A crochet angel ornament is a sweet, nostalgic decoration that looks beautiful on a Christmas tree, a garland, or a gift. With a little round head, a gently flared dress, soft wings and a golden halo, it is a simple project that feels special, especially if you make a small family of angels in different colors.
This tutorial uses only basic stitches. The body, head, wings and halo are crocheted separately and then sewn together, so you can complete the project in small steps. Every stitch count is included, along with tips for stiffening the dress, adding a face, and making different versions.
Project at a Glance
- Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
- Stitches used: Magic ring, chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, increase, decrease
- Terminology: US crochet terms
- Approximate finished size: About 3 to 4 in (8 to 10 cm) tall, not including the hanger. Your size will vary with your yarn and tension.
Materials You Will Need
- Cotton yarn, DK or light worsted weight: White or cream for the dress and wings, a skin-tone color for the head, and a gold or metallic yarn for the halo. Cotton holds its shape well.
- Hair yarn: A small amount of any color you like.
- Crochet hook: 2.75 mm (US C-2). A small hook gives a tight fabric, so the stuffing does not show through.
- Polyester fiberfill for the head.
- Yarn needle, small scissors, stitch marker.
- Embroidery thread in dark brown or black for the eyes, and pink for the cheeks.
- Thin ribbon or thread for hanging.
- Optional: Fabric stiffener or a mixture of white craft glue and water for the dress, wings and halo.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: decrease (single crochet two together: insert the hook in the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, insert the hook in the following stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all three loops)
- st(s): stitch(es)
The head and the dress are worked in a continuous spiral. Do not join the rounds, and use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round.
Step 1: The Head
With the skin-tone yarn:
- Round 1: Make a magic ring and work 6 sc into it. (6 sc)
- Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sc)
- Round 3: *Sc, inc.* Repeat around. (18 sc)
- Rounds 4 to 6: Sc in each st around. (18 sc)
- Round 7: *Sc, dec.* Repeat around. (12 sc)
- Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill.
- Round 8: Dec around. (6 sc)
- Fasten off, leaving a tail of about 8 in (20 cm). Thread the tail through the front loops of the last 6 stitches, pull tight to close, and secure. Leave the tail for attaching the head to the body.
Step 2: The Dress
The dress is a hollow bell shape. It is worked from the neck down with the cream or white yarn, and the bottom edge is left open.
- Round 1: Make a magic ring and work 6 sc into it. (6 sc)
- Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sc)
- Round 3: Sc in each st around. (12 sc)
- Round 4: *Sc, inc.* Repeat around. (18 sc)
- Round 5: Sc in each st around. (18 sc)
- Round 6: *2 sc, inc.* Repeat around. (24 sc)
- Round 7: Sc in each st around. (24 sc)
- Round 8: *3 sc, inc.* Repeat around. (30 sc)
- Round 9: Sc in each st around. (30 sc)
- Round 10: *4 sc, inc.* Repeat around. (36 sc)
- Rounds 11 to 12: Sc in each st around. (36 sc)
- Sl st in the next stitch, fasten off, and weave in the tail.
The top of the dress, where you started, is the neck. The open end is the hem.
Step 3: The Wings
Make 2 wings in white or cream. Each wing is a long leaf shape worked around a foundation chain.
- Ch 10.
- Side 1: Sl st in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, dc in each of the next 3 ch, hdc in the next ch, sc in each of the last 2 ch.
- Tip: Work 2 more sc in the same last ch (3 sc in total at the tip).
- Side 2: Working along the other side of the foundation chain, sc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, dc in each of the next 3 ch, hdc in the next ch, sc in each of the next 2 ch, sl st in the first ch.
- Fasten off, leaving a tail of about 8 in (20 cm) for sewing.
Pin the wings flat to a foam board and let them dry if you stiffen them (see the stiffening tip below).
Step 4: The Halo
With gold or metallic yarn:
- Ch 24. Join with a sl st to the first ch, taking care not to twist the chain.
