Crochet Bell Flower Bag Charm Free Pattern: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Cutest Accessory
There is something undeniably satisfying about adding a handmade touch to an everyday item, and nothing says charming quite like a tiny crocheted flower dangling from your favorite tote. The bell flower bag charm has become one of those irresistible little projects that crocheters of all skill levels seem to fall in love with — partly because it works up quickly, partly because the result is genuinely beautiful, and partly because it makes such a thoughtful, personalized gift. In this post, you will find a complete free pattern for a crochet bell flower bag charm, along with tips, yarn recommendations, finishing advice, and ideas for customization so you can make it entirely your own.
Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for a satisfying weekend project or a beginner who has mastered the basic stitches and wants to try something a little more dimensional, this pattern is for you. Let’s dive in.
What Is a Bell Flower Bag Charm?
Before we get into the stitches, it helps to understand what makes a bell flower different from other crocheted flower patterns. The bell flower, sometimes called a tubular flower or a cup flower, has a three-dimensional shape that mimics the natural downward droop of real bell-shaped blooms like foxgloves, lily of the valley, or bluebells. Instead of lying flat like a traditional granny square flower or a simple daisy motif, the bell flower has depth and volume. When attached to a bag charm, it hangs beautifully and catches the light in a way that flat designs simply cannot.
The bag charm format typically involves crocheting one or more bell flowers, adding leaves or buds, and then attaching everything to a swivel clasp or lobster claw clip so that the charm can be easily clipped onto a bag handle, zipper pull, keychain, or tote strap. The result is a functional little accessory that elevates any bag from ordinary to uniquely yours.
Materials You Will Need
One of the best things about this project is how affordable and accessible the materials are. You likely already have most of them in your craft supplies.
For yarn, you will want a fine-weight or light worsted yarn in at least two colors — one for the bell flowers and one for the leaves. Sport weight or DK weight yarn works particularly well because it gives the finished flowers a delicate, realistic look without being so thin that the project becomes frustrating. Cotton yarn is an especially popular choice for this type of project because it holds its shape beautifully and comes in an incredible range of colors. Acrylic yarn works just as well if that is what you have on hand, and a wool blend can add a lovely softness and slight felted finish if you prefer.
For hooks, a size 3.5mm or 4mm crochet hook is ideal for DK or light worsted weight yarn. If you are using a thinner cotton thread, you may want to go down to a 2.5mm or 3mm hook. The key is to crochet fairly tightly so that the bell shape holds its form without looking stiff or unnatural.
You will also need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, sharp scissors, stitch markers (optional but helpful), a small amount of polyfill stuffing or a few cotton balls if you want to lightly stuff the flowers for extra body, and a swivel clasp or lobster claw clip to turn your flower into a wearable charm. These clips are widely available at craft stores and online for just a few cents each. A length of chain — either a simple crocheted chain, a ribbon, or a small piece of jewelry chain — will connect the flower to the clasp.
Understanding the Stitches
This pattern uses standard crochet stitches that most beginners will already know. Here is a quick refresher before you start.
A magic ring (also called a magic circle) is used to start the center of the flower without leaving a hole in the middle. If you are not comfortable with the magic ring, you can chain four and join with a slip stitch to form a small ring instead — it will work just as well.
Chain stitches form the foundation and are used throughout the pattern for turning and decorative loops. Single crochet creates a tight, dense fabric that is perfect for the base of the bell. Half double crochet sits between single and double crochet in height and gives the petal walls a slightly fuller look. Double crochet is the tallest stitch used in this pattern and forms the upper rim of the bell flower, giving it that characteristic flared opening. Slip stitches are used to join rounds and to move the working yarn to new positions without adding height.
If you know these five stitches, you have everything you need to complete this pattern.
Free Pattern: Crochet Bell Flower Bag Charm
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this project, but as a general guide, ten double crochet stitches and six rows should measure approximately two inches by two inches with a 4mm hook and DK weight yarn.
Finished Size
Each bell flower measures approximately one inch tall and three-quarters of an inch wide. The full charm, including the chain and clasp, measures approximately four to five inches in total length depending on your preferred chain length.
