How to Crochet a Snowflake

Updated on 06/08/20

Project Overview

Skill Level: Beginner

Crochet snowflakes are a classic holiday decoration, and they aren't too challenging to make. You can make this easy snowflake with just a few basic crochet stitches (and one that may be new to you, the treble, or triple crochet). With only three rounds to crochet, the snowflake comes together quickly. When made with soft cotton fingering-weight yarn, it comes out in a size perfect for hanging on your tree. But these snowflakes are also great for crafting a garland, hanging around a room, or decorating your other handmade goods. Ready to make it snow? Grab your yarn and hook to get started!

Sizing / Finished Measurements

You can use a different weight and type of yarn for this project as long as the hook size corresponds to the yarn you choose. The finished size will differ from the example, but it's a great way to make a variety of snowflake sizes!

Diameter: 4 inches from tip to tip at the widest point

Gauge

Gauge isn't important for this pattern.

Abbreviations

ch = chain
ch # = chain # stitches, where # is the specified number of stitches
dc = double crochet
puff st = (yarn over hook, insert in st or sp, pull up a loop) three times, yarn over hook and pull through all 7 loops
rep = repeat
sc = single crochet
sl = slip
sp = space
st(s) = stitch(es)
tc = treble, or triple, crochet
( ) = repeat instructions within brackets as directed
[ ] = repeat instructions within brackets as directed

Notes

The snowflake uses several stitch patterns and shapes requiring you to work into the same stitch several times. Make sure to read through all the instructions carefully, noting where parentheses and brackets indicate how to group stitches.

Puff stitches can be of different sizes depending on how many times you yarn over the hook and pull up a loop. The puff stitches in this pattern are made with 7 loops on the hook.

Crochet Snowflake Materials — Mollie Johanson

Equipment / Tools

US E/4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook
Blocking mat or towel and pins

Materials

Cotton fingering weight yarn
Stiffening solution (optional)

Making a Ring

Make a slip knot and ch 6. Join with a sl st to form a ring.

Mollie Johanson
Foundation Round

Round 1: ch 2 (counts as first sc plus ch-1 sp), [sc into the ring, ch 1] five times, sl st to first ch to join—12 sts.

Mollie Johanson
Puff Stitch Spokes

In this pattern, puff st = (yarn over hook, insert in st or sp, pull up a loop) three times, yarn over hook and pull through all 7 loops, ch 1 to finish the puff st.

Round 2: ch 4 (counts as first dc and ch-1 sp), [puff st in ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in next st, ch 1] 5 times, puff st in ch-1 sp, ch 1, join to 3rd ch of first st with a sl st—6 puff sts, 6 dc sts.

Mollie Johanson
Snowflake Points and Branches

The slip stitch at the start of the round moves the beginning of the round closer to the first puff stitch, where the snowflake points begin. When making the triangular points, work into the ch st sitting right on top of the puff.

Round 3: sl st in ch-1 space, *[(dc, ch 1, tc); ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook; (tc, ch 1, dc)] in ch 1 st that closes puff st, sk 1 st, [sl st, (ch 7, sl st in fifth, then sixth, then seventh ch from hook), sl st] in next dc, sk 2 sts; repeat from * 4 more times; [(dc, ch 1, tc); ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook; (tc, ch 1, dc)] in ch 1 st that closes puff st, sk 1 st, [sl st, (ch 7, sl st in fifth, then sixth, then seventh ch from hook), sl st] in top of slip st at end of previous round—6 points, 6 branches.

Join with a sl st into slip stitch of ch-1 space at beginning of the round.

Mollie Johanson
Blocking

To show off the design of these snowflakes, block them well as you would for any lace. You can even add some stiffening solution to help them keep their shape.

Soak the snowflake in water or stiffening solution. Squeeze out the water or solution and pin on a fluffy spare towel. Pin the triangular points out first, then the rectangular branches, including the small loops at the ends of the branches.

Let the snowflake dry.

Mollie Johanson
Finishing

Add a thread hanger to one of the loops and hang your snowflakes on a tree or give them as gifts. They also work great as appliques to stitch on a knit or crochet hat or scarf. You could even add a felt backing and a pin back!

Once you've made a few of these, try making a few more crocheted snowflakes!

Mollie Johanson