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November 9th, 2026
Crochet Candy Cane Ornament: Free 1-Row Curlicue Pattern
This crochet candy cane ornament is made from two crochet curlicues, one red and one white, twisted together into a striped cane. Each coil is a single row of double crochet, so you can finish a whole candy cane in one short sitting, and a straightened paper clip hidden inside holds the hook shape all season.
It’s one of the quickest ornaments you’ll make this year. If you can chain and double crochet, you can make a full set for your tree, your gift wrap or a holiday craft table. This pattern is free on the blog, written out step by step below.
What Is a Curlicue Candy Cane?
A curlicue candy cane gets its stripe from the yarn itself. A curlicue is a crochet spiral: a single row of stitches packed so tightly into a chain that it twists into a corkscrew. Instead of changing colours row by row, you crochet two separate curlicues, one red and one white. Working several stitches into each chain makes the strip twist into a springy corkscrew, and when you wind the two corkscrews together, the colours spiral around each other just like the stripe on a real candy cane.
That’s why this crochet candy cane ornament is so quick: there are no colour changes, no counting rows and no sewing pieces together. Two strips, one twist, one bend, and you’re done.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Candy Cane Ornament
- One row per coil: chain, then work double crochet back along the chain. That’s the whole stitch pattern.
- Beginner friendly: only two stitches, the chain and the double crochet.
- Holds its shape: a jumbo paper clip inside keeps the hook crisp, so it never droops on the branch.
- A scrap yarn win: each coil uses a small amount of worsted yarn, perfect for leftovers.
- Made for batches: make a dozen for your tree, tie one onto each gift, or string several into a garland.
- A classic look: the red and white crochet candy cane ornament is a timeless Christmas shape that suits every style of tree, from farmhouse to retro.
Materials for a Crochet Candy Cane Ornament
Yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling, worsted weight (#4), in Red Heather (Colour A) and White (Colour B) · Lion Brand or Amazon. Any smooth worsted yarn works; see the Craft Yarn Council weight chart if you are substituting.- Crochet hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8) · Susan Bates Silvalume hooks
- Insert: 1 large (jumbo) metal paper clip, about 2″ long, per candy cane · Jumbo paper clips
- Hanger: 1 metal ornament hook · Ornament hooks
- Small pliers, for straightening and bending the paper clip
- Tapestry needle and scissors · Tapestry needles
Shop the materials
Pattern Details
- Finished size: about 5½” (14 cm) long
- Gauge: 13 single crochet and 14 rows = 4″ (10 cm). Gauge isn’t critical for an ornament, but a tighter tension gives tighter curls.
- Skill level: easy
- Terms: US crochet terms
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
New to double crochet? My beginner crochet stitch guide walks you through it with photos.
Crochet Candy Cane Ornament Pattern
Here is the full free pattern, written out step by step. You’ll make two coils, twist them together over the wire, and shape the hook.
Step 1: Make the Red Curlicue
With Colour A (red):
- Chain 40.
- Work 2 dc into the 4th chain from your hook. The 3 chains you skipped count as your first dc.
- Work 2 dc into every chain to the end. As the stitches crowd onto each chain, the strip twists into a corkscrew on its own.
- Fasten off, leaving a 10″ tail. You’ll use this tail to tack the cane together.
Stitch count: 74 dc, plus the turning chain. Don’t worry if your count is off by a stitch or two; the coil will still twist the same way.
Step 2: Make the White Curlicue
With Colour B (white), repeat Step 1 exactly. Two matching coils are all a crochet candy cane ornament needs. Fasten off and weave in both white tails, since you’ll sew with red.
Step 3: Twist the Curlicues Together
- Lay the two coils side by side with the starting ends together.
- Twist them around each other along their full length, so the red and white curls nest into one another like the stripe on a real candy cane.
- Hold the twisted coils loosely in one hand while you prepare the insert.
Step 4: Add the Paper Clip Insert
- Using pliers, unbend the jumbo paper clip into one straight wire.
- Bend each end of the wire back on itself about ¼” with the pliers, so no sharp tip can poke through the yarn.
- Slide the wire up through the centre of the twisted coils, from the bottom of the cane to the top. Ease the curls along the wire with your fingers so they sit evenly.
