Nutcracker Clara Ornament Crochet Pattern
If you love Nutcracker-themed holiday décor, today’s project is going to make your Christmas tree very happy. The Nutcracker Clara Ornament crochet pattern is the next festive design in the Ultimate 12 Days of Christmas Crochet Along, and she brings all the whimsy, nostalgia, and childhood magic that The Nutcracker is known for.
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This ornament is sweet, charming, and surprisingly quick to make—perfect for gifting, decorating, or completing your Nutcracker ornament collection. Whether you’ve been following the CAL since Day 1 or you’re jumping in with Clara, this tiny character is sure to become a favorite.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the Clara ornament, why she’s so much fun to crochet, how to customize her, and how to make the most of her jingle-bell skirt. No pattern instructions are included here—this is the companion blog post filled with inspiration, tips, and all the SEO-friendly goodness you need to help crafters find this pattern.
Meet Clara
Even if you’ve watched The Nutcracker every December, it’s always fun to revisit Clara’s role in the story. Clara Stahlbaum is the brave, imaginative girl who receives a Nutcracker doll at her family’s Christmas party. After the magical transformation of her living room, she journeys through a fantastical world filled with toy soldiers, swirling snowflakes, and the enchanting Land of Sweets.
Clara is the heart of the story—curious, kind, and full of wonder. She’s the character children (and grown-ups!) connect with most deeply, which makes her the perfect ornament for a Nutcracker-themed collection.
This ornament is inspired by Clara’s iconic look: soft flowing nightgown, long hair, gentle face, and of course… her beloved Nutcracker in hand.
Why You’ll Love Crocheting the Clara Ornament
1. She’s Quick and Beginner-Friendly
The Clara ornament is small, approachable, and doesn’t require any advanced amigurumi shaping. Even if it’s your first time making a crocheted character or ornament, this project is fun and manageable.
2. The Jingle Bell Skirt Is Adorable
Instead of crocheting a full skirt, the bell becomes part of the design—and it gives the ornament a satisfying, cheerful jingle. It’s cute, practical, and perfect for holiday décor.
3. She Works Up Perfectly for Gifting
Crochet ornaments are meaningful handmade gifts, and this one is extra special for ballet lovers, Nutcracker fans, kids, teachers, and ornament-collectors.
4. Clara Fits Seamlessly Into Holiday Decor
You can hang her on:
- Christmas trees
- Wreaths and garlands
- Gift tags
- Stockings
- Advent calendars
- Kids’ room holiday décor
- Classroom decorations
She’s small enough to tuck almost anywhere and charming enough to stand out.
5. She’s Part of the Nutcracker CAL Collection
Each ornament in the Ultimate 12 Days of Christmas Crochet Along is inspired by a different character or moment from The Nutcracker. Collectively, they create a magical, nostalgic display. Clara feels like the “starting point” of the Nutcracker story, so she gives the set a nice narrative anchor.
A Closer Look at the Design
This adorable ornament features Clara in her classic nightgown holding a tiny Nutcracker figure. Instead of crocheting her full body, her skirt is replaced with a shiny silver jingle bell that adds charm, sound, and sparkle to the tree.
Clara’s head and torso are crocheted amigurumi-style with embroidered or safety-eye facial features. Her hair is styled in simple strands or a textured cap depending on your yarn choice. A delicate hanging loop makes her ready to display on your Christmas tree, garland, wreath, or holiday packages.
If you’ve made any of the other jingle bell characters in the series, Clara pairs perfectly with them. She’s especially cute next to Drosselmeyer and the Nutcracker from day 1.
Customization Ideas
Change the Hair Color
Blonde, brown, red, black, or fantasy colors all look adorable.
Make Her Nightgown Any Color
White is classic, but pale pink, icy blue, lavender, or festive red all work beautifully.
Add Trim
Use sparkle yarn or metallic thread for the nightgown hem to give her a more magical look.
Make Her Holding Other Items
Instead of a Nutcracker, she could hold:
- A gift box
- A tiny candy cane
- A snowflake
- A mini heart for Valentine’s trees
- A tiny book
Create Multiple Claras for an Ornament Set
Clara with different hair colors or gown styles makes a lovely themed display.
Great for Gifting!
It’s an especially thoughtful gift for:
- Dance instructors
- Ballet students
- Theater performers
- Teachers
- Grandparents
- Ornament exchange groups
- Anyone who collects handmade decorations
Pair it with a Nutcracker mug, a pair of tickets to the ballet, or a set of crocheted snowflake coasters for a magical themed gift.
Time Commitment and Skill Level
This is an Easy skill level crochet project. You will need to know the following:
Single crochet
Increasing and decreasing
Working in the round
Color changes
Simple amigurumi shaping
Embroidery for details
As far as time, you can complete this ornament in an afternoon. It took me approximately 2.5 hours.
How to Get the Crochet Clara Ornament Pattern
Clara Jingle Bell Ornament Crochet Pattern
Option 1: Continue scrolling for free pattern instructions on this site
Option 2: Purchase the ad-free PDF that includes tutorial photos from one of my shops
About the Materials
The Crochet Clara Ornament was made with 100% Acrylic Worsted Weight Yarns. Great yarn options are KnitPicks Brava, Lion Brand Pound of Love, Paintbox Simply Aran, and Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn.
