Joy Crochet Angel
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Here’s how it works.
Joy is crocheted in Red Heart Super Saver (medium weight) yarn; beginning at the top her head and worked in continuous rounds to the base of her skirt. You will add the 2 wings to the back of her dress using simple whip-stitches at the end, crochet the ‘arm’ and simply insert it through the small holes in her dress you created by following the crocheting instructions and slip the crocheted halo between the stitches at the back of her head.
This Angel stands on her own and she does not need to be ‘stiffened’. Here double layer skirt is designed specifically to provide extra support – kind of like her own tree cone. This does make her slightly more heavy than the other angels in this collection. Her halo is designed with a thin bow wire I purchased at Michaels (our local craft store) so it holds its shape and stays in place easily.
Options:
- add a ribbon above her wings at the base of her neck to hang her from your tree
- add a bell under her skirt to create an angel bell
- add yarn hair, or embroidery to her simple white outfit
- give her something to hold
- use some glue and glitter to accent her wings
- use her as a table-top angel
- use her as a tree-topper for your tree
- trouble getting her to stay on top of the tree? simply insert part of a paper towel roll (or toilet paper roll) beneath her dress and over the bendy bit on the tree (or use the cone mentioned in the point above)
Joy ♥ Angel Pattern
Supplies
- Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver – (7 oz/198 g; 364 yds/333 m), 100% acrylic. Medium [4] Weight.
Color: White. My finished angel used 72 yards. - Hook: 4.0 mm (G) Furls Odyssey (pictured) was used for the entire project EXCEPT the halo
- Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker (is recommended – safety pins work/paper clips too/hoop earrings)
- Poly-Fil or cotton balls for her head
- HALO: Bowdabra Bow Wire – Color Gold and 2.25 mm (B) crochet hook
Difficulty Level
EASY-INTERMEDIATE
Finished Size
5.75 inches tall (not including halo) and 5.25 inches wide (dress)
Gauge
Not imperative.
Abbreviations
beg – beginning
bl – back loop
ch – chain
FPdc – Front Post Double Crochet
FPtr – Front Post Triple Crochet
hdc – half double crochet
MR – magic ring
R – row/round
rem – remaining
rep – repeat
sc – single crochet
sc2tog – single crochet two stitches together
sc5tog – single crochet 5 row ends together (used on wings only)
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
st/sts – stitch/stitches
* – Repeat the instructions between the asterisks the number of times indicated. This repeat will contain of multiple instructions.
() – Repeat the instructions between the parentheses the number of times indicated.
[] – at the end of the row – the total number of stitches
Helpful Tutorials
Single Crochet Two Together – I recommend you only go under the front loop while doing the sc2tog for this project
FPtr – Front Post Triple Crochet Stitch Tutorial
FPdc – Front Post Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial
Skip to these Spots in the Video:
Round 1: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=48
Round 2: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=114
Round 3: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=146
Round 4-6: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=185
Round 7: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=185
Round 8: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=323
Round 9: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=386
Round 10: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=430
Round 11: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=470
Round 12: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=534
Round 13: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=634
Round 14: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=709
Round 15: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=775
Round 16: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=831
Round 17: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=881
Round 18: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=912
Finding the ch 4: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=1033
Finding the remaining front loops: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=1267
Skirt Layer 1: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=1323
Skirt Layer 2: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=1564
Arm: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=1743
Angel Wings: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=1932
sc7tog : https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=2246
Halo: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=2312
Attaching the Wings: https://youtu.be/QSz9RxkvYU8?t=2446
Watch the full video on YouTube
Notes
- This project is worked in continuous rounds. You will need to use a stitch marker so you do not lose your place.
- Do not slip stitch to join at the end of rounds unless specified.
- When you work the sc2tog decreases work under the front loop only (it makes the stitch less thick).
- Options – easily stitch the hands together to make your angel ‘pray’ or give her something to hold in her hands.
- Add hair to her head if you’d like!
- Stitch a bell under her skirt, or add a ribbon to her back (above her wings) to make her an ornament for your tree.
- Add a handmade paper (or plastic) cone under her skirt to help her stay in shape on the top of your miniature Christmas Tree
Joy Crochet Angel
Pattern Instructions
You are beginning at the top of the Angel’s head and working in continuous rounds to the base of the dress, all in one piece.
