There is something magical about a snowflake that never melts. This crochet snowflake ornament is worked in fine cotton thread and slips over the top of a glass ball ornament like a little lace cap, with six pointed tips that are perfect for hanging sparkly beads. It looks delicate and expensive on the tree, but it is made from just six rounds and less than one small ball of thread.
In this post you will find everything you need to know before you start: the materials, the special stitches, how to size the ring for your ornament, the first two rounds, and how to stiffen and bead your finished snowflake. The complete six-round pattern is available as a printable PDF in the shop.
What you need to know first
- Skill level: advanced beginner. If you can chain, single crochet and double crochet, you can make this.
- Construction: joined rounds, worked outward from a chain ring that fits the ornament cap.
- Rounds: 6, from the ring to the star points.
- Terms: US crochet terms.
What you will need
- Size 10 crochet cotton thread, about 35 to 40 yards per snowflake. White or silver for frost, red for a festive look.
- A 1.65 mm steel crochet hook (US steel size 7).
- A 3-inch round ornament. Glass looks beautiful; shatterproof is safer around children and pets.
- Fabric stiffener, or craft glue mixed half and half with water.
- Crystal or coloured beads, a beading needle and clear beading thread.
- A stitch marker, a tapestry needle, scissors and plastic wrap.
Special stitches used
- Cluster: two half-closed double crochets worked in the same space and closed together, which makes a small, puffy fan stitch.
- Point shell: a group of double crochets with a chain space in the middle, which forms the base of each star point.
- Picot: a tiny chain loop that gives the edge its frosty look.
Full step-by-step instructions for every special stitch are in the PDF.
How to size the ring for your ornament
The snowflake starts with a chain ring that sits around the metal cap of the ornament. Before you join it, wrap your chains around the cap. They should meet comfortably without stretching. The pattern uses 36 chains, and you can add or remove chains in multiples of 6 to fit smaller or larger caps. Because each section of the snowflake is based on 6, the points will still come out even.
Rounds 1 and 2: the ring and the six sections
Here are the first two rounds, so you can see how the snowflake begins.
Round 1 (36 sc)
Ch 36, sl st in first ch to form a ring. Check that the ring slips snugly over the metal cap of your ornament. Ch 1, sc in each ch around, sl st in first sc.
Round 2 (6 ch-5 sps)
Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 5, sk next 5 sts, sc in next st; rep from * 4 times more, ch 5, sk last 5 sts, sl st in first sc.
The printable pattern is available as a PDF at hooklinestitcher.com/shop
After Round 2 you will have six equal chain loops around the ring. Each loop grows into one point of the snowflake over the next four rounds, through clusters, lacy chain loops, point shells and finally the star tips with their hanging loops.
Full pattern · printable PDF
Get the full Snowflake Ornament pattern
All 6 rounds, special stitches, round-by-round notes, stitch count checklist, stiffening and beading guide, troubleshooting and colour ideas. Ad-free, printable, yours to keep. $4.99
Get the full pattern →How to stiffen your snowflake over the ornament
Crochet thread is soft, so the snowflake needs a little stiffener to hold its shape on the ball. Wrap the ornament in a single layer of plastic wrap first so nothing sticks to the glass. Soak the snowflake in fabric stiffener, squeeze out the excess, slip the ring over the top of the ornament and smooth the points down evenly. Leave it to dry overnight, then lift it off, remove the plastic wrap and slip it back on.
Adding beads
The tip of every point ends in a small hanging loop. Tie a length of beading thread through each loop, add a few beads finished with a larger drop bead, and tie off. Matching lengths look neat and elegant; alternating long and short strands catch the light even more.
Colour ideas
- Classic frost: white thread on a clear or silver ornament with crystal beads.
- Candy cane: red thread on a white ornament with red and clear beads.
- Gold glow: metallic gold thread on a deep green or navy ornament.
Why these make great gifts
A boxed set of three snowflake ornaments is one of the most loved handmade gifts at Christmas, and they are a favourite at craft fairs too. They are light, they post easily, and every one looks a little different depending on the beads you choose.
Full pattern · printable PDF
Ready to make your own snowflakes?
All 6 rounds, special stitches, round-by-round notes, stitch count checklist, stiffening and beading guide, troubleshooting and colour ideas. Ad-free, printable, yours to keep. $4.99
Get the full pattern →Frequently asked questions
What thread is best for a crochet snowflake ornament?
Size 10 cotton crochet thread is ideal. It is fine enough for delicate lace and firm enough to hold its shape once stiffened.
Can I make the snowflake without the ornament?
Yes. Stiffen it flat on a board instead and it makes a lovely gift tag, window decoration or tree topper accent.
How long does one snowflake take?
Most crocheters finish one in an evening once they are comfortable with thread, plus drying time for the stiffener.
Is the full pattern free?
The first two rounds and all the finishing tips are free right here. The complete six-round pattern, with notes, stitch counts and troubleshooting, is a printable $4.99 PDF in the shop.
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