Last updated on June 24th, 2022 at 01:57 am
Editor’s Update: So many people love this free crochet flag pattern, but there have been lots of questions about making the stars and attaching them to the afghan. Please note that I’ve now added instructions for modified stars, by Nancy Black Padgett, who wanted 50 stars that would fit well on the blue background.
Nancy also generously provided the beautiful photos of her completed American flag afghan for me to share. Hope you like the new additions!
~ Jane Lake, Editor of AllFreeCrafts.com
Crochet an American Flag Afghan or an American Flag Fridgie
contributed by Kathy Wilson of Grandmas Hookery
Here’s a free crochet pattern to make a great heirloom afghan for American patriots.
We also include free bonus instructions to make an American flag fridgie.
- 3 (8 oz) Red Heart Super Saver no. 319 Cherry Red
- 2 (8 oz) Red Heart Super Saver no. 387 Soft Navy
- 3 (8 oz) Red Heart Super Saver no. 311 White
- Size J hook
- Tapestry needle
Note: Flag size is approximately 65″ long x 46″ wide
American Flag Afghan –
Free Crochet Instructions:
With Cherry Red ; ch 200 loosely
Row 1 (right side) DC in 4th ch from hook,
dc in each ch across to end- 196 dc
Row 2 ch 3 turn, (1st dc now and throughout) –
Dc in each dc across to end
Row 3-7 Repeat Row 2 (the seven rows should measure approx. 3 – 3 1/2 inches wide)
change to White
Row 8 ch 3, turn dc in each dc across to end.
Row 9 ch 3, turn dc in each dc across to end.
Row 10-14 Repeat Row 9
change to Cherry Red
Row 15 ch 3, turn dc in each row across to end.
Rows 16-21 repeat Row 15
change to White
Rows 22-28 Repeat Rows 8-14
change to Cherry Red
Rows 29-35 Repeat Rows 15-21
change to White
Rows 36-42 Repeat Rows 8-14
change to Cherry Red
Row 43 ch 3 turn, dc in each dc until 118 dc of red are done
change to Soft Navy, dc in each (white) dc across to end, 78 dc
Row 44 ch 3 turn, dc in each dc to first dc of Soft Navy, change to Cherry Red, dc in each dc to end.
Rows 45 ch 3, dc in each dc (118dc) to beginning of
Soft Navy, change color dc (78dc) to end.
Rows 46-49 Repeat pattern of Cherry Red and Soft Navy.
Should end in color Soft Navy.
Row 50 ch 3 turn, dc (Soft Navy) change to White – dc in each dc across to end.
Row 51 ch 3 turn, dc in each dc across to Soft Navy
change color dc across to end.
Rows 52-56 Repeat Rows 50-51.
Row 57 ch 3 turn, dc in each dc across to starting of Soft Navy change color to Soft Navy, dc across to end.
Row 58 ch 3 turn, dc in each dc across to end of Soft Navy. Change to Cherry Red dc across to end.
Rows 59-63 Repeat Rows 57-58.
Rows 64-78 Repeat Rows 50-56.
Rows 71-77 Repeat Rows 59-63.
Rows 78-84 Repeat Rows 64-78.
Rows 85-91 Repeat Rows 71-77.
Finish off. Weave all ends.
All stripes should be 7 rows and equal to approx. 3 to 3 1/2 inches wide. I hope these instructions are clear, but after you get going you should be able to see how the pattern goes.
Original Star Pattern:
no. 311 White Yarn
Size G hook or smaller
Make 18, as shown in original small photo.
With white ch 4 , join with sl st. Ch 1, 15 sc in ring, join with sl st.
*Ch6, sl st in second ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch. tr in next st, sk 2 sc, sl st in next sc. repeat from * around-5 points, join with sl st and fasten off, leaving about a 12 inch length to sew the star on.
Sew stars on blue: I made 18 stars with 4 in the first row, centered 3 in next row and so on. You can do all 50 using a smaller hook and placing them 6 in a row for 5 rows and 5 in a row for the 4 rows between them.
