Bring festive charm to your porch, doorway, or windows with this striking crochet spiral ornament featuring a brilliant starburst motif at its heart. This outdoor-ready decoration combines bold red, navy blue, and white stripes, evoking both the winter holidays and patriotic occasions. The motif is set in a classic eight-pointed starburst surrounded by a textured background, while an airy, twisting spiral ribbon cascades elegantly from both sides. Finished with a decorative beaded drop and hanging cord, this piece is as eye-catching as it is fun to make.
The crisp, wintry color palette lends itself perfectly to holiday decor, but you can easily switch up the hues for year-round appeal. The ornament’s substantial size and dimensional spiral make it ideal as a statement piece on porches, balconies, or even as a bold centerpiece indoors. Its sturdy yet graceful form is stabilized with yarn and finishing techniques, so it will maintain its shape whether you display it indoors or outside in sheltered spots.
Project Overview
This project is constructed in three main parts: the centerpiece starburst medallion, the twirling spiral streamer, and the decorative tassel and beaded details. The medallion and spiral are crocheted separately and joined at the end, while the tassel and beaded drop are finished last for extra flair. Both the medallion and spiral streamer are worked in rounds and rows using color changes and standard stitches, resulting in a three-dimensional sculptural effect.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This pattern involves a variety of stitches including clusters, color changes, working in the round, and shaping for the spiral streamer. Some sewing and assembly are required, as well as a good grasp of tension for even spirals and colorwork. While ambitious, it’s absolutely achievable for patient crocheters familiar with reading patterns and working with motifs.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) acrylic or superwash wool, or any sturdy fiber suitable for outdoor/indoor use.
- Colors:
- Color A: Deep navy blue – approx. 80g (main spiral and starburst outline)
- Color B: Snow white – approx. 60g (background and accent rows)
- Color C: Festive red – approx. 60g (star points and accent stripes)
- Crochet hook: 4.0 mm (G-6) or size needed for your yarn and to achieve solid, non-gappy fabric
- Tapestry needle for sewing and weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, very helpful for marking rounds and spirals)
- Wooden beads: 2-3 per ornament, about 1-1.5cm diameter
- A small piece of cardboard or foam for tassel wrapping (optional)
- Blocking supplies: Pins and spray bottle (optional but recommended)
Finished Size
- Approximate total hanging length: 58 cm (23 in)
- Diameter of medallion: 15 cm (6 in)
- Spiral streamer width: 6 cm (2.5 in), length when stretched: 42 cm (16.5 in)
You can adjust the spiral length by making more or fewer rows, or increase/decrease the yarn weight and hook size for a smaller or larger ornament.
Gauge
Gauge is not absolutely critical for this decorative item, but to achieve similar proportions, aim for:
- 16 sc x 20 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) square.
Small changes in gauge will alter the finished size. Tight, dense stitches work best for structure.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sp – space
- sk – skip
- MR – magic ring
- cluster – 3 dc in same st or sp (unless otherwise specified)
- inc – increase (2 sc in same st)
- dec – decrease (sc 2 together)
Important Pattern Notes
- Round begins: Each round of the medallion is started with a chain that counts as the first stitch, unless otherwise noted.
- Joins: Rounds are joined with a slip stitch to the first stitch of the round, unless otherwise instructed.
- Color changes: Change color in the last yarn-over of the last stitch before new color is needed. Carry unused yarn along the back inside the medallion (optional), or fasten off and reattach as desired.
- Right Side/Wrong Side: The RS of the medallion faces you as you work; the spiral can be worked with either side out as preferred.
- Stitch markers: Use markers to keep track of the start of rounds and the turning points of the spiral if needed.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Starburst Medallion Center
With Color A (navy):
- Round 1: MR, ch 3 (counts as dc), 15 dc into ring. Tighten, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (16 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, ch 1, skip 1 st, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * 7 more times, join with sl st. (16 dc, 8 ch-1 sps)
- Round 3: Switch to Color C (red). Attach to any ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, ch 2, dc3tog (over next 3 sts: next dc, skipped st below the ch-1 sp from previous round, and next dc), ch 2, sc in next ch-1 sp; repeat around. Join with sl st. (8 petals)
- Round 4: Switch to Color B (white). Attach in any ch-2 sp between petals. Ch 2 (counts as hdc), 2 hdc in same sp, hdc in next sc, 3 hdc in next ch-2 sp; repeat around, join with sl st. (48 hdc: 6 per petal)
- Round 5: Switch to Color A (navy). Attach in the middle st of any 3-hdc group at the top of a petal. Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next st (top of valley), ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next st (top of next petal); repeat around. Join. (8 sc at tops, 8 sc at valleys, 16 ch-2 sps)
- Round 6: Switch to Color B (white). In any ch-2 sp, ch 2 (counts as hdc), 2 hdc in same sp, 1 hdc in each of next 2 sts, 3 hdc in next ch-2 sp; repeat around. Join. (64 hdc)
- Round 7: Switch to Color C (red). In every 8th st (top of each petal) work cluster (3 dc in same st), sc in next 7 sts; repeat around. Join. (8 clusters, 56 sc)
- Round 8: Switch to Color A (navy). Ch 1, sc around, working 2 sc in each cluster. Join, fasten off and weave ends. (72 sc)
Note: The medallion should now be slightly octagonal and flat. Block if necessary.
