Craft tutorials and free templates

Knitted ankle bells

I have been wanting to make some ankle bells for my sons for ages. So, armed with a groovy ball of wool and some bells I set to work. At the end of it I was pretty chuffed; My first knitting project was complete and I was surrounded by two foot stomping, jingly-jangly boys to boot!

Homemade musical instruments: Ankle bells

This project is especially great if you are just learning to knit (like me) as it’s dead easy and very quick – compared to knitting a cardigan or jumper anyway!

If knitting is not your thing then you can attach some bells to a felt strip and put a velcro fastening at either end.

Homemade musical instruments: Ankle bells

Click below to read the ‘how-to’. In the meantime I would love to here from you if you have other idea’s for simple kids knitting projects.

How to

To make your ankle bells you will need:

♥ Ball of wool
♥ Knitting needles
♥ Jingle bells (1.8mm) – I used five for each cuff
♥ Needle

1) To begin with you need to create a cuff to sew the bells onto. If you are a complete newbie to knitting then check out this pdf from The Little Experience. It’s very helpful. I also used this article at knitsimplemag. It’s very useful and explains how to knit cuffs.

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 extra – I cast on 36 stitches but you may need more or less depending on the size of your little ones ankles – my little boy is pretty skinny in the leg department!
Row 1 (right side) Knit two, *purl two, knit two; repeat from * to end.
Row 2 Purl two, knit two, purl two; repeat from * to end.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your cuff is about 2 inches wide.
Cast off

2) Sew the sides together

3) Attach 5 bells at regular intervals around the cuff and Bob’s your uncle!

WARNINGS: Please remember to attach the bells securely and make sure you supervise little ones as the bells could be a choking hazard.

35 thoughts on “Knitted ankle bells

  1. Thanks Nina and Sonja. The boys have had a great time stomping around with their music on so I reckon its been a great success.

  2. Oh my gosh those are the cutest things ever! I just came across your blog via WhipUp. I would love to link to this if you didn’t mind.

  3. I have been trying to think up ways to attach bells to my wandering son (and musically inclined son) and these are not only ADORABLE but perfect!!! Thank you for an awesome idea!

  4. What a great idea! I’m a bit more of an advanced knitter, but that won’t stop me from making a pair of these for my adventurous baby girl.

  5. Instead of sewing them on, you can thread the four bells onto the yarn before you start knitting, then when you get to the place you want a bell, simply slide it up to your needle and knit it in, no sewing afterwards. (For a how to you can probably find a video of how to knit with beads on youtube.)

  6. Hi Gail,

    The needles were 3¾. I confess I’m not sure about the yarn as it was an old ball that I’ve had for years. Sorry 🙂

  7. Hi Mary, I am hopelessly bad at crocheting but I’m sure you could. Would love to hear back if you manage it.

  8. This will be an awesome gift for those who have babies just started walking or ready for walking !!! Thanks for sharing !

  9. I came across these a little while ago, don’t know how I linked over, but I made some for my daughter for Christmas. They are so cute, and I can’t wait until I can give them to her! She loves bells, and these will be great for ‘bracelets’ or on her legs! I just posted on my blog today about it if you would like to see them.

  10. Hi Stephanie….your knitted ankle bells look ace! I have included a link to your blog in my ‘you create’ list of links on the right hand side. Hope your daughter loves them. Have a wonderful Christmas.

  11. Oh my gosh, I love these! I am a pathetic knitter as I am very slow and it takes me so long to complete a project that I lose interest half way through. These look like just my size of project! And my Sweet Pea loves music – these would be so perfect for her! I can’t wait to start, thank you for the inspiration!

  12. I’m originally from Africa where these (or a version of them, anyway!) are traditionally worn as part of dance costumes so I’m embarrassed to say that I can’t believe I’d never thought of making some myself!!!

    I’m not much of a knitter so I’d probably attach the bells to strips of leather, felt or some other sturdy fabric. My 17-month-old daughter would just love them!

    Oh, and I am awestruck by the creativity that is so prevalent in your blog!!!

  13. Great idea! All the kids on my gift list will love these!! Thanks so much for sharing.

  14. Mrs F mentioned a version for dancers. I have another “adult” suggestion.

    For keeping track of confused wandering folks with dementia. e.g., Alzheimer. A daughter placed bells on her wandering mother’s walker so she could hear her when she got up in the night & during the day when she tried to go outdoors. Problem was that her mother started leaving the walker behind. One of these would work & it’s unlikely that a confused person would realize where the sound came from or attempt to remove them.

  15. I am loving these, what a great simple musical idea! Young knitters could also try this.

    You have got me thinking about knitting again – I love the multi-colored yarn too.

    I am grateful for your ideas – all the best

  16. Hi Just adore these ankle bells.

    But i have two questions,
    What size needles did you use,?

    Did you use knitting worsted weight yarn?

    Thanks
    Maureen from Victoria Canada

  17. I’m making these for my daughter who is learning how to walk 😀 thanks for the great idea!

  18. I made a bunch of these for Christmas presents for my daughter and other family/ friends. They are really cute and I love them! The only thing is that they came out too fat for my daughter’s ankles, and will probably also be too big for the other little kids. I am wondering if you have any suggestions for making them smaller? I knitted with acrylic rainbow colored yarn, and it seems to have stretched out some. I used 36 stitches as recommended.

  19. Adorable.. made on 12-28-14….everyone is thrilled with your invention.I used size ten needles and now will use size four….they are so cute…and what fun! Thanks!

  20. My daughter is opening a day care soon and these will b oh so perfect for the music center!!!!

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