R1: Work 6 sc in a MR. [6]
R2: 2 sc in each sc around. [12]
R3: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [18]
R4: 1 sc in each st around. [18]
R5-R6: Rep R4
R7: *Sc2tog over the next 2 sts, 1 sc in the next st**. Rep from * to ** around. [12]
I recommend you firmly stuff the head at this point.
R8: Sc2tog around. [6]
R9: 1 sc in each st around [6]
R10: 2 sc in each st around [12]
R11: Sl st to join, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in each st around [12]
R12: 1 sc in top of ch 3, 1 sc in next st, ch 5, sk 2 sts, 1 sc in each of next 4 sts, ch 5, sk 2 sts, 1 sc in each of next 2 sts. [8 sc, 2 ch5sp]
R13: 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 5 chs, 1 sc in each of the next 4 sts, 1 sc in each of the bl of each of the next 5 chs, 1 sc in each of the last 2 sts. [18]
R14: Ch 4, 1 FPtr in each st around, sl st to the 2nd fptr of the round to join (this will push the ch 4 inside to hide it!) [18]
R15: (Ch 3, 1 dc) in the first st, 2 dc in each rem st around. Sl st to the first dc to join. [36]
R16: Ch 2 (do not count as a stitch), 1 FPdc in each st around and in the initial ch 3 from R15. [36]
R17: 1 sc in each st around [36]
R18: *1 sc in the next st, 3 dc in the next st** Rep from * to ** around. Finish off and weave in ends. [72]
Next we will work the next section of the skirt:
Join with a sc in the st after the ch 4 that was pushed inside (see photo)
R1: 1 sc in each st around [36]
R2: 1 sc in each st around [36]
R3: Rep R2
R4: 1 sc in the bl of each st around
R5: Rep R2
R6: Rep R4
R7: Rep R2. Finish off with an invisible join and weave in ends.
Next we will add the 2 other skirt rounds. I’ve included a photo to help below:
Skirt Layer 1
R1: Join with 1 sc in the first rem loop from R4. 1 sc in each rem st around. [36]
R2: 1 sc in each st around. [36]
R3: *1 sc in next st, 3 dc in next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Finish off with an invisible join. Weave in ends. [72]
Skirt Layer 2
R1: Join with 1 sc in the first rem loop from R6. 1 sc in each rem st around. [36]
R2: 1 sc in each st around. [36]
R3: *1 sc in next st, 3 dc in next st**. Rep from * to ** around. Finish off with an invisible join. Weave in ends. [72]
Arm
Make 1.
The arm is created in one piece; worked flat and then seamed on the long edges with a slip stitch seam. Once the arm is complete you thread it through the openings on either side of the angel’s body, being sure to keep an equal amount of “arm” on each side. You can whipstitch these in place if you wish – I did not. I simply used 2 small stitches to attach the hands together in a “prayer” pose.
R1: Ch 21, beg in 2nd ch from hook and work 1 sc in each across, ch 1, turn [20]
R2: 1 sc in each st across, ch 1, turn [20]
R3: Rep R2, ch 1, rotate to work along the row ends [20]
You will now be working around the outside of the rectangle you just created:
Work 2 sc evenly across the row ends, ch 1; rotate to work along the unworked loops of R1. Work 1 sc in each st across. Ch 1, rotate and work 2 sc evenly in the row ends.
Fold the rectangle in half (along row 2) and seam the long edges using a slip stitch seam. Finish off and weave in any remaining ends. This arm is slipped through the holes you created in R11 of her body. Insert it until an equal amount of arm is sticking out on each side and either stitch the hands together or let it simply sit in place. I did not sew mine in place this time.
