Snowflake

These snowflakes are perfect for festive Christmas crafting. They are easy to make and look stunning when hanging in a group

Materials

Yarn (Cotton), Scissors, Crochet Hook, Bell (optional), Darning Needle, Starch or Glue.

Abbreviations

ch: Chain
sl st: Slip Stitch
sc: Single crochet (UK double crochet)
hdc: Half double crochet (UK half treble crochet)
From now on, all crochet stitch abbreviations are written in US terminology.

Yarn & Hook

Any type of yarn can be used for this project along with the yarn manufacturers recommendation of hook size.

The Pattern

To begin make a slip knot onto your hook. ch 4.
Join into 1st ch to form a circle. (Picture A)

Round 1: ch 4 (This counts as a hdc, ch2).
Now working out of the centre circle: hdc, ch 2 (5 times) sl st into 2nd ch of your initial ch 4 to form a wheel with 6 spokes. (Picture B)

Round 2: You are now going to be working out of the 6 spaces of your “wheel”.
To begin sl st into the first space to the left of your hook.
ch 3, sl st into same space.
ch 5, sl st into the same space.
ch 3, sl st into the same space.
You should have finished the first of your snowflake clusters.
*ch 1 (this carries you to the next space), sl st into the next space.
ch 3, sl st, ch 5, sl st, ch 3, sl st* Repeat between * and * 3 more times. ch 1, sl st into last space.

Adding a Bell

ch 3, sl st into the same space.
ch 2 and pull on your hook to extend the loop (Picture C)

Remove your hook and thread the bell onto the loop. (Picture D)
Place your hook back through the loop and ch 2.
sl st into same space.
ch 3, sl st into same space.

ch 1 and sl st into the very first sl st of this round. Fasten off (Picture E) and sew in all tails.

Blocking Your Snowflakes

Start by soaking the snowflakes in water, squeeze out any excess liquid and place onto a blocking board or piece of polystyrene. Stretch your snowflakes out into the desired shape and pin in place (Picture F).
Finally, add a light coat of “crafting glue” to insure that your snowflakes will keep their shape. The glue works great as it not only hardens the yarn, but also dries invisible.
Leave your snowflakes to dry.
Once dry, add some thread or fishing line through the top of your snowflake and hang them up as wintery decorations.