Crochet Snowflake

DMC Crochet Snowflake 1 ball of DMC Petra 3 Crochet cotton in white. (This is enough to make many snowflakes) Crochet hook size 2.00mm Narrow Fillawant ribbon for hanging loops Abbreviations: dc = double crochet tr = treble htr = half treble ss = slip stitch sp = space ch= chain The snowflake is starched to give shape and rigidity . You can use commercially bought spray starch or use the age old method of sugar starching: 1. Put a small amount of water into a saucepan (about 5/6 tablespoons ). Add three tablespoons of granulated sugar. Bring the water to the boil over a low heat, stirring all the time until the sugar has dissolved. Set the liquid to one side to cool.

2. Take the snowflake and immerse into the cooled sugar liquid, make sure it is well coated, squeeze out all the excess moisture and lay on some kitchen towel. Pull the snowflake into shape, particularly the points. (It will feel sticky to the touch).

3. Press kitchen towel on top of the snowflake to remove as much moisture as possible. Again pull into shape. Remove the snowflake to a clean piece of kitchen towel. Now lay it on a flat surface to dry out (this will take about a day depending on how warm your room is) Occasionally check and pull into shape again if needed. The snowflake will be quite hard to touch when completely dry.

4. If after repeated use the snowflake becomes soiled or dusty then simply wash it in mild detergent and repeat the process of sugar starching over again.

Snowflake 6 Point Star Round 1: Using 2.00mm hook and Petra 3 cotton make 6ch, join into a circle with a ss.

Round 2: *6ch, 1dc into circle*, rep from * to * 5 times more. 6 x 6ch loops.

Round 3: ss into first 6ch sp, *[1dc, 1htr, 3tr, 1htr, 1dc] all into 6ch sp, 1dc into next dc* rep from * to * all around, join with a ss to beg of round. 6 x petals.

Round 4: *17ch, 1dc into dc between group* rep from * to * all around, join with a ss to beg of round. 6 x 17ch loops.

Round 5: *into next loop work, 8dc, 3dc, ss into 3rd ch from hook (picot formed), 8dc into loop, 1dc into dc between groups* repeat all around, join with a ss as before. Fasten off.

To finish: Work in all ends securely and starch as preferred.

When dry, cut ribbon to required length and thread through one point of the snowflake, knot the ends of the ribbon to form the loop.

DMC Crochet products available from DMC stockists throughout the country.

Visit www.dmccreative.co.uk for details of nearest stockist and mail order information or telephone 0116 275 4000.