8 Point Star Granny Square Free Pattern: 5 Pro Steps
This 8-point star granny square builds a striking eight-pointed star from chain-3 picot peaks and graduated stitch heights. The star is formed in Round 3, then framed into a square in Round 4 with third-loop-only stitches, so it sits raised above the background.
This is one of four star designs on KnotToYarn: the center-star granny square, the surface-chain five-point star, the picot eight-point star and the star appliques. Each uses a different construction, pick the look you are after.
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Tip: work Round 4 in the third loop only to make the star points pop off the surface for a 3D effect.
This one adds a bold, modern star to your granny square collection. Unlike solid star designs, it leaves open spaces between the points for a lace-like look, and the ch-3 picot at each tip gives sharp, crisp definition.
The build is satisfying: a solid center, then open chain spaces, then all eight points in a single round, then the third-loop frame that squares it off. A final single crochet border ties it together and makes it easy to join.
Materials for Your 8 Point Star Granny Square
Before you start, gather a few basics, just two yarn colors and standard tools.
- Yarn: 2 colors of DK sports weight yarn
- Crochet hook: 3.00mm
- Darning needle: for weaving in ends
- Scissors: for cutting yarn
It finishes about 3.54 inches square in DK sport yarn on a 3.00 mm hook, a standard size for blankets, afghans, and decorative pieces.
Abbreviations for This 8 Point Star Pattern
It uses standard US terms. If “third loop” is new to you, it’s the horizontal loop on the back of a half double crochet. Full reference in our abbreviations guide.
- ch: chain stitch
- ch-sp: chain space
- dc: double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- slst / sl st: slip stitch
- TLO: third loop only
- pic: picot stitch
- tr2tog: treble crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)
- inc: increase
8 Point Star Granny Square Free Pattern Instructions
Five rounds, center outward, each with a job: foundation, open spaces, star points, squaring frame, and border.
Round 1: Foundation (Solid Center)
Create a chain loop and work single crochet stitches around it to form a solid center. This sturdy foundation is the heart of your eight-point star.
Make a slipknot, ch6, sl st to first ch to form a loop, ch1 as standing st, 16sc in this loop, sl st to first sc.
Round 2: Open Space Round
Work into the foundation ring itself (not the sc stitches) to make 8 chain spaces, these mark where the 8 points will go next round.
ch1. Work in the foundation ring to encase the sc sts: 2dc, ch3. *2dc, ch3* rep 7 times, sl st to first dc, fasten off.
Round 3: Create the 8-Pointed Star
This is where the star appears. In each chain space, work a graduated run of stitches (hdc, dc, tr) up to a ch-3 picot peak, then back down (tr, dc, hdc), eight times.
Join new yarn to any ch-sp, ch2 (count as 1hdc), (1hdc+1dc+1tr+ch-3 pic+1tr+1dc+1hdc) in this ch-sp. *(1hdc+1dc+1tr+ch-3 pic+1tr+1dc+1hdc) in next ch-sp* rep 7 times, sl st to top of first ch2, fasten off.
Round 4: Turn the Star into a Square
Work this round in the third loop only so the star lifts off the surface. It also frames the points into a square with increases and decreases.
TLO. Join new yarn to third loop of peak of any triangle, ch1. 1hdc, 1dc, 2tr, sk1, tr2tog, 1tr, (1dc+ch3+1dc) in peak of next ch-3 pic. 1tr, tr2tog, sk1, 2tr, 1dc, 1hdc. *sl st to peak of next ch-3 pic, ch1, 1hdc, 1dc, 2tr, sk1, tr2tog, 1tr, (1dc+ch3+1dc) in peak of next ch-3 pic. 1tr, tr2tog, sk1, 2tr, 1dc, 1hdc* rep 3 times, sl st to first ch.
The tr2tog decreases shape the square’s sides, and the ch-3 corners at each picot peak define the corners. If your tension needs work, our tension guide helps.
Round 5: Single Crochet Border
The last round adds a clean single crochet border, 3 sc in each corner space for neat corners.
ch1+1sc, 1sc in each remaining st, 3sc in each corner sp, sl st to first sc, fasten off.
Tips for Your 8 Point Star Granny Square
For the best result, always use the third loop in Round 4, that’s what makes the points pop above the fabric. Trouble finding it? It’s the horizontal bar on the back of each hdc.
This star pairs well with our classic granny square and solid granny square for mixed-motif blankets. For stitch references, the Craft Yarn Council is great, and there’s more at Yarnspirations.
Tips for Consistent Eight-Point Star Results
For the cleanest stars, watch your stitch count at the end of every round, one missed or extra stitch throws off the symmetry and the square looks lopsided. Use a marker at each round start and count before joining until it’s automatic.
Color placement matters here since the points are the main event. A high-contrast center with a complementary neutral outside makes the star really stand out. Making several for a blanket? Use the same color order on each for a cohesive look.
Explore more celestial designs in our crochet star pattern guide.
An 8-point star starts from a center ring, then builds eight points using clusters of double crochet separated by chain spaces, each point fans out from one space. Later rounds fill between the points with shorter stitch groups until it squares off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 8 point star granny square hard to make?
It’s an intermediate project. You’ll want to be comfortable with stitch counts, working several stitches into one space, and keeping tension even across eight repeats. If you can make a traditional and a solid granny square, you’ve got the base skills, the trick is keeping the eight points symmetrical.
What can I make with 8 point star granny squares?
Joined together they make great blankets, throws, and afghans, with the points tessellating across the piece. They also work as standalone motifs for pillow covers, holiday decor, centerpieces, or framed wall art.
What hook size should I use for an 8 point star granny square?
A 5.0 mm (H/8) or 5.5 mm (I/9) hook with worsted (size 4) yarn gives a standard 4-to-5-inch square. For a smaller motif, use a 4.0 mm (G/6) hook with size-3 yarn. Check your gauge and adjust the hook to hit the measurements.
How do you block an 8 point star granny square?
Blocking is essential so the points lie flat and sharp. Soak the finished square in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash, squeeze out the excess, pin all eight points to a mat with rust-proof T-pins, and let it dry fully before unpinning.
