Little Lacy Stars

I really enjoyed making these little Lacy Stars, they were a simple solution to a decorative need (bare twigs needing a touch of seasonal colour!) Made in just two quick rounds, they make perfect use of all those teensy scraps of left over yarns that you can't bare to throw away. Here I've used up some colourful odds and ends of Stylecraft Special DK acrylic, on a 4mm hook.

They would look great strung into a delicate garland, or do what I did and hang a whole handful on a simple twiggy arrangement. Of course, I've done my usual full colour thing, but I think they would look amazing made all in red (a bit of Scandinavian influence), or all white (like mini snowflakes) or even perhaps made with that yarn that has a little bit of sparkle running through it.

The pattern is a breeze, using just chains and double crochet stitches (that's UK double crochet = US single crochet).

To begin :: chain 6, slip stitch into first chain to form a ring.

ROUND 1 (work out of the ring for this round)

Chain 1, [1 dc into ring, chain 4] 6 times, then slip stitch into the top of the first dc to close the round. You should clearly be able to see six chain loops.

ROUND 2 (work out of the chain loops from the previous round)

Slip Stitch into the first chain loop. Chain 1, 1 dc, chain 4, 1 dc.

[work 1dc, chain 4, 1dc in the next chain loop] 5 times, then slip stitch into the top of the first dc to close the round. Fasten off.

Your little Lacy Star may well look a little bit squished and more flower like than star like. You will need to give it a bit of TLC and treat it to some loving Steam Treatment.

Fold up a towel so that it is thick enough to stick pins into, then take six pins (these T-Pins  are excellent for this) and pin out your six star points. Pull the star a little so that the stitches open up and the little holes look cute and lacy.

Use a steam iron on a LOW setting.

**IMPORTANT NOTE - DO NOT ALLOW THE IRON TO TOUCH THE YARN**

Hover the iron a centimetre or so above your star and puff some steam onto it. Steam it for about 4-5 seconds. It's quick! You can unpin your star straight away (no need to leave it to dry!) and it'll miraculously stay in shape, complete with pointy starry corners.

 

Hang them or string them, embellish them or leave them plain. Add a little bit of happy hooky to your home this Christmas :o)

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Comments

[Karen Byrne]

I’ve tried 10 times still not quite right don’t suppose you could do a video, please.

[Annie]

Would you mind if I taught your lacy star to my beginners crochet class. I’d give them all a link to your blog, of course. It’s an ideal little project.

[Mia]

I love stars and am so glad this is easy enough for me, with my two left thumbs, to crochet! Thank you, Lucy.

[Sally]

Did you just sew the tail end in to make the hanging loop? (i.e. you didn't weave in at the end?) Thanks!

[sally]

Thanks Lucy, lovely pattern.

[Crystal @ Crystal's Tiny Treasures]

I searched around and looked at a few sites, but I thought this post would be the best for this total beginner to start with. I've now made myself 6 stars and know the pattern without looking. I've still to stiffen them, but I can now say I've started my goals list for 2014 and everyone will receive a crocheted tree decoration with their card at Christmas!

[Sonja]

Thank you Lucy for this fab pattern! It's great fun and quick and easy to do.