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# 250th Anniversary Liberty Bell

**Designed to commemorate America's 250th anniversary in patriotic red, white, and blue**

A beginner-friendly amigurumi Liberty Bell featuring the iconic American symbol in festive flag colors with the famous crack detail. Perfect for patriotic displays, ornaments, or as a special commemorative keepsake.

## Finished Size
Approximately 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) tall and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide at the base

## Materials

### Yarn
**Worsted weight (4) yarn** in the following colors:
- **Color A (White)**: 35 yards
- **Color B (Red)**: 25 yards  
- **Color C (Blue)**: 20 yards
- **Color D (Dark Brown or Black)**: small amount for embroidering crack

**Recommended yarn**: Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or any worsted weight acrylic yarn

### Other Materials
- **Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Fiberfill stuffing**: polyester, about 1 oz
- **Yarn needle**: for weaving in ends and assembly
- **Stitch marker**: to track beginning of rounds
- **Small amount of black embroidery floss** (optional): for crack detail

## Gauge
20 stitches and 22 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but tighter gauge creates a neater finish with no stuffing showing through.*

## Abbreviations
- **ch**: chain
- **sc**: single crochet
- **inc**: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- **dec**: invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
- **sl st**: slip stitch
- **rnd(s)**: round(s)
- **st(s)**: stitch(es)
- **[ ]**: total stitch count at end of round

## Special Techniques

### Magic Ring
Create an adjustable loop to begin working in the round. Alternatively, ch 2 and work stitches into the first chain.

### Invisible Decrease
Insert hook into front loop only of next 2 sts, yarn over and pull through both loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops. This creates a smoother decrease than standard sc2tog.

### Color Changes
Change colors on the last yarn over of the final stitch of the round. Drop old color to inside of work and pick up new color to complete the stitch. This creates a clean color transition.

### Continuous Rounds
Work in spiral without joining rounds. Use stitch marker to track the beginning of each round, moving it up as you work.

## Pattern Notes
- Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through
- Do not join rounds unless specified; work in continuous spiral
- Move stitch marker up at the beginning of each round
- Stuff as you go, especially before decreasing sections
- The bell is worked from top to bottom with strategic increases to create the flared shape
- Color stripes represent the American flag colors in celebration of the 250th anniversary

## Instructions

### Crown Finial (Top Knob)
*Make 1 with Color C (Blue)*

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]
- *Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: sc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 4**: (sc, dec) around [8]
- *Math check: 12 ÷ 3 = 4 repeats, 4 × 2 = 8 ✓*

**Rnd 5**: sc in each st around [8]

Stuff lightly. Leave long tail for sewing.
Fasten off.

### Bell Body
*Work from crown to bottom opening*

**Crown Section** (Color A - White)

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]
- *Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: sc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 4**: (sc, inc) around [18]
- *Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 5**: sc in each st around [18]

Change to Color B (Red) at end of Rnd 5.

**Upper Bell Section** (Color B - Red)

**Rnd 6**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
- *Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 7**: sc in each st around [24]

**Rnd 8**: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
- *Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 5 = 30 ✓*

Change to Color A (White) at end of Rnd 8.

**Middle Bell Section** (Color A - White)

**Rnd 9**: (4 sc, inc) around [36]
- *Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats, 6 × 6 = 36 ✓*

**Rnd 10**: sc in each st around [36]

**Rnd 11**: sc in each st around [36]

Change to Color C (Blue) at end of Rnd 11.

**Lower Bell Section** (Color C - Blue)

**Rnd 12**: sc in each st around [36]

**Rnd 13**: (4 sc, dec) around [30]
- *Math check: 36 ÷ 6 = 6 repeats, 6 × 5 = 30 ✓*

**Rnd 14**: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
- *Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

Change to Color B (Red) at end of Rnd 14.

**Bell Opening/Rim** (Color B - Red)

**Rnd 15**: sc in each st around [24]

**Rnd 16**: working in back loops only, sc in each st around [24]
- *This creates a ridge that defines the bell's rim*

**Rnd 17**: sc in each st around [24]

Sl st to next st. Fasten off, leaving long tail for weaving in.

**Stuff bell body firmly**, shaping as you go to create the bell silhouette. The body should be well-stuffed but not overly tight.

### Clapper
*Make 1 with Color A (White)*

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2-6**: sc in each st around [6]
- *5 rounds total at 6 sts = elongated cylinder*

**Rnd 7**: inc in each st around [12]
- *Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*
- *This creates the ball at the bottom of the clapper*

**Rnd 8**: sc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 9**: dec around [6]
- *Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Stuff lightly. Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.
Thread tail through remaining stitches and pull tight to close.

