As the holiday season approaches, the joy of decorating is almost palpable in the air. One of my absolute favorite crafts is creating a Vintage Lace Crochet Christmas Bauble Ornament. This exquisite ornament captures the warmth of the seasons with its delicate dusty blush pink and rich deep burgundy hues. Each bauble, adorned with intricate lacework, transforms a simple ivory ornament ball into a stunning focal point on your tree. What I love most about this project is how it brings together families; it's the perfect weekend activity that even kids can join in on. Plus, the pattern is designed to be accessible, whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just starting out. The delightful mix of textures and colors will surely impress your guests, making this ornament a cherished part of your holiday décor for years to come. If you’re ready to add a touch of vintage charm to your holiday decorations, here's exactly how to make it.

Ingredients

• 1 3 mm hook
• 1 DK cotton yarn in dusty blush pink
• 1 DK cotton yarn in deep burgundy
• 1 yarn needle
• 1 pair of scissors
• 1 3-inch ivory ornament ball

Note: You may substitute the DK cotton yarn with a different weight if you desire a different texture or finish, but it may alter the final size of the ornament.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Family Bonding — This craft project is the perfect opportunity for parents and kids to work together, making cherished memories while creating beautiful ornaments.
• Accessible Design — The straightforward crochet pattern is easy to follow, making it great for both beginners and seasoned crafters to enjoy.
• Stunning Visual Appeal — The combination of dusty blush pink and rich burgundy offers a vintage charm that will enhance your holiday décor and impress your guests.
• Customizable Touch — You can easily adapt the colors or patterns to suit your personal style, ensuring each ornament is unique and meaningful.
• Make-Ahead Joy — Create several of these ornaments in advance, allowing you to decorate your tree early and enjoy the festive atmosphere throughout the season.

Recipe At a Glance

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 1 ornament

Instructions

1. Make a magic ring (MR), chain 3, then work 11 double crochets (dc) into the ring and join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the top of the beginning chain 3. You now have 12 dc for the first round of the deep burgundy medallion.
2. Chain 1, single crochet (sc) in the first stitch, then chain 5, skip the next stitch, and sc in the following stitch. Repeat this around and join with a sl st to form 6 chain-5 loops.
3. Slip stitch into the first chain-5 space, chain 3, work 4 dc in the same space, chain 3, then work 5 dc and chain 3 in each remaining loop. Join and fasten off; you now have 6 fans.
4. Join deep burgundy yarn in the first chain-3 space, chain 1, sc in the same space, chain 5, then sc in each following chain-3 space with a chain 5 in between. Join to form 6 chain-5 loops.
5. Slip stitch into the first loop, chain 3, work 6 dc in the same loop, chain 3, then work 7 dc and chain 3 in each remaining loop. Join to complete the round with 6 fans.
6. Chain 1, sc in the first chain-3 space, chain 6, and sc, chain 6 in each remaining chain-3 space. Join and fasten off; you have 6 chain-6 loops.
7. Make a second medallion following steps 1 through 6 for the second side of the ornament.
8. For the dusty blush pink lace panels, chain 21, turn, then sc in the second chain from the hook and in each remaining chain (20 sc).
9. Chain 3, turn, skip the first 2 stitches, dc in the next stitch, chain 2, skip 2 stitches, and repeat this for 5 times. Finish with a dc in the final stitch.
10. Chain 3, turn, work 3 dc in each chain-2 space across with a chain 1 between groups (5 groups).
11. Chain 1, turn, sc in the first dc, chain 5, and sc in the center dc of the next group. Repeat across ending with sc in the last dc (4 chain-5 loops).
12. Chain 3, turn, work 5 dc in each chain-5 loop with chain 2 between fans (4 fans).
13. Chain 1, turn, work sc evenly across all stitches and spaces using 1 sc per dc and 2 sc per chain-2 space (26 sc).
14. Chain 1, turn, work 1 sc in each stitch across (26 sc).
15. Chain 1, turn, work 1 sc in the first 3 stitches, then chain 3, skip 3 stitches, and sc in the next 4 stitches. Repeat across, adjusting the final gap evenly.
16. Chain 3, turn, work 3 dc in each chain-3 space with chain 2 between groups.
17. Chain 1, turn, work sc evenly across the edge and fasten off; you have completed the first panel. Repeat to create a second blush lace panel.
18. Join the blush pink yarn at the first edge corner of each lace panel and work evenly spaced sc along the side.
19. Work a second pass of surface sl st along the sc border to form a raised ridge; repeat on the opposite long edge of each panel.
20. Place the two burgundy medallions on opposite sides of the 3-inch ivory ornament ball.
21. Position the blush lace panels between the medallions, ensuring their long edges follow the curved surface.
22. Use a yarn needle to sew the lace panels to the outer loops of the burgundy medallions, distributing the fabric evenly for a symmetrical appearance.
23. Join the remaining open edges with small invisible stitches in matching yarn without pulling tightly to avoid distorting the fan motifs.
24. For the hanging loop, join blush yarn securely through the upper lace junction, chain 35, then slip stitch into the same attachment point to form the loop.
25. Work sl st around the base of the loop several times to reinforce the attachment, then fasten off and weave the yarn tail securely through the upper crochet stitches.
26. Gently adjust all burgundy fan motifs to make the flower shapes visible and arrange both pink lace panels symmetrically around the ivory ball.
27. Spread open the chain spaces to emphasize the vintage lace design and secure any loose joins with the yarn needle.
28. Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely and lightly steam the lace from a safe distance, avoiding contact with the plastic ornament core.
29. Allow the lace to settle fully before hanging the ornament.
30. Your Vintage Lace Crochet Christmas Bauble Ornament is finished and ready to display!

