Last updated on October 26th, 2024 at 11:39 pm
Editor’s Update: You have found one of the most popular patterns on AllFreeCrafts!
So many people love this free crochet American 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.
Betsy Ross American Flag
For a lighter weight traditional American flag, suitable for flying on a real flag pole, see Free Vintage Betsy Ross American Flag Crochet Pattern, in Knit Cro-Sheen or Crochet No. 10 thread.
Finished my flag. It’s beautiful. I received many compliments. Thank you for the pattern.
You made my day, Connie! It’s a lot of work, I know, but it’s so worthwhile when people recognize that and appreciate the love in every stitch. Thank you for sharing such positive feedback!
What multiple is used for the chaining to begin blanket, I would like to make a little smaller.
I have washed all my projects and never ran. I was in cold. As it is stated “these colors never run.”
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!
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!
Just finished this blanket but the blue seems to be more of an upright rectangle, It just doesn’t look right to me.
I’m sorry to hear that, Nathan. But I’m not quite sure what you mean by upright. Is the blue rectangle too high? Is it possible that you added extra rows?
I set them in place with a crochet pin first. Just to make sure they would all fit and see how it would look. One at a time I would sow them on. Making sure my points where going in the same direction. Or as close as I could . Mine didn’t turn out perfect but I’m pleased with the outcome. It’s hard to get them in the exact same position but not impossible.
Your suggestion of placing the stars with a crochet pin is excellent, Tammy. I’m sure this will be helpful to others as they finish their flag with the stars.
80 Oz of white?????
It should be 8 oz. like the others.
Of course, you are right, Cindy and I’m sorry about the typo. It has been corrected.
I have completed the flag and am currently making the 50 stars. I am concerned about the star staying in place while I see them. Any suggestions on the best way to put the stars in place?
Tonya, I confess that I don’t quite understand what you mean about them staying in place. You might find the answer if you check through the comments – there have been quite a few different suggestions and creative approaches to this. And dozens of completed flags that turned out beautifully. You’ve done an awesome job getting the flag completed and I really hope you can work out a system that works well for you from the suggestions here.
is row 71-77correct? it goes rows from 59-63, 64=78, (and then 71-77) then 78-84
Any help in how to place stars on this blanket need some form of measurement or graph on how to place the stars have started over numerous times. My blur area measures 35 inches down and 40 inches wide and my stars are 3 inches from top to tip. I am NOT good at Math thwnke
On any pattern I want to crochet, I have trouble finding and decideding which yarn to get for the pattern. I get so frustrated sometimes, I guess I need a chart and hope that would help.
This is a very nice completed project but the pattern is really kind of vague I am having a lot of issues I changed the did the 200 and my length was well over 90 inches I guess I just crochet very loosely I had to start over and do way less chains. Also with crocheting in the fourth chain starting the second row I ended up with well over 198 chains instead of 196 I don’t know how that is even possible I recounted multiple times. Does the chain three at the beginning of a row count as a chain that too was never stated
It’s stated in the third row of the pattern
Thank you, Karen!
I am having the exact same issue. Keep tipping it out
Can anyone make a video crocheting the afghan or has a video they can link to me?
Looking for some measurements for reference…what are the dimensions of the whole blanket? Width of 1 stripe? Width of the stars (when doing all 50)? And dimensions of the blue section?
I have made this Afghan but I should have ask earlier but didn’t see this comment area until now. When I dropped the yarn to do the blue then picked it back up to finish with red and white my line is not straight and it droops a little what can I do to correct it next time Thank you
I’m making this flag blanket now. I love this pattern. Only thing would like to no how to make the blanket bigger. I no how to make it longer. But don’t no how to add the blue to a bigger blanket. Do you have a pattern for a bigger one I need it about 1 inch longer to fit my couch. Thanks portia
I am making this Afghan. Do you drop the yarn each time you switch from red to blue or white to blue?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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…..
What is the best way to attach the stars
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.
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
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
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.
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!
I clean for the Army,Navy,Marines, Air Force I’m crocheting them Flags for christmas
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?
