Yarn Ball Ornaments: Easy No-Crochet Christmas Craft

Turn leftover yarn into colorful Christmas decorations with these easy yarn ball ornaments. No knitting or crochet is required—simply wrap scrap yarn around a cardboard or foam craft ball and add a loop for hanging.

Choose three to five coordinating colors for a polished look, or combine all your favorite yarn scraps to make each ornament unique. Wrap the yarn in different directions for a rounded shape or keep the strands moving in the same direction for a more angular, rustic appearance.

These yarn-wrapped ornaments look lovely on a Christmas tree, tied onto wrapped gifts, displayed in a decorative bowl, or given as simple handmade gifts. Older children can help choose and wrap the yarn, but an adult should handle the hot glue.

Looking for ornaments you can crochet? Browse my collection of Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns.

Colorful yarn ball ornaments hanging from Christmas tree branches

How to Make Yarn Ball Ornaments

Project Details

Skill level: Beginner
Craft type: No-crochet yarn craft
Yarn: Any yarn weight
Finished size: Depends on the size of the craft ball
Construction: Scrap yarn is wrapped and glued around a cardboard or foam ball
Gauge: Not applicable

Supplies

Cardboard, paper mache, or foam craft ball in your desired size
Three to five colors of leftover yarn scraps
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Scissors
Yarn needle, optional
Protective covering for your work surface

Project Notes

Any yarn weight may be used, although thicker yarn will cover the ball more quickly.
Change colors as often as desired while wrapping the ornament.
Wrap the yarn in several directions to maintain a round shape.
Wrapping primarily in one direction will create a more angular shape.
If using a foam ball, a low-temperature glue gun can help prevent the foam from melting.
Adults should handle the hot glue gun and supervise children participating in the project.

Step 1: Begin Wrapping the Ball

Add a small dab of hot glue to the craft ball and carefully press the end of the first yarn color into the glue.

Begin wrapping the yarn around the ball. Turn the ball as you work so the yarn covers it from different directions.

Change colors whenever you like, securing the end of one strand and the beginning of the next with a small amount of glue.

Foam craft ball with colorful scrap yarn and a hot glue gun

Yarn end glued to a foam ball to begin the ornament

Step 2: Cover the Craft Ball

Continue wrapping until the cardboard or foam is completely covered.

Check the ornament from every direction and add more yarn anywhere the ball remains visible. Adjust the strands as needed to create your desired shape.

When the ball is fully covered, secure the final yarn end with a small dab of hot glue. Tuck or weave in any visible ends beneath the wrapped strands.

Partially covered yarn ball ornament with multicolored yarn

Craft ball completely covered with colorful scrap yarn

Step 3: Add the Decorative Outer Wrap

Cut one long strand from each yarn color. Each strand should be long enough to wrap around the ball approximately six times.

Hold the strands together as one bundle and find their center. Position the center of the bundle at the top of the ornament.

Bring the two halves down opposite sides of the ball so they meet at the bottom. Cross the strands, turn the ball 90 degrees, and bring the strands back toward the top.

Tie the strands securely at the top of the ornament.

Yarn strands positioned across the top of a wrapped yarn ball

Yarn strands crossed around the bottom of a yarn ball ornament

Step 4: Finish the Ornament Hanger

You can finish the top of the yarn ball ornament in either of the following ways.

Bow and Hanging Loop

Tie the decorative strands into a bow at the top of the ornament.

Cut a separate piece of yarn, pass it beneath the wrapped strands, and knot the ends together to create a hanging loop.

Knotted Top

Tie the decorative strands into several knots to add a little height above the ornament.

Weave the strands from one side back and forth through the knots to secure them. Use the strands from the opposite side to create the hanging loop, then weave in the remaining ends.

Adjust the loop to your desired length and trim any excess yarn.

Your yarn ball ornament is ready to hang on the Christmas tree!

Make several in coordinating colors for a complete set, or use a different combination of scrap yarn for every ornament.