The Celestial Frost Star: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Lace-Textured, Ornamental Wall Hanging

Introduction: Capture the Magic of a Frosty Night

Embrace the quiet magic of winter with this knitted star, a delicate tapestry of lace and texture that captures the essence of a frosty night sky. The Celestial Frost Star is a stunning, dimensional wall hanging that adds a handcrafted, celestial touch to your holiday decor. This free, intermediate-level pattern guides you through creating a beautiful lace-textured star that glows with warmth, perfect for adorning your home or giving as a heartfelt gift.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • 100 yards of a soft, heathered silver-blue (Color A) – Sample uses Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted in 'Sky'.
  • 50 yards of a creamy, undyed white (Color B) – Sample uses Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted in 'Cream'.
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch markers (optional), fiberfill for stuffing, scissors.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking. Achieving gauge is important for the star to match the intended size and drape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This star is knit flat in two halves (front and back) and then seamed together with a light stuffing for dimension. The lace pattern creates a beautiful, openwork center. Follow each step carefully for a flawless result.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches knitwise, one at a time, then knit them together through the back loop)
• YO: Yarn over
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rep: Repeat

FRONT HALF (Make 1 with Color A)

Section 1: Increase to Create the Star Center

• Row 1 (RS): CO 3 sts. K across. (3 sts)
• Row 2 (WS): P across.
• Row 3: K1, YO, K1, YO, K1. (5 sts)
• Row 4: P across.
• Row 5: K2, YO, K1, YO, K2. (7 sts)
• Row 6: P across.
• Row 7: K3, YO, K1, YO, K3. (9 sts)
• Row 8: P across.
• Row 9: K4, YO, K1, YO, K4. (11 sts)
• Row 10: P across.
• Row 11: K5, YO, K1, YO, K5. (13 sts)
• Row 12: P across.
• Row 13: K6, YO, K1, YO, K6. (15 sts)
• Row 14: P across.
• Row 15: K7, YO, K1, YO, K7. (17 sts)
• Row 16: P across.
• Row 17: K8, YO, K1, YO, K8. (19 sts)
• Row 18: P across.
• Row 19: K9, YO, K1, YO, K9. (21 sts)
• Row 20: P across.

Section 2: Lace Pattern

• Row 21 (RS): K1, (YO, SSK) rep to last 2 sts, K2. (21 sts)
• Row 22 (WS): P across.
• Row 23: K2, (YO, SSK) rep to last 3 sts, K3. (21 sts)
• Row 24: P across.
• Row 25: K3, (YO, SSK) rep to last 4 sts, K4. (21 sts)
• Row 26: P across.
• Row 27: K4, (YO, SSK) rep to last 5 sts, K5. (21 sts)
• Row 28: P across.
• Row 29: K5, (YO, SSK) rep to last 6 sts, K6. (21 sts)
• Row 30: P across.
• Row 31: K6, (YO, SSK) rep to last 7 sts, K7. (21 sts)
• Row 32: P across.
• Row 33: K7, (YO, SSK) rep to last 8 sts, K8. (21 sts)
• Row 34: P across.
• Row 35: K8, (YO, SSK) rep to last 9 sts, K9. (21 sts)
• Row 36: P across.
• Row 37: K9, (YO, SSK) rep to last 10 sts, K10. (21 sts)
• Row 38: P across.

Section 3: Shape Points (Worked in Short Rows)

Note: You will create two points from the 21 stitches. The first point uses the first 10 stitches, and the second point uses the remaining 11 stitches. Work each point separately.

Point 1:

• Row 39 (RS): K10, turn. (10 sts on right needle, 11 sts left unworked)
• Row 40 (WS): P9, P2tog (using 1 st from left needle and 1 from right), turn. (10 sts)
• Row 41: K8, SSK (using 1 st from left needle and 1 from right), turn. (9 sts)
• Row 42: P7, P2tog, turn. (8 sts)
• Row 43: K6, SSK, turn. (7 sts)
• Row 44: P5, P2tog, turn. (6 sts)
• Row 45: K4, SSK, turn. (5 sts)
• Row 46: P3, P2tog, turn. (4 sts)
• Row 47: K2, SSK, turn. (3 sts)
• Row 48: P1, P2tog, turn. (2 sts)
• Row 49: K2tog. (1 st) Fasten off.

Point 2:

Rejoin yarn to the next 11 sts on the left needle (from the center).

• Row 39 (RS): K11, turn. (11 sts on right needle, 0 sts left unworked)
• Row 40 (WS): P10, P2tog (using 1 st from left needle and 1 from right), turn. (11 sts)
• Row 41: K9, SSK, turn. (10 sts)
• Row 42: P8, P2tog, turn. (9 sts)
• Row 43: K7, SSK, turn. (8 sts)
• Row 44: P6, P2tog, turn. (7 sts)
• Row 45: K5, SSK, turn. (6 sts)
• Row 46: P4, P2tog, turn. (5 sts)
• Row 47: K3, SSK, turn. (4 sts)
• Row 48: P2, P2tog, turn. (3 sts)
• Row 49: K1, SSK, turn. (2 sts)
• Row 50: P2tog. (1 st) Fasten off.

BACK HALF (Make 1 with Color B)

Repeat rows 1-38 of the Front Half. Do not work the points. Bind off all stitches loosely on Row 38.

FINISHING

1. Weave in ends: Use the tapestry needle to weave in all yarn tails securely on the wrong side of each piece.
2. Block both pieces: Wet block or steam block both the front and back pieces to the same shape and size. Pin the points of the front piece to create sharp, defined star points. Allow to dry completely. This step is crucial for the lace pattern to open up and for the star to hold its shape.
3. Assemble the star: Place the back piece (Color B) behind the front piece (Color A), wrong sides together. Align the edges carefully.
4. Seam the edges: Using Color A yarn and a tapestry needle, whip stitch the two pieces together along the edges, leaving a small opening (about 2 inches) for stuffing.
5. Stuff the star: Lightly stuff the star with fiberfill to give it a gentle, puffy dimension. Do not overstuff; you want a soft, plush feel.
6. Close the opening: Continue whip stitching to close the opening. Secure the yarn with a knot and weave in the end.
7. Create a hanging loop: Cut a 12-inch length of Color A yarn. Fold it in half and thread the loop through the top point of the star. Tie the ends in a knot to secure. Trim any loose threads.
8. Final touches: Gently fluff the star and adjust the points. Your Celestial Frost Star is ready to hang!

Enjoy your handcrafted star, a beautiful reminder of winter's quiet magic. Happy knitting!