Small Snowflake, Free Crochet Pattern – GoldenLucyCrafts

There is something quietly magical about a hand-crocheted snowflake. Unlike the decorations you pull from a box at the beginning of December, a crocheted snowflake carries the warmth of the hands that made it, the patience of the hours spent with a hook and thread, and a delicacy that no mass-produced ornament can replicate. Whether you are a seasoned crafter who has been working with a crochet hook since childhood or someone who just recently discovered the meditative joy of fiber arts, a small snowflake pattern is one of the most rewarding projects you can take on during the holiday season — and honestly, any time of year.

Today I am sharing a free small snowflake crochet pattern that I designed here at GoldenLucyCrafts. This pattern is beginner-friendly, works up quickly, and creates a beautiful six-pointed snowflake that can be used in dozens of ways. Read on for the full free pattern, tips on materials, finishing advice, and plenty of ideas for how to use your finished snowflakes once you have made a few.

Why Crochet Snowflakes?

Before we dive into the pattern itself, let me take a moment to talk about why crocheted snowflakes deserve a place in your crafting repertoire.

First, they are incredibly versatile. A small crocheted snowflake can become a tree ornament, a gift tag, a table centerpiece accent, a wreath embellishment, a garland element, a window decoration, or even a piece of wearable art pinned to a scarf or hat. One pattern, dozens of uses.

Second, they are fast. Even if you are a relatively new crocheter, you can complete one small snowflake in under an hour. That means in a single evening, you could make three or four, which is enough to decorate a small wreath, fill a glass bowl for a centerpiece, or give as a handmade set of ornaments.

Third, they are economical. A single ball of size 10 crochet thread will yield many, many snowflakes. If you are looking for a handmade gift that feels generous and thoughtful without breaking the budget, a set of crocheted snowflakes is one of the best options out there.

And finally, crocheting snowflakes is genuinely enjoyable. The repetitive nature of the rounds is soothing, and the moment when you stiffen the finished piece and watch it hold its shape is deeply satisfying. There is a real sense of accomplishment in turning a skein of thread into something that looks like it fell from the sky.

Materials You Will Need

This is a small snowflake pattern, which means it works best with thinner thread and a smaller hook. Here is what I recommend:

Thread: Size 10 crochet cotton thread in white or ecru is the classic choice. You can also use a sparkle thread for a festive shimmer, or go completely off-script with blue, silver, or pale grey for a more modern look. Any brand works well — I personally love Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread in size 10, but use what you have or what is available to you.

Hook: A steel crochet hook in size 7 (1.65mm) works perfectly with size 10 thread. If your tension tends to run tight, go up to a size 6 steel hook (1.8mm). If you run loose, try a size 8 (1.5mm).

Stiffener: To give your snowflake a firm, beautiful shape, you will want to stiffen it after blocking. You can use commercial fabric stiffener, a homemade mixture of equal parts white school glue and water, or liquid starch. All three work well.

Blocking tools: Rust-proof pins and a foam blocking mat or a piece of corkboard are essential. You will pin your snowflake into shape while it dries.

Scissors and a yarn needle for finishing.

Optional: A small length of ribbon, twine, or metallic thread for hanging if you plan to use your snowflake as an ornament.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology. Here are the abbreviations you will encounter:

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble crochet (also called triple crochet)
picot — chain 3, slip stitch into the first chain of the 3 to form a small loop
sp — space
rnd — round
rep — repeat

• • — repeat the instructions between the asterisks as directed

Pattern Notes

This snowflake is worked in the round from the center outward. It has three rounds total. The finished size is approximately 3 to 3.5 inches (7.5 to 9 cm) from point to point before stiffening, and slightly smaller after stiffening and blocking, depending on how tightly you block it.

The magic ring (also called a magic loop or adjustable ring) is the recommended starting method, but if you prefer, you can chain 6 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring instead.

Do not turn your work between rounds. You will always be working on the right side.