- Ch 1, then work 1 sc in each ch around. (24 sc)
- Join with a sl st to the first sc, fasten off and weave in the ends, leaving a tail of about 6 in (15 cm) for sewing.
For a halo that stands up on its own, stiffen it with fabric stiffener, or add a thin piece of craft wire inside before sewing it on.
Step 5: Assembly and Face
- Add the face. Before attaching the head, use dark embroidery thread to stitch two small eyes on the front. Place them about 1 stitch apart, between Round 4 and Round 5. Use pink thread for tiny cheeks if you wish. Pull the knots into the head.
- Add the hair. Cut strands of hair yarn about 3 in (7.5 cm) long. Sew them across the top and back of the head in rows, then trim them. For a sleeker look, use loops of yarn stitched down.
- Attach the head. Use the starting tail of the head to sew it securely to the neck of the dress.
- Attach the wings. Sew the pointed ends of the two wings to the back of the dress just below the neck, forming a V with the tips pointing up and out.
- Attach the halo. Sew it to the back of the head, slightly tilted above the hair.
- Add a hanger. Thread a short length of ribbon or thread through the halo or the stitches at the top of the dress and tie a knot.
Stiffening tip: To keep the dress flared and the wings crisp, soak them in fabric stiffener or a glue and water mixture (follow the product directions), shape them over a small cup or jar, and let them dry completely. Keep the head and the stuffing away from liquid.
Safety note: This ornament is for decoration only and is not a toy. Avoid adding buttons or beads if it will be near young children or pets.
Easy Variations
- Different colors: Make angels in pale pink, blue, or soft gray for a pastel set.
- Different skin and hair tones: Use a range of colors to create a diverse family of angels.
- Mini angels: Use fine cotton thread and a small hook, with the same stitch counts.
- A tree-topper angel: Use thicker yarn and a larger hook, and add a cardboard cone inside the dress for extra stability.
- Angel with a star: Sew a small felt or crochet star in one hand position, near the side of the dress.
- Add a scalloped hem: Work a round of (sc, 2 dc, sc) into every 4th stitch around the bottom of the dress for a decorative edge.
Tips for Neat Results
- Crochet tightly so the stuffing does not show through the head.
- Close the magic ring securely. A loose ring at the neck weakens the whole figure.
- Plan the face placement with pins before you stitch.
- Make the wings at the same time so that they match in size.
- Sew the pieces together rather than gluing them, for a stronger result.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
The head looks lumpy. Stuff it in small amounts and shape it with your fingers before closing.
The dress is too narrow. Check that every increase round has the correct count, or use a slightly larger hook.
The wings look uneven. Make them in the same way and block them side by side.
The halo flops forward. Stiffen it or add a thin wire.
The face looks too large. Use one strand of embroidery thread and keep the stitches small.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this crochet angel suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you are comfortable with single crochet, increases and decreases. The magic ring is the trickiest step, and you can use a chain-4 ring instead.
What yarn is best for a crochet angel?
Smooth cotton in DK or light worsted weight. It holds its shape and makes crisp stitches, which suits small ornaments.
How do I keep the angel standing?
The ornament is designed to hang. For a standing angel, stiffen the dress and make the hem wider with extra rounds, or add a small weight inside the base.
How long does it take to make one?
Most crocheters can complete the pieces in an evening, plus time for assembly. If you stiffen the pieces, allow a day for drying.
Can I wash the angel?
Spot-clean only. Stuffing, embroidery thread and stiffener may not tolerate water.
Can I make a larger angel?
Yes. Use thicker yarn and a larger hook, and add extra rounds if you want a longer dress. The method stays the same.
Final Thoughts
A crochet angel is a lovely addition to your Christmas decorations, and it makes a heartfelt handmade gift. Try a few colors and sizes to create your own collection. If you enjoyed this project, you may also like our guides to crochet Christmas tree ornaments, crochet snowflake ornaments, the crochet Christmas stocking, crochet candy cane ornaments and crochet Christmas wreath ideas. Happy crocheting!
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