How to Crochet a Star (No Magic Circle Method for Beginners)

1. 1

   Step 1: Make the Slip Knot and Chain 6

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   Grab worsted weight yarn, a 4mm crochet hook, and scissors. Want a bigger or smaller star? Size the hook up or down to match. Make a slip knot by wrapping the yarn around your fingers, pinching the tail, then hooking the back strand up and pulling tight. Slide the loop onto your hook, then chain six. These six chains form the base of the faux magic circle, so keep your tension even and don't let the chain twist as you work.

   Tip:

   Acrylic yarn in a bright color makes the star pop and shows the stitch structure clearly while you learn.

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   Used in this stepClover Amour Crochet Hook 4mmRed Heart Super Saver Worsted Weight Yarn

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2. 2

   Step 2: Close the Ring and Chain 3

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   Time to close the chain into a ring without a magic circle. Find the top loop of your very first chain, making sure the strand isn't twisted, and insert your hook. Yarn over and pull through both loops to make a slip stitch. You should see a tidy little circle form. Trim the yarn tail short so it stays out of your way, then chain three. That chain 3 counts as your first double crochet on round 1.

   Tip:

   If the ring looks twisted, pull it back and rework it. A twisted base will throw off the whole shape.

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   Used in this stepYarn Snips Embroidery Scissors

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3. 3

   Step 3: Work 14 Double Crochets into the Ring

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   Now work 14 double crochets into the center of the ring, not into the chains. For each double crochet: yarn over, insert into the ring, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two, yarn over and pull through the last two. Scoot each stitch toward the starting chain 3 so all 14 fit. When the round is full, tug the yarn tail to cinch the hole, then slip stitch into the top of that first double crochet to close round 1.

   Tip:

   Count out loud as you go. Fourteen stitches into a small ring is tight; if you only fit 12 or 13, the points won't space evenly later.

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   Used in this stepClover Locking Stitch Markers

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4. 4

   Step 4: Build the First Point

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   Build the first point. Chain 5, then skip the first chain. Single crochet into the 2nd chain from the hook, half double crochet into the next, double crochet into the next, and treble crochet into the last chain. The treble is yarn over twice, insert, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), then yarn over and pull through two, three times. That graduated stitch height gives the point its triangle shape. Skip 2 stitches on the ring and slip stitch into the 3rd to anchor the point.

   Tip:

   The graduated stitches (sc, hdc, dc, tr) are what give the point its pointy tip. Don't substitute them.

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   Used in this stepSusan Bates Silvalume Aluminum Crochet Hook Set

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5. 5

   Step 5: Make Points 2 and 3

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   Repeat the same point sequence for points 2 and 3. Chain 5, skip the first chain, then single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet up the chain. Anchor each finished point by skipping 2 stitches along the ring and slip stitching into the 3rd. Count carefully so the spacing stays even, otherwise the star looks lopsided. After point 3 your project should look like a circle with three triangular spokes radiating out. The rhythm is the same every time, which makes it easy to memorize.

   Tip:

   Tap each anchor slip stitch with your fingernail before moving on. It's much easier to recount three stitches than to rip back an entire point.

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   Used in this stepLion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn

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6. 6

   Step 6: Make Points 4 and 5

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   Make points 4 and 5 the exact same way. Chain 5, skip 1, then single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet climbing the chain. Skip 2 on the ring and slip stitch into the 3rd stitch to anchor. After point 5 you should land right back where you started, with all five points evenly spaced around the center. If the last point lands in a spot that looks crowded, double-check your stitch count on each anchor slip stitch before you fasten off.

   Tip:

   The five points should sit at roughly the same angle. If one looks tilted, the anchor slip stitch landed in the wrong place.

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   Used in this stepBoye Crochet Hook Set with Case

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7. 7

   Step 7: Tie Off and Weave in the Tails

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   Tie off and finish. Chain 1, cut your yarn leaving a few inches, then pull the tail up through that last chain and tug it tight to lock the stitch. Thread the tail through the back of the stitches behind one of the points. Knot it to the starting tail at the back so nothing unravels, then trim both ends close to the fabric. Your finished star is ready to glue, sew, or string onto a keychain, hat, or bag.

   Tip:

   A bent-tip yarn needle makes weaving in the ends much easier than a straight one, especially through the back of dense double crochet stitches.

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   Used in this stepClover Bent Tip Yarn NeedlesKeychain Split Rings with Chain

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Keep going

How to Crochet Fingerless Gloves: Easy Beginner Tutorial

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Tools we recommend

• Clover

  Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set (10 sizes)

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• Lion Brand

  Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn

  Mercerized cotton with crisp stitch definition and a subtle sheen. Machine washable, and the go-to for amigurumi, bags, and dishcloths.

• Clover

  Clover Locking Stitch Markers (20-pack)

  Lock onto stitches so they never slip while you mark rounds, increases, and repeats. A dollar-store fix that actually holds.

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