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# Surface Crochet 5-Point Star

**An advanced decorative embellishment featuring precise geometric construction**

This pattern teaches you to create a stunning 5-point star using surface crochet technique. The star is worked in two rows of double crochet directly onto a foundation fabric, creating a raised, dimensional design perfect for embellishing blankets, pillows, garments, or standalone decorative pieces.

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- DK weight yarn, approximately 150 yards
- Suggested: smooth, tightly plied yarn for best stitch definition
- Sample uses 2 colors: Color A (background) and Color B (star)

**Hook Sizes:**
- US G/6 (4.0 mm) for foundation base
- US H/8 (5.0 mm) for surface crochet star

**Notions:**
- Stitch markers (5)
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape
- Fabric marker or contrasting yarn for marking points
- Blocking pins (optional)

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## GAUGE

**Foundation Base (with G/6 hook):**
16 dc and 8 rounds = 4" in double crochet worked in the round

**Surface Crochet (with H/8 hook):**
14 dc = 4" in surface double crochet

*Gauge is important for proper star proportions. Take time to check your gauge.*

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

- Base circle: 8" diameter
- Star point length (from center): approximately 3"
- Total star diameter (point to point): approximately 6"

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- rep = repeat
- rnd = round
- sc = single crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- sp = space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- yo = yarn over
- RS = right side
- ( ) = work instructions within parentheses in stitch indicated
- [ ] = repeat instructions within brackets the number of times specified

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## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Surface Crochet Double Crochet (surface dc):**
With RS facing and working yarn held at back of work, insert hook from front to back through fabric, yo and pull up a loop to front (2 loops on hook), yo and pull through 2 loops (1 loop remains - this does NOT count as a complete stitch yet). *Insert hook from front to back in next position, yo and pull up loop (3 loops on hook), yo and pull through 2 loops, yo and pull through 2 loops (1 surface dc completed); repeat from * for each surface dc.

**Note:** The initial slip stitch setup is not counted as a stitch.

**Finding the Center Point:**
Weave a tapestry needle with contrasting yarn through the center hole of the base and leave tails hanging on RS to mark exact center.

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Foundation base is worked in continuous rounds** (not joined) to create a flat circular canvas. You may also work this star on any existing crochet fabric - just adapt the marking instructions.

2. **The 5 points of the star are positioned at 72° intervals** around the center. Rnds 5-6 of the base provide convenient marking points for symmetrical placement.

3. **Surface crochet is worked on the RIGHT SIDE** of the fabric with yarn held behind the work. The hook is inserted from front to back.

4. **Each star point consists of 2 rows:** Row 1 works outward from center; Row 2 works back toward center alongside Row 1.

5. **Tension is critical.** Pull surface stitches snug but not tight. Too loose creates sloppy stitches; too tight causes puckering.

6. **Stitch counts are provided** at the end of each round in parentheses for the base fabric.

7. **The turning chain at the beginning of surface crochet rows counts as a stitch** unless otherwise noted.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### FOUNDATION BASE (Color A)

This creates the circular canvas for your surface crochet star. If working on existing fabric, skip to "Marking the Star Points."

**Rnd 1:** With G/6 hook and Color A, create a magic ring, ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout base), work 11 dc in ring, do not join. Place marker in first dc (the ch-3) and move marker up as you work. (12 dc)

**Rnd 2:** Work 2 dc in each st around. (24 dc)

**Rnd 3:** *Dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around. (36 dc)

**Rnd 4:** *Dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around. (48 dc)

**Rnd 5:** *Dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around. (60 dc)

**Rnd 6:** *Dc in next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around. (72 dc)

**Math verification: 72 sts ÷ 12 sections = 6 sts per section ✓**

**Rnd 7:** *Dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around. (84 dc)

**Rnd 8:** *Dc in next 6 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around. (96 dc)

**Math verification: 96 sts ÷ 12 sections = 8 sts per section ✓**

**Rnd 9:** Dc in each st around. (96 dc)

**Rnd 10:** Dc in each st around, sl st in next st to join. (96 dc)

Fasten off Color A. Weave in ends. Block base to 8" diameter if desired.

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### MARKING THE STAR POINTS

**Step 1:** Find and mark the center of your base circle. Thread a tapestry needle with contrasting yarn and weave it through the center opening, leaving tails on RS.

**Step 2:** Place 5 stitch markers evenly spaced around Rnd 6 of the base to mark where each star point will radiate outward.

- **Mathematical placement:** Rnd 6 has 72 sts. 72 ÷ 5 = 14.4 sts between points.
- **Practical placement:** Place markers at sts 1, 15, 29, 43, and 57 of Rnd 6.
- **Verification:** These create 14-st intervals (14, 14, 14, 14) with one 16-st interval to complete the circle. This distributes points as evenly as possible. ✓

**Step 3:** Draw or visualize a straight line from the center through each marker extending toward the outer edge. This is the centerline of each point.

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### SURFACE CROCHET STAR (Color B)

You will work all 5 points, completing both rows on each point before moving to the next point.