Abbreviations
In this pattern, “ch” means chain, “sl st” means slip stitch, “sc” means single crochet, “hdc” means half double crochet, “dc” means double crochet, “inc” means increase (two stitches in the same stitch), “MR” means magic ring, and “rnd” means round.
The Bell Flower (Make Three)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring. Ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring, pull the tail to close the ring, and join with a sl st to the first sc. You will have 6 stitches.
Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st. You will have 12 stitches.
Round 3: Ch 1, work 1 sc in the first stitch, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern all the way around — one single crochet followed by an increase — and join with a sl st. You will have 18 stitches.
Round 4: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st. This round keeps the base flat and firm. You will still have 18 stitches.
Round 5: Ch 1, work 1 hdc in the first stitch, 1 hdc in the next stitch, then 2 hdc in the third stitch. Repeat this pattern around — two half double crochets followed by an increase — and join with a sl st. You will have 24 stitches.
Round 6: Ch 1, work 1 dc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st. You will have 24 stitches. This is the widest, most open round and it forms the flared rim of the bell flower.
Round 7 (optional petal round): For a more decorative edge, you can add a simple petal border. Work a sl st into the first stitch, then for each of the 24 stitches work (ch 3, dc, ch 3, sl st) to create small pointed petal tips around the rim. Alternatively, work (sc, dc, sc) in each stitch for a rounded scallop edge. Both options give the flower a finished, elegant appearance.
Fasten off, leaving a tail of about six inches for attaching to the charm assembly.
At this point, you can lightly stuff each bell flower with a small pinch of polyfill or leave it hollow — both look wonderful. If you stuff it, use just enough to give it a rounded, three-dimensional shape without distorting the stitches.
The Leaf (Make Two to Four)
Leaves balance out the flowers and give the charm a natural, botanical feel. This is a simple pointed leaf worked in rows.
Foundation: Ch 8.
Row 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, and 3 sc in the last chain (this is the pointed tip of the leaf). Now work back down the other side of the foundation chain: 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for assembly.
For a slightly larger leaf, start with a chain of ten and follow the same stitch sequence, adding one extra dc on each side. You can make as many leaves as you like — two gives a simpler look, while three or four creates a lusher, more layered feel.
The Bud (Optional — Make One or Two)
A tiny bud adds visual interest and makes the charm look like a real stem of flowers at different stages of blooming.
Round 1: MR, ch 1, work 5 sc into the ring. Pull to close. Join with a sl st. You will have 5 stitches.
Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 hdc in each stitch. Join with a sl st. You will have 10 stitches.
Fasten off, leaving a tail for assembly. The bud stays small and tightly closed, which is exactly the effect you want.
Assembly
Now comes the satisfying part — putting it all together.
Start by cutting a length of yarn, ribbon, or decorative cord about three to four inches long. This will be the main stem from which your flowers hang. You can also crochet a chain of fifteen to twenty stitches in your leaf color yarn for a more cohesive look.
Thread your tapestry needle with a length of yarn in your flower color and attach each bell flower to the stem at slightly different heights, with the open rim of the bell facing downward (this is what gives it that characteristic drooping bluebell appearance). Stitch each flower securely with several passes of the needle, then weave in the end.
Attach your leaves alongside the flowers, pointing upward and outward as they would on a real plant. Stitch the base of each leaf to the stem, fanning them out so they frame the flowers nicely.
If you made buds, attach them at the top of the stem, above the flowers, as if they are the newest blooms not yet open.
At the very top, loop your stem yarn through the ring of the swivel clasp or lobster claw clip and secure it with several tight knots or a few stitches. Trim any excess yarn and weave in all remaining ends.
Give the finished charm a gentle press with a damp cloth or a cool iron (especially if using cotton yarn) to set the shape and smooth out any uneven stitches.
Color Combinations to Try
Part of the joy of this pattern is how versatile it is. The bell flower bag charm looks stunning in almost any color palette, and choosing your colors is one of the most creative parts of the process.
For a classic, romantic look, try soft lavender or lilac flowers with sage green leaves. This combination evokes a cottage garden feel and pairs beautifully with neutral toned bags in cream, tan, or gray.
