How to crochet snowflake

Once you’ve worked the first point of a crochet snowflake, the rest is just repeating it five more times, which is what makes this six-point pattern far more approachable than it looks in photos.

Each snowflake takes about 20 to 30 minutes once the pattern clicks, built from just four stitches: chain, magic ring, slip stitch, and double crochet. A single 50 gram ball of yarn stretches to make around 8 of them.

If the six-point shape looks fiddly at first glance, don’t worry, this project only needs the chain stitch, a magic ring, slip stitches, and double crochet. Once those four feel familiar, the pattern is mostly repetition.

Christmas is still a few months off, so there’s plenty of time to make a whole set for the tree, gift toppers, or a window garland. If you’re still building up your stitch vocabulary, our full crochet collection is a good place to practice before you tackle a shaped motif like this one.

Crochet Snowflake at a Glance

Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 20-30 minutes
Cost: Under $1
Ages: 10+ years
Best For: Ornaments, gift toppers, garlands, window decor

How to crochet a snowflake

What You Need to Make a Crochet Snowflake

Materials

  • Yarn: A lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn gives the crispest, most snowflake-like finish. One 50 gram ball makes about 8 snowflakes.

Tools

  • Crochet hook: Any size that matches your yarn weight works for this pattern.
  • Scissors: For trimming yarn ends cleanly.
  • Tapestry needle: For weaving in the yarn tail at the end.

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Free Crochet Snowflake Pattern

In case you’re having trouble reading or memorizing the crochet snowflake pattern, you can download and print the snowflake diagram. And don’t forget to confirm your subscription after downloading to receive all our latest updates straight to your inbox!

Free crochet snowflake pattern diagram showing the six-point stitch layout

Abbreviation

  • Chain- CH or Chain Stitch – Ch St
  • Magic Ring – MC
  • Double Crochet-DC
  • Slip Stitch – Sl St
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Step by Step Instructions: Crochet Snowflake

Starting a crochet snowflake with a magic ring and 5 chain stitches on the hook

Hold the tail of your yarn and form a magic ring, then work 5 chain stitches on the hook. This ring is what every round after it builds from, so keep it snug but loose enough to work back into later.

Tip: Starting this project with a magic ring is better, but you can start with 4 chains instead if you can’t manage a magic ring.

Step 2: Work 1 DC and Chain 2 Into the Ring

Working one double crochet into the magic ring and chaining 2 to start round 2

Work 1 DC into the magic ring, then chain 2 on the hook. This first DC and chain-2 pair sets the spacing for the five repeats to come.

Step 3: Repeat Around and Close Round 2

Repeating 1 double crochet and 2 chain stitches around the magic ring to finish round 2

Repeat the pattern (1 DC, 2 Ch) 5 more times into the magic ring. Slip stitch into the first space to close round 2, then chain 3. That chain-3 counts as your first DC of round 3, so don’t skip it.

Step 4: Work 3 DC Into the Chain 2 Space

Working 3 double crochet stitches into the chain 2 space to start round 3

Work 3 DC into the chain 2 space closest to your hook, then chain 2 again. You’re building the first cluster of round 3 here.

Step 5: Work 4 DC Into Each Remaining Space

Working 4 double crochet stitches into each chain 2 space around round 3

Work 4 DC into the next chain 2 space, then repeat that same 4 DC, 2 CH pattern into each remaining chain 2 space from round 2. Keep your tension even here so the clusters end up the same size.

Step 6: Slip Stitch to Close Round 3

Slip stitching into the second chain to close round 3 of the crochet snowflake

To close round 3, slip stitch into the second chain, then slip stitch again into the top chain of the adjacent DC.

Step 7: Slip Stitch to the Next Chain 2 Space

Slip stitching across the double crochet stitches to reach the next chain 2 space

Slip stitch across each DC until you reach the next chain 2 space, then chain 3 on the hook. This walks your hook into position for the first snowflake point.

Step 8: Chain 5 to Start the First Point

Slip stitching into the chain 2 space and chaining 5 to begin the first snowflake point

With a slip stitch into the chain 2 space, work 5 chain stitches on the hook. This chain-5 is the first leg of your snowflake’s point.

Step 9: Chain 7 to Build the Point

Slip stitching into the same chain 2 space and chaining 7 to build the snowflake point

Work another slip stitch into that same chain 2 space, then chain 7. The longer chain here is what gives each point its length.

Step 10: Complete the Point and Move to the Next Space

Completing the first crochet snowflake point with a chain and slip stitch pattern

One more slip stitch into that same space, then work 5 more chains. Follow with (Sl St, 3 CH, Sl St) to finish your first point, then slip stitch across each DC until you reach the next chain 2 space.

Step 11: Repeat the Point Pattern for All 6 Points

Repeating the point pattern around the crochet snowflake to complete all six points

Repeat the pattern (Ch 3, Sl St, Ch 5 Sl St, Ch 7 Sl St, Ch 5 Sl St, Ch 3 Sl St) into the next chain 2 space, then repeat all the way around until you have 6 points total.

Tip: Count the stitches for each point as you go. A miscounted point is the most common reason a snowflake ends up lopsided instead of symmetrical.

Step 12: Finish Off and Weave In the Tail

Finishing the crochet snowflake with a final slip stitch and weaving in the yarn tail

Work a final slip stitch through the top adjacent chain stitch, then cut your yarn a few inches from the last stitch. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and stitch it into the backside of the snowflake so it’s hidden from the front.

Tip: Leave the tail a little longer if you want to loop it into a hanger and turn the snowflake into an ornament.

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Tips for Beginners

  • Keep your stitch tension even throughout, since loose or tight spots are what make the six points look mismatched.
  • Use a fabric stiffener if you want to hang the snowflake as an ornament. It holds the points crisp instead of letting them droop.
  • Store finished snowflakes flat in a box between uses so the points don’t bend out of shape.
Finished crochet snowflake ready to use as an ornament

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I crochet this snowflake without a magic ring?

Yes, you can swap the magic ring for 4 chain stitches joined into a ring with a slip stitch. The magic ring gives you a tighter, hole-free center, but the 4-chain start is a reliable substitute if you’re still getting comfortable with the magic ring technique.

What yarn and hook work best for a crochet snowflake?

A lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn gives you the crispest, most snowflake-like finish, since it holds its shape better than a fuzzy or stretchy yarn. Use whatever hook size matches your yarn’s label, since this pattern isn’t picky about an exact size.

How long does it take to crochet one snowflake?

Once you’re comfortable with the stitch pattern, one snowflake takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Your first one will likely take longer while you get used to counting the chain 2 spaces and keeping track of the 6 points.

Why do my snowflake’s points look uneven?

Uneven points almost always come down to tension or a miscounted round. Check that you worked the same number of stitches into each chain 2 space in round 3, and keep your tension consistent so no point ends up looser or tighter than the rest.

How is this different from the crochet star pattern?

This snowflake has 6 points built from chain-2 spaces and double crochet clusters, while our crochet star pattern works 5 pointed spikes off a base ring with treble crochet stitches. Both are beginner-friendly motifs, so it comes down to which shape and point count you need for your project.

Is this a good pattern for a first-time crocheter?

If you already know the chain stitch, magic ring, slip stitch, and double crochet, yes, this pattern is a great next project. If you’ve genuinely never picked up a hook before, practice those 4 stitches on a small swatch first, since the snowflake asks you to count and track them across several rounds.

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