Modified Stars
(based on this Star Applique pattern from B. Hooked Crochet.)
Visual learners may also like this Star Applique video (13 minutes) from B. Hooked Crochet. Before viewing, remember that while the method is similar, the star instructions shown below the video are modified for use on the American flag afghan.
50 Crocheted Stars for an American Flag Afghan
by Nancy Black Padgett
Using white yarn and 3.25mm hook:
Round 1: Make Magic Ring. Ch 3 (counts as Dc) and Dc 2 more times in the center of the ring. *Ch 1, Dc 3 times in center of ring. Repeat from * 3 more times. Join with Slst to the 3rd chain. (15 Dc). Pull magic ring tail to close up the hole in the middle.
Round 2: *Ch 6. Sc in 2nd chain from hook, Hdc in 3rd chain, Dc in 4th chain, Tc in the 5th and 6th chains. Slst to the next ch 2 gap space. Repeat from * 4 more times.
Make 50 stars, leaving each one with a tail long enough so that you can sew the stars onto your afghan.
FLAG FRIDGIE (No picture)
Row 1: With red ch 12, sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across, drop red;
with white ch 1, turn: 11 sc. Note: Carry color not being used across row.
Row 2: Sc in each sc across, drop white; with red ch1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in each sc across, drop red; with white ch 1, turn.
Row 4: Sc in each sc across, drop white; with red ch1, turn.
Row 5: Sc in first 6 sc, drop red; with blue sc in last 5 sc (do not carry red or white across blue); ch 1, turn.
Row 6: Sc in first 5 sc, drop blue; with white sc in last 6 sc,
drop white; with red ch 1, turn.
Row 7: Sc in first 6 sc; cut red and white, with blue
(working over ends) sc in last 5 sc; finish off.
Add french knots or small white pom-poms for stars.
Attach pipe cleaner for flag pole.
You May Also Like:
Free Vintage Betsy Ross American Flag Crochet Pattern, in Knit Cro-Sheen or Crochet No. 10 thread.
kimkia says
Yes, you should find a Print this Post link below the sharing bar at the bottom of the pattern. It’s a little hard to see; when I have time, I’ll see if I can move it to a more visible spot.
Lisa Brahm says
I have made 6 “Support the Thin Blue Line” American flags in the last 2.5 months and have 7 more to make. These flags are meant to serve as a reminder to please support of our active law enforcement officers, like my husband, as well as, retired officers, but especially for police families who’ve lost a loved one who was killed in the line of duty.
Lisa Brahm says
Stars are done with 3.25 hook. Stars are time consuming but worth it in the end. weave in ends.(NO TAILS) 2.block them for easier placement of the stars onto the Union. 3.Begin by finding the center of the union. Then center a 4-star column here, points up. 4. from here place 5 columns of stars on either side (5-4-5-4-5 stars).5. Safety pin them into place. 6. sew them on using a reg needle with “invisible thread” (Gutermann #111 works best) by using the invisible thread you can make sure the stars are secure and you really can’t see the thread on the backside.
Sorry response got kinda long, but I hope this helps with nicely placed stars.
Pamela Pippenger says
I made this beautiful afghan and I am wondering what is the best way to attach the stars. I love this afghan pattern and I am making it for a mom with two of her sons in the military. Thank you for any help.
Ena says
I recently finished this project. I added the stars with blue thread, I missed the invisible thread note. I sewed each star on and made sure I put emphasis on sewing the points of the stars so they wouldn’t lift at all. This afghan was a gift for my neighbor, recently out of the army, and just brought his first house.
Alyssa Rose Neil says
My blanket is Huge and I’m using an I hook! Did I do something wrong or is it supposed to be big it’s almost as long as my couch(this is my first crochet project)
Leilani says
Hi Alyssa, I am wanting to make this American flag for my dad for his birthday, he served in the marines, it was an important time in his life. I have a question and I’m asking you since you made the blanket. How did you or do you attach the stars? I’m confused. I do not crochet, so i’m learning. I have made alot of these stars but i’m not sure how to attach. If you could help me I would appreciate it so much. Thank you.
