The Free Pattern
See the "Basic Details" for size, yarn, needle, and gauge information.
Glossary:
Note: These are American terms and abbreviations; a US double is a UK treble, etc.
Ch = chain; DC = double crochet; HDC = half double crochet; SC = single crochet; Sl St = slip stitch; St(s) = stitch(es); Tr = treble (or triple) crochet; TP = triple picot (Ch 3, Sl St into back bump of first ch, Ch 4, Sl St into same back bump, Ch 3, Sl St into same back bump).
Tips:
A spool of raffia can get out of control. We recommend keeping the cardboard circles on both ends and pulling from the side of the roll. You may also like to keep a rubber band around the spool and move it as you work.
Your stars and snowflakes will not be pretty as you work them. They will become lovely when you wet- block them! If you’re feeling uncertain, block your first one right away so you can proceed with confidence.
Six-point star or snowflake:
Note: Six-point star and snowflake begin the same way, through Round 2. Note that the difference in Round 3 is a treble crochet for the star versus a triple picot for the snowflake—watch how you go!
Ch 6; join in ring with Sl St.
Round 1: Ch 1, work 12 SC in ring, join to first sc with Sl St. Tip: Work first round capturing the
tail as well as the chain; when you’re done, tail can simply be tightened a little and trimmed.
Round 2: Sl St into back loop of next st, *Ch 4, skip next st, 1 SC into back loop of next st*; repeat between * * 4 more times, Ch4, Sl St into same loop as sl st worked at beginning of round. [6 ch4 spaces made]
Round 3, Star only: Ch 1, *(1 SC, 1 HDC, 1 DC, 1 Tr, 1 DC, 1 HDC, 1 SC) all in next ch4 space*; repeat between * * 5 more times, end with Sl St into first sc.
Round 3, Snowflake only: Ch 1, *(1 SC, 1 HDC, 1 DC, 1 triple picot [Ch 3, Sl St into back bump of first ch, Ch 4, Sl St into same back bump, Ch 3, Sl St into same back bump], 1 DC, 1 HDC, 1 SC) all in next ch4 space*; repeat between * * 5 more times, end with Sl St into first sc.
Both versions: Fasten off. Proceed to Finishing instructions.
Five-point star or snowflake:
Note: Five-point star and snowflake begin the same, through Round 2; star ends here, snowflake has one more round.
Ch 6, join in ring with Sl St.
Round 1: SC in ring, *Ch 6, SC in ring*; repeat between * * 3 more times, ch 6, Sl St into first sc. [5 ch6 spaces made] Tip: Work first round capturing the tail as well as the chain; when you’re done, tail can simply be tightened a little and trimmed.
Round 2: *(4 SC, HDC, Ch2, HDC, 4 SC) all into next ch6 space*; repeat between * * 4 more times, join with Sl St to first sc.
Star only: Fasten off. Proceed to Finishing instructions.
Round 3, Snowflake only: Ch 1, *SC in next 4 sts, (Sl St, Ch3, Sl St, Ch5, Sl St, Ch 3, Sl St) all into ch2 space, SC in next 4 sts, skip next st*; repeat between * * 5 times, end with Sl St into first sc.
Finishing:
Weave in all ends as invisibly as possible. Cut a 12"/30cm piece of raffia; fold in half, tuck through one point of star or snowflake, pull tails through fold and tighten. Knot to desired length when hanging.
Blocking
Soak pieces in tepid water with a little no-rinse wool wash for 20 minutes. Gently squeeze out as much water as possible. Place in a lingerie bag and run through spin-only cycle in washing machine; or lay flat and roll in a towl and squeeze to remove more moisture. Spread out on a moisture proof surface and pin with tension, pulling points into shape. Allow to dry thoroughly.
