Granny Star Crochet Pattern

This free granny star crochet pattern transforms classic granny-stitch clusters into a colorful six-pointed star. Worked in only three rounds, it is a quick scrap-yarn project and a fun way to experiment with different color combinations.

Add a hanging loop to make a Christmas ornament, attach the star to a wrapped gift, use it as an appliqué, or join several stars into a garland or larger project. You can also use cotton yarn to make a coaster or choose lighter yarn and a smaller hook for a more delicate star.

This pattern creates a star-shaped granny motif rather than a traditional square containing a star. If you are looking for a classic square motif, see my Crochet Granny Square Pattern.

A Granny Star with a Special Story

This granny star pattern came to me with a beautiful story.

A reader named Lori emailed me to share a special memory of her grandmother and generously shared the original pattern with me. With Lori’s permission, I added my own touch and wrote out the instructions so the pattern could be shared with all of you.

Throughout the year, Lori’s grandmother saved small balls of leftover yarn in a Kraut jar beside the chair where she crocheted. Lori and the other grandchildren watched the jar fill with brightly colored scraps as they waited excitedly for Thanksgiving.

After dinner was finished and the dishes were clean, Grandma gathered the children together and taught them how to make granny squares. She would say:

“Haken op donderdag! Een granny deken!”

“Crochet on Thursday! A granny blanket!”

Each child received five little balls of yarn from the special jar. Grandma encouraged them to play with the colors, create different combinations, and make each square their own.

The grandchildren believed they were simply enjoying a creative afternoon with their grandmother. It was not until many years later that they learned Grandma and the other women from her church had joined those colorful squares into blankets for people experiencing illness or difficult times.

The granny squares were Grandma’s gift of love to her grandchildren—and their completed blankets became gifts of love for others.

When Lori shared the star pattern with me, she wrote:

“It is my gift to you to use, and as Grandma used to say, ‘Make it your little gift of love.’ Grandma gave us this little gift, and now it can be many!”

Thank you, Lori, for sharing your pattern and this wonderful memory of your grandmother.

Granny Star Crochet Pattern

Pattern Details

• Skill level: Easy
• Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn
• Hook: 5 mm (US H-8)
• Finished size: Varies depending on the yarn, hook, and tension
• Construction: Worked from the center outward in three joined rounds
• Shape: Six-pointed star
• Gauge: Not essential

Supplies

• Small amounts of worsted-weight yarn in three colors or your desired color combination
• 5 mm (US H-8) crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Blocking mat and rustproof pins, optional

Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern include Crochet Abbreviations, the U.S. to U.K. Crochet Conversion Chart, and How to Make a Magic Ring.

❤️ this pattern on Ravelry.

Crochet Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• rep = repeat
• sc = single crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• sp(s) = space(s)
• st(s) = stitch(es)

This pattern is written in U.S. crochet terms.

Pattern Notes

• The granny star is worked from the center outward in three joined rounds.
• The beginning ch-3 counts as the first dc in Rounds 1 and 2.
• The beginning ch-1 in Round 3 does not count as a stitch.
• Join each round with a sl st as instructed.
• Fasten off after each round and join the next color in the indicated space.
• The pattern creates six points.
• Stitch counts do not include chain spaces unless otherwise stated.
• Use one color throughout or change colors after each round.
• Block the finished star if desired to emphasize its six points.

Crochet Granny Star Instructions

With the first color, make a magic ring.

As an alternative, ch 4 and join with a sl st in the farthest ch from the hook to form a ring.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as the first dc), work 2 dc in the ring, ch 1, *work 3 dc in the ring, ch 1; rep from * 4 more times. Join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch-3 and fasten off — 18 dc and 6 ch-1 sps.

Round 2: Join the next color in any ch-1 sp. Ch 3 (counts as the first dc), work [2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in the same sp, ch 1, *work [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * 4 more times. Join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch-3 and fasten off — 36 dc, 6 ch-2 sps, and 6 ch-1 sps.

Round 3: Join the next color in any ch-1 sp. Ch 1 (does not count as a st), work 1 sc in the same sp, then work [3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in the next ch-2 sp. *Work 1 sc in the next ch-1 sp, then work [3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in the next ch-2 sp; rep from * 4 more times. Join with a sl st in the first sc and fasten off — 42 sts (36 dc and 6 sc), plus 6 ch-3 sps.

Granny Star Stitch Diagram

Ana from Lana & Hilos created a helpful stitch diagram for this pattern. Thank you, Ana!

Finishing the Crochet Star

Weave in all the yarn ends securely.

To emphasize the star shape, lightly block the motif and pin each of the six points into position. Allow it to dry completely before removing the pins.

To make a Christmas ornament, pass a length of yarn or thread through the ch-3 sp at one point and knot the ends together to create a hanging loop.

You can also:

• Attach the star to a wrapped gift
• Sew it onto a bag, hat, blanket, or pillow
• Use cotton yarn to make a coaster
• String several stars together as a garland
• Join multiple stars to create a larger project
• Add a pin backing to make a brooch

See how I adapted this motif for my Star Spangled Banner Crochet Bunting!

However you use your granny star, I hope you will continue the spirit of Lori’s grandmother and make it your own little gift of love.

Looking for more handmade holiday decorations? Browse my collection of free crochet Christmas ornament patterns for festive stars, snowflakes, wreaths, and more!

More Granny Stitch and Star Patterns

• Crochet Granny Square Pattern
• Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns
• Star of Bethlehem Crochet Pattern
• Four Free Crochet Snowflake Patterns
• Browse More Free Christmas Crochet Patterns