Many years ago, I crocheted some snowflakes for my Christmas tree. But, true to my procrastinating nature (aka: other things were more important to do, so this got pushed to the bottom of the list), I waited until last week to stiffen these crochet snowflakes. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t always procrastinate. But I find myself doing the crocheting of projects quite easily, while the finishing of many projects takes me a lot longer to warm up to doing! Are you the same way? Also, I don’t relish the idea of getting the stiffening solution all over my hands! I suppose I could always wear rubber gloves, but where’s the fun in that?
Last week, I was inspired to stiffen these snowflakes because of a crochet design that I just finished for a major crochet magazine (the design is still a secret, but you’ll find out in about 6 months what it is when the magazine comes out).
I’d guess that not too many people have stiffened crochet snowflakes or know how to do it, so I decided to write a tutorial on how to stiffen them. You can find it right here on my “Tutorials” page. So if you’d like to learn how to stiffen snowflakes, then please take a look at the tutorial.
Update (11/25/20): I have a YouTube video for learning to stiffen crochet snowflakes. You can find that video here.
Anyway, here’s a photo of the 9 snowflakes I stiffened to use on next year’s Christmas tree (I already had this year’s tree decorated, so I didn’t want to change it!):
Aren’t they pretty? I crocheted them from the Leisure Arts book called “White Christmas in Thread Crochet” by Kathryn A. Clark, a very talented crochet designer. This book includes 54 projects from snowflakes to icicles to tree toppers to tree skirts and garland. It’s a great book! Here’s a photo of the front cover of this book:
I’ve had this book for many years (it was published in 2001). My copy isn’t that pretty anymore because I’ve taken it with me to many places, including little league baseball games when my sons were much younger. Since I love thread crochet, these snowflakes were a natural project for me to make!
If you enjoy working with crochet thread, why not give some crocheted snowflakes a try! You’ll be glad you did and your Christmas tree will look fabulous!!! Or if you’re looking for a unique gift, these snowflakes make fabulous gifts!
Happy crocheting,
Susan
My mother crocheted me a set of snowflakes and angels more than thirty years ago. They are especially treasured now as my mom passed away nine years ago. I’ve stored them the same way every year, but this year when I opened the box they were in they were covered in brown spots. Fortunately, we’ve been able to remove the spotting by soaking them in a bleach solution. We then rinsed them and stiffened them. Can you tell me how you’d recommend they be stored to avoid this ever happening again? Thank you. Any advice would be appreciated.
Ann Marie,
I’m guessing that the brown spots may have been mildew. I would suggest storing the snowflakes and angels in an airtight container with something to eliminate moisture, such as a little rice or something similar. I live in a dry climate in Arizona (although you wouldn’t know it today with all the snow we’ve gotten for the past 2 days!), so I don’t have much trouble with moisture. It’s even possible that your mother used something to stiffen the snowflakes and angels that wasn’t as good for them as what we currently have available for stiffening them. I hope this helps and that your snowflakes and angels stay clean, dry and beautiful for many years to come!
Susan,
Thank you very much for answering my inquiry about how best to store crocheted snowflakes and angels. I will follow up on your advice. The snowflakes and angels we have are very sentimental as my mom, who made them, is no longer living and I hope to pass these precious ornaments down through the generations. Thank you again for your help.
Sincerely,
Ann Marie, Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
Ann Marie,
I’m sorry it took me so long to reply to your first post. I have no excuse for why it took so long. I’m just forgetful and easily distracted!
I totally understand about sentimental items. My mom passed away almost 5 years ago and a lot of her things are sentimental to me!
I hope my advice keeps your snowflakes and angels in good condition for many generations!
Susan Lowman (a former Canadian living in the US!)
Sue,
I’m so glad that you found my Snowflake Stiffening tutorial helpful. I’d love to see your snowflakes. They sound very pretty with metallic thread and added beads!
Happy crocheting,
Susan
Wonderful info for stiffening snowflakes! I’ve made many, many different snowflakes (I add beads to mine) and have been using a sugar/water stiffener. I found it doesn’t work well on the metallic thread (especially gold) that I used for the ones I made for presents this year. I’ll try your recommendation for future snowflakes. Thanks.
Sue