Wings
Make 2
R1: Ch 10, beg in the 2nd ch from the hook and work 1 sl st in the bl of each ch across, ch 1, turn [9]
R2: 1 sl st in the bl of each of the next 8 sts, sk the last st, ch 2, turn [8]
R3: 1 sl st in the bl of each st across, ch 1, turn [8]
R4: 1 sl st in the bl of each of the next 7 sts, sk the last st, ch 2, turn [7]
R5: 1 sl st in the bl of each st across, ch 1, turn [7]
R6: 1 sl st in the bl of each of the next 6 sts, sk the last st, ch 2, turn [6]
R7: 1 sl st in the bl of each st across, ch 1, turn [6]
R8: 1 sl st in the bl of each of the next 5 sts, sk the last st, ch 2, turn [5]
R9: 1 sl st in the bl of each st across, ch 1, turn [5]
R10: 1 sl st in the bl of each of the next 4 sts, sk the last st, ch 2, turn [4]
R11: 1 sl st in the bl of each st across, ch 1, turn [4]
R12: 1 sl st in the bl of each of the next 3 sts, sk the last st, ch 2, turn [3]
R13: 1 sl st in the bl of each st across, ch 1, turn to work along the row ends. [3]
You will be making a sc7tog. Insert hook in every other row end (there is a small space you will see) and pull up 1 loop in each. You will have 8 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all 8 loops. Ch 1 and finish off leaving a long yarn tail to sew the wings in place.
To attach the wings use a whipstitch and secure them like this (note the image is of the Christmas Angel however the attachment is the same for the wings):
Halo
The halo is the only part of this project to use a different hook and thread. Please use the 2.25 mm (B) hook and the Gold Bowdabra Bow Wire. This is a thin piece of wire wrapped in gold metallic thread. I found mine at Michael’s in the ribbon section. It can stand on it’s own which is why I like it – and it is much thinner than pipecleaner (which was what I had been considering).
I crocheted the halo like this:
Ch 20, finish off leaving a tail of the bow wire. Now take the tail and thread it through the 7th chain from the opposite end. This will create the halo loop. Now twist (like a twist-tie) the two remaining ends together to make it straight and stiff. Take that one end (since you twisted them together you have one wire now) and thread it through the back of the angel’s head and down to the base of the neck before cutting off any of the excess wire. If you want to dab a bit of fabric glue in there to keep it in place you can.
The image below is for my Crochet Angels Pattern but the Halo design is the same:
The Little Angel is available here: Little Crochet Angel
The two other Angels currently available are shown below. These are also both Free Patterns on my website; with PDFs available for purchase (if you prefer ad-free pdfs). You can find them here:
Hi Becky, Thanks for the feedback 🙂 When I have time to revisit this pattern I will crochet it again and try to fix the issues that are causing questions. I’m happy you like making the Angels and I apologize for the confusion caused by the directions in the post and video. All the best, Rhondda
Hi Rhonda,
Your angels are lovely, I am enjoying making them all and learning new techniques but there are two errors in this pattern.
The first one is the comment in the supplies list that your one took 72 yards. You also say this in the Little Angel pattern and I know this angel takes way more yarn than the Little one but I’m not counting so I don’t know whether the error is in this pattern or the Little angle pattern.
The other error is when adding the “next section of the skirt” (ie the column that the skirt layers are added to) you say to find the “ch4 that was pushed aside” and then to crochet 1 sc in each st for 36 sts.
That ch4 is at the beginning of R14 but R14 has only 18 sts in it. To begin it at this row, we could need to sc2 in each st or sc1 in each st and then sc2 in each st in row 2 or 3 of this section.
In your video, you still say “ch4” but what you show is the ch2 (which you don’t count as a stitch) at the beginning of R16, which does have 36 sts in it.
Several people have commented on this error but it is still in the pattern.
I know you can’t update the video easily but please update the pattern. Giving the row # that the position to start adding this bit is in would be helpful.
Thanks
Hi Colleen, Here’s the Ravelry PDF link: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/joy—angel All the best, Rhondda
whee do i click to buy the PDF link for the crochet angel pattern please
many thanks Colleen
Hi Linda, the chain 2 at the end is to add a decorative edge to that side of the wing. You don’t work into those 2 chain stitches. They are ‘extra’ and hang off to the side to make the wing a little bit more rounded on the tips. Sorry for any confusion! Have a lovely day, Rhondda
Thank you in advance for these angel patterns, they are beautiful. I am having a problem with the wings. In each row do you crochet into the second chain from loop? On the rows that say ch2 and turn do you go into the second chain I am getting confused on this part for some reason.
I think I have ripped this part of the pattern out several times must be the way I am reading it?