What to Serve With This

• Mulled Wine — The warm spices complement the cozy, vintage aesthetic of the ornament, enhancing the overall festive atmosphere.
• Gingerbread Cookies — Their sweet and spicy flavors create a homely pairing that invokes the holiday spirit alongside your handcrafted ornament.
• Pistachio Meringue Nests — The delicate texture and subtle nuttiness harmonize well visually and flavor-wise with the soft hues of the vintage ornament.
• Eggnog — This creamy, spiced drink brings a rich holiday flavor that pairs wonderfully with the craft's nostalgic charm.

Recipe Tips

• Magic Ring Technique — When creating your magic ring, ensure it’s tight enough to hold the stitches but not so tight that it becomes difficult to work into later rounds. This will help maintain the stability of the facing ornament's base.

• Avoiding Gaps — When joining the chain-5 spaces, check for even tension throughout the stitches to minimize gaps in your design. Pull gently on the yarn as you work to ensure a consistent fabric.

• Arrangement of Medallions and Panels — Before sewing the medallions and lace panels together, lay them out flat on the ornament to visualize the arrangement. This will help you ensure a balanced look and adjust the placement easily before the final assembly.

• Surface Slip Stitch Tips — When creating surface slip stitches along the edges, keep the tension loose and consistent to prevent puckering. Practice on a scrap piece to find the right rhythm before applying it to your ornament.

• Gentle Steam-Care — If you choose to steam the final ornament, use a steam iron held at least a few inches away from the work. This will help your lace settle into place without risking damage to the ornament’s plastic core.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: This ornament does not require refrigeration. To keep it safe from dust and damage, store it in a padded box or ornament storage container in a cool, dry place. Ensure it's placed away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

• Freezer: This ornament is not suitable for freezing due to its delicate yarn and potential warping of the plastic core.

• Reheating: Since this dish is a crochet ornament, it doesn't need reheating. If you need to freshen it up, consider lightly steaming it again from a safe distance to restore its shape or remove any creases.

Substitutions & Variations

• Yarn Type Swap — Opt for a DK wool or a bamboo yarn instead of DK cotton yarn. These alternatives will provide a different texture and can add warmth or sheen to your ornament while maintaining the structural integrity needed for crocheting.
• Color Variation — Instead of dusty blush pink and deep burgundy, choose a classic holiday color palette, such as emerald green and silver or gold. This will give your ornament a modern twist and make it suitable for different seasonal decor.
• Ornament Base Substitute — If you can't find a 3-inch ivory ornament ball, use a foam ball or even a disco ball ornament for a fun, reflective touch. Just ensure that the substitute maintains a similar size for the pattern to work properly.
• Lace Panel Texture Variation — For a more rustic appearance, use a DK tweed yarn for the lace panels. This will add a visual depth and texture to your ornament while keeping the charm of the crochet pattern intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different size yarn for this ornament?
Yes, but using a different weight of yarn may alter the texture and size of the final ornament, so be prepared for possible adjustments to your stitching and overall fit.

What is the best way to store these ornaments after the holiday season?
To protect your ornaments, store them in a padded box or an ornament storage container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

How can I prevent my medallions from gaping when attaching them to the ornament?
Ensure you maintain even tension while working and joining the chain-5 spaces; if you notice gaps, adjust the stitch tightness or the way you distribute the stitches during assembly.

Can I make the ornament ahead of time and still achieve the right look?
Absolutely! Just be sure to follow the steaming tips before displaying; lightly steaming the finished ornament can help freshen up any creases and ensure the lace settles beautifully.