An easy-going project that’s a great way to use up scrap yarn. The Stars by the Pocketful pattern is very flexible in that any yarn weight and crochet hook size can be used. They’re very relaxing, beginner-friendly, and lots of fun! Tie ribbon or extra yarn at one point to hang on your Christmas tree or string a whole bunch together to make pretty holiday garland.
Keep scrolling to find the pattern here on the blog. Or for the free printable PDF version, go to Ravelry. You can also save to your Pinterest board for later.
Design & Inspiration
I was playing around with my new Sewrella Yarn crochet hooks and had the idea to crochet something small and festive for the holidays. What a better design than little stars to hang on the Christmas tree! I really admired how pretty the puff stitch looked in the round, so I gave it a go for the stars’ center. And for the stars’ points, I toyed with different crochet stitches like half-double crochet and double crochet together, but they didn’t quite give me that pointy look a star usually has. Same with chaining in between the stitches. It was close, but still not quite pointy enough, which is why I decided to try chaining and then slip stitching through the back loop.
Yarn Choice
I decided not to get too specific as far as matching gauge and identifying yarn weight and hook size. The pattern is very flexible in that any yarn weight, fiber and hook size can be used. The stars are meant to be a great project for using up scrap yarn in your stash. For the larger stars, I used Lion Brand’s Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Starlight, and for the smaller cream, blue and gray stars, I used worsted weight yarn from my stash.
Skill Level
This is a beginner-friendly pattern for adventurous beginner and advanced crocheters alike.
Skills you’ll need to know:
- Make a magic loop
- Crochet in the round
- Crochet puff stitches
- Crochet double crochet stitches
- Slip stitches
- Chain stitches
Pattern
MATERIALS
- Your choice of yarn weight and fiber
- Your choice of crochet hook size
- Removable stitch marker (optional)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
FINISHED SIZE
Size will vary depending on the yarn and hook used. For reference, the larger star in the photos was crocheted with super bulky category 6 yarn and US J/10-6.0mm crochet hook, and measures approx. 5”/12cm from point to point.
GAUGE
Matching gauge is not crucial and will vary depending on the yarn weight and hook size used.
ABBREVIATIONS
*Pattern is written in standard US terms*
- Ch – chain
- Dc – double crochet
- Ps – puff stitch
- Rep – repeat
- Sl st – slip stitch
- St(s) – stitch(es)
Notes: The stars are crocheted in the round, beginning with a magic circle. Follow the Pattern Instructions below, using your choice of yarn weight and crochet hook size. Or watch the video tutorial using the link in the Helpful Links section.
In Rounds 1 and 2, where the instructions say to chain 2, the chain 2 counts as part of the 1st puff stitch. In Round 3, where the instructions say to chain 2, the chain 2 counts as the 1st double crochet.
Complete each round with a slip stitch to join in the round.
To crochet a puff stitch, yarn over, insert the hook and pull up a loop. Repeat twice more so that there are 7 loops on the hook. Slip stitch through all 7 loops to secure the loops in place. This creates 1 puff stitch. In the cases where the chain 2 counts as part of the 1st puff stitch (in Rounds 1 and 2), only repeat the steps once so that there are 5 loops on the hook. The chain 2 will count as loops 6 and 7. Slip stitch through the 5 loops to secure in place.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS
With your choice of yarn weight and crochet hook size, make a magic circle.
Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as part of 1st ps). Crochet 5 ps into the magic circle, sl st to join. (5 sts)
Round 2: Sl st at top of 1st ps from Round 1. Ch 2 (counts as part of 1st ps). *Crochet 2 ps in the space between the ps from Round 1. Rep from * until the end of the round. Sl st to join. (10 sts)
Round 3: Sl st twice. Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc). Dc 1 in same space as the 2nd sl st. Ch 3 and sl st in back loop of 3rd ch. Dc 2 in same space. *Sl st twice. Dc 2 in same space. Ch 3 and sl st in back loop of 3rd ch. Dc 2 in same space. Rep from * to end of round. Sl st to join. (20 dc sts)
Sl st again to fasten off. Weave in all ends.
HELPFUL LINKS
How to Crochet Stars by the Pocketful – YouTube video
Contact
Please email me at gourdgeousknits@gmail.com if you have any questions about the pattern. Feel free to send and tag me in any photos of your works in progress and finished projects with #StarsbythePocketfuland #gourdgeousknits. I love seeing your knits and sharing them on my social media sites.
The patterns and photographs are the property of Kristin Strecker-Kellogg of gourdgeous knits and are for personal, non-commercial use. The selling or distribution of these patterns physically or electronically are not permitted. Please credit gourdgeous knits when sharing on social media with #gourdgeousknits.
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