The Frostfire Lace Snowflake Free Pattern – A Crocheted Dance of Ice and Ember

There is something truly magical about a winter sunset—the way the last rays of crimson light dance across a field of pure white snow. This crochet snowflake pattern captures that fleeting moment in yarn form. The Frostfire Lace Snowflake weaves a stunning palette of icy white and deep ember red, creating a six-pointed work of art that will add a touch of fiery elegance to your holiday décor.

Whether you're adorning your Christmas tree, dressing up your windows, or adding a handmade touch to gift wrapping, these snowflakes are the perfect festive project. They work up quickly, use minimal yarn, and the striking two-tone design is sure to become a conversation piece. Best of all, this free pattern is beginner-friendly, guiding you through every round with clear, detailed instructions.

Materials Needed

Before you begin your crochet journey, gather the following materials. This project is wonderfully portable and requires very little yarn, making it perfect for using up scraps from your stash.

Yarn

• Main Color (MC) – Frost White: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn, approximately 20 yards per snowflake.
• Contrast Color (CC) – Ember Red: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn, approximately 20 yards per snowflake.

Pro Tip: Cotton yarn is highly recommended for this project. It stiffens beautifully and holds its shape exceptionally well, making it ideal for ornaments. Acrylic works too, but you may need a bit more stiffener to achieve the same crisp result.

Hook

• US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for this project. The most important thing is to aim for a tight, stiff fabric to help the snowflake hold its shape. If your stitches feel loose and floppy, try going down a hook size. If your work is too stiff and difficult to crochet into, go up a hook size.

Additional Supplies

• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• White glue (for stiffening)
• Water (for stiffening solution)
• Blocking board or foam mat
• Pins for blocking
• Thread or yarn for hanging loop

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round, starting from the center and building outward. Each snowflake has six identical points, creating perfect symmetry. The alternating colors build layer upon layer of delicate lace, culminating in dramatic picot-tipped points.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet
• picot = ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook
• MC = Main Color (Frost White)
• CC = Contrast Color (Ember Red)

Round 1 (MC): The Foundation

Make a magic ring. This technique creates a tight, adjustable center that will close completely, leaving no hole in the middle of your snowflake.

1. Wrap the yarn around your fingers to create a loop.
2. Insert your hook into the loop, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
3. Ch 3 (this counts as your first double crochet).
4. Work 11 dc into the ring.
5. Pull the tail end of the yarn to tighten the ring completely.
6. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. You should now have 12 dc total.

Round 2 (MC): Creating the First Loops

This round establishes the six-pointed star structure that will guide the entire pattern.

1. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch (the one you just joined into).
2. *Ch 5, skip the next dc, sc in the next dc.*
3. Repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 5, skip the last dc.
4. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You should now have 6 ch-5 loops.

Round 3 (MC): The First Petals

Now we begin to build the delicate lace petals that form the inner star.

1. Sl st into the first ch-5 loop. This moves your starting position into the loop.
2. Ch 1, then work (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) all in the same loop. This creates your first petal.
3. *In the next ch-5 loop, work (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc).*
4. Repeat from * to * around all 6 loops.
5. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You should now have 6 petals.

Round 4 (CC): Introducing the Ember Red

Time to switch to your Contrast Color. This round creates the framework for the next layer of petals.

1. Join CC with a sl st in the same st as your join.
2. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch.
3. *Ch 4, skip the next hdc, sc in the next dc (the center dc of the petal), ch 4, skip the next hdc, sc in the next sc (the sc between petals).*
4. Repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 4, skip the last hdc.
5. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You should now have 12 ch-4 loops.

Note: The "sc between petals" refers to the single crochet that connects two adjacent petals from Round 3. You'll be working into that stitch to create the separation between the new loops.

Round 5 (CC): The Second Layer of Petals

These smaller petals add depth and texture to the snowflake's center.

1. Sl st into the first ch-4 loop.
2. Ch 1, then work (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) all in the same loop.
3. *In the next ch-4 loop, work (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc).*
4. Repeat from * to * around all 12 loops.
5. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You should now have 12 small petals.

