (for #15), or size 10 thread, small balloons and fabric stiffener (for #14).

Tip: Buy ornaments in one size per batch. Then you can follow one pattern size and make every cover fit.

Tips for ornament covers that fit perfectly

  1. Measure the ball before you start. Use the chart at the top.
  2. Check your gauge on the first 2–3 rounds. Several designers give a gauge for exactly this reason.
  3. Too loose? Go down one hook size. Too tight? Go up one size.
  4. Use clear ornaments so a colored or shiny ball doesn’t show through.
  5. Leave the cap opening uncovered until the end, so the hanging loop still fits.
  6. Hanging: keep the metal cap and hanger free, or tie a ribbon loop through the top round so the cover can hang without the cap.

Crochet ornament cover patterns FAQ

What size ornament do I need for a crochet cover?

Most free patterns fit one of four sizes: 2.65 in (67 mm), 3.15 in (8 cm), 3.25 in or 4 in (10 cm). Check the pattern card, or use our size chart above.

Can I crochet a cover for a glass ornament?

Yes. Simply Made by Erin’s cover (#4) is written for glass or plastic. Plastic fillable ornaments are lighter and won’t break, so most designers recommend them.

How do I stop the cover from slipping off?

Choose a pattern made for your exact ball size and check your gauge. If it’s still loose, go down one hook size or cinch the top round tighter.

What yarn is best for ornament covers?

Worsted (#4) acrylic or cotton is the most common. Bulky yarn is faster (see pattern #4), and fingering or thread gives finer, lacier covers (#10, #14).

How do I crochet an ornament cover as a beginner?

Start with an easy pattern in medium yarn, like the Basic Ridge Ornament (#3) or Sigoni Macaroni’s cover (#2), which includes a video. Both use basic stitches and a 4.5–5 mm hook.

Is there a free PDF for crochet ornament covers?

All 15 patterns are free to read on the designers’ pages. Some, like Annie Design’s Christmas Baubles (#10), also sell an optional ad-free PDF, and #10 includes Dutch and French versions.

Can I make crochet baubles without a plastic ornament?

Yes. Petals to Picots’ lace baubles (#14) are stiffened over a balloon, and Annie Design’s Super Size Baubles (#15) can be filled with toy stuffing.

Can I wash a crochet ornament cover?

Yes, but take it off the ornament first. Hand-wash it in cool water, press the water out in a towel and let it dry flat, or back on a plastic ornament so it keeps its shape.

How many ornament covers can I make from one ball of yarn?

It depends on the ornament size and the yarn. A small ball of DK or worsted cotton often makes several covers for 2.5–3 inch ornaments. Check the yardage your pattern lists before you buy.

More Christmas crochet ideas

Save this list and find more patterns

Save this list for later: pin it to your Christmas crochet board so you can find the right cover for every bauble in your box.

Crochet Ornament Covers: 15 free patterns. Original editorial illustration of crochet-covered baubles and measuring supplies.
Save this project guide for later.

About Crochet Lantern · How we choose patterns · Report a broken link

← Previous article
Next article →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *