This is my pattern for a very simple little star. Very quick and easy to whip up and beautifully versatile, they can be used for all sorts of decorative projects.
Stitch them, button-and-bead them, string them, hang them, adorn with them, decorate with them. On trees, twigs, swags, garlands, wreaths. In your hair, on your bag, on your coat. Individually or in clusters. Stick 'em anywhere you require a simple bit of decorative cheer!
Re yarn and hook size....use whatever colourful scraps of yarn you have in your stash, with an appropriate hook size. I'm making mine with a DK weight merino wool yarn, worked on a 3.5mm hook and the stars measure approx 5cm from point to point.
So before we begin, a little summary of the basic stitches. I'm writing using UK crochet terms ::
sl st [slip stitch] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch, then through the loop on your hook.
dc [double crochet] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook (note :: this is equivalent to the US sc stitch)
tr [treble] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (note :: this is equivalent to the US dc stitch)
To begin :: chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to make a ring.
:: Round 1 ::
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then work 14 tr's into the ring.
TOP TIP :: remember to crochet over your tail end as you work these treble stitches. When you've completed the first round, you can give the tail end a firm pull and it will close up the central hole which gives a nice neat look. You'll also be able to just snip the tail end off then, without having to darn in.
Join with a slip stitch into 3rd chain of initial chain-3 to close the round. Do not fasten off.
You should be able to clearly count 15 stitches to work out of for the next round.
:: Round 2 ::
In first stitch, work 1 dc, 1 tr (as above)
Chain 2, sl st into 2nd chain from hook. Picot point made (as above)
Into next st, work 1 tr, 1 dc (as above)
Slip stitch into next stitch (as above). First star point made.
*Into next st, work 1 dc, 1 tr.
Chain 2, slip stitch into 2nd chain from hook (picot point)
Into next st, work 1tr, 1dc.
Slip stitch into next stitch*. Second star point made (as above)
Repeat between ** 3 more times to complete all five star points. Fasten off.
There you go.....that was pretty easy wasn't it?!
Depending on what yarn you have used, you may well find that your stars do a little bit of curling and begin to look like they should be sitting in a rock pool. If you've used a natural yarn (wool or cotton) you could try lightly pressing them with a steam iron and tweaking the points while still damp.
Or you could do what I do and give them the stretch, pin and spray starch treatment. It takes a little bit of extra effort, but the results are well worth it. Pin them with wrong sides uppermost (I use an old towel over a 1 inch piece of foam) and give a good spray until they are thoroughly wet. I use Astonish Starch in a trigger bottle, it's a non smelly vegetable based starch and works a treat. You will need to leave them to dry completely before unpinning...I tend to prop them up next to a radiator to speed the process up a bit.
My stars are still a little bit wonky, but I rather like them like that. They are homespun and have character, which is my idea of perfect.
I hope that you have lots of fun making these little stars, they are seriously satisfying and a weeny bit addictive. And perhaps if you've been inspired to give them a go, that you might consider making a small donation to help support what I do here in the Attic...thank you SO much!
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xx Your support is very, very much appreciated. Wishing you many happy, blissful hours of joy with hook and yarn xx
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