This little hanging charm is made for a rearview mirror. A lacy cream star with a gold picot edge hangs at the top. Below it, a short chain drops to a tiny gold star, which sits on a green tree made of three overlapping scalloped tiers.
The palette is simple: cream cotton thread for the big star and its chains, forest green for the tree, and gold metallic thread for the picot border, hanging ring, and mini star topper. The style is classic thread lace. Spokes radiate from a solid center, and stacked shells fill each of the five points.
This pattern uses US crochet terms. When blocked, the large star is 3.5 in (8.9 cm) across and 3.25 in (8.3 cm) tall. The tree is about 2.75 in (7.0 cm) wide and tall. The whole charm is about 10 in (25.4 cm) long.
The star is worked in rounds and finished with one gold border round. The tree is worked flat from the top down. Each scallop row is worked in front loops only, and the next tier starts in the unused back loops, so the scallops hang free over the tier below. A gold ring, a mini star, and two cream chains finish the charm.
Finished Size and Construction
- Finished length: about 10 in (25.4 cm)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Terminology: US crochet terms
- Yarn weight: Size 10 crochet thread (Lace, weight 0)
- Hook: 1.5 mm steel hook
- Number of pieces: 4 crocheted pieces (large star, gold ring, mini star, tree) plus 2 chains (hanging loop and connecting chain)
- Layout: One vertical stack: loop and ring, large star, chain, mini star, tree
- Large star: 3.5 in (8.9 cm) wide x 3.25 in (8.3 cm) tall
- Star before border: 3.25 in (8.3 cm) wide x 3 in (7.6 cm) tall
- Border depth: 1/8 in (0.3 cm) on every edge
- Tree: about 2.75 in (7.0 cm) wide x 2.75 in (7.0 cm) tall
- Mini star: 0.75 in (1.9 cm) across
Materials
Use mercerized cotton size 10 crochet thread for the cream and the green. It gives crisp stitch definition and takes starch well, which matters in a warm car. For the gold, choose a size 10 metallic or metallic-blend thread. Very slippery tinsel threads won’t hold the picots.
- Cream (Color A): 6 g, about 34 m
- Forest green (Color B): 5 g, about 28 m
- Gold metallic (Color C): 3 g, about 20 m
These amounts include a margin of about 25 percent for swatching and tails.
Tools:
- 1.5 mm steel crochet hook
- Fine tapestry needle
- Small sharp scissors
- Rust-proof pins and a blocking board
- Fabric stiffener or heavy spray starch
- Ruler marked in inches and cm
- 2 stitch markers
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sp(s) – space(s)
- sk – skip
- FLO – front loop only
- rep – repeat
Special stitches:
- Picot: Ch 3, sl st in the 3rd ch from the hook.
- V-shell: (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same sp.
- Point shell: (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the same sp.
- Scallop: 5 dc in the same st.
Gauge and Checkpoints
Gauge isn’t critical for a charm, but it decides how well the star and tree match. Make the large star first and use it as your test piece. Every other piece is sized to go with it.
- Dc gauge: 10 dc and 5 dc rows = 1 in (2.5 cm)
- Chain gauge: 10 ch = 1 in (2.5 cm)
- After Round 2: 1 in (2.5 cm) across
- After Round 3: 1.5 in (3.8 cm) tip to tip
- After Round 4: 2 in (5.1 cm) tip to tip
- After Round 5: 2.6 in (6.6 cm) tip to tip
- After Round 6: 3.25 in (8.3 cm) tip to tip
- After border: 3.5 in (8.9 cm) tip to tip
Lay the star flat and measure across the two side points.
If the star is larger than 1 in (2.5 cm) after Round 2, switch to a 1.25 mm hook. If it’s smaller than 0.875 in (2.2 cm), switch to a 1.75 mm hook. Fix this at Round 2, because small errors get bigger with every round.
