Free Crochet Snowflake Pattern: 11-Round Lace Design
This free crochet snowflake pattern is an advanced 11-round lace snowflake, worked in white lace weight yarn on a 1.0 mm hook, and the whole design is built on the number 12: twelve double crochets in round 1 and twelve popcorn stitches in round 3.
Below you get the round-by-round structure of the free crochet snowflake pattern in 12 photo steps, from the first ring to the picot edge, plus the yarn, the hook, the mistakes that cost the most and how to block and stiffen the result. At the end are five simpler free snowflakes for a first attempt.
One note before you start: this design is for experienced crocheters, and we list only the stitch counts the designer states outright. Where a repeat count is not stated we say so instead of guessing it. The complete stitch diagram belongs to the designer, and the link is in the pattern credit at the end.
- What you need
- Stitches and abbreviations
- The 11 rounds at a glance
- Step by step
- Where it goes wrong
- Hook size, yarn and finished size
- Blocking and stiffening
- Five more free crochet snowflake patterns
- FAQ
- Bigger Winter Projects
- Sources
What You Need for This Free Crochet Snowflake Pattern
This snowflake is worked in fine white lace weight yarn. Everything else is a small kit of thread-work basics.
| Item | What to use |
|---|---|
| Yarn | White lace weight yarn, one 50 g ball. The label reads 475 m (519 yards) per ball. |
| Hook | 1.0 mm |
| Level | Advanced: puff, popcorn and post stitches in fine yarn |
| Chart | The designer works from a stitch diagram, so keep the chart next to you |
| Finishing | Rustproof pins, a foam board and plastic wrap for blocking, plus a stiffener |
| Rounds | 11, worked from the centre outward |
| Symmetry | 12 repeats around, so every round has a count you can check |
Stitches and Abbreviations for a Free Crochet Snowflake Pattern
The design uses a wider stitch list than a simple snowflake. Crochet has two naming conventions, and we give both names.
| Abbreviation | Name used here | Other naming convention |
|---|---|---|
| ch | Chain | Chain |
| sl st | Slip stitch | Slip stitch |
| sc | Single crochet | Double crochet |
| hdc | Half double crochet | Half treble crochet |
| dc | Double crochet | Treble crochet |
| tr | Treble crochet | Double treble crochet |
| puff | Puff stitch, several loops drawn up and closed together | Same |
| popcorn | Popcorn stitch, a cluster folded shut at the top | Same |
| FPdc / BPdc | Front post and back post double crochet | Front post and back post treble crochet |
| picot | Small chain loop closed with a slip stitch | Same |
Stitch multiple: 12. Round 1 has 12 double crochets and round 3 has 12 popcorn stitches, so every later round repeats around twelve times. If one repeat looks different from the others, stop and find the round where the count slipped.
The Free Crochet Snowflake Pattern at a Glance
The free crochet snowflake pattern has 11 rounds. This table lists only what the designer states outright for each round.
| Round | Stitches stated | What it makes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chain 3, then 11 double crochets, 12 in total, slip stitch to join | The centre ring |
| 2 | Another 12 stitches, chain 1, slip stitch to close | A flat base ring |
| 3 | 12 popcorn stitches, then fans of 5 treble crochets with chain 1 and 1 double crochet between, 12 repeats | The raised flower |
| 4 | Chain 4, double crochets pulled through all loops, chain 4, slip stitch to join | The first open arches |
| 5 | Groups of 6 double crochets, chain 3, 5 double crochets, slip stitch | A solid ring of groups |
| 6 | Single crochets, treble crochets and chain 2 spaces, slip stitch to join | The first points |
| 7 | Puff stitches and 4 double crochets, chain 1 spaces, slip stitch to join | The puff round |
| 8 | Groups of 3 double crochets with chain 6 and chain 1 spaces | The large loops |
| 9 | Front post and back post double crochets, groups of 8, two double crochets worked together | The raised ribs |
| 10 | Pairs of double crochets with chain 1 and chain 2 spaces, 4 double crochets together | The wide arches |
| 11 | Single crochet, picots, half double and double crochets under each arch | The picot edge |
Rounds 4 to 11 use several repeat counts that the designer does not state in words. We do not fill them in. Count each round against the chart and against the number 12.
How to Crochet the Snowflake: Free Crochet Snowflake Pattern, Step by Step
Each step of this free crochet snowflake pattern has a photo, so you can compare your own piece at the end of every round.
