Free preview · full pattern in the Heirloom Doilies & Tablecloths
Snowdrift Motif Lace (1941): vintage crochet pattern
Tiny 1¾-inch lace motifs in size 50 thread, recommended for tablecloths, luncheon sets, scarfs, chair sets and centerpieces. The size of the finished piece depends on how many motifs are joined. Originally published as "Snowdrift" in Old and New Favorites (Book No. 172) by The Spool Cotton Company in 1941, it is now in the public domain.
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed · Editorial policy
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed September 14, 2026 under our editorial policy · pattern testing in progress
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Advanced |
| Yarn weight | Lace (#0) |
| Yardage | About 6½ yd per motif, as printed; multiply by the number of motifs in your layout |
| Hook | 1 mm |
| Gauge | As printed: Using the materials recommended, each motif measures 1¾″ diameter and requires about 6½ yds. of thread. |
| Finished size | Each motif 1¾ in (4.4 cm) across; overall size depends on the number of motifs |
| Time | about 4 hours |
Materials
- Size 50 six-cord mercerized crochet thread (printed: Clark's O.N.T. or J. & P. Coats Best Six Cord, size 50)
- Yardage: About 6½ yd per motif, as printed; multiply by the number of motifs in your layout
- Tapestry needle, rustproof pins and starch for blocking
- Hook: Start with a 1.0 mm (US 12) or 0.9 mm steel hook for size 50 thread and change size so one motif measures 1¾ inches (the printed hook is Milward's No. 12 or 13).
Abbreviations (US terms)
Notes before you start
- Source: "Snowdrift" (7193), Old and New Favorites (Book No. 172), The Spool Cotton Company, 1941. Public domain in the USA.
- As printed — materials: CLARK’S O.N.T. or J. & P. COATS BEST SIX CORD MERCERIZED CROCHET, size 50. See thread information on page 22.; Milward’s Steel Crochet Hook No. 12 or 13.. Gauge: Using the materials recommended, each motif measures 1¾″ diameter and requires about 6½ yds. of thread..
- Modernisation note: Transcribed from the original publication; stitches, repeats and their order are unchanged.
- Modernisation note: Run-on paragraphs split into one round, row or step per line.
- Modernisation note: The source leaflets already use US crochet terms; only abbreviations and wording were modernised.
- Modernisation note: Round/row labels rewritten in modern form (e.g. “2nd Round.” → “Rnd 2:”, “7th to 10th rnds incl:” → “Rnds 7–10:”)
- Modernisation note: Page numbers, page-continuation notes and illustration references removed.
- Modernisation note: Hook numbers in the original are Milward's steel hook sizes; a starting size is suggested from the thread weight instead of converting the old numbering.
- Modernisation note: The original lists: recommended uses — Tablecloths, bedspreads, luncheon sets, vanity sets, scarfs, chair sets, centerpieces.
- Modernisation note: Stitch counts have not been added; where the original prints a count it is kept as printed.
Motif
- Ch 10, join with sl st.
- Rnd 1: Ch 3, 23 dc in ring. Join to 3rd st of ch-3.
- Rnd 2: Ch 4, * dc in next dc, ch 1. Repeat from * around. Join last ch-1 to 3rd st of ch-4.
- Rnd 3: Sl st in next sp. Ch 10, * skip 1 sp, tr in next sp, ch 6. Repeat from * around. Join last ch-6 to 4th st of ch-10.
- Rnd 4: * Ch 2, skip 2 ch, dc in next ch, ch 2, dc in next ch, ch 2, sc in next tr. Repeat from * around; join.
- Rnd 5: * Ch 2, dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc, ch 2, sc in next sc. Repeat from * around. Fasten off.
- Make another motif to
- 4th rnd incl.
- Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc in next dc, * ch 1, sl st in corresponding sp on 1st motif, ch 1, dc in next sp on 2nd motif, ch 1, sl st in next sp on 1st motif, ch 1, dc in next dc on 2nd motif, ch 2, sc in next sc, ch 2, dc in next dc. Repeat from * once more; complete rnd as for 1st motif.
- Join adjacent sides of all motifs in this manner.
- Popcorn Variation
Errata
No corrections have been published for this pattern. Found a mistake? Tell us and we will log the fix here with a date.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Snowdrift pattern from?
It was published as "Snowdrift" in Old and New Favorites (Book No. 172) by The Spool Cotton Company in 1941. The publication is in the public domain in the United States; this version is transcribed and modernised by crochetpatterns.io.
What yarn or thread do I need for the Snowdrift?
Size 50 six-cord mercerized crochet thread. About 6½ yd per motif, as printed; multiply by the number of motifs in your layout
What hook should I use?
Start with a 1.0 mm (US 12) or 0.9 mm steel hook for size 50 thread and change size so one motif measures 1¾ inches (the printed hook is Milward's No. 12 or 13). Gauge: As printed: Using the materials recommended, each motif measures 1¾″ diameter and requires about 6½ yds. of thread.