Large Star (Make 1)
With Color A, ch 6 and sl st to the first ch to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 14 dc in the ring. Join to the top of the ch-3. (15 dc)
Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), *dc in the next dc, ch 2; rep from * 13 more times. Join to the 3rd ch of the ch-5. (15 dc, 15 ch-2 sps) These are the spokes.
Round 3: Sl st in the next ch-2 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same sp, ch 2, [sc in the next ch-2 sp, ch 2] twice. *V-shell in the next ch-2 sp, ch 2, [sc in the next ch-2 sp, ch 2] twice; rep from * 3 more times. Join. (5 V-shells, 10 sc, 15 ch-2 sps)
Each repeat uses 3 sps from Round 2, and 5 x 3 = 15. In each repeat, the ch-2 sp between the 2 sc is the valley.
Round 4: Sl st in the next dc and into the shell sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the same sp, ch 3, sk the next ch-2 sp, sc in the valley sp, ch 3, sk the next ch-2 sp. *Point shell in the next shell sp, ch 3, sk the next ch-2 sp, sc in the valley sp, ch 3, sk the next ch-2 sp; rep from * 3 more times. Join. (30 dc, 5 ch-3 tip sps, 5 sc, 10 ch-3 side sps)
Round 5: Sl st in the next 2 dc and into the tip sp. Ch 4 (counts as tr), (2 tr, ch 4, 3 tr) in the same sp, ch 4, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 2, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 4. *(3 tr, ch 4, 3 tr) in the next tip sp, ch 4, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 2, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 4; rep from * 3 more times. Join. (30 tr, 5 ch-4 tip sps, 10 sc, 10 ch-4 side sps, 5 ch-2 valley sps)
Round 6: Sl st in the next 2 tr and into the tip sp. Ch 4, (2 tr, ch 5, 3 tr) in the same sp, ch 4, sc in the next ch-4 sp, ch 3, sc in the valley sp, ch 3, sc in the next ch-4 sp, ch 4. *(3 tr, ch 5, 3 tr) in the next tip sp, ch 4, sc in the next ch-4 sp, ch 3, sc in the valley sp, ch 3, sc in the next ch-4 sp, ch 4; rep from * 3 more times. Join. Fasten off. (30 tr, 5 ch-5 tip sps, 15 sc, 10 ch-4 sps, 10 ch-3 sps)
The stacked shells make the leaf-like lace in each point. The sc and short chains pull the valleys in, so the points stay sharp. Check that the star is 3.25 in (8.3 cm) tip to tip. Choose one point to be the top and mark its tip sp.
Gold Ring (Make 1)
With Color C, ch 6 and sl st to the first ch to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, 12 sc in the ring. Join. (12 sc) Fasten off and leave a 6 in (15.2 cm) tail. The ring should be 3/8 in (1.0 cm) across.
Mini Star (Make 1)
With Color C, ch 4 and sl st to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, 10 sc in the ring. Join. (10 sc)
Round 2: *Ch 4, sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, sk the next sc, sl st in the next sc; rep from * 4 more times, working the last sl st into the joining st. (5 points)
Each point uses 2 sc, and 5 x 2 = 10. Fasten off and leave an 8 in (20.3 cm) tail. The mini star should be 0.75 in (1.9 cm) across.
Tree (Make 1)
The tree is worked flat from the top down. On each dc row, the ch-3 at the start counts as a dc, and the last 2 dc go into the top of the turning ch. Each dc row adds 1 st at each edge.
Tier 1
With Color B, ch 4.
Row 1: 2 dc in the 4th ch from the hook. Turn. (3 dc)
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in the first st, dc in the next dc, 2 dc in the last st. Turn. (5 dc)
Row 3: Ch 3, dc in the first st, dc in the next 3 dc, 2 dc in the last st. Turn. (7 dc)
Row 4: Ch 3, dc in the first st, dc in the next 5 dc, 2 dc in the last st. Turn. (9 dc) Width: 0.9 in (2.3 cm).
