The Spiced Apple Cider Bauble: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Festive, Textured Ornament

Cozy Up Your Tree with a Handmade Spiced Apple Cider Bauble

This holiday season, add a touch of handmade warmth to your decor with our free crochet pattern for a Spiced Apple Cider Bauble. This charming, textured ornament looks just like a miniature mug of spiced apple cider, complete with a cinnamon stick and star anise. The bumpy, soft texture and warm, festive colors—cream, cinnamon brown, dark red, and gold—make it a unique and aromatic addition to any Christmas tree. Perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, this pattern is designed to be clear, detailed, and easy to follow.

Materials Needed

To create your own Spiced Apple Cider Bauble, gather the following materials:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) in cream, cinnamon brown, and dark red; small amounts of green and gold for accents.
• Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook.
• Gauge: 4 single crochet (sc) and 4 rows = 1 inch in single crochet. (Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension ensures a neat finish.)
• Other: Yarn needle, scissors, stuffing (polyester fiberfill), stitch markers (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mug Body (Cream Yarn)

Work in continuous rounds (do not join unless specified). Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. (6 stitches)
• Round 2: Increase (inc) in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
• Round 3: *Sc in next stitch, inc* repeat 6 times. (18 stitches)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 stitches, inc* repeat 6 times. (24 stitches)
• Round 5: *Sc in next 3 stitches, inc* repeat 6 times. (30 stitches)
• Round 6: *Sc in next 4 stitches, inc* repeat 6 times. (36 stitches)
• Rounds 7-12: Sc in each stitch around. (36 stitches each round)
• Round 13: *Sc in next 4 stitches, decrease (dec)* repeat 6 times. (30 stitches)
• Round 14: *Sc in next 3 stitches, dec* repeat 6 times. (24 stitches)
• Round 15: *Sc in next 2 stitches, dec* repeat 6 times. (18 stitches)
• Finish: Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing. Stuff the mug body firmly with fiberfill, shaping it into a rounded, mug-like form.

Cinnamon Stick (Brown Yarn)

This piece is worked flat in rows.

• Chain 6.
• Row 1: Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (5 stitches)
• Row 2: Chain 1, turn. Sc in each stitch across. (5 stitches)
• Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures 2 inches in length. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
• Assembly: Roll the flat piece into a tight tube (like a cinnamon stick). Use the yarn tail to sew the edges together, securing the roll. Set aside.

Star Anise (Gold Yarn)

This is worked in a magic ring.

• Make a magic ring.
• Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet, dc), then work (dc, chain 2, slip stitch) into the ring 8 times total. This creates 8 points.
• Pull the magic ring tight to close the center. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Weave in the ends neatly on the back.

Cider Color (Dark Red Yarn)

This forms the top "cider" portion of the mug. Work in continuous rounds.

• Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 stitches)
• Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
• Round 3: *Sc in next stitch, inc* repeat 6 times. (18 stitches)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 stitches, inc* repeat 6 times. (24 stitches)
• Rounds 5-6: Sc in each stitch around. (24 stitches each round)
• Finish: Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Stuff lightly with fiberfill. Sew this piece to the top of the mug body, aligning the edges. Use the tail to whipstitch securely around the circumference.

Handle (Cream Yarn)

This is worked flat in a chain.

• Chain 12.
• Row 1: Slip stitch (sl st) in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (11 slip stitches)
• Fasten off, leaving tails for sewing. Sew the handle to the side of the mug body, positioning it so it curves outward like a mug handle. Secure both ends firmly.

Assembly

• Attach Decorations: Sew the cinnamon stick and star anise to the front of the mug body, positioning them as desired. Use the yarn tails to stitch them securely.
• Hanging Loop: Cut a 6-inch piece of green yarn. Fold it in half and use a yarn needle to pull the loop through the top center of the red cider piece. Thread the ends through the loop and pull tight to create a hanging loop. Knot the ends inside the ornament.
• Final Touches: Weave in all remaining ends using a yarn needle. Trim any excess yarn.

Your Spiced Apple Cider Bauble is now ready to hang! Enjoy the cozy, textured charm it brings to your holiday decor.