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.
Nathalie says
I have washed all my projects and never ran. I was in cold. As it is stated “these colors never run.”
Jane Lake says
Good observation, Nathalie. A cold wash is a great way to prevent colors from running. I’d recommend reading the yarn label for specific laundering instructions, but I’ve used a cold wash for multi-colored knitted garments very successfully.
Thank you for your advice!
Fontella Mosier says
I made this for my husband and he loves it! He uses it all the time. Do you have any suggestions for washing it? I’m concerned that the colors will fade onto the white. Has anyone washed theirs? I would love any feedback!