Introduction
This cheerful crochet snowflake ornament combines the classic colors of red and white to create an eye-catching holiday decoration that is both festive and elegant. Featuring a distinctive six-pointed star shape, bold color-blocked petals, and intricate lacy details, this ornament is perfect for hanging on Christmas trees, decorating holiday tables, adding to garlands, or attaching to wrapped gifts for an extra special touch. The design showcases alternating openwork and solid segments, giving the finished piece just the right amount of structure and delicacy. Crocheters will enjoy making this ornament because it celebrates the timeless appeal of snowflakes, allowing for both mindful repetition and creative expression. Using simple stitches in an inventive arrangement, the project results in a beautiful heirloom that will stand out among handmade decorations for years to come.
The contrast between vibrant red and crisp white yarn brings this snowflake to life, echoing both traditional Scandinavian winter motifs and modern minimalist décor. The soft texture and defined stitches make this ornament a joy to create and admire. Whether gifted or displayed, it captures the spirit of the season and demonstrates the magic of crochet artistry.
Project Overview
This snowflake ornament is constructed in joined rounds, primarily working outward from a central ring. The project uses two colors and incorporates basic layering to form the points and openwork effect. The six-point shape is achieved by grouping stitches strategically across each round, and the ornament is finished with a sturdy hanging loop. All aspects are worked as a seamless piece, minimizing the need for sewing or assembly, except for weaving in the ends after the final round. The use of color changes is prominent, creating the petal-like contrast and framing each motif with a snowy outline.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner. This pattern requires knowledge of working in the round, color changes, and a few post stitches, but uses mainly basic stitches (chains, single crochet, double crochet). Some comfort with reading instructions and maintaining stitch counts is helpful for best results.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn. Choose a smooth yarn with good stitch definition for best results.
- Main Color A (White): Approx. 25 g (approximately 40–45 yards/37–41 meters)
- Accent Color B (Red): Approx. 15 g (approximately 25–30 yards/23–27 meters)
- Crochet Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to meet gauge
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends
- Sharp Scissors
- Stitch Markers: Useful for marking round beginnings or motif points
- Optional: Spray bottle and pins for blocking, and a little white craft glue or spray starch for extra firmness
Select colors that are bright and contrasting for maximum visual impact. For a more delicate look, lighter yarn weights can be used, but adjust the hook size accordingly.
Finished Size
The finished ornament, as worked in worsted weight yarn with a 5.0 mm hook, measures approximately 16 cm (6.5 inches) across from point to point. The hanging loop adds about 5 cm (2 inches) to the length. To make a larger or smaller ornament, use thicker or thinner yarns and corresponding hooks, or add/remain stitch repeats as desired. The pattern scales well for different sizes, but keep color changes in proportion for best results.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical but helps maintain consistency. For reference: after completing Rounds 1–3, the diameter should be about 6 cm (2.25 inches). Adjust hook size up or down if your snowflake is much smaller or larger at this stage. Small differences are fine; larger changes will affect the finished size and overall tension.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- tr = treble crochet
- MR = magic ring
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sp = space
- beg = beginning
- rep = repeat
- FO = fasten off
All instructions use US terminology.
Pattern Notes
- Each round is joined with a sl st unless otherwise noted.
- Beginning chains count as a stitch unless otherwise stated. (For example, ch 3 counts as a dc.)
- Color changes happen at the end of key rounds; always join the new color with a slip stitch to the correct starting point.
- Work with the right side facing you at all times. Decide before starting which side you prefer as the front, especially when finishing.
- Use a stitch marker to help mark the start of each round if desired.
- To ensure sharp color transitions, always complete the final yarn-over of the last stitch in the old color with the new color.
- For best results, block your finished snowflake to shape and smooth out any unevenness.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Center Ring
- With Color A (White), create a MR or ch 4 and sl st to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 17 dc into the ring. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (18 sts)
Lacy Foundation
- Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same st as join. *Ch 4, skip 1 st, sc in next st*; rep from * to * around (you will have 9 ch-4 loops), join with sl st to first sc. (9 sc, 9 ch-4 loops)
- Round 3: Sl st into first ch-4 sp. Ch 1, sc in same sp, *ch 5, sc in next ch-4 sp*; rep from * to * around, join with sl st to first sc. (9 sc, 9 ch-5 loops)
Point Foundations
- Round 4: Sl st in next ch-5 sp. Ch 1, sc in same sp, ch 4, sc in same sp. *Ch 2, skip to next ch-5 sp, (sc, ch 4, sc) in sp*; rep from * to * around. Join with sl st to first sc. (9 points, 9 ch-4 arches, separated by ch-2 spaces)
Red Petal Formation
- Change to Color B (Red) at the final sl st join.
