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# The Five-Pointed Star Granny Square
This is a beginner-friendly pattern for a decorative granny square featuring a 3D-effect star with a distinct pentagonal centre. This square can be used individually as a coaster or joined to create blankets, bags, or garments.

### 1. Yarn Weight
*   **Worsted / Aran (10-ply):** Most common for blankets and bags. Provides clear stitch definition for the star.
*   **DK (8-ply):** For a lighter, smaller square (approx. 10cm).
*   **Chunky:** For a large, textured "statement" square.

### 2. Hook Size
*   **5.0mm (H-8):** Recommended for Worsted/Aran weight yarn.
*   **4.0mm (G-6):** Recommended for DK weight yarn.

### 3. Essential Materials
*   **Crochet Hook:** 5.0mm.
*   **Yarn:** Two contrasting colours (Colour A for Star, Colour B for Square background).
*   **Stitch marker:** To mark the first stitch of rounds.
*   **Yarn needle:** For weaving in ends.
*   **Scissors.**

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### 4. Square Construction

**Terminology Note (UK):**
*   **ch:** chain
*   **ss:** slip stitch
*   **dc (double crochet):** US single crochet
*   **htr (half treble):** US half double crochet
*   **tr (treble):** US double crochet
*   **dtr (double treble):** US treble crochet

#### THE STAR CENTRE (Colour A)
*   **Rnd 1 (The Pentagon):** Make a magic ring. Ch 2 (counts as first htr). Work 9 htr into the ring. Join with ss to top of ch-2. [10 htr]
    *   *Note: These 10 stitches create the 5 sides of your pentagon.*
*   **Rnd 2 (The Points):** *Ch 5. ss in 2nd ch from hook, dc in 3rd ch, htr in 4th ch, tr in 5th ch. Skip 1 st from Rnd 1, ss into next st.* Repeat from * to * 5 times total. Fasten off Colour A. [5 Star Points]

#### SQUARING THE STAR (Colour B)
*   **Rnd 3 (Foundation Circle):** Attach Colour B to any *unused* front loop of Rnd 1 (behind the star points). 
    *   Ch 3 (counts as first tr). Work 3 tr into the same loop. 
    *   Work 4 tr into each of the remaining 9 front loops of Rnd 1. Join with ss to top of ch-3. [40 tr]
    *   *Validation: 10 base stitches x 4 stitches per base = 40 stitches total.*
*   **Rnd 4 (The Square):** Ch 3 (counts as tr). 
    *   **Side 1:** 1 tr in next 8 sts. 
    *   **Corner 1:** (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in next st.
    *   **Side 2:** 1 tr in next 9 sts.
    *   **Corner 2:** (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in next st.
    *   **Side 3:** 1 tr in next 9 sts.
    *   **Corner 3:** (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in next st.
    *   **Side 4:** 1 tr in next 9 sts.
    *   **Corner 4:** (2 tr, ch 1, 1 tr) in same st as starting ch-3. Join with ss. [4 corners, 9 sts per side]

#### THE GRANNY ROUND (Optional)
*   **Rnd 5:** Ss into corner space. Ch 3, 2 tr, ch 2, 3 tr in corner. 
    *   *(Skip 2 sts, 3 tr in next)* across to next corner. 
    *   Standard Granny Square logic: (3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in corners, 3 tr in spaces between.

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### 5. Size Chart (Square Dimensions)
*   **4-ply/Fingering:** 7.5cm (3")
*   **DK (8-ply):** 10cm (4")
*   **Worsted (10-ply):** 12.5cm (5")
*   **Chunky:** 15cm+ (6"+)

### 6. Stitch Pattern Options
*   **Solid Square:** Follow Rnd 4 with rounds of tr in every stitch, placing (2tr, ch 2, 2tr) in corners.
*   **Granny Style:** Use 3-tr clusters as described in Rnd 5 for a classic lace look.
*   **Textured Star:** Work Rnd 2 in the Back Loop Only (BLO) to make the star pop forward.

### 7. Project Styles
*   **STAR BLANKET:** Join 25 or more squares using the "join-as-you-go" method.
*   **STAR TOTE:** Join 13 squares (4 per side and 5 for the bottom/sides) for a beginner bag.
*   **COASTER:** Stop after Rnd 4 for a perfect star-themed drink coaster.

### 8. Border Techniques
*   **Picot Edge:** (3 dc, ch 3, ss in first ch) around the final edge for a decorative finish.
*   **Crab Stitch:** Work dc in reverse (left to right) for a corded, sturdy edge.

### 9. Pompom Instructions (Optional)
*   If making a "Star Cushion," add 5cm (2") pompoms to the four corners of the final joined piece for a whimsical look.

### 10. Common Requests
*   **"How do I make the pentagon clearer?"** Use a highly contrasting colour for Rnd 1. Ensure you do not pull the stitches too tight; htr stitches are naturally wider at the top, which helps define the pentagonal vertices.
*   **"My star is curling."** This usually means tension is too tight on the Ch-5 of Rnd 2. Use a hook 0.5mm larger for the star points if they curl inward.

### 11. Finishing Tips
*   **Blocking:** Pin the square to a foam board and spray with water. Allow to dry completely. This is essential for squaring the 5-pointed center perfectly.
*   **Weaving:** Use the yarn needle to weave Colour A tails into the centre pentagon and Colour B tails into the clusters to keep them invisible.

### 12. Quick Colour Variations
*   **Celestial:** Yellow star (Colour A) with Navy Blue background (Colour B).
*   **Holiday:** White star (Colour A) with Red background (Colour B).
*   **Modern:** Grey star (Colour A) with Pastel Pink background (Colour B).