purlJam

# STAR TREK INSIGNIA KNITTED PIN

A small stuffed replica of the iconic Starfleet delta shield insignia, perfect as a decorative pin, ornament, or display piece for any Trek fan. This beginner-friendly project uses simple increases and decreases to create the distinctive shield shape.

**Finished Measurements**: Approximately 3.5" (9 cm) wide × 4" (10 cm) tall

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight yarn
- Main Color (MC): Gold/Yellow, approximately 25 yards
- Contrast Color (CC): Black, small amount for embroidery (optional)

**Suggested yarn**: Red Heart Super Saver or similar worsted weight acrylic

**Needles**: US 7 (4.5 mm) straight or circular needles (worked flat)

**Notions**:
- Yarn needle for seaming and embroidery
- Polyester fiberfill (small amount for stuffing)
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Pin back (optional, if making a wearable pin)
- Fabric glue or needle & thread to attach pin back

## GAUGE

18 stitches × 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch

Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size.

## ABBREVIATIONS

- k: knit
- p: purl
- st(s): stitch(es)
- kfb: knit into front and back of same stitch (1 stitch increased)
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- ssk: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side

## NOTES

- The insignia is worked in two identical flat pieces from the bottom point to the top, then seamed together with light stuffing.
- The pattern uses stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) which will curl slightly; blocking after seaming will help flatten edges.
- Increases are worked symmetrically on both sides to maintain the centered point.
- The black center star detail can be embroidered or appliquéd after assembly.

## INSTRUCTIONS

### INSIGNIA PIECE (make 2 identical)

**Setup**
Using MC and US 7 needles, cast on 3 sts.

**Row 1 (RS)**: Knit all sts. [3 sts]

**Row 2 (WS)**: Purl all sts. [3 sts]

**Increase Section (building the shield):**

**Row 3 (RS)**: Kfb, k1, kfb. [5 sts]
*Math check: 3 + 2 = 5 sts ✓*

**Row 4 and all WS rows through Row 20**: Purl all sts.

**Row 5 (RS)**: Kfb, k3, kfb. [7 sts]
*Math check: 5 + 2 = 7 sts ✓*

**Row 7 (RS)**: Kfb, k5, kfb. [9 sts]
*Math check: 7 + 2 = 9 sts ✓*

**Row 9 (RS)**: Kfb, k7, kfb. [11 sts]
*Math check: 9 + 2 = 11 sts ✓*

**Row 11 (RS)**: Kfb, k9, kfb. [13 sts]
*Math check: 11 + 2 = 13 sts ✓*

**Row 13 (RS)**: Kfb, k11, kfb. [15 sts]
*Math check: 13 + 2 = 15 sts ✓*

**Row 15 (RS)**: Kfb, k13, kfb. [17 sts]
*Math check: 15 + 2 = 17 sts ✓*

**Row 17 (RS)**: Kfb, k15, kfb. [19 sts]
*Math check: 17 + 2 = 19 sts ✓*

**Row 19 (RS)**: Knit all sts. [19 sts]

**Row 20 (WS)**: Purl all sts. [19 sts]

**Decrease Section (shaping the curved top):**

**Row 21 (RS)**: Ssk, k15, k2tog. [17 sts]
*Math check: 19 - 2 = 17 sts ✓*

**Row 22 (WS)**: Purl all sts. [17 sts]

**Row 23 (RS)**: Ssk, k13, k2tog. [15 sts]
*Math check: 17 - 2 = 15 sts ✓*

**Row 24 (WS)**: Purl all sts. [15 sts]

**Row 25 (RS)**: Ssk, k11, k2tog. [13 sts]
*Math check: 15 - 2 = 13 sts ✓*

**Row 26 (WS)**: Purl all sts. [13 sts]

**Row 27 (RS)**: Ssk, k9, k2tog. [11 sts]
*Math check: 13 - 2 = 11 sts ✓*

**Row 28 (WS)**: Purl all sts. [11 sts]

**Row 29 (RS)**: Ssk, k7, k2tog. [9 sts]
*Math check: 11 - 2 = 9 sts ✓*

**Row 30 (WS)**: Purl all sts. [9 sts]

**Row 31 (RS)**: Ssk, k5, k2tog. [7 sts]
*Math check: 9 - 2 = 7 sts ✓*

**Row 32 (WS)**: Purl all sts. [7 sts]

**Row 33 (RS)**: Ssk, k3, k2tog. [5 sts]
*Math check: 7 - 2 = 5 sts ✓*

**Row 34 (WS)**: Purl all sts. [5 sts]

Bind off all sts. Cut yarn, leaving a 24" (61 cm) tail for seaming.

## FINISHING

**Blocking**: Lightly block both pieces to flatten them and even out the stitches. Pin to shape on a blocking mat, spray with water, and let dry completely.

**Embroidery (optional)**: On ONE piece (this will be the front), embroider a small black star in the center using CC yarn. The star can be created with straight stitches radiating from a center point, forming a 5-pointed star approximately 0.75" (2 cm) tall. Alternatively, you can create a simple silver/gray oval or circular detail to represent the department insignia background.

**Assembly**: 
1. Place both pieces together with wrong sides facing each other (right sides facing out) and edges aligned.
2. Using the long tail and yarn needle, seam around the edges using mattress stitch or whip stitch, leaving a 1.5" (4 cm) opening along one side.
3. Stuff lightly with fiberfill—don't overstuff, as this should remain relatively flat (about 0.5" thick).
4. Continue seaming to close the opening.
5. Weave in all ends securely.

**Optional Pin Back**: If desired, attach a pin back to the reverse side using fabric glue or by hand-sewing with regular thread. Position the pin back horizontally about one-third down from the top of the insignia for best balance.

**Optional Hanging Loop**: To make an ornament, thread a 6" piece of yarn through the top center of the insignia, tie ends together to form a loop for hanging.

## DESIGN NOTES

The classic Starfleet delta insignia has appeared in various forms throughout Star Trek series. This design approximates the overall shield shape. For more authenticity, you can:
- Add a silver/gray fabric or felt backing piece in the center before seaming
- Use metallic gold yarn for extra shine
- Embroider more detailed department symbols (Command star, Sciences circle, or Operations spiral)
- Make multiple in different colors for different divisions

**Color Variations**:
- **Command**: Gold/yellow (as written)
- **Sciences**: Blue with silver center
- **Operations/Engineering**: Red with silver center

Enjoy your handmade Star Trek insignia, and may you live long and prosper! 🖖

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*Pattern designed for beginner knitters familiar with basic increases and decreases. Questions? Check that your gauge matches and all increases/decreases are worked on RS rows as indicated.*