The Free Snowflake Crochet Pattern

Round 1 — The Center

Start with a magic ring.

Chain 4 (this counts as your first double crochet plus chain 1), then work dc into the ring, ch 1 five more times, for a total of 6 double crochets and 6 chain-1 spaces around the ring.

Join with a slip stitch to the third chain of your starting chain-4.

Pull the magic ring closed snugly.

You now have a small hexagonal center with 6 spokes.

Round 2 — Building the Arms

Slip stitch into the first ch-1 space. Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).

Work the following sequence in each ch-1 space around: sc, ch 5, sc in each ch-1 sp.

Join with a slip stitch to the first sc of the round.

You now have 6 loops arching out from the center — these will become the main arms of your snowflake.

Round 3 — The Decorative Points

This is where the snowflake really comes to life. Take your time with this round, keeping your tension consistent.

Slip stitch into the first ch-5 loop. Chain 1.

Work the following sequence into each ch-5 loop around:

sc into the loop, ch 3, tr into the loop, picot (ch 3, sl st in first ch of ch-3), ch 3, tr into the loop, picot, ch 3, tr into the loop, picot, ch 3, sc into the loop

After completing the sequence in the first loop, ch 2, then move to the next ch-5 loop and repeat from * to the end.

After the last loop, join with a slip stitch to the first sc of the round.

Fasten off, leaving a tail of about 6 inches for weaving in.

Finishing Your Snowflake

Weave in your ends carefully using your yarn needle. Since the thread is thin, you want to make sure the ends are secure so they do not unravel when you stiffen the piece. Weave the end in at least two different directions through the stitches.

Now comes the stiffening process, which transforms your snowflake from a soft, floppy piece of crochet into a crisp, structured ornament.

Prepare your stiffener in a small bowl. If you are using commercial fabric stiffener, pour a small amount into the bowl. If you are making your own mixture, combine one part white PVA glue with one part water and stir well. Either method works beautifully.

Submerge your snowflake in the stiffener, making sure all the threads are saturated. Gently squeeze out excess liquid — do not wring it, just press it lightly against the side of the bowl or between two fingers.

Lay your snowflake on your blocking mat and begin pinning it into shape. Start with the six main points, stretching them out evenly so the snowflake is symmetrical. Then pin the spaces between the points so the arms are consistent and the small picots are visible and open.

You want to stretch it just slightly beyond the size you want the finished piece to be, because it will draw in very slightly as it dries.

Allow the snowflake to dry completely. Depending on the humidity in your area, this could take anywhere from a few hours to overnight. Do not rush this step — pulling the pins before it is fully dry will result in a limp snowflake.

Once dry, remove the pins and admire your work. The snowflake should hold its shape beautifully and feel slightly stiff to the touch, crisp like a piece of fine paper.

How to Make It an Ornament

If you want to use your snowflake as a tree ornament or a hanging decoration, cut a piece of ribbon, metallic thread, or white twine approximately 8 inches long. Fold it in half to form a loop, then thread the folded end through one of the points of your snowflake. Pull the two loose ends through the folded loop to create a lark’s head knot, securing it to the snowflake. Tie the two loose ends together at the top with a knot or bow.

You can use white ribbon for a clean classic look, gold or silver metallic thread for a festive touch, or a thin satin ribbon in a coordinating color for something a little more elegant.

Ideas for Using Your Crocheted Snowflakes

Once you have made a handful of snowflakes (and trust me, it is very hard to stop at just one), you will find yourself dreaming up new ways to use them. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Christmas tree ornaments. A set of six or twelve matching white snowflakes makes a stunning and cohesive ornament collection. If you starch them with a touch of glitter in the stiffener, they catch the light on the tree beautifully.

Wreath embellishments. Hot glue several snowflakes of varying sizes to a simple greenery wreath for a handmade touch that looks incredibly polished. Mix white and silver snowflakes for dimension.

Gift toppers. Tie a snowflake onto a wrapped gift instead of (or in addition to) a bow. The recipient gets both a beautifully wrapped present and a keepsake ornament.