You will also need a G/6/4.00mm crochet hook, 6mm safety eyes, 2″ Jingle Bell, and fiberfill stuffing. I used hot glue to attach the pieces together and to attach the body to the jingle bell.
The Crochet Pattern
Keep reading for a list of what you need to make the Clara Stahlbaum Crochet Jingle Bell Ornament, including the stitch pattern instructions!
Materials
Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)
- Skin Tone – 40 yards
- White (Dress Main) – 90 yards
- Light Blue (Dress Trim) – 60 yards
- Hair Color – 40 yards
Scissors (So Cute!)
Gauge
Not critical for this project.
Finished Measurements
4.5” tall from top of head to bottom of bell.
Stitch Guide
arnd = around
BLO = back loop only
dec = single crochet decrease
ch = chain
FLO = front loop only
sc = single crochet
sl st(s) = slip stitch(es)
st(s) = stitch(es)
Skill Level
Easy
Pattern Written in U.S. Terms
Notes
- Beginning chains do not count as stitches
- Where asterisks appear, repeat the instructions between them.
- This pattern starts at the top of the head and works down; the head, arms, and body are one piece, with the hair added on after.
Instructions
HEAD
With Skin Tone,
R1. Make a magic ring, ch 1, 6 sc in ring (6)
R2. 2 sc arnd (12)
R3. *2 sc, sc* arnd (18)
R4. *2 sc, sc x 2* arnd (24)
R5-10. sc arnd (24)
R11. *dec, sc x 2* arnd (18)
With White,
R12. BLO sc arnd (18)
R13. FLO sc x 4, ch 4, join to form a ring (4 sc, 4 ch) <1st Arm Created>
R14-16. sc arnd (8)
With Skin Tone,
R17. BLO sc arnd (8)
R18. sc arnd (8)
R19. dec arnd; Cut yarn, weave tail through sts, cinch to close; Fasten. (4)Skip 5 sts on head, attach yarn to FLO of 6th st and repeat R13-19. <2nd Arm Created>
BODY
With White,
R20. Attach yarn to any stitch on body: sc in same space and in each st arnd, working in scs across body and in chs across arms (18)
R21. *2 sc, sc x 2* arnd (24)
R22-23. sc arnd (24)
With Light Blue,
R24. sc arnd (24)
With White,
R25. FLO 2 hdc arnd; Fasten. (48)
With White,
R26. Attach yarn to FLO on R17 (arm): sc in each FLO arnd; Fasten. Repeat on other arm.
HAIRCAP
With Hair Color,
R1. Make a magic ring, ch 1, 6 sc in ring (6)
R2. 2 sc arnd (12)
R3. *2 sc, sc* arnd (18)
R4. *2 sc, sc x 2* arnd (24)
R5. *sl st to next st, draw up a 5” loop, twist in full circles 15 times, then sl st back in same space (the loop should naturally twist, creating “curly” hair”)* 18X, sl st in next st to skip it, *sl st in next, draw up a 10” loop, twist in full circle 30 times, then sl st back in same space* 4X, sl st in next st to skip it, sl st in same space as beginning sl st; Fasten.
NIGHTGOWN COLLAR
With Light Blue,
Ch 16; Fasten. Leave long tails for tying together.
HAIRBOW
With Light Blue,
Ch 18; Fasten.
HANGER
With Light Blue,
Ch 15; Fasten.
Finishing
- Insert eyes on front center of face between R6&7, 2 stitches apart.
- Stitch eyelashes to the outer edges of the eyes as desired.
- Stitch a nose onto the front center of face, working from side to side over 1 stitch on R8 (should be centered between eyes).
- Stitch mouth between R9&10, over approximately 4 stitches.
- Stuff head firmly (do not over stuff) and stuff half of body.
- Attach body to top center of jingle bell (jingle bell will be slightly inside).
- Tie collar around “neck” and cinch slightly to define head from body.
- Attach haircap to top of head, matched up with R4, so long twists are front center. Bring long twists to the back going along the edge of the haircap and attaching to the back center.
- Form hair bow by crossing the tails, cinching the center, and wrapping a string around the center twice.
- Attach hairbow over the top of the long twists at back center.
- Attach hanger to top-center of head.
- Hide all strings.
- Optional: Cut out nutcracker printable and attach to either hand. I laminated mine before attaching with hot glue. You can laminate with traditional lamination sheets, self stick lamination sheets, or packing tape.
That’s the Crochet Clara Jingle Bell Ornament Pattern!
The Crochet Clara Stahlbaum Jingle Bell Ornament is sweet, nostalgic, and full of personality. She’s everything we love about handmade Christmas décor: charming, meaningful, fun to customize, and quick to make.
Whether you’re adding her to your Nutcracker collection, gifting her to a dancer, or simply enjoying a cozy holiday project, Clara brings a lovely sprinkle of Christmas magic to your season.
Don’t forget to share!
If you make the Clara Ornament, I’d love to see him! Tag me on Instagram at @blackstone_designs or use the hashtag #BlackstoneDesigns so I can share your makes with the community.
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Happy Crocheting!
Written pattern and photographs © 2025 Sonya Blackstone of Blackstone Designs. Do not sell, share, or modify this pattern, but instead share the link to where the pattern can be found. You may sell items you make with this pattern. This pattern, as with all Blackstone Designs/Sonya Blackstone patterns, are not for educational use without written permission from the designer. All rights reserved.
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