Hexapuff Snowflake

Hexapuff Snowflake by Julie Blagojevich

What Is Being Made

The Hexapuff Snowflake is a three-dimensional crochet decoration inspired by The Beekeeper's Quilt by Stephanie Dosen. This intermediate-level project creates a festive Christmas ornament or wall hanging by assembling 36 individual crocheted hexagonal puffs into a snowflake formation. The finished decoration measures 13 1/2 inches from point to point, making it a substantial and eye-catching seasonal display piece.

Construction Method

This snowflake is constructed through a multi-step assembly process. First, crafters crochet 36 baby hexapuffs using soft merino wool yarn in various colors. Each individual hexapuff measures 1 7/8 inches from point to point. After crocheting each puff, they are stuffed with polyester or wool fiber fill to create dimension and structure. The stuffed puffs are then tied together using additional sock yarn, and a simple crocheted border is added to complete the snowflake shape. The entire project combines individual component creation with strategic assembly to achieve the final three-dimensional effect.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Hexapuff Snowflake employs fundamental and intermediate crochet techniques suitable for crafters with some experience. The pattern utilizes the following stitches:

• Chain (Ch) - the foundation stitch used to begin rows and create structure
• Slip stitch (Sl st) - used to join rounds and move yarn across stitches
• Single crochet (Sc) - a basic short stitch for creating tight, dense fabric
• Double crochet (Dc) - a taller stitch that builds the body of the hexapuffs
• Front post double crochet (FPdc) - an intermediate technique that works around the post of previous stitches to create texture and dimension
• 3-chain picot - a decorative edging element created with three chain stitches that adds visual interest to the border

The combination of these stitches creates the dimensional hexagonal shapes and the decorative border that defines the snowflake.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Hexapuff Snowflake is designed to be made with 4-ply sock yarn, specifically merino wool blends that provide softness and durability. The pattern recommends two yarn options: Koigu KPPPM, a 100% Merino Wool available in 50-gram skeins with 175 yards per 50 grams, and ShiBui Superwash Merino Wool, also in 50-gram skeins with 191 yards per 50 grams. One skein of either yarn will produce 12 baby hexapuffs, meaning three skeins are needed to complete all 36 puffs for the snowflake. The superwash merino options ensure the finished decoration is easy to care for and maintain.

Additional materials include polyester or wool fiber fill for stuffing the puffs to create their three-dimensional form, and a size B crochet hook or the appropriate size to achieve proper gauge. A darning needle is essential for weaving in yarn tails and stitching the individual puffs together during assembly.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

Proper gauge is important for this project to ensure the snowflake reaches its intended finished size. One baby hexapuff should measure 1 7/8 inches from point to point when crocheted to the correct gauge with a size B hook. The completed snowflake decoration spans 13 1/2 inches from point to point, creating a substantial ornament suitable for display on walls, in windows, or as a tree decoration.

Time and Difficulty Level

Although the pattern is labeled as easy, it is categorized as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational skills and experience working with basic and post stitches. According to the designer, one complete puff—including crocheting, stuffing, and closing—takes approximately 16 minutes. This means the entire 36-puff snowflake requires roughly 9 to 10 hours of active crafting time, though this can vary based on individual skill level and familiarity with the stitches used.