I know this is late, but next time use blue thread, you can barely see how you sewed the stars down.
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
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!
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
On the stars, are u doing a sc, hex, dc, tc? Or are u having trouble on the red and white rows?
Thank you for chiming in, Pam! Hopefully, Bea will respond and let us know more.
Can you help me when I go into the fourth chain which is 197 that’s what I come up with not 196
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!
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. 🙂
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!
My 7 rows are measuring 5 1/2 inches. Is that a problem?
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
Could you make a border on this flag and if so would you do it in all white?
I made a border of red double crochet and it looks good.
I did my boarder in Gold . 3 rows of single , but you can do as many as you like and looks best to you 🙂
What size should the stars be when doing all 50? Mine are almost 4 inches so way too big. Should they be made in 2 or 3 ply yarn maybe?
Do you have the pattern with the same soldiers at the bottom of the flag.
Thank you so much for sharing this pattern. I am making this as a Christmas gift for my neighbor who is a Veteran. I’m using darker shades to emulate the old Americana look. Again, thank you!
Hi! I am making this for a friend who’s hubby is in the army. This will be my first afghan that is not done in granny squares! I love this pattern and it was super simple to follow! thank you!
How wonderful, and so appropriate, for you to make this for a friend in a military family. I’m sure your friend and her hubby will love it!
I am Making for my son who is in the army thank you very easy to follow and I love the pattern
Many thanks to your son for serving his country. And I hope he adores what you are making for him!
Ok, I printed out the crochet pattern for the American Flag afghan, but I also have a request for me to make one in the Confederate Flag, does anyone out there have a pattern for it?????
Try on Pinterest
If you have found the Confederate Flag pattern, I’d love to know.
crochetandknitting.com › confederateflag
I am making the stars which are time consuming but need to know how to attach them to the flag. I tried a couple and ended up removing them because they did not look nice. I hate to have put all the work in the flag and then make a mess attaching the stars. HELP!
Try buying the ready made stars at a craft store.
Making the Stars couldn’t be any easier. Just boring. I don’t think buying ready made stars will be as nice and then again, your afghan isn’t all handmade.
I have looked everywhere and no one has the white crocheted stars …where would I get them at??
Put the stars on the flag were u want them using safety pins. Rhen usibg your crochet hookslip stich in the edges of the stars through the blue pick up yarn and bring back up all the way aroybd the star. Make sure they are straight befire knotting off
What about the white yard on the back of the blue field? It looks very unfinished.
I’m having touble getting 15 sc in the circle for the stars.
Helen you might be using too big of a hook or yarn. I just made some with a F hook and two ply yarn ( I think are a good size.)
I have a flag that the stars are crocheted into the afghan. I lost the pattern but can count stitches. When i get through i will be glad to share the pattern.
I would like that
Would also like to have your pattern if you don”t mind, when you finish with it.
I would love it if you could share it with me. If you use Facebook I belong to the crochet addict group, everyone would love it!
Thank you!
Was wondering if you ever shares your star pattern? Working on the flag right now for my son. Thank you
I also made a Flag for my Air Force Hubby many years ago with the stars croched right in It has worn very well. and as you change colors as you go it looks nice on the back also
On third strip do I have this right there are thirteen strips???thank you
Yes, there are 13 stripes representing the 13 original colonies. On my job, I even learned to fold the flag in the triangle. Had to do it once on a king size bed for a funeral. I felt overwhelmed and priviledged.
Thanks for the clarification, Hazel, and your touching story as well.
I used the J hook 5 rows equal 3 1/2 inches so it still comes out the right size 46inches I crochet loose but it’s not too loose
What size yarn/thread and hook do you recommend for the fridgie?
Unfortunately, the person who contributed this pattern to me is no longer in touch, so I can’t ask her. But if anyone else has tried the fridgie, perhaps they could let us both know. Thanks for asking!
I am about ready to begin the rows with the field of blue. I am using Vanna White, Vanna’s Choice – Lion Brand yarn. – Scarlet 113, Colonial blue and White – the flag is going to be for my youngest and his wife, he is in the Army. I am going to make another one for my older son who is also serving in the Army.