Row 5 (FLO): Ch 1, sc in the first st, *sk 1 st, scallop in the next st, sk 1 st, sc in the next st; rep from * once more. (2 scallops, 3 sc; 1 + 2 x 4 = 9 sts)
Tier 2
Row 6: Turn. Fold the scallops forward and work into the unused back loops of Row 4: ch 3, dc in the same st, dc in the next 7 sts, 2 dc in the last st. Turn. (11 dc)
Row 7: Ch 3, dc in the first st, dc in the next 9 dc, 2 dc in the last st. Turn. (13 dc)
Row 8: Ch 3, dc in the first st, dc in the next 11 dc, 2 dc in the last st. Turn. (15 dc)
Row 9: Ch 3, dc in the first st, dc in the next 13 dc, 2 dc in the last st. Turn. (17 dc) Width: 1.7 in (4.3 cm).
Row 10 (FLO): Work as for Row 5, but rep from * 3 more times. (4 scallops, 5 sc; 1 + 4 x 4 = 17 sts)
Tier 3
Row 11: Turn. Fold the scallops forward and work into the unused back loops of Row 9: ch 3, dc in the same st, dc in the next 15 sts, 2 dc in the last st. Turn. (19 dc)
Row 12: Ch 3, dc in the first st, dc in the next 17 dc, 2 dc in the last st. Turn. (21 dc)
Row 13: Ch 3, dc in the first st, dc in the next 19 dc, 2 dc in the last st. Turn. (23 dc)
Row 14: Ch 3, dc in the first st, dc in the next 21 dc, 2 dc in the last st. Turn. (25 dc) Width: 2.5 in (6.4 cm).
Row 15 (both loops): Work as for Row 5, but rep from * 5 more times. (6 scallops, 7 sc; 1 + 6 x 4 = 25 sts) Fasten off.
The 12 dc rows make a body 2.4 in (6.1 cm) tall. The bottom scallops bring the total to about 2.75 in (7.0 cm). The upper scallops lie over the tier below, so they add depth but no length.
Make All Pieces
- Color A (cream): 1 large star, 1 hanging loop, 1 connecting chain
- Color B (green): 1 tree
- Color C (gold): 1 star border, 1 ring, 1 mini star
Layout, top to bottom:
[ Hanging loop - A ]
[ Gold ring - C ]
[ Large star - A, border C ]
[ Connecting chain - A ]
[ Mini star - C ]
[ Tree - B ]
Joining
Work the star’s border first (see the next section), because the ring and the connecting chain are attached to border stitches.
Ring: Use the ring’s tail to sew the ring to the picot at the top tip with 3 small overcast sts.
Hanging loop: With Color A, ch 50, which is about 5 in (12.7 cm). Pass the chain through the ring and sl st to the first ch to close the loop. Sl st in each of the 50 ch to make the cord firmer. Fasten off. Folded through the ring, the loop hangs 2.5 in (6.4 cm).
Connecting chain: The bottom valley is the one opposite the top point. Join Color A with a sl st at the center of that valley, between the two 3-sc groups. Ch 12, which is about 1.25 in (3.2 cm), then sl st into the hdc tip of one mini-star point. Fasten off.
Tree: Center the tip of the tree (Row 1) in the mini star’s bottom valley. Use the mini star’s tail to sew through both layers 3 times so the topper stands upright.
Tension: Pull the joins snug, but not so tight that they pucker the border or bend the tree’s tip.
Size checkpoint: Hang the charm from a pin and measure. The loop should be 2.5 in (6.4 cm), the star from top tip to bottom valley 2.75 in (7.0 cm), the chain 1.25 in (3.2 cm), the mini star 0.75 in (1.9 cm), and the tree 2.75 in (7.0 cm). The total is about 10 in (25.4 cm).
Border
The gold border goes around the large star only.
Border gauge: Work 1 sc per ch and 1 sc per tr along the sides, plus 1 extra sc in each tip sp. The border adds 1/8 in (0.3 cm) to every edge, so the star grows from 3.25 in (8.3 cm) to 3.5 in (8.9 cm).
