Red, white and done in half an hour. This crochet candy cane ornament is a tiny striped tube with a pipe cleaner inside, so it holds its hook shape on the tree. If you can crochet in the round, you can make a whole box of them before Christmas.
In this tutorial
What You Need
- Worsted weight (#4) yarn in red and white (about 5 g of each)
- 3.5 mm (E-4) crochet hook
- One 12 in / 30 cm pipe cleaner (chenille stem)
- Stitch marker, tapestry needle and scissors
- Optional: a loop of thread or a ribbon for hanging
Abbreviations (US terms): MR = magic ring, sc = single crochet, FLO = front loop only.
How the Candy Cane Works
The candy cane is a narrow tube of 6 single crochet stitches worked in continuous rounds. You change colour every 2 rounds to make the stripes, carrying the unused colour up inside the tube – no cutting, and only two ends to weave in. A folded pipe cleaner slides inside so you can bend the top into a hook.
Never worked in continuous rounds? Our magic ring tutorial shows how to start, and the amigurumi for beginners guide explains spiral rounds and stitch markers.
Free Crochet Candy Cane Pattern
Work in continuous rounds; do not join. Move your stitch marker up every round.
Round 1: With red, MR, 6 sc in the ring. (6)
Round 2: Sc in each st around. (6)
Rounds 3–4: Drop red (do not cut). Pick up white and sc in each st around for 2 rounds. (6)
Rounds 5–6: Drop white, pick up red and sc around for 2 rounds. (6)
Rounds 7–30: Keep alternating 2 rounds white and 2 rounds red, finishing with 2 rounds of red. (6) The tube should be about 6 in / 15 cm long.
Tip for neat stripes: make the colour change on the last yarn-over of the final stitch of the round, and keep the carried strand loose inside the tube so the stripes do not pucker.
Shape the Hook
- Fold the pipe cleaner in half and twist the two halves together so it is about 6 in / 15 cm long with no sharp ends.
- Slide it into the open end of the tube until it reaches the closed tip.
- Close the open end: cut the yarn leaving a 6 in tail, weave it through the front loops of the last 6 stitches (FLO), pull tight and secure.
- Bend the top 1.5 in / 4 cm into a hook. Thread a loop of string through the curve if you want to hang it.
Free printable version
Prefer paper? Download this free tutorial as a printable PDF to keep next to your yarn.
Keep crocheting
Your next free pattern: Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Pattern: Mini Wreath + Ornament Tips. Free crochet Christmas ornament pattern: a ruffled mini wreath in 20 minutes, plus tips to stiffen, hang and style handmade ornaments.
Free pattern · step by step · US terms
Ideas and Variations
- Green and white or red and green stripes for a mixed set.
- Bigger cane: use 8 sts per round (MR, 8 sc) and a chenille stem twisted from two pipe cleaners.
- Gift topper: tie one onto a present instead of a bow.
- Stocking stuffer: pop one into our mini crochet Christmas stocking.
- Tree set: hang them next to the crochet Christmas tree ornament and our easy crochet snowflakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my stripes slanted?
That is the natural “jog” of continuous rounds. It actually looks like a real twisted candy cane, so most makers keep it.
Can I make it without a pipe cleaner?
Yes – stuff the tube lightly with fiberfill instead. It will hold a gentle curve but will not keep a sharp hook.
Is it safe for small children?
Pipe cleaners have wire inside, so keep wired ornaments away from babies and toddlers. Use the stuffed version for children.
How many can I make from one ball of yarn?
Each candy cane uses about 5 g of each colour, so a 100 g ball of red and one of white make around 20.
Happy hooking! 🧶 Want more quick ornaments? Try our easy crochet snowflake and the mini Christmas stocking.
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