Grandma Jennie’s vintage crochet snowflake patterns became a treasured part of our family’s Christmas traditions. Everyone who saw her beautiful snowflakes displayed in the windows wanted to know how she made them.
She created two versions of the design. The first is a traditional openwork snowflake measuring approximately 3½ in. (8.9 cm) across. The second adds two decorative rounds for a larger 4 in. (10 cm) snowflake.
Use these heirloom crochet snowflakes as Christmas tree ornaments, window decorations, handmade gift toppers, or winter decorations that can stay on display long after the holidays.
Scroll down for both free patterns, or purchase the complete Set of 4 Snowflake Patterns eBook as a convenient, ad-free PDF from my pattern shop or Ravelry.
Pattern Details
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Size 10 crochet thread
- Hook: 2 mm (US A) steel crochet hook
- Finished sizes: Approximately 3½ in. (8.9 cm) for Version 1 and 4 in. (10 cm) for Version 2
- Construction: Worked in joined rounds
- Gauge: Not essential
Supplies
- Size 10 crochet thread
- 2 mm (US A) steel crochet hook
- Fabric stiffener
- Sewing needle
- Scissors
- Blocking mat and rustproof pins
- Small paintbrush, optional
Pattern Notes
- The pattern includes two versions of Grandma Jennie’s snowflake.
- Version 1 ends after Round 5 and measures approximately 3½ in. (8.9 cm).
- Version 2 continues through Round 7 and measures approximately 4 in. (10 cm).
- Crochet several in different colors or yarn weights to create a varied winter display.
- Using a heavier yarn and larger hook will produce a larger snowflake.
- Finished measurements may vary depending on your thread, hook, tension, and blocking.
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this crochet pattern: Crochet Abbreviations and U.S. to U.K. Crochet Conversion Chart.
Crochet Abbreviations
- beg = beginning
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- rep = repeat
- sc = single crochet
- sc2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together
- sl st = slip stitch
- sp(s) = space(s)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
This pattern is written in U.S. crochet terms.
Grandma Jennie’s Snowflake — Version 1
Finished snowflake measures approximately 3½ in. (8.9 cm) across.
Ch 6 and join with a sl st in the farthest ch from the hook to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 1 (does not count as st), work 16 sc into ring, join in 1st sc of round — 16 sc.
Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st), beginning in the same st as the join, *work [1 sc, ch 3, 1 sc], skip next st, rep from * 7 more times, join in 1st sc of round — 8 ch-3 spaces.
Round 3: Ch 1 (does not count as st), work 5 sc in each ch-3 sp around, join in 1st sc of round — 40 sts.
Round 4: Sl st in next 2 sts, ch 1 (does not count as st), work 1 sc in same st as last sl st was made, ch 10, skip next 4 sts, *work 1 sc in next st, ch 10, skip next 4 sts, rep from * around, join in 1st sc of round — 8 ch-10 spaces.
Round 5: Ch 1 (does not count as st), work [6 sc, ch 6, 6 sc] in each ch-10 sp around, join in 1st sc of round — 8 ch-6 spaces.
For Version 1, fasten off and weave in the ends.
If you are making Version 2, do not fasten off. Continue with Round 6 below.
Grandma Jennie’s Snowflake — Version 2
Version 2 follows Rounds 1 through 5 of Version 1, then adds two decorative finishing rounds. The finished snowflake measures approximately 4 in. (10 cm) across.
Follow the crochet snowflake pattern above for Rounds 1 through 5.
Round 6: Sl st in next 5 sts and in ch-6 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), work 12 dc in same ch-6 sp, work 13 dc in each of the next ch-6 spaces around, join in top of beg ch 3 — 8 groups of 13 dc.
Round 7: Ch 1 (does not count as st), beginning in same st as join, *sc2tog, ch 3, skip next st, 1 sc in next, ch 3, skip next st, 1 sc in next, ch 5, skip next st, 1 sc in next, ch 3, skip next st, 1 sc in next, ch 3, skip next st, sc2tog, rep from * around, join in 1st sc of round — 40 ch spaces.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Blocking and Stiffening the Snowflakes
For the best results, block and stiffen the finished snowflakes.
Place each snowflake right-side down on a blocking mat. Use rustproof pins to shape the snowflake and straighten each point. With a small paintbrush, apply a thin coat of fabric stiffener, following the directions on the product.
Allow the snowflakes to dry completely before removing the pins. Once dry, sew a piece of thread through one point and knot the ends together to create a hanging loop.
Try Another Snowflake Pattern
- Four Free Crochet Snowflake Patterns
- Pretty Picot Snowflake
- Dainty Lace Snowflake
- Whimsical Snowflake Table Runner
More Christmas Crochet Patterns
- Crochet Christmas Baubles – Free Crochet Lace Christmas Ornament Pattern
- Crocheted Holly Leaf with Berries
- Peppermint Swirl Crochet Coasters Pattern
- Fair Isle Snowflake Christmas Stocking Crochet Pattern
- Lace Angel Crochet Pattern
- Felted Santa Wine Bottle Tote Crochet Pattern
I’m so confused at Round 2!
“Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st), beginning in same st as join, *work [1 sc, ch 3, 1 sc], skip next st, rep from * 7 more times, join in 1st sc of round — 8 ch-3 spaces.”
If I skip the stitches, there are only 7 spaces, not 8! Should I just not skip?
snowflakes have 6 points not 8.
changed the pattern to make 6 points
Thank you for such beautiful patterns.
Can’t wait to try! 🙂
Oh, that’s gorgeous, Kara! Thanks for sharing at Hookin On Hump Day!
ah it is so beautiful!