Orbit Loop Snowflake Free Crochet Pattern
Orbit Loop Snowflake Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This little snowflake is for anyone who has mastered the basic stitches and wants a quick, satisfying project with a modern twist. A six-spoke sage green lace star is encircled by a single continuous cream chain loop that orbits just outside the outer points, giving a classic ornament a playful space-age feel. At 4 inches (10 cm) across, it works up in an evening from scraps of size-10 cotton thread. Flat, open, and airy, it looks delicate on a tree, a window, or a gift tag, and it feels crisp and light in the hand once blocked.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Lace weight (0) crochet thread, size 10, 100% cotton. Sage green (A): 15 yd. Cream (B): 10 yd.
- Hook: 1.5 mm steel hook (US 8).
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, small scissors, rust-proof pins and a blocking mat.
- Finished size: 4 inches (10 cm) diameter.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
- sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
- sc – single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- hdc – half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
- dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
- tr – treble crochet: yarn over twice, insert hook, pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops three times.
- sp – space: the opening formed by a chain.
- sk – skip: miss the stated stitch without working into it.
- rep – repeat.
- st(s) – stitch(es).
Gauge
First 3 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter. Work Rounds 1–3 and measure across the small disc; if it is larger or smaller, adjust your hook size up or down to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your tension firm and even; loose stitches make the points floppy and the orbit loop uneven.
- Count your chain spaces at the end of every round — each round should have exactly 6 spaces or 6 points.
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so your joins stay straight.
- Work the cream orbit loop last and keep the chain-10 arches relaxed so they sit just outside the green points rather than pulling them in.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Snowflake (Color A – Sage Green)
Set-up: Ch 6, sl st to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 5, sk 1 dc, sc in next dc] rep 5 times, ch 5, sl st to first sc (6 ch-5 sps).
Rnd 3: Sl st in next ch-5 sp, ch 1, [sc, hdc, dc, ch 3, dc, hdc, sc] in each ch-5 sp around, sl st to first sc (6 points).
Rnd 4: Sl st to first ch-3 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, [ch 7, sc in next ch-3 sp] rep 5 times, ch 7, sl st to first sc (6 ch-7 sps).
Rnd 5: Sl st in next ch-7 sp, ch 1, [sc, hdc, dc, tr, ch 3, tr, dc, hdc, sc] in each ch-7 sp around, sl st to first sc (6 points).
Rnd 6: Ch 1, sc in each st and in each ch-3 sp around, sl st to first sc. Fasten off A.
Orbit Loop (Color B – Cream)
Set-up: Join B with sl st to any ch-3 sp of Rnd 5.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in same sp, [ch 10, sc in next ch-3 sp] rep 5 times, ch 10, sl st to first sc (6 ch-10 sps). Fasten off B.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends on the wrong side, running each tail through a few stitches before trimming. Pin the snowflake flat on a blocking mat, stretching each point evenly and opening the cream arches so they sit just outside the green tips. Lightly mist with water (or use a light starch spray) and let it dry completely before unpinning. If desired, attach a 3-inch (7.5 cm) length of cream thread to one point as a hanging loop.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the cream orbit for silver or gold thread for a metallic, starry look.
- Make a set in different colors and stiffen them with fabric stiffener for window decorations.
- Add a second orbit loop in a contrasting color for a double-ring, planetary effect.
