Landscape featured image showing a turquoise crochet starfish beside large text reading “Easy Crochet Starfish Applique” and “Free Pattern,” with beach-inspired shells, hearts, waves, and Lovable Loops by Melissa Hassler branding.

Starfish crochet pattern

Bring a little beach-inspired charm to your crochet projects with this cute starfish applique. The five-point shape and textured stitches give it a fun nautical look that works especially well for summer and ocean-themed projects.

Quick answer

This beginner crochet starfish applique is worked in the round using worsted weight (#4) yarn and a 4.5 mm crochet hook. A small crochet circle forms the center, five points are worked directly from it, and a final round of single crochet finishes the outer edge. The finished starfish measures approximately 4.5 × 4.5 inches (11.5 × 11.5 cm).

Ways to use your crochet starfish

This starfish crochet pattern is more than just a cute applique. It’s a versatile piece you can use in lots of creative ways, including:

  • Beachy home décor, such as garlands, wreaths, and wall hangings
  • Nautical crochet projects, including bags, blankets, hats, and pillows
  • Party decorations or summer ornaments for coastal or ocean-themed events
  • Handmade gifts for beach lovers or summer birthdays
  • Craft fair items and quick stash-busting projects
  • Playful embellishments for kids’ rooms, nurseries, or ocean-themed displays

Starfish crochet pattern details

Skill level

Beginner — This pattern uses single, half double, double, and treble crochet stitches, chains, joined rounds, and simple shaping.

Materials needed

  • Size 7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook
  • Worsted weight yarn (#4)
  • Yarn needle
  • Scissors

Finished size

The finished crochet starfish measures about 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches (11.5 cm × 11.5 cm).

Square graphic featuring a turquoise crochet starfish applique beside bold text reading “Crochet Starfish Applique Pattern” and a pink “Free Pattern” banner, with Lovable Loops by Melissa Hassler branding.

Gauge

Gauge is not required for this project. Using a different yarn weight or hook size will change the finished size of the starfish.

Crochet abbreviations

Pattern notes

  • The center and outer edging are worked in joined rounds.
  • The five starfish points are worked directly from Round 2 using chains and basic crochet stitches.
  • The ch 1 at the beginning of Rounds 2 and 4 does not count as a stitch.
  • Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch made in the round.
  • Repeat instructions between the asterisks (*) as indicated.
  • The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Magic circle alternative

If you’re not comfortable with using a magic circle, you can use an alternative method to make round 1 of the pattern. This method is just as effective and might be easier for beginners.

Round 1: Chain 2, make 10 sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, join (10 stitches)

Pinterest graphic showing a bright turquoise crochet starfish beneath large text reading “Free Crochet Starfish Applique Pattern” and “Cute Beach Crochet,” surrounded by pastel hearts, sparkles, and dots.

Starfish crochet pattern video tutorial

Follow along with this step-by-step video tutorial to make the crochet starfish from start to finish.

Prefer YouTube? Watch the crochet starfish applique on YouTube.

Starfish crochet pattern instructions

Step-by-step collage showing how to crochet a turquoise starfish applique, from the round center through the five points, with a crochet hook and seashells.

Round 1:
Magic circle, 10 sc. Join with sl st to the first sc. (10 sts)

Round 2:
Ch 1, 2 sc in each stitch around. Join with sl st to the first sc. (20 sts)

Round 3 (create the starfish points):
*Ch 9. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, hdc in the next ch, dc in the next 3 chs, and tr in the last 3 chs. Skip the next 2 sts on the circle, sl st in the next st, then sl st in the following st. Repeat from * 4 more times. (5 points)

Round 4:
Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire starfish.
When working along the chain sides of the points, place single crochets evenly along each side of the point.
Join with sl st to the first sc. Fasten off.

Finishing

Use a yarn needle to weave in all ends securely.

Finished turquoise crochet starfish applique with five textured points, displayed on a white background with seashells.

More free crochet applique patterns

Looking for more small crochet projects? Browse my full collection of free crochet applique patterns for cute designs you can add to hats, blankets, bags, garlands, and more.

Turn the starfish into a matching accessory for my baby mermaid tail crochet pattern for a cute mermaid-themed photo prop.

Let’s connect!

I’d love to see what you’re making! Share your finished project and follow along for more free crochet patterns and tutorials.

📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa

Pinterest pin featuring a turquoise crochet starfish applique beneath bold text reading “Easy Summer Crochet Applique” and “Starfish Free Pattern,” with colorful pastel accents and Lovable Loops by Melissa Hassler branding.