Round 6 (MC): Switching Back to Frost White

Return to your Main Color to create the larger loops that will form the snowflake's dramatic arms.

1. Join MC with a sl st in the same st as your join.
2. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch.
3. *Ch 6, skip the next hdc, sc in the next dc, ch 6, skip the next hdc, sc in the next sc (the sc between petals).*
4. Repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 6, skip the last hdc.
5. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You should now have 12 ch-6 loops.

Round 7 (MC): The Large White Petals

These generous petals give the snowflake its substantial, star-like shape.

1. Sl st into the first ch-6 loop.
2. Ch 1, then work (sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc) all in the same loop.
3. *In the next ch-6 loop, work (sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc).*
4. Repeat from * to * around all 12 loops.
5. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You should now have 12 large petals.

Round 8 (CC): The Final Ember Framework

This round sets up the dramatic, pointed tips that give the Frostfire its name.

1. Join CC with a sl st in the same st as your join.
2. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch.
3. *Ch 8, skip the next hdc, sc in the next dc, ch 8, skip the next hdc, sc in the next sc (the sc between petals).*
4. Repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 8, skip the last hdc.
5. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You should now have 12 ch-8 loops.

Round 9 (CC): The Dramatic Picot Tips

The final round! This is where the snowflake truly comes alive with its signature pointed, fiery tips.

1. Sl st into the first ch-8 loop.
2. Ch 1, then work (sc, hdc, 2 dc, 3 tr, picot, 3 tr, 2 dc, hdc, sc) all in the same loop. The picot creates a delicate spike at the tip of each point.
3. *In the next ch-8 loop, work (sc, hdc, 2 dc, 3 tr, picot, 3 tr, 2 dc, hdc, sc).*
4. Repeat from * to * around all 12 loops.
5. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You should now have 12 pointed tips.

Finishing and Stiffening

Your snowflake is complete! Now it's time to give it that crisp, professional finish that will make it last for years.

1. Fasten off and weave in all ends carefully using your yarn needle. Make sure to weave them in securely so they don't come loose over time.
2. Prepare the stiffening solution: Mix 1 part white glue with 1 part water in a shallow dish. Stir well to combine.
3. Soak the snowflake: Gently submerge the snowflake in the solution, making sure it's completely saturated. Let it soak for 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove excess: Carefully lift the snowflake out and gently squeeze out the excess liquid. Do not wring or twist—this can distort the shape.
5. Block the snowflake: Lay the snowflake flat on a blocking board or foam mat. Use pins to stretch out each of the six points and the picot tips, shaping it into a perfect star. Make sure all points are evenly spaced and the center lies flat.
6. Allow to dry completely: Leave the snowflake pinned in place for at least 24 hours, or until it's completely dry and stiff to the touch.
7. Add a hanging loop: Once dry, thread a piece of yarn or thin ribbon through any picot or loop at the top of the snowflake. Tie the ends together to form a loop for hanging.

Tips for Perfect Snowflakes

• Keep your tension consistent: This is the key to a beautiful, symmetrical snowflake. Try to keep your stitches the same tightness throughout.
• Count your stitches: After each round, take a moment to count your stitches or loops. Catching a mistake early is much easier than frogging an entire round.
• Blocking is essential: Don't skip the blocking step! It's what transforms your crochet work from a floppy circle into a crisp, beautiful snowflake.
• Experiment with colors: While the Frost White and Ember Red combination is stunning, don't be afraid to try other color pairings. Silver and blue, gold and cream, or even a single solid color would all look gorgeous.

These Frostfire Lace Snowflakes make wonderful handmade gifts, thoughtful additions to gift wrapping, or beautiful decorations for your own home. They're quick to make, so you can easily create a whole flurry of them for your tree. The dance of ice and ember will bring warmth and wonder to your winter celebrations for years to come.

Happy crocheting, and may your holidays be filled with handmade magic!