Border Round: Join Color C in the marked top tip sp. Ch 1. Work this repeat 5 times:
- In the ch-5 tip sp: 3 sc, picot, 3 sc (6 sc)
- Sc in the next tr, picot, sc in the next 2 tr (3 sc)
- In the ch-4 sp: 2 sc, picot, 2 sc (4 sc)
- Sk the sc; 3 sc in the ch-3 sp (3 sc)
- Sk the valley sc; 3 sc in the next ch-3 sp (3 sc)
- Sk the sc; in the ch-4 sp: 2 sc, picot, 2 sc (4 sc)
- Sc in the next 2 tr, picot, sc in the next tr (3 sc)
Join to the first sc. Fasten off.
Counts: Each point gets 26 sc and 5 picots. Each side of a point, from tip to valley, gets 13 sc. The round total is 5 x 26 = 130 sc and 25 picots.
Why the math works: Each point of Round 6 has 25 base sts: ch 5 at the tip, 6 tr, 8 ch in the two ch-4 sps, and 6 ch in the two ch-3 sps. The border matches these one for one (25 sc) and adds 1 extra sc at the tip, for 26. That extra sc lets the point turn sharply without cupping. Skipping the 3 sc from Round 6 in each repeat keeps the valleys from ruffling. Picots go on the outer edges only, so the inner angles stay crisp.
Final Blocking
- Weave in all ends through stitches of the same color. Leave 1/2 in (1.3 cm) tails until the piece is stiff.
- Soak the charm in fabric stiffener, or dampen it and spray it heavily with starch. Blot it in a towel.
- Pin the star’s five tip picots so the star is 3.5 in (8.9 cm) across, then pin each valley inward.
- Pin out the picots along the star’s edges.
- Pin the tree’s bottom scallops to 2.75 in (7.0 cm) wide, and smooth each upper scallop over the tier below.
- Pin the mini star’s points open and straighten both chains.
- Let everything dry for at least 12 hours, then trim the tails.
Final Quality-Control Checklist
- The star is 3.5 in (8.9 cm) tip to tip with 5 even points
- The border has 130 sc and 25 picots, and the valleys lie flat
- The ring is centered on the top tip
- The loop hangs 2.5 in (6.4 cm) and feels firm
- The chain is 1.25 in (3.2 cm) and hangs from the center of the bottom valley
- The mini star sits upright on the tree’s tip
- The tree tiers have 2, 4, and 6 scallops, and the upper scallops hang free
- The total length is about 10 in (25.4 cm)
- No ends show on either side
Troubleshooting
Rounded star points: The valley chains are too loose. Use a hook one size smaller for Rounds 4 to 6, or pin the valleys in harder.
Star cups: Your tr are too short. Pull each tr up to its full height, or use a hook one size larger.
Gold edge ruffles: You worked into the Round 6 sc. Skip them as written.
Tiers don’t overlap: Work Rows 5 and 10 in front loops only.
Tree leans: You missed an increase. Check your counts: 3, 5, 7, 9; then 11 to 17; then 19 to 25.
Charm spins: Sew the mini star join more firmly, and make sure the chain is centered in the bottom valley.
Care
Hand wash in cool water only when needed, then re-starch and re-block. To keep the charm crisp, take it off the mirror during long stretches of hot, sunny weather.
Final Notes
Every size in this pattern comes from the Round 2 checkpoint of 1 in (2.5 cm). From there the star reaches 3.25 in (8.3 cm) after Round 6 and 3.5 in (8.9 cm) after the 130-sc border. The tree uses the same dc gauge. It grows from 9 to 17 to 25 sts, reaching 2.5 in (6.4 cm) at its last dc row and 2.75 in (7.0 cm) with the scallops. Add the 2.5 in (6.4 cm) loop, the 1.25 in (3.2 cm) chain, and the 0.75 in (1.9 cm) mini star, and the finished charm is about 10 in (25.4 cm) long.
Happy crocheting!