This Crochet Christmas Candle Pattern makes a small, chubby amigurumi candle in cream with a soft red band, a flickering yellow-orange flame, a sprig of green holly leaves with red berries, and a flat base so it stands on its own. It is a safe, flame-free decoration, so it looks lovely on a mantel, a windowsill, or a festive table, and it is perfect for homes with children and pets. Make one, or make a trio in different heights for a cozy centerpiece.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Beginner, with basic shaping and sewing.
Terms: US crochet terminology.
Construction: The candle body is worked in one piece in continuous rounds, starting from the base. The flame, holly leaves, and berries are worked separately and sewn on.
Estimated size: About 10 cm (4 in) tall including the flame, and about 5 cm (2 in) wide, using DK-weight cotton. Actual dimensions depend on yarn, tension, and stuffing.
Pattern note: This is an original design based on the title concept. Stitch counts have been checked, but the pattern has not been physically crocheted or independently tested. Adjust the shaping and decoration to suit your yarn.
Materials
- DK-weight cotton yarn in cream or ivory, approximately 15 g, for the candle.
- Red yarn, approximately 5 g, for the band and berries.
- Yellow and orange yarn, approximately 3 g each, for the flame.
- Green yarn, approximately 3 g, for the holly leaves.
- A 2.5 mm hook as a starting point (use a hook small enough to keep the fabric dense).
- Fiberfill, stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and removable pins.
- Optional: a small piece of cardboard or a plastic canvas circle for a firm base, and a few seed beads for extra sparkle.
Keep ornaments with small parts away from babies and children under three.
Stitches and Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | magic ring |
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| inc | 2 sc in one stitch |
| dec | invisible single crochet decrease over the next 2 stitches |
| BLO | back loop only |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Work in a spiral without joining or turning unless directed otherwise. Numbers in brackets give the completed stitch count. Repeat parentheses the stated number of times. Move the marker at the start of every round.
Before You Begin
Crochet tightly so the stuffing does not show through the stitches. Stuff firmly and evenly so the candle stands straight, adding small pieces rather than large clumps. When you change color, switch on the final yarn-over of the last stitch of the previous round, and carry the unused yarn loosely inside the piece.
Candle Body (cream and red)
Round 1: With cream, 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) × 6. [24]
Round 5: Sc in the back loops only. [24]
Rounds 6–14: Sc in every stitch. [24 per round; 9 rounds]
Rounds 15–16: Change to red. Sc in every stitch. [24 per round; 2 rounds]
Rounds 17–18: Change to cream. Sc in every stitch. [24 per round; 2 rounds]
If you are using a cardboard base, cut a circle about 4 cm (1.5 in) across and drop it into the bottom now, before stuffing. Stuff the candle firmly.
Round 19: (2 sc, dec) × 6. [18]
Round 20: (Sc, dec) × 6. [12]
Add a final wisp of stuffing. Fasten off with a long tail, leaving the opening of 12 stitches for the wick.
Wick (black or dark gray)
If you like, work a short wick: join dark yarn in the opening, ch 4, sl st in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, then sl st in the next stitch of the opening. Fasten off and weave in the ends. The wick is optional and can be hidden under the flame.
Flame (yellow and orange)
Round 1: With orange, 4 sc in MR. [4]
Round 2: (Sc, inc) × 2. [6]
Round 3: Change to yellow. Sc around. [6]
Round 4: (Sc, inc) × 3. [9]
Round 5: Sc around. [9]
Round 6: (Sc, dec) × 3. [6]
Round 7: Dec × 3. [3]
Stuff very lightly before closing. Fasten off with a long tail, and thread the tail through the remaining stitches to close. Pinch the top slightly into a soft point. Sew the flame securely to the opening at the top of the candle, with the orange end at the bottom.
Holly Leaves (make 2, green)
Ch 7. Sl st in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, dc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, sc in the last ch. Fasten off with a long tail.
Holly Berries (make 3, red)
Round 1: 4 sc in MR. [4] Pull tight, fasten off with a long tail, and gather into a tiny ball.
Sew the two leaves side by side near the base of the candle, pointing outward. Sew the three berries in a small cluster where the leaves meet.
Assembly and Finishing
- Check the base: Press the candle onto a flat surface. It should stand upright without leaning.
- Attach the flame: Sew the flame firmly in place, with several stitches around the base of the flame.
- Attach the holly: Sew the leaves and berries firmly to the front or side of the candle.
- Decoration (optional): Sew a few seed beads or work a few gold thread stitches around the red band.
- Hide every tail and give each part a gentle tug to check it holds.
Practical Tips and Troubleshooting
The candle leans. Add a cardboard base, and flatten the bottom of the candle gently before you start stuffing. Make sure the stuffing is even.
The flame droops. Stuff it a little more firmly, or sew the base on with extra stitches. You can also add a short piece of pipe cleaner for older children and adults.
The candle is too short. Add more plain rounds before the red band, in multiples of 2, and recount the stripe positions.
The stripe looks uneven. Make every color change on the last stitch of a round, and move the marker before you start the next one.
The holly looks too big. Use a smaller hook or skip the second leaf.
FAQ
Can I make a set? Yes. Make 3 candles at different heights by changing the number of plain rounds (for example 6, 10, and 14), and group them on a tray.
Can I make it bigger? Yes. Use chunky yarn and a 4 mm hook for a candle about twice the size, and add 4 extra plain rounds before the red band.
Can I add a real light? Yes. Instead of stuffing the candle fully, leave a hollow center and slide in a small battery LED tea light. Keep the candle away from real flames, and never use a real candle inside it.
Can I use other colors? Absolutely. Try white with a silver band, green with gold, or soft pink for a pastel Christmas.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Crochet Christmas Bell Pattern
- Mini Christmas Bauble Pattern
- Crochet Christmas Decorations Pattern
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