As a Patriot and one who flies the Gadsden flag out side of her home , I am doing a throw back flag – to the days of the original 13 colonies – when it is complete I would love to post a photo.
I am using a 6mm, sz J laminated birch crochet hook from Knit Picks.
I average about a 40 minute row – DC
Hi, Jamie, Love the details and the story of your flags. I’d love to see and post a photo of your flag. Just post here to let me know when you are ready and we’ll get in touch.
The stars take longer than the flag to make and attach. The flag takes me about 30 hours. The stars take 10 minutes each to make (5 hours for 50/10 hours for 100) But they take Atleast 1/2 hour each to attach. On 1, I sewed them on hand (with needle &thread). On 1, I crocheted them on as I made them (took forever). On another 1, I tied them on with ends, beginning and end yarn. This looked horrible. My friends flag has a blue piece over the back of the blue section. If the stars are not secured on ALL 5 points, they curl.
I LOVE making the flag but I hate the stars.
Thank you, Debbie. So many people wonder about this, and you obviously have lots of experience to share. Thank you so much!
I agree. Spacing the stars correctly takes forever. I measured every one.
Hi, I’m about to start on this afghan. I have the same question : please give instructions on attaching the stars. Thank you
sew stars on blue I copied this rom the directions. But if you look at some of the other posts you will find other methods.
I am trying to make the flag but using the j hook makes it too big what am I doing wrong. What size should I use. Please let me know. Thanks
I used a size H hook for the flag.
I think I used a G hook size.
I used a J hook and it was perfect… Not sure why it seems too big for you? The blanket itself is huge though.
Thanks for letting us know, Morgan, Diane and Liz. Sharing experience like this is always useful.
I too found the J hook too big. My stripes were about 6.5 inches. I went down to an H hook and reduced the number of rows to 5 per stripe. My stripes are now almost 4 inches. Not sure why the difference was so great, but I’ve noticed that among my crochet hooks of different brands and different ages, two hooks labeled with the same letter can be different sizes.
Thank you so much, Nancy. I would have replied earlier, but missed your post for some reason. Great information, and I’m sure it will help a lot of people!
how to attach the stars the the flag
I did have a flag my husbands mother made. She had stars for front and back front and crocheted them together.
Would give more information, but we were one of the unlucky ones who lost our home in June 2011. I had a quilted room and my husband had a working shed. People say, It will be fine”, but you miss things that you see you have lost. Just bought a Brothers sewing machine and picked a christmas felt stocking to work on.
Good Luck, God Bless and be Happy.
I understand how you feel. When my home burned down I couldnot sew or draw ordo needlework again. After 8 years I am crocheting a little and have gotten some pencils to draw a little. The things are missed, but my pets broke my heart. It takes time to start over. Every ones time is different. You will heal.
Do you have a ripple pattern for the American Flag? I had one, made a throw for my grandson and gave away my book (I think it was in Quick and Easy Crochet). The throw needed repairs. I raveled out the wrong end and ended up unraveling the entire afghan. Please let me know. Thanks.
Hi, Connie,
I would really like to help you, although I don’t have the ripple pattern that you’re looking for; at least, I don’t think so. Do you know who published the book? Or the brand of yarn used? We might be able to track down the pattern if you can remember any more details.
Jane
Is this the pattern Connie
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wavy-american-flag
I am almost finished with the flag afghan and have tried the stars, but now how do you attach them so both sides of afghan looks nice or do you make 100 stars so both sides have stars? But again, how do you suggest to attach them to the afghan? Thank you
Hi, I’m making this afghan too! I have the same question? Can you tell me how you attached the stars please? Thank you!
I only attached tho one side cause I was so done with working on this Afghan. I just used a needle and white thread and didn’t push the needle all the way through. I am so glad tho be done!
Congratulations, Katherine! I’ve had the same feeling sometimes when finishing a big crochet pattern. But I’m usually very happy with the finished project. I truly hope that you are too!