Table runner or centerpiece. Scatter a handful of stiffened snowflakes along a holiday table runner, or arrange them in a shallow glass bowl with some silver and white ornament balls and pinecones for an easy centerpiece.

Window garland. String several snowflakes along a length of white ribbon or thin twine at varying heights and hang in a window. Backlit by natural light, the lacy stitching is absolutely stunning.

Greeting cards. Glue a small unstiffened (or lightly stiffened) snowflake to a blank notecard for a heartfelt handmade holiday card that doubles as a gift.

Scarf or hat accent. Pin a snowflake brooch-style to a winter scarf, the lapel of a coat, or a knit hat for a whimsical seasonal accessory.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

A few extra tips to help your snowflakes turn out beautifully every time:

Keep your tension even throughout. Inconsistent tension is the most common cause of uneven, lopsided snowflakes. If you notice your tension loosening as you work (which often happens as we relax into a project), try consciously slowing down.

Count your stitches at the end of each round. It is much easier to fix a mistake at the end of Round 1 or Round 2 than to realize something is wrong at the end of Round 3.

Block generously. The stiffening and blocking process makes an enormous difference in the final look of your snowflake. A blocked snowflake and an unblocked one can look like two entirely different patterns. Take the extra time — it is absolutely worth it.

Experiment with thread colors. While white is classic, there is no rule that says snowflakes have to be white. Pale blue is lovely, silver grey is modern and sophisticated, and an icy lavender is unexpectedly beautiful. You can also use variegated threads for a subtle, tone-on-tone effect.

Try different thread weights. This pattern works with size 10 thread, but you can also try it with size 20 thread for an even finer, more delicate snowflake, or with fingering weight yarn for a larger, chunkier version that works beautifully as a wall hanging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a beginner make this snowflake?

Yes, absolutely. If you know how to make a magic ring, chain, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, and slip stitch, you have all the skills you need. The pattern has only three rounds, and while Round 3 is the most complex, it follows a clear and consistent repeat.

How much thread do I need?

One small snowflake uses very little thread — typically between 15 and 25 yards of size 10 crochet cotton, depending on how you work. A standard ball of size 10 thread (usually around 350 to 400 yards) will yield many snowflakes, easily 15 or more.

Can I use yarn instead of thread?

You can, though the result will be different in scale and texture. If you use fingering weight yarn with a size C or D hook, you will get a larger and slightly more rustic-looking snowflake. It will still be beautiful, just different in character.

Do I have to stiffen it?

You do not have to, but the snowflake will be limp without stiffening. If you want it to hold its shape as an ornament or decoration, stiffening is strongly recommended.

Can I sell items made from this pattern?

Yes! You are welcome to sell finished snowflakes made from this GoldenLucyCrafts pattern. All I ask is that you do not sell or distribute the pattern itself, and that you credit GoldenLucyCrafts as the designer if you mention the pattern publicly.

A Few Last Thoughts

There is a reason crocheted snowflakes have been a beloved craft tradition for generations. They are small enough to feel accessible, intricate enough to feel impressive, and useful in so many ways that making a whole basketful of them never feels like a waste of time. Every snowflake you make is a little piece of handmade beauty that someone will hold onto long after the season ends — I still have snowflakes given to me years ago, and I treasure every one.

I hope you enjoy making this pattern as much as I enjoyed designing it. If you make one (or ten!), I would love to see your finished snowflakes. Share your photos on Instagram and tag @GoldenLucyCrafts, or leave a comment below with your experience. Did you stiffen them? What color thread did you use? Any questions as you worked through the pattern? I read every comment and love hearing from the GoldenLucyCrafts community.

Happy crocheting, and happy snowflake season — whenever that season may be for you.

Pattern designed by GoldenLucyCrafts. Free for personal use and for finished items for sale. Please do not redistribute, sell, or claim this pattern as your own. Thank you for supporting independent crochet designers.