The wire is what keeps this crochet candy cane ornament crisp on the tree. Without it the cane is soft and floppy, which is fine for a garland but not for hanging on a branch.
Step 5: Shape the Hook
- Measure about 2½” (6 cm) down from the top of the cane.
- Bend the top over at that point to form the curved hook of the candy cane. The wire inside will hold the curve.
- With the red tail and a tapestry needle, tack the end of the hook loosely to the shaft of the cane with a couple of small stitches, so the curve can’t open up. Weave in the tail.
Step 6: Add the Ornament Hook
Slip a metal ornament hook through the top of the curve, and your crochet candy cane ornament is ready to hang. If you’d rather use yarn, make a small loop with red yarn at the top of the curve instead.
Tips for a Perfect Crochet Candy Cane Ornament
- Keep your chain relaxed. You’ll be working 2 dc into each chain, so a tight chain makes that hard. If yours is tight, chain with a hook one size larger, then switch back.
- Let the curl happen. Don’t fight the twist while you work; it’s what gives the cane its stripe.
- Match the coils. For an even crochet candy cane ornament, make both coils with the same hook and tension, so the red and white twist evenly along the whole cane.
- Cover the wire ends. Fold the paper clip ends back before inserting, and check that no metal shows at the bottom of the cane.
- Keep away from little ones. Because of the wire insert, this is a decoration, not a toy.
Ways to Use Your Crochet Candy Canes
- Tree ornaments: make a set of six or twelve and scatter them through the branches.
- Gift toppers: skip the ornament hook and tie a candy cane onto a present with the ribbon.
- Garland: leave out the wire, and string soft candy canes on red yarn or baker’s twine.
- Place settings: tuck a crochet candy cane ornament into each folded napkin at Christmas dinner, and let guests take them home.
- Advent countdown: make 24 and add one to the tree each day in December.
- Colour swaps: try green and white for a mint cane, pink and white for a sweet one, or a sparkly yarn for a fancy version.
Make the matching ornament
Peppermint Candy Ornament Pattern
Hang your candy canes next to a round peppermint swirl. The pattern comes in crochet and knit versions.
See the Peppermint Candy Pattern →Care and Storage
Spot clean each crochet candy cane ornament with a damp cloth rather than washing them, since the wire insert can rust if it stays wet. Store them flat in a box with your other ornaments, so the hooks keep their shape from one Christmas to the next. If a curve opens up over time, bend it back with your fingers and add one more tacking stitch.
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More Crochet Christmas Ornaments to Make
Filling a whole tree? These ornaments sit beautifully alongside your crochet candy cane ornament, and you can find dozens more in my crochet Christmas patterns collection.
Peppermint Candy OrnamentCrochet and knit versions
Easy Crochet Christmas OrnamentA beginner’s guide
I-Cord Christmas Tree OrnamentWooden beads and a gold star
Crochet Poinsettia Ornament Set3-D ornament & bauble covers
Sugar Cookie Tree OrnamentA frosted-cookie tree to hang
Candy Striped Christmas ThrowFree knit pattern, red and white
Crochet Candy Cane Ornament FAQ
How big is the crochet candy cane ornament?
About 5½” (14 cm) long once the top is bent into the hook.
Is this candy cane pattern good for beginners?
Yes. Each coil is a chain and one row of double crochet, and the rest is twisting and shaping. If you can work a double crochet, you can make it.
Why do I need a paper clip?
The straightened jumbo paper clip runs through the centre of the twisted coils and holds the candy cane straight, with a crisp curve at the top. Without it the cane is soft and won’t keep its hook shape on a branch.
Can I make it without the wire?
Yes. Skip the paper clip and the cane stays soft, which is ideal for a garland, a gift topper or anything little hands might grab.
What yarn should I use?
I used Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling in Red Heather and White. Any smooth worsted weight (#4) acrylic works; acrylic holds the curl well and comes in bright, true reds.
Why isn’t my coil curling?
The curl comes from working 2 dc into each chain. If yours is loose and wavy rather than twisted, try a smaller hook or a slightly tighter tension, and check you are working 2 dc into every chain.