Red Sparrow Stars... a free pattern

Ahhhh these stars are SO cute and SO quick and easy to hook up. Perfect for a little gift, maybe for a teacher, or make a few and string them together as Christmas bunting... I can't wait to see what you do with yours! Hope you like this free pattern, and if you do make some, use #redsparrowstars so we can all admire your starry delights.

You will need

You can use any yarn and any hook size for these stars. I used Scheepjes Catona, which is a beautifully soft and luxurious mercerised cotton yarn, and a 3.5mm crochet hook. But you could go big hook big yarn, or tiny hook tiny yarn, the choice is yours. Even a bit of sparkly yarn... how gorgeous would that be!

Tension

Precise tension is not critical for this project. 

Measurements

Finished star measures approximately 7cm diameter from point to point after starching/blocking.

UK abbreviations (US terms in brackets)

beg beginning

ch(s) chain(s)

ch-sp(s) chain space(s)

dc double crochet (US sc)

htr half treble crochet (US hdc)

ss slip stitch(es)

st(s) stitch(es)

tr treble crochet (US dc)

Instructions

Star

Ch4, ss into first ch to join into a ring, or make a magic ring.

Round 1 Ch3 (counts as 1 tr), 11tr into ring, ss to beg ch-3 to join. [12 tr]

Round 2 Ch1 (does not count as st), 1dc in same st as join, 2dc in next st, (1dc in next st, 2dc in next st) to end, ss to first dc. [18 dc]

Round 3 *Ch5, work back down the ch as follows: skip ch nearest hook, 1ss in next ch, 1dc in next ch, 1htr in next ch, 1tr in next ch. Skip next 2 dc on ring, ss into next dc; rep from * 5 more times to make a 6-pointed star. Fasten off, weave in ends. [6 points of (5 ch, 1 ss, 1 dc, 1 htr, 1 tr)]

Hanging cord

With any contrast colour, ch12, ss into top of any point on star (being sure to insert hook under 2 loops of point to stop it pulling too loose), ch12, fasten off. Tie 2 loose ends together, just above the ends of the ch sts.

To Finish

Spray with starch solution or water, pull star into shape, ensuring points are super-pointy, press flat, leave to dry on a flat surface. Alternatively, mix a solution of 50% PVA glue and 50% water, dip star into this, gently squeeze out excess liquid, pull into shape as before and leave to dry on cling-film.