For a bold, modern look, go with deep jewel tones — a rich cobalt blue or deep burgundy for the flowers against a bright emerald or forest green for the leaves. This palette pops against black bags and adds a dramatic, artistic touch.
For a sweet, pastel aesthetic, try pale pink or peach flowers with mint green leaves. This combination works beautifully for spring and summer bags and has a cheerful, youthful energy.
For a more natural, earthy look, cream or off-white flowers with dark olive or brown leaves give the charm a dried flower or pressed botanical quality that works well with leather bags and autumn tones.
You can also make each flower in a slightly different shade of the same color — for example, three bells in light blue, medium blue, and deep navy — to create a gradient effect that looks sophisticated and intentional.
Tips for Beginners
If you are newer to crochet, this project is very forgiving, and a few small tips can make the process even smoother.
Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round so you always know where you are. This becomes especially helpful in rounds three and five where the increase pattern can be easy to lose track of.
Crochet the base rounds a little more tightly than you normally would. The firmness of the base is what allows the bell shape to hold up and maintain its form over time, especially once the flower is hanging from a bag and moving around throughout the day.
If your flower ends up looking a bit flat rather than bell-shaped, try blocking it. Wet the finished flower, gently shape it with your fingers into the curved bell form, and pin it to a foam blocking mat or a folded towel while it dries. Once dry, it will hold the shape far more reliably.
When attaching the flowers to the stem, make sure you are stitching through the base of the flower rather than just catching a loop of yarn. A secure attachment will ensure your charm holds up to regular use without the flowers working loose over time.
Creative Ways to Use This Pattern Beyond Bag Charms
Once you have made one of these bell flower charms, you will find yourself wanting to make them in every color and use them in all sorts of ways. The individual bell flowers can be stitched onto a headband for a floral hair accessory. They can be arranged in a cluster and glued to a hair clip or barrette. A single large version, worked in a heavier weight yarn, makes a beautiful brooch when a small pin back is stitched to the back. You can string several charms together on a length of ribbon for a garland-style decoration for a nursery or children’s room. A set of four or five made in autumnal colors can be woven into a wreath for a front door decoration. Smaller versions made in white cotton with green leaves look lovely as napkin rings for a special dinner table.
The pattern also scales beautifully. Work it in bulky yarn with a 6mm hook for a dramatic statement charm, or use fine crochet thread and a 1.5mm hook for a truly miniature version that looks almost like a piece of fine jewelry.
Gifting Your Bell Flower Bag Charm
These charms make genuinely wonderful gifts, and part of what makes them so special as a handmade present is how personal and considered they feel. You can tailor the colors to the recipient’s favorite hues or to match a specific bag you know they love. You can make a simple single-flower charm for someone who prefers minimal accessories, or create a full three-flower arrangement with multiple leaves and buds for someone who loves a more abundant, maximalist style.
For gifting, a simple way to present the charm is to attach it to a small card with a few words about the pattern or a note about why you made it in those particular colors. Even a square of kraft paper with a stamped design makes the charm feel like a considered, boutique gift rather than something quickly tossed together. Tying the charm to the card with a ribbon and tucking it into a small organza bag elevates the presentation further.
These charms are also popular at craft fairs and handmade markets. Because each one works up in an hour or two once you know the pattern, you can create a varied and colorful display with a relatively small time investment, and they tend to sell quickly at a price point that makes them accessible to most buyers while still reflecting the care that goes into making them.
Final Thoughts
The crochet bell flower bag charm is one of those patterns that manages to be both simple and impressive at the same time. The techniques involved are basic enough that even a relatively new crocheter can complete it with confidence, yet the finished result has a dimensional realism and delicacy that makes it look far more complex than it actually is. It is the kind of project that reminds you why you fell in love with crochet in the first place — the transformation of a small ball of yarn and a hook into something genuinely beautiful that you made with your own hands.
Keep this free pattern saved and come back to it whenever you need a quick project, a thoughtful handmade gift, or just a satisfying afternoon of crafting. And when you make yours, whether it ends up in deep purple hanging from a canvas tote or in pale coral swinging from a leather crossbody, take a moment to enjoy the fact that it is entirely one of a kind. That is the real magic of handmade.
Happy crocheting.
