Heirloom Lace Snowdrop Ornaments Free Pattern

Heirloom Lace Snowdrop Ornaments: A Victorian Crochet Journey

Step back in time and adorn your holiday tree with the ethereal beauty of a bygone era. These Heirloom Lace Snowdrop Ornaments are more than just decorations; they are miniature works of art, meticulously crafted to capture the delicate, nodding form of a snowdrop flower in intricate crochet lace. Using fine cotton thread and a steel hook, you will create a three-dimensional ornament that shimmers with vintage charm. Whether gifted as a cherished handmade present or used to bring old-world elegance to your own home, this free pattern is a delightful project for crocheters seeking a touch of timeless romance.

Materials Needed

To begin your journey into Victorian craftsmanship, gather the following materials. The precision of the finished piece relies heavily on using the correct thread and hook size to achieve the delicate, airy lace structure.

• Yarn: DMC Cebelia Crochet Thread Size 10 (100% cotton) in White or Ivory. You will need 1 ball per ornament. This mercerized cotton thread has a beautiful, subtle sheen that catches the light, enhancing the lace pattern.
• Hook: Steel crochet hook size 7 (1.65 mm), or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. A steel hook is essential for working with fine thread.
• Gauge: The motif center (first 3 rounds) should measure 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. This ensures your final ornament is the correct size and has the right drape.
• Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, sharp scissors, and a thin satin ribbon or a length of crochet chain for the hanging loop. Optional: small beads or pearls for the center.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a single, stunning snowdrop ornament. The construction is worked in the round, building layer upon layer of petals to create a beautiful, dimensional flower. Please read through the entire pattern before beginning. The instructions are detailed to ensure a flawless result.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

Familiarize yourself with these standard US crochet abbreviations before you start.

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet (Note: This pattern does not use tr, but it is listed for reference)
• picot = ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook
• rnd = round

Creating the Ornament

Follow these rounds carefully. The key to a beautiful ornament is maintaining consistent tension and counting your stitches accurately. The "center dc" references in later rounds are crucial for proper petal alignment.

Rnd 1: Ch 6, join with a sl st to the first ch to form a ring. Ch 3 (this counts as your first dc), then work 11 dc into the center of the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. You should now have 12 dc stitches in total.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in the same st (the base of the ch-1). *Ch 5, skip the next dc, sc in the next dc.* Repeat from * to * around. You will end with a ch-5 loop after the last sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You will have created 6 ch-5 loops.

Rnd 3: Sl st into the first ch-5 loop. Ch 1. Into this same ch-5 loop, work the following sequence: (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc). This forms your first small petal. Repeat this entire sequence (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in each of the remaining 5 ch-5 loops. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You will have 6 small petals.

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in the same st (the base of the first petal). *Ch 7, skip the next petal entirely, and sc in the center dc of the next petal.* The "center dc" is the 2nd dc of the 3-dc group you made in Rnd 3. Repeat from * to * around, ending with a ch-7 loop. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You will have 6 ch-7 loops.

Rnd 5: Sl st into the first ch-7 loop. Ch 1. Into this same ch-7 loop, work the following sequence: (sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc). This forms your first larger petal. Repeat this entire sequence in each of the remaining 5 ch-7 loops. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You will have 6 larger petals.

Rnd 6: Ch 1, sc in the same st. *Ch 9, skip the next petal entirely, and sc in the center dc of the next petal.* The "center dc" is now the 3rd dc of the 5-dc group you made in Rnd 5. Repeat from * to * around, ending with a ch-9 loop. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You will have 6 ch-9 loops.

Rnd 7: Sl st into the first ch-9 loop. Ch 1. Into this same ch-9 loop, work the following sequence: (sc, hdc, 7 dc, hdc, sc). This forms your first final, large petal. Repeat this entire sequence in each of the remaining 5 ch-9 loops. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You will have 6 final petals.

Rnd 8: This round creates the base for the picot edging. Ch 1, sc in the same st. *Ch 5, skip the next 3 sts, sc in the next st (this should be the center dc of the petal, which is the 4th dc of the 7-dc group). Ch 5, skip the next 3 sts, sc in the next st (this will be the st between the petals).* Repeat from * to * around. On the very last repeat, replace the final sc with a sl st to the first sc of the round. You will have 12 ch-5 loops.

Rnd 9: Sl st into the first ch-5 loop. Ch 1. Into this same ch-5 loop, work the following sequence: (sc, hdc, 3 dc, picot, 3 dc, hdc, sc). This creates a scalloped edge with a delicate picot point. Repeat this entire sequence in each of the remaining 11 ch-5 loops. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in all loose ends securely with your tapestry needle.

Finishing and Blocking

Blocking is an essential step to transform your crocheted piece into a crisp, elegant ornament. It opens up the lace and defines the petal shapes.

1. Prepare a Blocking Surface: Find a flat, padded surface that can withstand moisture, such as an ironing board covered with a towel or a foam blocking mat.
2. Pin the Ornament: Gently stretch the ornament into its natural round shape. Use rust-proof pins to secure the picot points of the outer petals to the blocking surface. This will define the scalloped edge and open up the lace pattern.
3. Mist and Dry: Lightly mist the ornament with cool, clean water until it is damp but not soaking wet. Allow it to dry completely, preferably overnight. Once dry, carefully remove the pins.
4. Add a Hanging Loop: Thread a thin, elegant ribbon (like satin) or a simple crochet chain through the picot loops at the top of the ornament. Tie the ends together in a small, neat bow or knot to create a hanging loop.
5. Optional Embellishment: For an extra touch of elegance, sew a single small bead or pearl into the very center of the flower, where all the petals converge. This adds a subtle sparkle and completes the heirloom look.

Your Heirloom Lace Snowdrop Ornament is now complete. Admire the intricate layers and delicate details you have created. These ornaments make exquisite gifts and will be treasured for generations to come. Hang them on your tree, in a sunny window, or use them to add a vintage touch to your gift wrapping.