Small handmade ornaments can completely change the look of a Christmas tree, and this crochet snowflake ornament is a lovely project when you want something delicate, lightweight and a little more elegant.

The design uses open crochet spaces to create six defined snowflake points, while optional gold beads add just enough sparkle to catch the Christmas lights. A small decorative star can also be attached to the center, although the snowflake looks beautiful without it.

Because the finished piece is flat and uses only a small amount of yarn, it is a practical project for using leftover cotton or crochet thread. Make one as a tree ornament or work several in matching colors for a garland, gift decorations or a winter window display.

What You’ll Need

• White or cream cotton yarn or crochet thread
• Crochet hook appropriate for your yarn
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Small gold beads, optional
• Small decorative star charm, optional
• Thread or thin yarn for sewing embellishments
• Ribbon, twine or yarn for hanging
• Blocking mat and pins
• Optional fabric stiffener

A smooth cotton yarn works especially well because it helps the lace sections stay defined after blocking.

Finished Size

Approximately 4–5 inches (10–12.5 cm) across, depending on yarn, hook size and tension.

Gauge is not essential for this ornament.

Abbreviations

ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
tr – treble crochet
st / sts – stitch / stitches
sp – space
rnd – round
picot – ch 3, sl st into the first chain

Crochet Snowflake Ornament Pattern

The snowflake is worked from the center outward.

Round 1

Make a magic ring.

Ch 3.

Work 11 dc into the ring.

Pull the ring closed.

Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.

12 dc

Round 2

Ch 1.

Sc in the same st.

Repeat around:

ch 5, skip next st, sc in next st

Join with a sl st to the first sc.

You should have:

6 ch-5 spaces

These six spaces establish the six points of the snowflake.

Round 3

Sl st into the first ch-5 sp.

In the same space work:

ch 3, 4 dc, ch 3, 5 dc

Ch 1.

In each remaining ch-5 space work:

5 dc, ch 3, 5 dc

with ch 1 between each group.

Join with a sl st.

You should now see six fan-shaped sections forming around the center.

Forming the Snowflake Points

Each point is worked into the center ch-3 space of one fan.

Round 4

Sl st across until you reach the first ch-3 space.

In that space work:

sc, ch 4, tr, ch 3, sl st in first ch to form a picot, ch 4, sc

Ch 5.

Work a sc into the next ch-3 space.

Repeat the point sequence around all six sections:

ch 4, tr, picot, ch 4, sc

with ch 5 between the points.

Join with a sl st.

Fasten off.

Adding Decorative Side Points

To give the snowflake a fuller lace appearance, join yarn into one of the ch-5 spaces between the main points.

Work:

sc, ch 3, dc, ch 3, sc

in the same space.

Repeat in every ch-5 space around.

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

These smaller sections help fill the space between the six larger points without making the ornament too heavy.

Blocking Makes a Big Difference

A lace snowflake often looks slightly uneven when it first comes off the hook.

Blocking is what gives the ornament its crisp final shape.

Gently wet the finished snowflake and remove excess water without twisting it.

Place it flat on a blocking mat and pin all six points outward evenly.

Adjust the smaller sections between the points until the snowflake looks symmetrical.

Allow it to dry completely before removing the pins.

If you want a very firm Christmas ornament, lightly apply fabric stiffener before pinning.

Adding Gold Beads

The gold beads in this style are completely optional, but they can create a beautiful effect when the ornament is hanging near Christmas lights.

Sew one small bead near the tip of each snowflake point.

You can also add a few smaller beads around the inner lace sections.

Keep the placement symmetrical so the ornament remains visually balanced.

For a simpler version, skip the beads and let the crochet texture be the main feature.

Optional Center Star

A small decorative star charm can be sewn over the center ring.

Choose a lightweight embellishment so it does not pull the snowflake out of shape.

Gold works beautifully with white yarn, but silver or pearl details can create a softer winter look.

The ornament also works perfectly well without a center decoration.

Adding the Hanging Loop

Join yarn, thread or narrow cord at the tip of one snowflake point.

Ch approximately:

20–30

Sl st into the same point.

Fasten off securely.

You can also use jute twine for a rustic look or metallic cord for a more elegant finish.

Make a Coordinated Handmade Christmas Tree

This snowflake pairs especially well with other lightweight crochet ornaments.

For a star-shaped decoration with a similar delicate feel, try the Crochet Lace Star Ornament. Its openwork texture works beautifully beside snowflakes without making the tree feel visually heavy.

If you want something quicker to make in multiples, the Quick & Charming Christmas Crochet Stars are useful for filling smaller spaces between larger ornaments.

You can also mix snowflakes with the Christmas Star Crochet Pattern and repeat the same yarn colors across all three designs. That gives the tree a coordinated handmade look even though every ornament is different.

Color Ideas

White is the most traditional option, but this pattern can change dramatically with color.

Winter white: white yarn + silver beads
Classic Christmas: cream yarn + gold beads
Scandinavian: natural cotton + wooden beads
Elegant: white yarn + metallic gold thread
Pastel winter: pale blue or dusty pink yarn + pearl beads

Another option is to make several white snowflakes but change only the center embellishment.

Common Problems

My Snowflake Won’t Lie Flat

Blocking should correct mild curling.

If the piece curls heavily, your tension may be too tight. Try a slightly larger hook the next time.

The Six Points Look Uneven

Make sure every main point is worked into one of the six corresponding ch-3 spaces.

When blocking, measure or visually check that all six points extend approximately the same distance from the center.

My Snowflake Is Too Soft

Cotton usually holds lace shapes better than very soft acrylic.

Blocking and a small amount of fabric stiffener can add additional structure.

Do I Need the Beads?

No.

They are purely decorative.

The crochet snowflake ornament can be finished with yarn alone.

More Than a Tree Ornament

These snowflakes can also be used as:

• gift toppers;
• window decorations;
• Christmas garlands;
• wreath embellishments;
• holiday table decorations;
• handmade gift tags;
• small seasonal gifts.

A set of three or six snowflakes tied together with ribbon can also make a simple handmade Christmas gift.

A Delicate Handmade Christmas Project

This crochet snowflake ornament is a small project, but the open lace stitches make it look much more detailed than the amount of yarn required suggests.

Keep it simple in white, add a touch of gold, or crochet several versions to create your own winter ornament collection.

And because the basic construction is lightweight and flat, the finished snowflakes are easy to store and bring back to the tree year after year.

Happy crocheting!