MooglyCAL2024 Block 2 is a simple square that packs a big punch, designed by the fabulous Linda Dean Crochet! The Diamonds Reflected Block is a wonderful exploration of spike stitches and colorwork and texture. Get all the details for this free crochet along, as well as the free pattern link below!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links; materials provided by Yarnspirations.
Just getting started with the Moogly Crochet Along? CLICK HERE for the intro info!
Want to get help with the patterns, show off, and CAL with others? CLICK HERE for the Facebook group
Like to see all the squares visually, all at once? CLICK HERE for the Pinterest Board!
The 2024 Moogly CAL Schedule
As we go, click the name of the past squares to go to their posts and get the patterns! The number represents the date of the month the post will debut.
January Jacob's Treasure Square and THIS POST
February 8 and 22
March 7 and 21
April 4 and 18
May 2, 16, and 30
June 13 and 27
July 11 and 25
August 8 and 22
September 5 and 19
October 3, 17, and 31
November 14 and 27
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Block #2:
Diamonds Reflected Block
by Linda Dean Crochet
Above you can see the square that she made, featuring 4 colors. Below is my CAL square, in my 3 colors! (I'm doing a stash buster, so these colors will change throughout the year!)
The Details for Square #2
My Notes: Linda is using the Diamonds Reflected Block to teach us that simple stitches can have a big impact! The trick with long or spike stitches is making sure that you pull each loop of the stitch up nice and high, well above the rest of the fabric, as you make the stitch. Even so, you may find that this square looks a little crazy when you're finished crocheting it - and that's because this square absolutely needs to be blocked.
If you haven't blocked a square before, there is a tutorial linked below, but it is simpler than it sounds. For this square's blocking, I recommend you get it wet (not dripping) and pin it out to size. Then, after it's dried, go ahead and steam it as well - you don't want to melt the yarn if you are using acrylic, but you do want to let it relax so it can hold its shape when it's unpinned. Any remaining slight variations can be covered by your joining method later!
Helpful Links and Tutorials: This square is made of simple stitches, including Standing Single Crochet, Long Loop Single Crochets (aka Spike Stitches), and you can also optionally use the Magic Circle and Seamless Finishing.
Sizing: My square got to 12" as written, but it needed a strong blocking to get to square. But everyone's gauge is different so be sure to measure as you go! Learn how to adjust for size HERE to make sure all your squares are the same size. Remember that the 12″ is measured across and up and down – not diagonally corner to corner.
What I Did:
I used a Susan Bates US-J, 6.0 mm Twist and Lock hook, and Red Heart With Love, and my color scheme was as follows (see pics for more info on placement):
Rnds 1 - 5: Light Gray
Rnds 6 - 10: Holly Berry
Rnds 11 - 15: Light Gray
Rnds 16 - 18: White
This square required strong blocking. I used the wet blocking method followed by steaming.
The Pattern:
CLICK HERE FOR THE PATTERN FOR BLOCK #2
PLEASE NOTE: The designers all hold individual copyrights for their patterns. They may choose to make videos of their patterns, and you can certainly request them from the designers. In addition, there are videos linked in the notes for specific stitches and techniques that may help you with the pattern. They may offer paid PDFs of the pattern, but have agreed to leave it up for free on their website or on Ravelry for as long as possible.
Show Off Your Squares!
If you share your photos on social media, be sure to use the hashtags #mooglycal2024 and #yarnspo and tag me @mooglyblog so I can see them too! And don't forget to share them in the MooglyCAL Facebook Group! Thank you all for CAL-ing with me!
And finally, here's a pin of MooglyCAL2024 - Block 2 for your own Pinterest boards!
You can follow Moogly on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram, and don't forget to sign up for the free newsletter at the top of the page! Thank you to Yarnspirations for providing the materials for this crochet along.
Susan says
That is a beautiful design!
Sue says
Love this square! Since you say it needs to be blocked, how do you think the afghan will look when it’s washed at some point?
Tamara Kelly says
Steaming acrylic yarn will help the blocking set better than just water, so that will make a difference. Then, having it sewn to the other squares around it will help keep it in shape as well. 🙂
Christine Voss says
I love this! It shows how you can get different looks from the simple stitches of crochet. Great Job.
Kathy B says
I love this unique design! I haven’t seen this type of block design before, and I’m excited to try it out. I haven’t done a Moogly CAL before, either; I suppose there’s a first time for everything. Thanks for hosting!