Beba says
Hi Leilani,
I am in the process of making this flag but I am a crocheter. After you make the stars make sure you leave a long enough strand that you will use to sew the stars and that’s it. Hope this helped you…..
Mirta says
What is the best way to attach the stars
Sandra Drummond says
My friend and I have finished our blanket, but we need some instructions on how to put stars on correctly. Please send some instructions or even a little tutorial soon. Would appreciate so very much.
Portia Roberson says
I started my blanket with a I crochet needle for the chain. And the first row I stared using my J hook I’m on my second row of white in the blanket . lol its not big anofe for my couch. I crochet tight. I should have did extra chains I guess and started with a J hook. Only thing is if I make the chain bigger. It will confuse me bout were the blue part comes in. Any advice would be appreciated. This is my first flag blanket. The striped part is easy. But then you got to come in with the blue. Thanks Portia
Portia Roberson says
I started my blanket with a I crochet needle for the chain. And the first row I stared using my J hook I’m on my second row of white in the blanket . lol its not big anofe for my couch. I crochet tight. I should have did extra chains I guess and started with a J hook. Only thing is if I make the chain bigger. It will confuse me bout were the blue part comes in. Any advice would be appreciated. This is my first flag blanket. The striped part is easy. But then you got to come in with the blue. Thanks Portia
Roberta RUDE says
I have made 13 American flags for veterans, some with Purple Hearts foe wounded veterans . I have enjoyed making and giving these to our veterans. I have made several for family members who have had military service members. Your flag instructions are great.
Jane Lake says
Wow, that’s a lot of crocheting! I was delighted to read this, especially when I saw that you are making them for veterans as well as family. Thank you so much for sharing such positive feedback!
Judith Sirbaugh says
I clean for the Army,Navy,Marines, Air Force I’m crocheting them Flags for christmas
Chery Maggard says
I just completed the entire flag. It is gorgeous on the front. I’m not sure how to cover up the white yarn from the stars on the back. I tried attaching additional stars on the back but its too heavy and tends to pull the stars through the blue. Any suggestions on how to make this look more finished?
Ena says
I know this is late, but next time use blue thread, you can barely see how you sewed the stars down.
Jamie Lienberger says
I use clear thread – cannot see it from or back and I put the same amount of stars on the front as the back, I make my flags with the original 13 colony stars tho – so much less stars
Jane Lake says
Both suggestions are great ideas! Invisible thread seems to work for quite a few people and the original 13 colony stars idea certainly cuts down the work. Thank you!
bea schumacher says
I really need someones help! I am doing this American Flag afghan and I made the stars no problem. I either have extra chains leftover or have too many dc.. What am I doing wrong
Pam says
On the stars, are u doing a sc, hex, dc, tc? Or are u having trouble on the red and white rows?
Jane Lake says
Thank you for chiming in, Pam! Hopefully, Bea will respond and let us know more.
Diana Reyes says
Can you help me when I go into the fourth chain which is 197 that’s what I come up with not 196
Rachel says
Hi! I have completed the 200 chain foundation and then completed the row 1 instructions exactly. Can someone tell me why I am ending up with 198 double crochets at the end of round 1?? Thank you in advance!
Jane Lake says
If you chained 200, then began with a dc in the fourth chain from the hook, you should end up with 196 dc in the first row. I’m not sure what has happened for you to end up with 198. I do know similar things happen to me, and it’s just as much of a mystery then too. 🙂
Lacey says
I have looked everywhere for a video tutorial of how to make this whole afghan. I am a visual learner snd cant read patterns. Does anyone know where I can get this? Thank you in advance!
Emily says
My 7 rows are measuring 5 1/2 inches. Is that a problem?
mary says
mine is too i think i am going just go to five rows instead of 7 ..what did u do if u domt mind me asking