Crochet candy cane ornaments are a cheerful, quick project that looks great on a Christmas tree, a wreath, or a wrapped gift. They use only one stitch, they work up in less than an hour once you get the hang of them, and they are a perfect way to use up small amounts of red and white yarn.
In this tutorial, you will crochet a narrow striped tube and slide it over a bendable pipe cleaner, so you can shape the classic curved hook of a candy cane. Every stitch count is included, and there are variations if you would rather make a soft, wire-free version.
Project at a Glance
- Skill level: Beginner
- Stitches used: Magic ring, single crochet, slip stitch
- Terminology: US crochet terms
- Approximate finished size: About 6 in (15 cm) tall. Your size will vary with your yarn, hook and tension.
In This Guide
- Materials You Will Need
- Abbreviations and Color Changes
- Candy Cane Pattern
- Adding the Pipe Cleaner and Shaping
- Finishing and Decorating
- Easy Variations
- Ways to Use Crochet Candy Canes
- Tips for Neat Results
- Common Mistakes and Fixes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Materials You Will Need
- Yarn: Worsted-weight cotton or acrylic in red and white. Only small amounts are needed for each ornament, so scraps are perfect.
- Crochet hook: 3.5 mm (US E-4). A smaller hook than the label suggests makes a tighter tube that keeps the stripes crisp.
- Pipe cleaners (chenille stems): One standard stem, about 12 in (30 cm) long and about 6 mm thick, cut to about 7 in (18 cm), for each candy cane.
- Yarn needle for sewing the end closed and weaving in ends.
- Small scissors and a stitch marker.
- Ribbon for a bow and for hanging.
- Optional: A little polyester fiberfill for the closed end.
Abbreviations and Color Changes
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
This pattern is worked in a continuous spiral, so do not join the rounds. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go.
How to change colors neatly: On the last sc of the old color, work until two loops remain on the hook. Then pull the new color through both loops. Carry the unused color loosely up the inside of the tube, or cut it and weave in the ends later. Because the pattern is a spiral, the stripes will naturally slant, which looks just like a real candy cane.
Candy Cane Pattern
Stripe sequence: 2 rounds white, 2 rounds red. Repeat until you have completed 32 rounds in total.
Round 1
With white, make a magic ring and work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly. Place your stitch marker in the first sc. (6 sc)
Rounds 2 to 32
Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Move the stitch marker up at the end of every round. Change color every 2 rounds as described in the stripe sequence. (6 sc in every round)
- Rounds 1 to 2: white
- Rounds 3 to 4: red
- Rounds 5 to 6: white
- Continue alternating until Rounds 31 to 32, which are red.
Finishing the Tube
After Round 32, sl st into the next stitch and fasten off, leaving a tail of about 8 inches (20 cm). Do not close the open end yet. Leave the starting tail from the magic ring for now; you will weave it in later.
Your tube should measure approximately 6.5 in (16.5 cm). If it is slightly longer or shorter, trim the pipe cleaner to match, leaving about half an inch of tube at the open end.
Adding the Pipe Cleaner and Shaping
- Prepare the stem. Fold about 1/4 in (6 mm) of each end of the pipe cleaner back on itself and press it flat. This hides the sharp wire ends.
- Insert the stem. Slide the stem into the open end of the tube until it reaches the closed end. If your tube is tight, twist the stem gently as you push.
- Add fiberfill (optional). If the closed end looks flat, tuck a tiny wisp of fiberfill in before the stem goes all the way down.
- Close the end. Thread the tail on a yarn needle. Weave it through the front loops of the last round, pull gently to cinch the opening shut, and secure with a few small stitches. Weave in the ends.
- Bend the hook. Bend the top 1.5 in (4 cm) of the candy cane into a smooth curve, like the letter J. Bend slowly and avoid sharp creases, which can cut through the yarn.
Finishing and Decorating
- Add a ribbon bow. Tie a small bow from red, green or gold ribbon. Attach it with a few stitches or a dot of fabric glue at the base of the curve.
