
Every once in a while, I get a request to convert a snowflake pattern from American terminology to British terminology. This feels like a second language to me, one I haven't learned yet because I haven't practiced, practiced, practiced until I can "speak" it without having to look at a conversion chart.
Most often, the requests come for a complicated snowflake. I tried running a search and replace once in an attempt to cheat my way into British terminology, and I ended up with one very screwed-up pattern.
I feel bad when I can't help new crocheters who aren't able to do the conversion any better than I can. So I decided it's high time I practice, practice, practice, but with an easy pattern, to see if maybe I might get a better grasp on this so I can help beginning crocheters across the pond.
Here’s my first attempt. I tried very hard to make it perfect, but because I do not use British terminology in my everyday crochet, I can't vouch for how well my translation of his pattern is; I hope my British (and Australian!) readers will be patient with me as I try to learn to speak a new language.
Here's a
conversion chart, if that helps more than what I've done below.
I get quite a few requests for charts, too. I am able to chart; charting, however, takes me a very long time, especially during fourth quarter, when work is so busy I hardly see daylight. I have been working on one chart for two months now and still haven't finished. So charting is another area you'll just have to be patient with me while I give it my best shot.
Sometimes I wish there were two of me!!!
You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!
Finished Size: 2.5 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 8 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line
Bilingual Snowflake Instructions, American Terminology
Make magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), * 2 dc in ring, ch 3; repeat from * around 4 times; 1 dc in ring; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Pull magic circle tight, but leave opening big enough to allow stitches inside it to lay flat.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go
here to see the original.
Round 2: Sl st into next ch 3 sp, ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same sp, ch 3, 1 sc between next 2 dc, * ch 3, 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 sc between next 2 dc; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
Round 3: 1 sc in same ch as sl st, *1 sc in next dc, ch 3, 1 sc in same dc, 1 sc in next dc, ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, 1 sc in next ch, 1 hdc in next ch, ch 2, 1 sc in next dc, ch 3; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last sc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.
Bilingual Snowflake Instructions, British Terminology
Make magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 5 (counts as 1 tr and ch 3), * 2 tr in ring, ch 3; repeat from * around 4 times; 1 tr in ring; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Pull magic circle tight, but leave opening big enough to allow stitches inside it to lay flat.
Round 2: Sl st into next ch 3 sp, ch 2 (counts as 1 tr), 2 tr in same sp, ch 3, 1 dc between next 2 tr, * ch 3, 3 tr in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc between next 2 tr; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go
here to see the original.
Round 3: 1 dc in same ch as sl st, *1 dc in next tr, ch 3, 1 dc in same tr, 1 dc in next tr, ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, 1 dc in next ch, 1 htr in next ch, ch 2, 1 dc in next dc, ch 3; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in starting dc; bind off. Weave in ends.
Finish: Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Pin snowflake to box on top of wax paper or plastic wrap.
If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel snowflake from wax paper or plastic wrap. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.