When the holiday season draws near, there’s something so special about little handcrafted ornaments bobbing gently on the tree — each one a whisper of our creativity and care. Fabric bells are one of those handmade treasures: tactile, full of texture, rich with patchwork possibilities, and utterly charming when hung from a branch or tucked into a gift bag. In this post, you’ll find seven easy patchwork fabric bell ideas to spark your creativity — from simple beginners’ versions to slightly more intricate designs. I’ll walk you through how to make each one, share inspiration, and give you style tips so your handmade bells feel professional and full of heart.
How to Make a Simple Patchwork Fabric Bell
Making a patchwork bell is easier than it looks — and it’s a great way to reuse leftover fabric scraps.
Start by cutting two bell shapes from fabric (a front and a back). If you’d like to add patchwork detail, sew small pieces together before cutting your bell shape — this can be strips, triangles, or small squares. Place the front and back right sides together and sew around the edges, leaving a small opening at the top. Turn right side out, gently stuff with fiberfill or a bit of batting, and close the opening by hand.
Add a hanging ribbon at the top and a small jingle bell or bead at the bottom if you’d like a touch of sound. That’s it — you have your base! From here, it’s all about personal style and color.
Now let’s look at seven ideas that will make your handmade bells stand out beautifully.
1. The Minimalist Patchwork Bell
Clean, modern, and effortlessly elegant — the minimalist patchwork bell celebrates simplicity. Use solid neutral tones like ivory, beige, and gray, and focus on soft textures instead of prints. A single strip of linen combined with natural cotton gives a calm Scandinavian feel.
Keep embellishments subtle — maybe a thin jute cord for hanging and a tiny wooden bead at the bottom. These bells look beautiful grouped together in sets of three on a tree branch or hung as a garland in a neutral living space.
Best for: cozy, modern homes that favor calm tones and a natural look.
2. The Classic Christmas Bell
Nothing says “holiday season” quite like traditional Christmas colors — red, green, and touches of gold. This patchwork style brings a nostalgic warmth that feels instantly festive.
Mix plaid, gingham, and small holly or snowflake prints for the patchwork front. Add a deep red velvet ribbon loop and a small metallic jingle bell to finish the look. A little touch of gold thread stitched around the edge adds that classic sparkle.
Best for: those who love timeless Christmas decor filled with warmth and tradition.
3. The Candy-Color Bell
Sweet, playful, and bright — the candy-color patchwork bell looks like something straight out of a pastel Christmas storybook.
Choose fabrics in shades of pink, mint, aqua, and lilac. Combine tiny polka dots, soft stripes, and subtle glitter fabrics for a fun, youthful vibe. You can even add a small pom-pom trim along the edge for a whimsical touch.
Hang these bells in kids’ rooms, kitchen windows, or near your hot cocoa bar for a cheerful pop of color.
Best for: a lighthearted, joyful holiday atmosphere that makes you smile.
4. The Boho Patchwork Bell
The boho style is all about freedom, texture, and earthy tones — and this patchwork version feels beautifully organic.
Use a mix of natural fabrics like linen, muslin, and cotton gauze. Blend warm rust, terracotta, mustard, and cream tones, and include hand-stitching or visible thread for a relaxed, artisan look. Finish with a tassel instead of a traditional jingle bell, and use twine for hanging.
You can even incorporate small lace pieces or embroidery details for extra charm.
Best for: creative souls who love cozy bohemian interiors and artisanal design.
5. The Vintage Cottage Bell
If you adore the charm of floral teacups and soft romantic prints, the vintage cottage patchwork bell will fit your aesthetic perfectly.
Choose faded floral fabrics, soft pinks, muted greens, and tiny polka dots. Add lace trim or crochet edges around the bell for a feminine, vintage finish. You can even include a small button or pearl bead at the top where the ribbon attaches.
These bells look stunning on a white Christmas tree or hanging on an antique wooden mirror.
Best for: cottagecore lovers and vintage-inspired homes.
6. The Rustic Neutral Bell
Raw, cozy, and nature-inspired, rustic bells combine simplicity with warmth. Think shades of tan, oatmeal, and soft brown, with little details that feel natural and handmade.
Patch together linen, burlap, and cotton in subtle patterns. Use jute string for hanging and a small wooden bead or cinnamon stick as an embellishment. Instead of glossy finishes, aim for matte and earthy tones that blend perfectly with pine branches or farmhouse decor.
Best for: those who love a cozy cabin or country-chic aesthetic.
7. The Modern Pastel Bell
Soft pastels bring a modern freshness to your Christmas color palette. This look combines simplicity with gentle color for a delicate, stylish result.
Use shades like dusty rose, sage green, pale gold, or lavender. Combine solids with faint geometric prints for a sophisticated take on holiday color. Add a fine satin ribbon and maybe a small pearl or clear bead for a soft touch of light.
These bells photograph beautifully and make thoughtful handmade gifts.
Bringing It All Together
Patchwork fabric bells are small in size but big in personality. They let you explore color, texture, and mood — one tiny ornament at a time. Whether you make one as a keepsake or a full collection for your tree, each bell tells a story of creativity and care.
Use your scraps, your favorite fabrics, and your imagination. Let every stitch remind you that handmade holidays are the most memorable ones — filled with warmth, beauty, and your unique touch.
Best for: modern decorators who prefer elegance over bold holiday color.
Style Tip:
Use holiday prints (reds, greens, plaids) for a classic Christmas look. Or choose pastels for a less traditional, but equally charming, bell series. Group three of differing sizes together for a layered effect on the tree. Use soft metallic beads for a subtle sparkle. If selling, include a small tag: “Handmade with love – Ready to hang”. These bells become heirloom-quality pieces.
Final Thoughts
Patchwork fabric bells are more than just ornaments — they’re miniature canvases of your creativity, your memories, and your personal style. Whether you’re making them for your tree, selling them, or gifting them, the process is calming and rewarding. Grab your fabric scraps, your sewing tools, and a little bit of time. Sit with a cup of tea, press the seams gently, choose your stitches, and watch the magic of patchwork transform into something ready to hang.
Enjoy the process, enjoy the quiet joy of a handmade piece, and delight in the way these little bells will ring in your holiday (or anytime!) with beauty.