- Add a hanging loop. Tie a short loop of thin ribbon or twine around the curve of the cane, or simply hang the candy cane directly on a branch.
- Keep embellishments simple. The stripes are the star of this design, so choose one decoration only.
Safety note: The pipe cleaner contains thin wire. Because of this, these ornaments are for adult decorating and not suitable for toys or for young children and pets. If you need a child-safe version, use the soft wire-free variation below.
Easy Variations
Make a Wire-Free Candy Cane
Skip the pipe cleaner and stuff the tube firmly with fiberfill instead, using the end of a pencil or a chopstick to push it down. Close the end, then bend the cane gently. The shape will be softer and curvier, but it is safe for children when no small decorations are attached.
Change the Colors
Pink and white, green and white, or silver and white create a more modern look. Work three colors together for a rainbow stripe.
Make Larger Candy Canes
Use thicker yarn and a larger hook. Increase the stitch count to 8 in every round after Round 1, and use a thicker stem. Make sure the finished tube fits comfortably around the stem.
Make Mini Candy Canes
Use fine cotton thread and a small hook with a thin craft wire or a shortened chenille stem. Reduce the number of rounds to about 20.
Add Sparkle
Use a metallic thread alongside the white yarn for a subtle shimmer.
Ways to Use Crochet Candy Canes
- On the Christmas tree: Hang them between other ornaments or cluster several in one spot.
- As gift toppers: Hook one over the ribbon of a wrapped present.
- On a wreath: Tuck several into the greenery, evenly spaced.
- In a bowl or vase: Display a bunch as a seasonal centerpiece.
- As drink stirrers for display: Decorate a hot chocolate bar. Keep them for display only and not for use in drinks.
- As handmade gifts: Package a set of four or six in a small box or bag.
Tips for Neat Results
- Crochet tightly. A firm tube hides the stem and keeps the stripes tidy.
- Count the rounds. Keeping a note of how many rounds you have done makes it easy to produce matching candy canes.
- Keep the stripes even. Always change color after exactly two rounds.
- Check the length before inserting the stem. Hold the stem against the tube to see if it fits.
- Make a batch. Prepare all the tubes first, then insert the stems, and finally bend them all into shape. This makes a matching set.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
The stem will not go in. The tube is too tight. Use a slightly larger hook, or choose a thinner stem.
The stem is loose and slides around. Add a small piece of fiberfill around the stem or use a thicker stem.
The stripes are uneven. You may have changed color at different points in the round. Always change on the last stitch of the round.
The candy cane will not hold its curve. The stem may be too thin. Use a firmer stem, or double a thinner one.
The wire is poking through. Fold the ends over more securely before inserting, and add a bit of fiberfill at the closed end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are crochet candy canes good for beginners?
Yes. They use only single crochet worked in a tube, so you do not have to shape any complicated pieces. The magic ring is the only tricky step, and you can use a chain-4 ring if you prefer.
How much yarn do I need?
Each candy cane uses a small amount of each color. Scraps left from other projects are usually enough for several.
Can I make them without pipe cleaners?
Yes. Fill the tube firmly with fiberfill instead. The result is softer and will not hold a sharp shape, but it is a safer option for children.
How long does it take to make one?
The tube is made of identical rounds, so most crocheters can make one in under an hour once they are familiar with the pattern. Adding the stem and bow takes a few more minutes.
Can I wash them?
Not if they contain a pipe cleaner, because the wire can rust and the fibers may come loose. Spot-clean with a damp cloth. Wire-free versions can be gently hand-washed if your yarn allows it.
How should I store them?
Lay them flat or hang them in a box so that the curves are not crushed, with tissue paper in between.
Final Thoughts
Crochet candy canes are simple, quick and endlessly customizable. Make a handful in classic red and white, or experiment with your favorite colors and sizes for a personal touch. If you enjoyed this project, you may also like our guides to crochet Christmas tree ornaments, crochet snowflake ornaments and the crochet Christmas stocking. Happy crocheting!
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