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# Pentagonal Tiers Christmas Star

This intermediate-level ornament features a sturdy pentagonal center worked in the round, with five distinct "tiered" points worked in short rows. This construction creates a structured, architectural look perfect for holiday decor.

### Materials
*   **Yarn**: Worsted weight (#4 Medium), approximately 15–20 yards (14–18 meters).
*   **Hook**: US H/8 / 5.0 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge).
*   **Notions**: Tapestry needle, scissors, blocking mats, and T-pins (optional but recommended for sharp points).

### Specifications
*   **Gauge**: 14 dc and 8 rows = 4" (10 cm). Gauge is not critical for this project, but stitches should be firm to hold the star's shape.
*   **Finished Size**: Approximately 4.5" (11.5 cm) from point to point.

### Abbreviations (US Terms)
*   **ch**: chain
*   **dc**: double crochet
*   **dc2tog**: double crochet 2 together (decrease)
*   **hdc**: half double crochet
*   **MR**: Magic Ring (Adjustable Loop)
*   **sc**: single crochet
*   **sl st**: slip stitch
*   **st(s)**: stitch(es)

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### Pattern Instructions

#### Center Pentagon
**Round 1**: Create a Magic Ring. Ch 2 (does not count as a st). Work 10 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [10 dc]
*Validation: 10 stitches total.*

**Round 2**: Ch 2 (does not count as a st). Work 2 dc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [20 dc]
*Validation: 20 stitches total. 20 / 5 points = 4 stitches per point.*

#### Star Points (Make 5)
Each point is worked in rows back and forth over 4 stitches from the Round 2 base.

**Point 1, Row 1**: Ch 2 (does not count as a st). Dc in the same st as join and in the next 3 sts. Leave remaining stitches unworked. Turn. [4 dc]

**Point 1, Row 2**: Ch 2 (does not count as a st). Dc2tog (using the first 2 sts), dc in the next 2 sts. Turn. [3 dc]
*Note: This creates the "3 dc level" identified in the visual analysis.*

**Point 1, Row 3**: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Skip the first dc, sc in the middle dc, skip the last dc. [1 sc]
*Note: This creates the "1 sc peak" level.*

**Transitioning down**: Ch 1. Now, work 3 sl sts down the side/edge of the point you just created to return to the Round 2 base. Sl st into the same base stitch as the 4th dc of Row 1.

**Point 2, Row 1**: Dc in the next 4 sts of Round 2. Turn. [4 dc]
**Point 2, Row 2**: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc in next 2. Turn. [3 dc]
**Point 2, Row 3**: Ch 1, skip 1, sc in next, skip 1. [1 sc]
**Transition**: Work 3 sl sts down the edge to the base.

**Points 3–5**: Repeat the instructions for Point 2 until all 20 dc from Round 2 have been used as bases for points. 

#### Finishing
**Border (Optional for Crisp Edges)**:
To sharpen the pentagon shape and the points, join yarn at any point-tip. *Ch 1, (sc in peak, ch 2, sc in same peak), sc 4 down the side of the point to the "valley" between points, sl st in the valley, sc 4 up the next point.* Repeat around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

**Blocking**:
Because this design uses "levels" (short rows), the points may curl. Wet block the ornament by pinning the five points and the five "valleys" of the pentagon to a flat surface. Allow to dry completely.

**Hanging Loop**:
Ch 20 and join to the top of one point to create a loop for hanging on a tree. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

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**Technical Editor Notes**: 
*   Ensure that the "dc2tog" in Row 2 of the points is worked tightly to prevent a hole. 
*   If your star center is ruffling, your dc stitches may be too loose; try a smaller hook or ensure you are not adding extra chains at the start of rounds.