purlJam

# Liberty Bell Amigurumi

A charming knitted Liberty Bell in patriotic USA flag colors! This beginner-friendly project is worked in the round to create an iconic American symbol perfect for display year-round or during Independence Day celebrations.

## Finished Measurements
- Bell height: approximately 4" (10 cm)
- Bell width at base: approximately 3.5" (9 cm)
- Total height with crown: approximately 5.5" (14 cm)

## Materials
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors:
  - Color A (Navy Blue): approximately 60 yards
  - Color B (Red): approximately 10 yards
  - Color C (White): approximately 15 yards
- **Needles**: US 6 (4 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) OR one 32" circular needle for Magic Loop method
- **Notions**: 
  - Stitch marker
  - Tapestry needle
  - Polyester fiberfill stuffing
  - Scrap yarn for holding stitches (optional)

## Gauge
20 sts × 26 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch
*Exact gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size*

## Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- kfb: knit into front and back of stitch (1 stitch increased)
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- ssk: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- RS: right side
- CO: cast on
- BO: bind off

## Notes
- This bell is worked in the round from top to bottom in stockinette stitch (knit every round).
- Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round and move it up as you work.
- Stuff the bell firmly as you work to maintain the bell shape.
- Change colors by dropping the old color and picking up the new color, twisting yarns to prevent holes.
- Weave in ends as you go when possible.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### Crown (Top Handle)
With Color A (Navy), CO 8 sts. Divide evenly on DPNs or use Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Rnd 1-10**: K all sts. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a 12" tail. Thread tail through remaining 8 sts and pull tight to close top. Do not stuff crown yet.

*Check: 10 rounds × 8 sts = 80 total sts worked*

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### Bell Body

#### Top Section (Navy)
With Color A (Navy), CO 6 sts. Divide evenly on DPNs or use Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Rnd 1**: K all sts. (6 sts)
**Rnd 2**: Kfb in each st. (12 sts) *Check: 6 × 2 = 12*
**Rnd 3**: K all sts. (12 sts)
**Rnd 4**: *K1, kfb; repeat from * to end. (18 sts) *Check: 12 + 6 = 18*
**Rnd 5**: K all sts. (18 sts)
**Rnd 6**: *K2, kfb; repeat from * to end. (24 sts) *Check: 18 + 6 = 24*
**Rnd 7**: K all sts. (24 sts)
**Rnd 8**: *K3, kfb; repeat from * to end. (30 sts) *Check: 24 + 6 = 30*
**Rnds 9-11**: K all sts. (30 sts)
**Rnd 12**: *K4, kfb; repeat from * to end. (36 sts) *Check: 30 + 6 = 36*
**Rnds 13-15**: K all sts. (36 sts)
**Rnd 16**: *K5, kfb; repeat from * to end. (42 sts) *Check: 36 + 6 = 42*
**Rnds 17-20**: K all sts. (42 sts)

#### Red Stripe Section
Change to Color B (Red).
**Rnds 21-22**: K all sts. (42 sts)

Change to Color C (White).
**Rnd 23**: K all sts. (42 sts)

Change to Color B (Red).
**Rnds 24-25**: K all sts. (42 sts)

#### Bottom Section (Navy)
Change to Color A (Navy).
**Rnds 26-28**: K all sts. (42 sts)

#### Bell Rim (decreases)
**Rnd 29**: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (36 sts) *Check: 42 - 6 = 36*
**Rnd 30**: K all sts. (36 sts)
**Rnd 31**: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (30 sts) *Check: 36 - 6 = 30*
**Rnd 32**: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (24 sts) *Check: 30 - 6 = 24*
**Rnd 33**: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (18 sts) *Check: 24 - 6 = 18*

**Begin stuffing the bell firmly with fiberfill, shaping into a bell form.**

**Rnd 34**: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (12 sts) *Check: 18 - 6 = 12*
**Rnd 35**: K2tog around. (6 sts) *Check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6*

Finish stuffing. Cut yarn, leaving a 10" tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close bottom opening. Weave in end securely.

*Total rounds for bell body: 35*

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### Clapper
With Color C (White), CO 6 sts. Divide evenly on DPNs or use Magic Loop. Join to work in the round. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Rnd 1**: K all sts. (6 sts)
**Rnd 2**: Kfb in each st. (12 sts) *Check: 6 × 2 = 12*
**Rnds 3-5**: K all sts. (12 sts)
**Rnd 6**: K2tog around. (6 sts) *Check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6*

Stuff lightly with small amount of fiberfill. Cut yarn, leaving a 16" tail for attaching. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Set aside.

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## ASSEMBLY

1. **Attach Crown to Bell**: 
   - Thread the cast-on tail from the crown onto tapestry needle. 
   - Position crown centered on top of bell (at the closed point where you started).
   - Stitch around the base of the crown to the bell top, adding a small amount of stuffing to the crown before closing completely.
   - Weave in end securely.

2. **Attach Clapper**:
   - Thread the long tail from the clapper onto tapestry needle.
   - From inside the bell bottom opening (where you closed the bottom), insert needle up through the center to the very top inside the bell.
   - Bring needle through the center top where crown attaches.
   - Adjust clapper so it hangs approximately 1" (2.5 cm) from the bottom opening.
   - Secure with several stitches at the top, weaving end around the crown attachment point.
   - Weave in end securely.

3. **Create the Famous Crack**:
   - Using Color C (White) and tapestry needle, embroider a jagged vertical line on the front of the bell to represent the iconic Liberty Bell crack.
   - Start the line approximately 0.5" (1.25 cm) below the red stripe and extend down approximately 2" (5 cm).
   - Use a backstitch or running stitch to create the crack line, making it slightly jagged with one or two horizontal jogs to look realistic.
   - Alternatively, use duplicate stitch over existing navy stitches for a more integrated look.

4. **Finishing**:
   - Weave in all remaining ends securely.
   - Gently shape the bell with your hands, ensuring the body is rounded and the stuffing is evenly distributed.
   - If desired, lightly steam block (hover steamer over piece without touching) to even out stitches.

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## PATTERN NOTES & TIPS

**For Beginners**:
- If you're new to working in the round, Magic Loop with a long circular needle is often easier than DPNs.
- Count your stitches at the end of each increase/decrease round to ensure accuracy.
- Don't worry if your stitches look uneven at first—they'll improve with practice!

**Stuffing Tips**:
- Stuff the bell firmly but not so tight that it distorts the shape.
- Use small pieces of fiberfill and add gradually, pushing stuffing toward the top as you work the decrease rounds.
- The bell should feel solid but slightly squeezable.

**Color Variations**:
- Traditional Liberty Bell: Use bronze/brown as main color, add a copper metallic stripe
- Holiday Version: Use red and green with white accents
- Team Colors: Use your favorite sports team colors!

**Display Ideas**:
- Add a loop at the top of the crown for hanging as an ornament
- Make multiples in different sizes for a patriotic display
- Gift as a Fourth of July decoration or Americana collectible

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## DESIGN NOTES
This Liberty Bell pattern celebrates American history with the iconic colors of the USA flag. The bell shape is achieved through strategic increases and decreases, creating the traditional bell silhouette. The red and white stripe echoes the flag's stripes, while the navy blue represents the union. The embroidered crack references the famous crack in the actual Liberty Bell, making this a recognizable symbol of American independence and freedom.

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**Pattern designed for beginner knitters**
**© 2024 - For personal use and gift-giving**

*Enjoy your patriotic Liberty Bell!*