Part 2: Spiral Streamer
With Color A (navy):
- Row 1: Ch 70 (this will form a long foundation—adjust if you want a longer or shorter spiral), sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (69 sc)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first st, sc across to last st, 2 sc in last st. (71 sc)
- Row 3: Switch to Color B (white). Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first st, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st. (73 sc)
- Row 4: Switch to Color C (red). Repeat as for Row 3. (75 sc)
- Row 5: Switch to Color A (navy). Repeat as for Row 3. (77 sc)
- Continue: Repeat pattern, alternating colors for each row, and always increasing by 2 sc per row (2 sc in each edge st), until you have 17 rows (ending with navy). On last row, fasten off and leave a 30 cm (12 in) tail for assembly.
Note: The increases at the edges cause the strip to naturally spiral. Gently help shape the spiral as you go. The final piece will curl into a loose double helix when hung vertically.
Part 3: Medallion – Second Side and Joining
Repeat Part 1 to make a second medallion if you want a double-sided ornament. (Optional for reversible look.)
Joining the spiral: Fold the spiral streamer in half so both ends curve away in a spiral. Sew one end to the top of the medallion and the other to the bottom, at opposite points of the motif (see assembly instructions). Weave in any remaining ends securely on the wrong side.
Part 4: Tassel and Hanging Cord
Bottom Tassel:
- With all three colors held together, wrap yarn around a 4 cm (1.5 in) wide piece of cardboard about 20 times. Slide off, tie a length of yarn tightly at one end (this is the top), trim the bottom.
- Thread the top of the tassel through the hole in a wooden bead. Secure with a knot and fasten to the center of the lower spiral’s endpoint or bottom of the medallion.
- Optional: Add a small crochet diamond or teardrop beneath the bead using Color A, alternating sc and dc in the round (start with MR, 6 sc, increase each round, then decrease back down), and attach below the bead for extra flair.
Top Hanging Cord:
- Braid or chain a 35 cm (14 in) cord using all three colors. Thread through another wooden bead or two for extra decoration.
- Sew securely to the top center of the motif or spiral for hanging.
Part 5: Optional Embellishments
- Sew additional beads, sequins, buttons, or tiny bells to the medallion surface or the spiral edges for extra dimension and sound.
- Embroider veins into the starburst petals if desired, using small stitches in a contrasting color.
Assembly and Finishing
- Sew spiral streamer ends securely to the medallion, centering so that the spiral frames the motif evenly.
- If making a double-sided medallion, place both medallion pieces wrong sides together and whipstitch or sc all around through both layers for additional sturdiness, catching the spiral ends inside as you go.
- Attach hanging cord to the top center, threading through beads as preferred. Make sure the cord is balanced so the ornament hangs straight.
- Affix tassel (with or without bead/dangling diamond) to bottom center.
- Weave in all loose ends securely on the wrong side, using tapestry needle.
- Block gently with pins, shaping the spiral for an open 3D look. Steam block for acrylic or spray lightly for wool, then let dry.
Customization Ideas
- Color Variations: Try frosty pastels, greens and golds, or even metallic yarn for year-round or party decor.
- Alternate Yarn Weights: Use DK or lighter for a miniature ornament, or chunky/bulky for a truly grand porch piece.
- Motif Uses: Use the starburst motif as a pillow accent, wall hanging, blanket center, or coaster.
- Spiral Adaptations: Make the spiral longer or shorter to suit your display space. Omit tassel for a more streamlined look.
- Indoor Decoration: Hang from mantels, curtain rods, or holiday trees.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Piece Curling Up: Ensure you are increasing at the edges of the spiral every row. If curling is too tight, decrease the number of increases.
- Uneven Edges: Keep consistent tension and always work the 2 sc in each edge stitch for a smooth spiral edge.
- Motif Too Large/Small: Adjust hook size, yarn weight, or add/subtract rounds as desired.
- Loose Color Changes: Pull yarn snug after changing colors, and weave ends in at least 2 directions to secure.
- Spiral Lacks Structure: Consider slip stitching along both edges or lightly blocking with starch for extra stiffness.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent.
- Reshape carefully and air dry flat.
- If hanging outdoors, bring inside in extreme weather for best longevity.
Final Notes
Carefully check your stitch counts at the end of each round and row, and don’t hesitate to adjust your hook or tension for a neat finish. Use the photo as a visual guide for color placement and overall shape. With patience and attention to detail, this eye-catching spiral ornament will brighten any home or porch throughout the season!
