If you’ve been following my videos on TikTok, you may have seen a video where I shared a star-shaped beaded blanket I’m starting. I plan to add a post soon with more details about that project for people who are trying to replicate it for themselves.
When I shared the project, someone suggested making smaller ones to use as a fidget toy. I immediately loved that idea! I decided to take the time to write out the pattern for the smaller fidget mat and release it as a little Christmas gift for all of you!
Full disclosure: both my blanket and this mat are just modified versions of this pattern from Yarnspirations. Instead of chaining to begin each row, I’m doing standing double crochet stitches. I’m also, obviously, adding beads as well.
Is it enough modification that it wouldn’t be morally “wrong” to sell the pattern? Perhaps. But to play it safe, I’ll just share this one for free!

Materials
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3.75mm Hook: I personally love the Clover Armour hooks. I have used both the 3.75mm for this pattern and my 4.5mm hook, both of which have held up great over time (while providing a more comfortable grip)!
Approx. 80 Yards of Worsted Weight (Size 4 Weight) Yarn: I tend to prefer Joann’s house brand, Big Twist Value. In fact, that’s the one I used for the step-by-step photos. I’ve also made some beautiful ones using Red Heart Super Saver – and have plans to make some using the much-loved Retro Stripe colorway!
215 Pony Beads: Any pony beads (or other beads with large holes) will work. For the ones I’ve been making, I purchased this giant lot of 10,500 beads. I found it was the most beads for the least money (without compromising the quality of the beads).
Yarn Needle
Abbreviations
ch: chain
dc: double crochet
sl st: slip stitch
SSC: stacked single crochet (guide here)
BDC: beaded double crochet
To create a BDC, do the following:
- Slip a pony bead onto your hook.
- Yarn over, as you would to start a double crochet, resting the yarn between the bead and the tip of the hook.
- Pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and pull through two loops.
- Finally, yarn over and pull through a loop, the bead, and the final loop.
More of a visual learner? This video on my YouTube channel shows you how I’m adding the beads to a double crochet.
The Pattern
Ch 4. Join with sl st to form a ring.
Round 1 In ring, SSC, adding a bead before drawing up the last loop, making the bead secure at the top of the stitch. This is the only place where you will be adding a bead to a SDC. Ch 3. [BDC, ch 3] 4 times. Sl st join to top of SSC.

Round 2: Sl st in the next ch-3 space. (SSC, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same ch-3 space as the sl st. [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-3 space] 4 times. Join with a sl st to top of SSC.
Round 3: Sl st in next dc. SSC. BDC in next dc. *[dc, BDC, dc, ch 2, dc, BDC, dc] in next ch-2 space. BDC in the next dc, then dc in the dc after that. Skip the next 2 dc** from row 2 and dc. BDC.*
Repeat from * to * 3 times more. Then from * to ** once. Use a sl st to join to the top of the SSC.
This is where you could probably figure the rest out. Essentially, you’ll be adding stitches in each ch-2 space. Continue alternating between regular double crochets and beaded double crochets. Once your star has seven rounds with beads, make one without.
For those who prefer everything written out, continue following the pattern for rounds 4-8.
Round 4: Sl st in next dc. SSC. BDC, dc, BDC. *[dc, BDC, dc, ch 2, dc, BDC, dc] in next ch-2 space. BDC, dc, BDC, dc. Skip the next 2 dc.** dc, BDC, dc, BDC.*
Repeat from * to * 3 times more. Then from * to ** once. Use a sl st to join to the top of the SSC.

Round 5: Sl st in next dc. SSC. BDC, dc, BDC, dc, BDC. *[dc, BDC, dc, ch 2, dc, BDC, dc] in next ch-2 space. BDC, dc, BDC, dc, BDC, dc. Skip the next 2 dc.** dc, BDC, dc, BDC, dc, BDC.*
Repeat from * to * 3 times more. Then from * to ** once. Use a sl st to join to the top of the SSC.
Round 6: Sl st in next dc. SSC. BDC, dc, BDC, dc, BDC, dc, BDC. *[dc, BDC, dc, ch 2, dc, BDC, dc] in next ch-2 space. [BDC, dc] 4 times. Skip the next 2 dc.** [dc, BDC] 4 times.*
Repeat from * to * 3 times more. Then from * to ** once. Use a sl st to join to the top of the SSC.
Round 7: Sl st in next dc. SSC. BDC, dc, BDC, dc, BDC, dc, BDC, dc, BDC. *[dc, BDC, dc, ch 2, dc, BDC, dc] in next ch-2 space. [BDC, dc] 5 times. Skip the next 2 dc.** [dc, BDC] 5 times.*
Repeat from * to * 3 times more. Then from * to ** once. Use a sl st to join to the top of the SSC.
Round 8: If you plan to use a different color for the border, switch to that color now. Sl st in the next dc. SSC. 11 dc. *[3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in next ch-2 space. 12 dc. Skip the next 2 dc.** 12 dc.*
Repeat from * to * 3 times more. Then from * to ** once. Use a sl st to join to the top of the SSC.
Finish off and sew in your ends. Now you’re ready to enjoy your new fidget toy!!
I am so thankful for your patterns. Please know, your efforts are appreciated. Your love of the craft shows in the quality.