Step 1: Prepare the yarn and hook
Take the lace weight ball and a 1.0 mm hook. The yarn is white, so work on a plain contrasting cloth to keep the stitches easy to see.
Step 2: Round 1, the centre ring
Chain 3 and work 11 double crochets into the ring. Counting the chain 3, that is 12 double crochets in total. Slip stitch to join. The count of 12 is the one you carry through the whole snowflake.
Step 3: Round 2, the base ring
Work another 12 stitches, with chain 1 as the spacer, and close the round with a slip stitch.
Step 4: Round 3, the popcorn flower
Work 12 popcorn stitches and finish with a slip stitch. Then chain up 3 and make a fan of 5 treble crochets, chain 1, work 1 double crochet, chain 1, and make the next fan. The designer calls out the count of twelve, and the finished round looks like a flower with twelve petals.
Step 5: Round 4, the first arches
Chain 4, work a double crochet, then another double crochet, and pull through all loops so the two stitches close as one. Chain 4 again. Repeat around and join with a slip stitch. The flower now sits inside a ring of small arches.
Step 6: Round 5, groups of double crochets
Work 6 double crochets, a slip stitch, chain 3 and 5 double crochets. Then 6 more double crochets, and the designer counts three groups of six in a row. Finish with a slip stitch.
Step 7: Round 6, the first points
Chain 1 and work single crochets, with runs of 3 single crochets, a chain 2, a treble crochet and another run of 3 single crochets. The round ends with a slip stitch to join.
Step 8: Round 7, puff stitches
Round 7 is the puff round: 4 double crochets, 3 slip stitches, chain 3, 3 double crochets, then chain 1 and a puff stitch. Repeat with chain 1 and 4 double crochets, and slip stitch to join.
Step 9: Round 8, the large loops
Work 3 double crochets, chain 1, a single crochet and chain 2. Then double crochets into the same stitch and a chain 6 loop, followed by 3 double crochets, chain 1 and 3 double crochets. Finish with a slip stitch. The chain 6 loops are the first big open spaces.
Step 10: Round 9, post stitches
Round 9 mixes normal and post stitches: a slip stitch, then double crochets and a group of 8 double crochets, followed by 2 double crochets worked together at the top. Next come a front post double crochet and 8 back post double crochets. Close with a slip stitch. The post stitches raise ribs on the surface.
Step 11: Round 10, the wide arches
Round 10 starts with 2 slip stitches and then runs pairs of double crochets separated by chain 1 and chain 2 spaces, with a group of 4 double crochets closed together.
Step 12: Round 11, the picot edge
The last round is worked around the arches: a single crochet, a picot made with chain 3 and a slip stitch, then single crochets and half double crochets under each arch. Two double crochets and a picot sit at the points. Repeat all the way around and slip stitch to finish. Weave in the ends.
Where a Free Crochet Snowflake Pattern Usually Goes Wrong
Three mistakes cause most of the trouble, and each one shows early.
- A count that is not 12. Round 1 must have 12 double crochets and round 3 must have 12 popcorns. One missing stitch makes one petal shorter, and every later round then bends toward that side.
- Skipping the chart. Rounds 4 to 11 have many small repeats, and the stated counts do not cover them all. Keep the diagram beside you and tick each repeat.
- Loose post stitches. Front and back post double crochets need a firm tension, otherwise the ribs of round 9 flatten and the edge ripples.
Hook Size, Yarn and Finished Size for a Free Crochet Snowflake Pattern
This free crochet snowflake pattern uses a 1.0 mm hook with lace weight yarn. The Craft Yarn Council lists 1.4 to 2.25 mm for lace weight yarn, so 1.0 mm is below that range. That is a tight-stitch choice we cannot confirm as deliberate, so swatch one ring and check that the fabric is firm but not stiff before you commit.
The designer does not publish a finished size, a gauge or the yardage used. The ball holds 475 m (519 yards), and that is the only figure we can give, so we do not claim how much of it the snowflake uses.
Yarn and hook set the size more than the pattern does. Here is what other free snowflakes state:
- Stitches n Scraps: about 3 in in size 10 thread on a 2.75 mm hook, and about 5.5 in in worsted yarn on a 4.5 mm hook.
