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# Liberty Bell Commemorative Knit Amigurumi
## Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner  
**Finished Size:** Approximately 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall, 4 inches (10 cm) diameter at base

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight yarn (Category 4):
  - Color A (Bronze/Brown): 80 yards (73 m) for main bell
  - Color B (Dark Brown or Black): 10 yards (9 m) for clapper
  - Small amount of contrasting color for crack detail (optional)

**Suggested Yarn:** Any worsted weight acrylic or wool blend

**Needles:**
- US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) OR 24" circular needle for Magic Loop
- Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester or wool)
- Scrap yarn or stitch holder
- Optional: Embroidery needle for crack detail

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## GAUGE

20 stitches and 26 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, worked in the round

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- **k** = knit
- **p** = purl
- **kfb** = knit into front and back of same stitch (1 stitch increased)
- **k2tog** = knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **rnd(s)** = round(s)
- **pm** = place marker
- **sm** = slip marker

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## NOTES

1. The bell is worked in the round from top to bottom, beginning at the crown.
2. Use DPNs or Magic Loop method for small circumference knitting.
3. Change to additional DPNs or longer circular as stitch count increases.
4. Stuff firmly as you go to maintain bell shape.
5. The signature crack is added after knitting using duplicate stitch or embroidery.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### CROWN LOOP (Make 1)

Using Color A and working with 2 DPNs as straight needles, cast on 3 sts.

**Work I-cord:**
Row 1: Knit 3, do not turn. Slide sts to opposite end of needle.
Repeat Row 1 for 2 inches (5 cm).

Bind off. Set aside.

**Stitch count:** 3 sts, 2" long

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### BELL BODY

Using Color A, cast on 12 sts. Divide evenly onto 3 DPNs (4 sts per needle) or prepare for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

**Crown Section:**
Rnd 1: Knit all sts. (12 sts)
Rnd 2: Knit.
Rnd 3: *K1, kfb; repeat from * to end. (18 sts) [Math check: 12 × 1.5 = 18 ✓]
Rnd 4: Knit.
Rnd 5: *K2, kfb; repeat from * to end. (24 sts) [Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓]
Rnds 6-8: Knit (3 rounds).

**Upper Bell Section:**
Rnd 9: *K3, kfb; repeat from * to end. (30 sts) [Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 5 = 30 ✓]
Rnds 10-11: Knit (2 rounds).
Rnd 12: *K4, kfb; repeat from * to end. (36 sts) [Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats, 6 × 6 = 36 ✓]
Rnds 13-14: Knit (2 rounds).
Rnd 15: *K5, kfb; repeat from * to end. (42 sts) [Math check: 36 ÷ 6 = 6 repeats, 6 × 7 = 42 ✓]
Rnds 16-17: Knit (2 rounds).

**Lower Bell Section (Flared):**
Rnd 18: *K6, kfb; repeat from * to end. (48 sts) [Math check: 42 ÷ 7 = 6 repeats, 6 × 8 = 48 ✓]
Rnds 19-20: Knit (2 rounds).
Rnd 21: *K23, kfb; repeat from * to end. (50 sts) [Math check: 48 ÷ 24 = 2 repeats, 2 × 25 = 50 ✓]
Rnds 22-26: Knit (5 rounds).

**Bell Rim:**
Rnd 27: Purl (creates ridge).
Rnd 28: Knit.
Rnd 29: Purl.

Bind off loosely.

**Final stitch count:** 50 sts at base

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### CLAPPER (Make 1)

Using Color B, cast on 6 sts. Divide onto 3 DPNs (2 sts per needle) or prepare for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

**Clapper Ball:**
Rnd 1: Knit.
Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. (12 sts) [Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓]
Rnds 3-6: Knit (4 rounds).
Rnd 7: *K2tog; repeat from * to end. (6 sts) [Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓]

Cut yarn, leaving 12" tail. Thread through remaining 6 sts and pull tight. Stuff clapper ball lightly.

**Clapper Cord:**
Using Color B and working with 2 DPNs, cast on 3 sts.
Work I-cord for 2.5 inches (6.5 cm).
Do not bind off; leave sts on needle or transfer to stitch holder.

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## FINISHING

### Assembly

1. **Attach Crown Loop:** Fold the I-cord loop in half to create a hanging loop. Position the ends inside the top of the bell crown. Using tapestry needle and yarn tail, sew securely to the inside of the bell top.

2. **Stuff Bell:** Begin stuffing the bell body firmly with fiberfill, shaping as you go to maintain the bell's flared form. Stuff more firmly at the crown and upper sections, slightly less at the base to allow it to sit flat.

3. **Attach Clapper:** Thread the live stitches from the clapper cord through the center opening at the top of the bell (from inside to outside through the crown loop area, then back in). Position so the clapper hangs approximately 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) above the bell's base opening. Bind off the 3 sts and sew securely to the inside of the bell crown. The clapper ball should hang freely inside the bell.

4. **Close Base (Optional):** If desired, cut a circle of felt or cardboard slightly smaller than the bell opening and insert into base for stability before final stuffing.

### Adding the Iconic Crack

The Liberty Bell is famous for its crack. Add this detail using one of these methods:

**Method 1 - Embroidery (Recommended for Beginners):**
Using a contrasting dark yarn and tapestry needle, embroider a jagged line starting about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the rim and extending upward for about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm). Use backstitch or stem stitch to create a visible crack line.

**Method 2 - Duplicate Stitch:**
Using contrasting yarn, work duplicate stitch over existing knit stitches in a jagged vertical line from near the rim upward.

### Weaving in Ends

Weave in all yarn ends securely on the inside of the bell using tapestry needle. Trim excess.

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## HISTORICAL NOTE

The Liberty Bell, originally cast in 1752, is an iconic symbol of American independence. It rang to summon citizens for the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776. The bell's famous crack appeared in the early 19th century, adding to its character and symbolic significance. This commemorative knitted bell celebrates 250 years of American independence (1776-2026).

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## VARIATIONS

- **Patriotic Colors:** Work bell in bronze with red, white, and blue accents
- **Larger Version:** Use bulky yarn and larger needles for a display piece
- **Ornament Size:** Use sport or DK weight yarn with smaller needles for a tree ornament
- **Add Text:** Embroider "1776" or "Proclaim Liberty" on the bell body

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap. Roll in towel to remove excess water. Reshape and lay flat to dry. Do not machine wash or dry.

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**Pattern designed to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence**

*Happy Knitting and Happy Anniversary, America!* 🔔🇺🇸

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## SKILL BUILDING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

- **Knitting in the Round:** If this is your first circular project, practice joining without twisting by laying your cast-on stitches flat on a table before joining.
- **Even Increases:** Distribute increases evenly around each round for a smooth bell shape.
- **I-Cord Technique:** Keep tension consistent and always slide stitches to the right end of needle without turning your work.
- **Stuffing:** Add stuffing gradually as you work, rather than waiting until the end.