Small handmade ornaments can completely change the look of a Christmas tree, and this crochet snowflake ornament is a lovely project when you want something delicate, lightweight and a little more elegant.

The design uses open crochet spaces to create six defined snowflake points, while optional gold beads add just enough sparkle to catch the Christmas lights. A small decorative star can also be attached to the center, although the snowflake looks beautiful without it.

Because the finished piece is flat and uses only a small amount of yarn, it is a practical project for using leftover cotton or crochet thread. Make one as a tree ornament or work several in matching colors for a garland, gift decorations or a winter window display.

What You’ll Need

• White or cream cotton yarn or crochet thread
• Crochet hook appropriate for your yarn
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Small gold beads, optional
• Small decorative star charm, optional
• Thread or thin yarn for sewing embellishments
• Ribbon, twine or yarn for hanging
• Blocking mat and pins
• Optional fabric stiffener

A smooth cotton yarn works especially well because it helps the lace sections stay defined after blocking.

Finished Size

Approximately 4–5 inches (10–12.5 cm) across, depending on yarn, hook size and tension.

Gauge is not essential for this ornament.

Abbreviations

ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
tr – treble crochet
st / sts – stitch / stitches
sp – space
rnd – round
picot – ch 3, sl st into the first chain

Crochet Snowflake Ornament Pattern

The snowflake is worked from the center outward.

Round 1

Make a magic ring.

Ch 3.

Work 11 dc into the ring.

Pull the ring closed.

Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.

12 dc

Round 2

Ch 1.

Sc in the same st.

Repeat around:

ch 5, skip next st, sc in next st

Join with a sl st to the first sc.

You should have:

6 ch-5 spaces

These six spaces establish the six points of the snowflake.

Round 3

Sl st into the first ch-5 sp.

In the same space work:

ch 3, 4 dc, ch 3, 5 dc

Ch 1.

In each remaining ch-5 space work:

5 dc, ch 3, 5 dc

with ch 1 between each group.

Join with a sl st.

You should now see six fan-shaped sections forming around the center.

Forming the Snowflake Points

Each point is worked into the center ch-3 space of one fan.

Round 4

Sl st across until you reach the first ch-3 space.

In that space work:

sc, ch 4, tr, ch 3, sl st in first ch to form a picot, ch 4, sc

Ch 5.

Work a sc into the next ch-3 space.

Repeat the point sequence around all six sections:

ch 4, tr, picot, ch 4, sc

with ch 5 between the points.

Join with a sl st.

Fasten off.

Adding Decorative Side Points

To give the snowflake a fuller lace appearance, join yarn into one of the ch-5 spaces between the main points.

Work:

sc, ch 3, dc, ch 3, sc

in the same space.

Repeat in every ch-5 space around.

Fasten off and weave in all ends.