## Assembly

1. **Attach Crown Finial**: Using the long tail from the finial, sew it centered on top of the bell body. Sew securely with whip stitches around the base.

2. **Attach Clapper**: Thread a length of Color A yarn through the top inside center of the bell (going through a few stitches at the crown). Tie the clapper so it hangs inside the bell, with the bottom ball just visible at the bell opening. The clapper should hang about 1 inch below the bell opening but still be mostly inside. Secure with several knots and weave in ends inside the bell body.

3. **Weave in all ends** securely on wrong side of work.

## Finishing Details

### The Famous Crack
Using Color D (dark brown or black) yarn and yarn needle, embroider a jagged vertical line on one side of the bell to represent the Liberty Bell's iconic crack.

**Crack placement**: Start just below the white crown section (around Rnd 5-6) and extend down through the red, white, and blue sections to about 2 rounds above the rim (approximately 8-10 rounds in length).

**Technique**: Use backstitch or stem stitch to create an irregular, slightly zigzagging line. The crack should be prominent but not overworked.

**Alternative**: You can also use surface slip stitch with dark yarn by inserting hook from wrong side to right side, pulling up loop, then inserting hook one stitch down and pulling through both loops. Continue to create a chain-like line on the surface.

### Optional: "250" or "1776-2026" Text
If desired, embroider "250" on the white section using blue yarn, or add "1776-2026" in tiny letters. Use split stitch or backstitch for text.

### Optional: Display
- **Ornament**: Attach a loop of yarn or ribbon to the crown finial for hanging
- **Standing**: Bell will stand on its rim when placed on flat surface
- **Patriotic Display**: Create multiples in different color arrangements for a festive grouping

## Care Instructions
- **Spot clean** only with damp cloth
- Do not machine wash or dry
- Reshape while damp if needed
- Keep away from heat sources

## Design Notes
This Liberty Bell design celebrates America's 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial) in 2026. The traditional Liberty Bell, housed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of America's most iconic symbols of freedom and independence. 

The striped color pattern in red, white, and blue honors the American flag while creating a festive commemorative piece. The famous crack, which appeared in the early 19th century, has become an integral part of the bell's character and historical significance.

## Variations

### Traditional Bronze Bell
Work entire bell in tan or bronze color (Color A only) for a more historically accurate appearance.

### Larger Bell
- Use bulky weight yarn and 5.0mm hook
- Add 2 additional increase rounds before beginning decreases (increase to 42 or 48 sts)
- Work 2-3 additional even rounds in middle section
- Finished size will be approximately 6-7 inches tall

### Smaller Keychain Version
- Use sport weight yarn and 2.75mm hook
- Increase only to 24 sts maximum
- Work fewer even rounds (reduce by 2-3 rounds)
- Attach keychain finding to crown finial
- Finished size will be approximately 2.5-3 inches tall

### Different Color Arrangements
- **All White with Blue Crack**: Classic appearance with blue embroidered crack
- **Red Bell with White and Blue Accents**: Red body with white crown and blue rim
- **Alternating Thin Stripes**: Change colors every 1-2 rounds for more stripe variety

## Troubleshooting

**Stuffing shows through stitches**: Use smaller hook or work more tightly. Double-strand yarn can also help.

**Bell doesn't have proper flare**: Check that you've worked increases correctly and haven't skipped the even rounds at maximum stitch count (36 sts). Block lightly with steam if needed.

**Color changes look messy**: Make sure you're changing on the last yarn over of the previous round. Weave in ends carefully along color transitions to hide them.

**Bell tips over**: Stuff the bottom section more firmly. You can also add a small washer or coin wrapped in fabric inside the base for weight (if not for young children).

**Clapper too long or short**: Adjust the length of yarn used to suspend it, or add/remove rounds from the clapper stem (Rnds 2-6).

## Skill Building
This pattern teaches:
- Working in continuous rounds
- Invisible decreases for smooth shaping
- Color changing techniques
- Strategic increasing to create dimensional shapes
- Embroidery on crochet surface
- Amigurumi assembly techniques

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**Pattern designed for America's 250th Anniversary celebration (1776-2026)**

**Happy Crocheting! 🔔🇺🇸**

*This pattern is for personal use and commemorative gifts. Please do not sell this pattern, but feel free to sell finished bells made from this pattern with credit to the designer.*