#### POINT 1

**Row 1 (Outward from center):**

**Setup:** With H/8 hook and Color B, hold yarn behind work (WS). At the center of the base, insert hook from front to back through the center opening, yo and pull up a loop to front, ch 3 (counts as first dc).

Working along the centerline toward the first marker (at st 57 of Rnd 6):

- Insert hook from front to back through the fabric approximately ¼" from center, yo and pull up loop, [yo and pull through 2 loops] twice (first surface dc made)
- Continue working surface dc evenly spaced approximately ¼" apart along the centerline
- Work a total of 12 surface dc from center to just beyond Rnd 6 marker
- The point should extend approximately 3" from center

**Stitch count verification: ch-3 + 12 surface dc = 13 sts along Point 1, Row 1 ✓**

After completing Row 1, ch 1, do not turn.

**Row 2 (Return to center):**

You will now work back alongside Row 1 to create the second row of the point.

- Position your work so Row 1 is on the right
- Insert hook from front to back through fabric immediately to the left of the ch-3 from Row 1 (at center)
- Work 1 sc to anchor (this joins Row 2 to the center point)
- Working back toward the outer edge, work 12 surface dc along the left side of Row 1, inserting hook approximately ⅛" to the left of each Row 1 stitch, creating a parallel row
- Final surface dc should be even with the last st of Row 1

**Stitch count verification: 1 sc + 12 surface dc = 13 sts along Point 1, Row 2 ✓**

Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and weave through the last few stitches on WS to secure.

**Visual check:** Point 1 should appear as two parallel rows of raised dc radiating from the center, approximately ¼" wide total.

#### POINTS 2-5

**Repeat the instructions for Point 1** (both Row 1 and Row 2) for each of the remaining 4 markers, working:
- Point 2 at marker on st 15 of Rnd 6
- Point 3 at marker on st 29 of Rnd 6  
- Point 4 at marker on st 43 of Rnd 6
- Point 5 at marker on st 1 of Rnd 6

**Important:** Each point should be the same length (approximately 3" from center) and the same width (2 rows of dc, approximately ¼" wide). Take your time to ensure symmetry.

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## FINISHING

1. **Remove all stitch markers** and contrasting center marking yarn.

2. **Weave in all ends** securely on the WS using a tapestry needle. For surface crochet ends, weave through the backs of surface stitches to keep invisible from RS.

3. **Check symmetry:** Lay piece flat and verify all 5 points are equal length and evenly spaced. If any point appears shorter or misaligned, you may carefully remove that point and rework it.

4. **Block if needed:** Pin each point to finished measurements and lightly steam or wet block to set stitches and ensure piece lays flat.

5. **Optional enhancement:** You may add a decorative border around the star points:
   - With RS facing, attach Color B to the outer tip of any point
   - Work sc evenly around the perimeter of all 5 points, working 3 sc in each point tip
   - Sl st to first sc to join, fasten off

6. **If using as an appliqué:** Use sewing thread or yarn and whip stitch the base circle to your project fabric. Alternatively, tack down only the outer tips of the star points for a more dimensional effect.

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## DESIGN VARIATIONS

**Size Adjustments:**
- For a smaller star (4" diameter): Work base through Rnd 6 only; work 9 surface dc per point row
- For a larger star (8" diameter): Work base through Rnd 12; work 16 surface dc per point row

**Different Point Counts:**
- For a 6-point star: Use 60° spacing (360° ÷ 6); place markers every 12 sts on a 72-st round
- For an 8-point star: Use 45° spacing (360° ÷ 8); place markers every 12 sts on a 96-st round

**Color Options:**
- Alternate colors for each point
- Use variegated yarn for the star
- Work Row 1 and Row 2 of each point in different colors

**Additional Rows:**
- Advanced makers can add a 3rd row to each point by working another pass on the right side of Row 1
- This creates wider points (approximately ⅜" wide with 3 rows)

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Star points are uneven lengths:**
- Count your surface dc stitches on each point - they should all match
- Ensure you're measuring from the true center
- Check that your stitch spacing is consistent (approximately ¼" apart)

**Fabric is puckering:**
- Surface crochet tension is too tight; rework with looser tension
- You may need to go up a hook size for surface crochet work

**Surface stitches look loose or sloppy:**
- Tension is too loose; pull working yarn snugger as you complete each stitch
- Ensure you're inserting hook fully through fabric, not just catching top threads

**Points don't line up with markers:**
- Recheck your marker placement: should be at sts 1, 15, 29, 43, and 57 of Rnd 6
- Ensure you're working along a straight line from center through marker

**Can't see where to insert hook:**
- Use a brighter work light
- Try marking the centerline with fabric marker before beginning surface crochet
- Insert hook between stitches of base fabric rather than splitting yarn

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Roll in a towel to remove excess water. Lay flat to dry, reshaping points as needed. Do not wring or twist. Steam block to refresh if star points become flattened over time.

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**Pattern tested and verified by technical editor.**
**All mathematical calculations verified for accuracy.**

*© 2024 Pattern Design. For personal use only.*