Crochet Snowflake Patterns

Snowflakes are small, fast and repeatable

A crochet snowflake is almost always a flat motif worked outwards from a magic ring or a chain ring, in six repeats, using chain spaces, trebles and picots to build points. Nothing about the stitching itself is advanced; what makes snowflakes satisfying is that one pattern gives you a whole tree's worth of decorations in a couple of evenings, and each one takes so little yarn that a single ball produces dozens. It is the classic use for leftovers and for that one skein of white 4 ply nobody knows what to do with.

The collection covers single ornaments, garland patterns that join motifs into a string, snowflake coasters and mats in heavier yarn, and larger designs that use snowflake motifs as blanket squares or as a repeating panel.

Choosing a size and yarn

• Crochet thread with a 1.5mm to 2mm hook: fine, lacy, traditional. Best for tree ornaments and gift tags, and it stiffens crisply.
• 4 ply with a 2.5mm or 3mm hook: the easiest starting point, with stitches you can actually see while learning the shape.
• DK with a 4mm hook: chunky, graphic snowflakes for garlands, window displays and children to help with.
• Aran and chunky: oversized single flakes and coasters, quick enough to make on the day.
• Sparkle and metallic blends: effective on a tree, but harder on the hands and less forgiving of unpicking.

Getting points that stay pointed

Two habits make the difference. First, keep the centre ring tight; a loose magic ring leaves a hole that grows as the motif is stiffened and pulled. Second, count the chain spaces on every round, because a snowflake with five points on one side and six on the other cannot be blocked into symmetry. Work picots firmly, and when you fasten off, sew the tail in along a chain rather than knotting, so the point does not thicken.

Stiffening and blocking

An unstiffened snowflake flops. The usual method is a sugar or starch solution, or a proprietary fabric stiffener: soak the motif, squeeze out the excess, then pin it out point by point on a foam board covered with greaseproof paper and leave it until it is completely dry and rigid. Pin every single point, not just alternate ones. A light spray starch works for softer motifs used on blankets, where you do not want a board-stiff finish. Never stiffen anything that will be washed, and store stiffened decorations flat in a box rather than crushed in a bag with the baubles.

Gifting and using them

Thread a loop of fine ribbon or invisible thread through one point for hanging. Snowflakes make excellent gift toppers tied onto a parcel, place settings for a Christmas table, or a garland strung along a mantelpiece. A set of six in a small box is a genuinely nice handmade present that costs very little in materials, and it posts flat in an ordinary envelope.

Crochet snowflake questions

Are there free crochet snowflake patterns here? Yes, this collection includes free downloadable snowflake patterns alongside paid designs.

What is the easiest snowflake for a beginner? A six point motif in DK with a 4mm hook, using only chains and trebles, with no picots.

How do I make snowflakes stiff? Soak in starch or fabric stiffener, pin every point out flat and let it dry completely before unpinning.

How much yarn does one snowflake take? Very little indeed, which is why thread and leftover 4 ply are the usual choices.

Can I wash a crochet snowflake? Only if you have not stiffened it. Otherwise dust it gently, and re-stiffen it if it softens over the years in storage.