The Sky’s the Limit!
The Estrella del Mar (“Star of the Sea”) Ornament is a cheerful and festive decoration that’s fun and quick to make. You can make a whole galaxy for your Christmas tree in a single evening! But why stop there? Make some extras for decorating holiday gifts or embellishing a simple pullover. If you’re selling decorative items at a holiday fair, these delightful little stash-busters are perfect for you to make in a few minutes with whatever yarn you have on hand. The sky is the limit!
Christmas in July Holiday Decor Blog Hop
My Estrella del Mar Ornament pattern will be available as a free PDF download on July 21st as part of the Christmas in July Holiday Home Decor Blog Hop hosted by E’Claire Makery!
Scroll down to download your free Estrella del Mar Ornament pattern PDF.
Did you miss some of the other patterns in the blog hop? Wanna get ALL 31 PATTERNS, right now, all at once? You can do that! 31 patterns for just $15, over 90% off the regular price if purchased separately. Click here for the E’Claire Makery Holiday Decor Blog Hop PATTERN BUNDLE!
Estrella del Mar Ornament
I used about 8 meters (9 yards) of #4 yarn (worsted in US, Aran in UK) and a 6mm hook, and my star measures about 4″ (20cm) across. You could make this with any size yarn and whatever hook creates stitches that look nice to you. It’s only two rounds, so I hope you’ll feel free to experiment! If you come up with any fun ways to use this versatile little embellishment I hope you’ll come back and let me know in the comments.
The yarn I used was Lanas Urbanas “Maria” (100% acrylic) in a variety of cheerful colours. This yarn is similar in weight and texture to Red Heart Classic and Caron Simply Soft as well as other #4 yarns. It’s also lovely in a similar weight cotton yarn.
I chose not to use the magic loop for this project because I like the look of the open centre, but you are welcome to use whichever method you prefer.
Pattern uses US terminology. For UK terms, please see abbreviations.
How to Make It:
Special stitch:
Picot: Ch3, sl st into first st (3rd ch from hook)
The picot may not look as “picot-y” as it often does, like a tiny loop. The main purpose of the picot is to make the points of the star look a little sharper.
Instructions:
Ch 5; sl st into first ch to form loop.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in loop. [Ch 3, 3 dc] 4 times, ch 3. Sl st into top of starting ch 3.
Round 2: Sl st into next dc (the first dc after starting ch 3 in first round). *In ch-3 space, work [1 sc, 1hdc, 1dc, picot, 1dc, 1hdc, 1sc]. Sl st into 2nd dc.* Rep from * to * 4 times, ending with sl st into same st as first sl st. Fasten off.
Finishing:
Block (instructions below) and weave in ends. Thread a piece of ribbon, wire, hook, yarn, or whatever you like through one of the picots to hang. Make some more!
To block: Wash in cool water and a gentle soap, or according to yarn label’s instructions. Wrap in a towel and squeeze to dry; never wring. Gently shape with your hands, not overstretching. Allow to dry flat. You may use pins to enhance the shape, but you may find that’s not necessary.
Abbreviations:
ch – chain (US & UK)
sl st – slip stitch (US & UK)
sc – single crochet (US), double crochet (UK)
hdc – half double crochet (US), half treble crochet (UK)
dc – double crochet (US), treble crochet (UK)
If you wish to make these to sell at craft fairs, you are welcome to do so. I’d appreciate it if you’d state on the tag that the design is by Lily Mars at lilypalooza knit & crochet and include my website address (lilyknitcrochet.com). Best wishes!
You can download the FREE Estrella del Mar Ornament pattern PDF right here!
