Ribbed Ribbon Candy Ornament Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This little ribbon candy ornament is the perfect quick win for anyone who wants a handmade touch on the tree without committing to a full weekend project. It is beginner-friendly because it is built from one simple flat strip of front and back post ribbing — no shaping, no increasing, no working in the round. The soft cotton candy pink chenille with baby blue ridge accents gives it a calm, Japandi feel that looks lovely on a minimalist tree or tied to a gift. Folded into a soft zigzag and tacked at each fold, it measures about 5 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall, and it works up in under an hour.
Materials Needed
- Yarn A: Super bulky (weight 6) chenille or roving-style yarn, cotton candy pink — approx 30 yd (27 m)
- Yarn B: Super bulky (weight 6) chenille or roving-style yarn, baby blue — approx 6 yd (5.5 m)
- Hook: 8.0 mm (US L-11)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, rust-proof pins, blocking mat
- Finished size: Approx 5 in (12.5 cm) wide x 3.5 in (9 cm) tall x 1 in (2.5 cm) deep, excluding hanging loop
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- dc — double crochet
- FPdc — front post double crochet: work a dc around the post of the stitch below, from the front, so the stitch pops forward
- BPdc — back post double crochet: work a dc around the post of the stitch below, from the back, so the stitch sits behind
- sl st — slip stitch
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- [ ] — repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated
Gauge
8 sts x 7 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in front/back post ribbing, unstretched. To check it, work a small swatch of the ribbing pattern and measure it flat without pulling; if your stitch count is off, go up or down one hook size.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your tension relaxed — chenille yarn stretches easily, and a loose, even hand keeps the strip flat and the ridges crisp.
- Mark the first stitch of every row with a stitch marker so you never lose your place in the post-stitch pattern.
- Work the post stitches around the post of the stitch below, not into the top loops, or the ribbing will not form.
- Do not stretch the strip when blocking; a light mist and a gentle pat into shape is all it needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Strip (Yarn A)
Row 1: Ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (10 sts).
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, [FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st] x5 (10 sts).
Rows 3–24: Ch 1, turn, FPdc around each FPdc and BPdc around each BPdc (10 sts). Do not fasten off.
Ridge Edging (Yarn B)
Rnd 1: Join B at a corner of one short end, ch 1, sc evenly along short end (10 sc), along long side (24 sc), along short end (10 sc), along long side (24 sc), sl st to first sc (68 sts).
Fasten off B. Weave in ends. Block lightly, do not stretch.
Folding and Tacking
Fold the strip into a zigzag: fold 1 at Row 4, fold 2 at Row 9, fold 3 at Row 14, fold 4 at Row 19, alternating direction so the folds stack into a ribbon-candy shape. Pin in place.
Tacking: With A threaded on a tapestry needle, take 3 small stitches through all layers at each fold (4 tacks total), catching the fold edges only so the ridges stay visible.
Hanging Loop
Loop: Join A at top center of ornament, ch 12, sl st to same st to form a loop, sl st in each ch of loop (12 sts), sl st to base, fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side, working them through the ribbing so they disappear into the texture. Gently reshape the folds and re-pin if needed, then mist lightly with water and let the ornament dry flat on a blocking mat — do not stretch it, as the finished size depends on the folds staying soft. Once dry, remove the pins and check that each tack holds all layers; add one extra hidden stitch at any fold that feels loose. Your ornament is ready to hang.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the baby blue edging for a metallic or cream shade to match a different tree palette.
- Make a set in alternating colorways and hang them at staggered heights for a candy-shop garland effect.
- For a smaller ornament, work the strip 8 stitches wide and 20 rows long, adjusting the fold rows to 3, 8, 13 and 18.