Hi Cynthia,
Here’s the video I filmed to try to help with your questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSz9RxkvYU8&feature=youtu.be All the best, Rhondda
Hi Thank you for your lovely designs, I am attempting to make the various angels, currently working on the one with ruffles. I am at the point of turning upside down, putting stitch in by chain 4 stitch inside. You say to sc in each stitch, and it will be 36 sc, but on that round there are only 18 sts, so I am assuming you are supposed to do 2sc in each sts? I am making angels for every lady family/ friend, and strangers LOL. I am changing out the yarn at round 10 for colored dresses. (Cute). The one problem I seem to be having and haven’t figured out why it occurs, is somehow I am crocheting so that the ridges from the Front post are ending up in the inside, so I just back post everything to correct it. LOL, thanks again.
Hi Mahnaz, I do not have a video for the Angel but I will add it to my list of tutorials to make 🙂 Thank you, Rhondda
Hello i find angel earth very nice would you please sent to me vidio of angel earth thank you
I made the Joy angel using crochet thread and size 5 hook. She turned out pretty but it was much easier using the red heart yarn making The Christmas Angel above.
Hi Danna, If you work in the back loop it will give the skirt a ruffled layered look. If you don’t do it in the back loop only it will lay flatter and not ‘stand out’. If you scroll down the post a bit it will show you how to turn the skirt to ensure you are working those rounds in the correct direction to get the ruffled look. Hope this helps a bit, Rhondda
What is the purpose of doing row 4 skirt part says sc in bl. Why back loop. I’ve done this and can’t see how it affects anything? I think I’ve done this part wrong bc I see no ridges to start the ruffle layer on
Thank you so much for the help. Got it figured out and made 3 so far! Making ahead of time for a change, instead of last minute! Thank you for the patterns — so cute!
Hi Linda 🙂 Round 14 ends with 18 sts but Round 15 needs you to make 2 dc in each stitch. Which will double the number of stitches to 36. I think maybe you were reading R13? with the sc in each st? Here is Round 15:
R15: (Ch 3, 1 dc) in the first st, 2 dc in each rem st around and 2 dc in the sl st [36]
Hope this helps a bit!
All the best, Rhondda
I am also having trouble starting the next section of the skirt — Rnd 14 ends with 18 sts. Then if you sc in each of those, you should still have 18, not 36. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Sue! Thank you!! I’ve updated this 🙂 Much thanks, Rhondda
Hello Rhondda, I love your Joy Angel pattern. I believe your stitch count for Skirt Layer 1 R2 and Skirt Layer 2 R3 is incorrect. It should be 72 stitches, which would equal the same stitch count as you have in R18.
Jenna, This might do the trick: Let me know if it is not what you are looking for ok? All the best, Rhondda
Dear Jenna, I am so very sorry for your loss. I honestly have never come across a crocheted little boy angel before but I have never specifically searched for one either. I’m going to take a look to see if I can find anything that might work 🙂 I will leave a second reply once I have take a search online. Sincerely, Rhondda
This is a beautiful design… Congratulations… My son Bailey passed away a year an a half ago.. I would love to make a little boy angel.. Do you have any idea if there is one out there?
Thanks Margie! Fixed it 🙂 Thank goodness I had photos in there!!
Thankyou very much for these cutiepie angels. I’m going to have a go at making a couple of these! ?
Thanks Rhondda. Back to working on it this morning. But another spot you may want to peek at. I figured out what you meant but wanted to let you know too.
Skirt Layer 2
R1: Join with 1 sc in the first rem loop from R4. 1 sc in each rem st around. [36]
Since round 4 has already been worked with in round 1 , I’m going to round 6 to start this layer.
Hi Margie 🙂 Thank you for catching this. It should say “Join with a sc in the st after the ch 4 that was pushed inside (see photo)”. I am updating it right now! Thank you for letting me know, and for trying the pattern 🙂 Rhondda
Hi! Thanks for the pattern. I’m making it now. But I’m at a standstill.
R14: Ch 4, 1 FPtrin each st around, sl st to the 2nd fptr of the round to join (this will push the ch 4 inside to hide it!) [18]
R15: (Ch 3, 1 dc) in the first st, 2 dc in each rem st around and 2 dc in the sl st [36]
Next we will work the next section of the skirt:
Join with a sc in the sc after the ch 4 that was pushed inside (see photo)
But…the round after 14 doesn’t have SC. So at a bit of a loss on the directions for where to join. Thanks for any help.
You are most welcome Sujata!
Thank you for this wonderful pattern I wish to make this.