This burgundy star blanket is made for cold nights and holiday evenings. Each square has a bold eight-point star in deep red, framed by creamy rounds. When the squares are joined, the stars and the cream spaces between them make a rich pattern, finished with a burgundy scalloped edge.
The star grows round by round with simple double crochet increases, so there are no hard stitches. You only need chain, slip stitch, single crochet and double crochet. Work the first square slowly and the rest will go quickly.
What you need
- Yarn: worsted weight (medium 4) acrylic or wool blend in 2 colors: burgundy (star and border) and cream (frame and joining).
- Hook: 4 mm (G-6). Go up or down a size if your square is too tight or too floppy.
- Tools: tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, blocking mats and pins.
- How much yarn? Estimate for a queen blanket with two pillow fronts: about 1,700 m (1,860 yd) burgundy and 1,500 m (1,640 yd) cream. For a better number, weigh one finished square, multiply by the number of squares and add 15%.
Abbreviations and size
- ch chain
- sl st slip stitch
- sc single crochet
- dc double crochet
- dc2tog 2 dc worked together
- dc3tog 3 dc worked together
- sp space
- st(s) stitch(es)
- magic ring adjustable starting loop
Square size: about 20 cm (8 in) after blocking.
Squares needed: 80 for the blanket (8 x 10 squares, about 160 x 200 cm) plus 12 for two pillow fronts, so 92 in total. Make 24 (4 x 6) for a lap throw.
How to crochet the star square
Work every round with the right side facing you. The chain-3 at the start of a round counts as 1 dc. Join each round with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain-3. The eight corners of the star are called points, and each one is a ch-2 space.
- Round 1 (burgundy): Make a magic ring. Ch 3, 15 dc in the ring. Join. [16 dc]
- Round 2 (burgundy): Ch 3, dc in the same st, 2 dc in each st around. Join. [32 dc]
- Round 3 (burgundy, points): Ch 3, *dc in each of the next 3 sts, (dc, ch 2, dc) in the next st. Repeat from * 6 more times, then dc in each of the next 3 sts, (dc, ch 2, dc) in the last st. Join. [40 dc, 8 points]
- Round 4 (burgundy): Ch 3, *dc in each dc across to the next point, (dc, ch 2, dc) in the ch-2 space. Repeat from * around. Join. [56 dc]
- Round 5 (burgundy): Repeat Round 4. Fasten off. [72 dc, 9 dc between points]
- Round 6 (cream, valleys): Join cream in any point. Ch 3, (1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same space. *Dc in each of the next 3 sts, dc3tog over the next 3 sts, dc in each of the last 3 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next point. Repeat from * around. Join. [88 dc]
- Round 7 (cream, squaring up): Work 4 corners on every other point and a straight side on the others. At a corner point: ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the ch-2 space. At the other points: 2 dc in the ch-2 space. Work 1 dc in each dc between points. Join. [112 dc, 4 corner spaces]
- Round 8 (cream): Ch 1, sc in each dc and 3 sc in each corner space. Join, fasten off and weave in the ends. [124 sc]
Rule to remember: Round 3 has 8 points and Round 5 has 9 dc between every pair of points. If the count is off, the star will tilt, so fix it before you add cream.
Block and lay out the squares
Pin each square flat to the exact size, steam it lightly and let it dry. Blocking sharpens the star points. Lay the squares out in 10 rows of 8. Turn every other square a quarter turn so the cream corners make a pretty pattern. Take a photo of your layout so you can always find your place again.
Join the squares
- Hold two squares with right sides together. Whipstitch along one side through the back loops only with cream yarn.
- Join the squares into long strips first, then join the strips to each other.
- Where four corners meet, make one small stitch through all four.
- Keep your joining stitches loose. Tight seams make the blanket stiff.
Scalloped border
- Round 1 (cream): Join at any corner. Ch 1, sc evenly around, with 3 sc in each outer corner. Join.
- Round 2 (burgundy): Join burgundy, ch 3, dc in each st around, with 3 dc in each outer corner. Join.
- Round 3 (burgundy): Ch 1, *skip 2 sts, 5 dc in the next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in the next st. Repeat from * around, adjusting the last scallop to fit. Fasten off.
Matching pillow covers (make 2)
- Make 6 squares for each pillow front and join them in 2 rows of 3. The panel is about 40 x 60 cm.
- Work 1 round of sc around the outer edge in burgundy.
- Make the back from cream fabric. Place front and back wrong sides together, sew around three sides, insert a 40 x 60 cm pillow form and close the last side.
Tips for success
- Check your gauge. Make one square first. It should be about 20 cm after blocking.
- Count the points. Always check for 8 points in Round 3 before you go on.
- Keep dc even. Uneven tension makes the star look wavy.
- Use one dye lot of each color and buy extra burgundy for the border.
- Work in small steps. Make 1 square a day and the blanket is done in about 12 weeks, faster if you make 2.
- Weave ends as you go. Changing colors makes many ends.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the ch-2 at a point. The star will lose its shape.
- Forgetting the dc3tog in Round 6. The square will bulge.
- Skipping the blocking step. Unblocked squares are uneven and hard to join.
- Pulling the joining yarn too tight, which creates ridges.
- Using two different dye lots of burgundy.
Ways to change this pattern
- Forest version: deep green stars on cream.
- Navy version: navy stars on white.
- Lap throw: join 24 squares in 6 rows of 4. It measures about 80 x 120 cm.
- Cushion: make 1 square with a border for a 20 cm cushion cover.
Frequently asked questions
What skill level do I need?
Intermediate. If you can make a double crochet, a magic ring and a decrease, you can do it. Make one practice square first.
How long does it take?
Each square takes about 1.5 hours. A full blanket with two pillow fronts needs about 140 hours. At 15 hours a week, plan on 8 to 10 weeks.
What is the best yarn?
A soft worsted yarn with clear stitch definition. Acrylic is easy to wash and wool blends are warmer. Choose a smooth yarn so the star shows well.
How do I wash it?
Follow the yarn label. Most acrylic blankets can go in a gentle cycle in cool water and dry flat.
Can I make it smaller or bigger?
Yes. Use 24 squares for a lap throw. To size it for your bed, divide the bed measurements by 20 cm.
Can I sell things I make from this pattern?
Yes, you can sell finished items. Please credit this website as the designer and do not copy or share the written pattern.
