The Ember Glow Star Garland: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Modern Holiday Decoration

Introducing the Ember Glow Star Garland

This free crochet pattern creates a stunning, textured star garland that adds a warm, modern touch to any holiday gathering. Each star is worked in a soft, heathered yarn, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for your festive visits. The dense single crochet stitch gives each star a soft, plush texture, while the heathered charcoal gray and deep, muted cranberry red colors create a warm, modern, and cozy aesthetic. Perfect for draping over a mantel or along a staircase, this garland is rustic, handmade, and inviting.

Materials Needed

Yarn

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (super bulky weight, 80% acrylic, 20% wool) in 'Charcoal' and 'Cranberry' (or any two contrasting colors). Approximately 50 yards of each color for a 6-star garland.

Hook

Size N/P (10 mm) crochet hook

Gauge

4 sc = 4 inches in single crochet. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency ensures uniform stars.

Additional Supplies

• Tapestry needle for weaving ends and sewing stars together
• Scissors
• Stitch marker (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Star Motif (Make 6)

Note: Each star is worked in the round from the center out. You will make 6 stars total, alternating colors as desired.

Round 1: Center Ring

With Color A (Charcoal), make a magic ring. Chain 1 (this does not count as a stitch). Work 10 single crochet (sc) stitches into the magic ring. Slip stitch (sl st) to the first sc to join the round. (10 sc)

Round 2: Increase Round

Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). *Work 2 sc in the next stitch (increase), then 1 sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around the round. You will repeat this pattern 5 times total. Slip stitch to the first sc to join. (15 sc)

Round 3: Increase Round

Chain 1. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around (5 times total). Slip stitch to the first sc. (20 sc)

Round 4: Increase Round

Chain 1. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around (5 times total). Slip stitch to the first sc. (25 sc)

Round 5: Forming the Star Points

Chain 1. *Work 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches. In the next stitch, work the following sequence: half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), treble crochet (tr), double crochet (dc), half double crochet (hdc).* This creates one point of the star. Repeat from * to * 4 more times (for a total of 5 points). Slip stitch to the first sc to join the round. Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing.

Assembly: Creating the Garland

1. Arrange the Stars: Lay out your 6 stars in a pleasing order, alternating colors if desired (e.g., Charcoal, Cranberry, Charcoal, Cranberry, Charcoal, Cranberry).
2. Connect the Stars: Using a tapestry needle and the long tail from the first star, sew the stars together at their points. Insert the needle through the tip of one star's point, then through the tip of the next star's point. Sew back and forth a few times to secure. Leave about 4 inches of yarn between each star. Repeat for all stars, using the tail from each star to connect to the next.
3. Create Hanging Loops: To hang the garland, create a loop at each end. Take the remaining tail from the first star and the last star, and tie them together to form a loop. Alternatively, attach a small ring to each end for easy hanging.

Finishing

• Weave in Ends: Using the tapestry needle, weave in all remaining yarn ends securely on the back of the stars.
• Blocking (Optional): If desired, lightly block the stars to shape them. Spray with water and gently pin into shape, allowing to dry completely. This helps the stars lay flat and the points to be more defined.

Your Ember Glow Star Garland is now complete! Drape it over a mantel, along a staircase, or across a window for a warm, modern holiday touch. Enjoy your handmade decoration!