Round 5: Sl st into ch-4 arch, ch 2 (counts as first dc), 5 dc into same arch, ch 2, sl st into same arch. *Sl st in next ch-2 sp, sl st into next ch-4 arch, ch 2, 5 dc, ch 2, sl st all in same arch*; rep from * to * around. (9 red petals, each with 6 dc and ch-2 spaces)
Petal Shaping and Decrease
- Round 6: Still with Red, sl st across to the top of the second dc of the previous petal. Ch 2 (counts as first dc), dc in next 4 sts (across top of petal), ch 1, sc in ch-2 space at apex, ch 1, dc in next 5 sts down other side of petal. Sl st into the same sl st at the base of the petal. *Sl st across to next petal, rep as above*; complete around. FO Red but don’t cut white if you want fewer ends to weave in. (Each petal has 10 dc, 1 sc at top, separated by ch-1 spaces.)
White Outline
- Change to Color A (White). Attach yarn in the ch-2 space at apex of a petal.
Round 7: In ch-2 apex, ch 1, sc, *ch 4, sc in apex of next petal*; rep all around. You should have 9 ch-4 loops above each petal. Join with sl st to first sc.
Shaping Points
- Round 8: Sl st into ch-4 loop. Ch 1, (sc, hdc, 2 dc, tr, ch 3, sl st in first ch, tr, 2 dc, hdc, sc) all in ch-4 loop (this makes a pointy arch). Sl st into next sc. *Work (sc, hdc, 2 dc, tr, ch 3 picot, tr, 2 dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-4 loop, sl st in next sc; rep from * to * around. (9 points created)
FO and weave in ends.
Hanging Loop
- With White, join yarn at the tip of any point. Ch 30 (or desired length), sl st to same point. Fasten off and weave in ends securely.
Assembly and Finishing
Once you have finished all rounds, use your tapestry needle to weave in all remaining yarn ends on the wrong side, being careful to secure color changes tightly so they don’t show on the front. Lay the ornament flat on a soft towel, pat into shape, and pin the points out to achieve maximum symmetry and definition. Lightly mist with water using a spray bottle (or use spray starch for extra stiffness) and allow to dry completely before removing pins. This will help set the shape and keep all points crisp and even. If the ornament will be used as a hanging decoration in humid conditions, a small dab of white glue can be mixed with water and brushed lightly on the reverse side for extra firmness. Check all edges for loose tails and snip any excess. Attach a decorative hook or ribbon through the hanging loop if desired.
Customization Ideas
- Switch up the color palette to match your home décor or holiday theme: try frosty blue and silver, gold and white, green and white, or even rainbow petals for a playful look.
- Work the entire snowflake in one solid color for a classic appearance, or alternate petal colors for a whimsical effect.
- Use metallic or glitter yarns for a more festive, glamorous version.
- String several snowflakes together for a garland or use as gift toppers.
- Attach a backing and a pin for use as a festive brooch or use as a large appliqué for bags and throw pillows.
Troubleshooting
- Curling: If your ornament starts to curl inward, block the finished piece well and consider increasing your hook size or loosening your tension slightly in subsequent makes.
- Uneven Edges: Carefully count your stitches at the end of each round, especially around the points, and make sure each is blocked evenly using pins.
- Piece Too Large or Too Small: Check your gauge after the center and adjust your hook size as needed. A thicker yarn or looser tension will make a larger snowflake; a thinner yarn or tighter tension will make a smaller one.
- Loose Color Changes: Always complete the last yarn-over of a stitch with the new color and pull both old and new yarns gently to tighten transitions cleanly.
- Uneven Tension: Practice the petal sections on scrap yarn before starting if you find your stitch height varies. The final blocking stage will help even out minor inconsistencies.
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap if needed. Press between towels to remove excess water and reshape or re-block while damp. Store flat to help maintain the crisp edges. Avoid high heat or tumble drying to preserve fiber integrity and shape, especially if using cotton or acrylic blends. For best results, do not hang the ornament when wet.
Final Notes
Double-check your stitch counts after each round, especially when forming the points and color changes for the petals. Adjust tension to keep your stitches even, and refer to the photo as a visual guide for color placement and finishing. Enjoy creating a unique snowflake that exemplifies your craftsmanship and adds warmth to your winter décor!
