This crochet pattern turns plain or old Christmas ornaments into beautiful, textured treasures using a brioche-style stitch. With just leftover yarn and a few simple rounds, you can make elegant, cozy covers that give your decorations a handmade touch. The brioche texture adds depth and warmth, and the design adapts easily to different yarn types and ornament sizes. It is a quick, satisfying upcycling project — perfect for bringing new life to your holiday decor or for making thoughtful handmade gifts.
What you’ll need
- Worsted or bulky weight yarn
- A crochet hook to suit your yarn weight
- An old Christmas ornament (spherical)
Save1. Crochet Brioche Ornament
The cover is worked in two identical halves that cup the ornament, then joined around the middle. The textured body uses half double crochet in the back loop only (or the third loop) to create the brioche-like ridges. Work the base first, growing the circle until it matches half the ornament’s height, then work even rounds with no increases until the piece forms a half-sphere that hugs the ornament snugly.
Video tutorial: the step-by-step brioche ornament tutorial
Tip: pick a hook one size smaller than you normally would for your yarn — a snug fabric holds the ornament’s shape better and shows off the texture.
Start Base
- Make a magic ring, or chain 3 and join to form a ring
- Chain 2, then work double crochet stitches into the ring
- Slip stitch to join the round
Round 2
- Work 2 double crochet stitches in each stitch around
- Slip stitch to join
Round 3
- Work 1 double crochet in the first stitch, then 2 double crochet in the next stitch
- Repeat this increase pattern around
- Slip stitch to join
Continue Rounds
- Keep increasing evenly until the circle’s diameter equals half the ornament’s height
- Stop increasing once the base fits snugly against the ornament
Main Body (Textured Section)
- Chain 2 and begin working even rounds with no increases
- Use half double crochet stitches in the back loop only or the third loop to create a brioche-like texture
- Continue until the piece forms a half-sphere that cups the ornament
Make Second Half
- Repeat the same steps to create another identical half
Join the Halves
- Insert the ornament between the two crochet halves
- Slip stitch or single crochet around the edge to join both halves together
- Adjust the stitches around the top opening near the ornament’s hanger
Finish and Secure
- Slightly decrease stitches near the top if needed
- Fasten off and weave in the yarn ends
- Optionally, chain 20–30 to make a hanging loop and attach it to the top
A plain old bauble, a bit of leftover yarn, and a clever textured stitch — everything you need for a handmade holiday. The brioche ornament idea is inspired by crocheteverything.com. Happy holiday crocheting!
Sources: project inspiration from crocheteverything.com. All descriptions are original; pattern and video credit belongs to the linked creators.