- GoldenLucyCrafts: 4.5 in in size 10 cotton thread on a 1.8 mm hook.
- Desert Blossom Crafts: 2.5 in (6.35 cm), 3.75 in (9.5 cm) or 4.75 in (12 cm), depending on the yarn.
Our calculation: from the two Stitches n Scraps figures, the hook grew 1.64 times (2.75 mm to 4.5 mm) while the same snowflake grew 1.83 times (3 in to 5.5 in). We calculated this from the designer’s stated sizes and did not measure it ourselves.
How to Block and Stiffen a Free Crochet Snowflake Pattern
Lace snowflakes curl until they are blocked. GoldenLucyCrafts says its crochet snowflakes must be blocked and starched to get the intended effect, and lists a pinning board, plastic wrap, rustproof pins and commercial starch or fabric stiffener.
- Pin it out. Cover a foam board with plastic wrap and pin each point of the snowflake with a rustproof pin.
- Crochet to Play uses cornstarch and pin blocking, and leaves the snowflake to dry for about 24 hours. Its designer also tried glitter in the mix, which flaked off.
- Desert Blossom Crafts recommends steam blocking, and says starch was optional on her cotton snowflakes.
- Lion Brand dipped finished snowflakes in equal parts water and non-toxic children’s glue and left them to dry.
Fine white thread and a fabric stiffener give the crispest points. Thicker cotton yarn usually holds its shape with steam alone, so test one piece first. On safety, the ASPCA pet safety page warns that pieces of breakable decorations can harm a pet and does not mention crochet ornaments. We treat a stiffened snowflake the same way: hang it high, away from pets and from children under 3.
Five More Free Crochet Snowflake Patterns
Five simple snowflakes make a better first project, and each one comes from its designer’s own page.
- Crochet Snowflake by GoldenLucyCrafts: 4 rounds of double treble clusters in size 10 cotton thread on a 1.8 mm hook, 4.5 in wide.
- Crochet Snowflake Pattern by Crochet to Play: a 3-round beginner snowflake on a 3.5 mm hook, about 4 in across.
- Crochet Snowflake Ornament by Desert Blossom Crafts: three sizes from 2.5 in to 4.75 in with picot points.
- Simple Snowflake by Stitches n Scraps: 3 rounds, in thread or worsted yarn.
- Beautiful and Easy Snowflake by Nicki’s Homemade Crafts: metallic worsted yarn on a 5.0 mm hook, 4 in across.
Free Crochet Snowflake Pattern FAQ
Is this free crochet snowflake pattern good for beginners?
No. This free crochet snowflake pattern is for experienced crocheters, because it uses puff, popcorn and post stitches in lace weight yarn on a 1.0 mm hook. Beginners should start with one of the five simpler snowflakes above.
What hook do I need for this free crochet snowflake pattern?
A 1.0 mm hook with white lace weight yarn.
How many rounds does the snowflake have?
11 rounds, worked from the centre out, with 12 repeats around.
How big is the finished snowflake?
The designer of this free crochet snowflake pattern does not publish a size. Other free snowflakes range from 2.5 in to 5.5 in, depending on the yarn.
How much yarn does it take?
No yardage is published. The 50 g ball in the materials list holds 475 m (519 yards).
Do I have to starch a crochet snowflake?
It depends on the yarn. Thread snowflakes need blocking and stiffener to keep their points, while thicker cotton can hold its shape with steam alone.
Bigger Winter Projects
This free crochet snowflake pattern fits a winter project list. Read our crochet star blanket patterns for a bigger project, or pick a small bag from the free crochet bag patterns to wrap a stiffened snowflake in. You can also browse every free pattern on the site, our stitches and squares or the accessories section.
Sources
- GoldenLucyCrafts, Crochet Snowflake
- Crochet to Play, Crochet Snowflake Pattern
- Desert Blossom Crafts, Crochet Snowflake Ornament Pattern
- Stitches n Scraps, Simple Snowflake
- Nicki’s Homemade Crafts, How to Crochet a Beautiful and Easy Snowflake
- Lion Brand Notebook, Snowflakes with Sparkle
- ASPCA, pet safety tips
- Craft Yarn Council, yarn weight system
Pattern credit: this lace snowflake is a design by the crochet channel Crochet Studio by Elena. Find the full diagram and more of their work on their YouTube channel, Crochet Studio by Elena.
