The Leaping Stripes and Blocks Squared is my latest twist on this fun stitch pattern! Before, I shared how to make this stitch pattern in rows and in the round. Now, you can add granny or motif style to the list as well! Make a 12" square as shown here or go as big as you like with this free crochet pattern on Moogly!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links; materials provided by Yarnspirations and Furls.
Don't Stop Can't Stop Won't Stop!
The Leaping Stripes and Blocks patterns have stretched across the years here on Moogly - it's a stitch pattern I return to again and again! And I got a reader request to take yet another look - at how to turn it into a square!
MooglyCAL or Any CAL or On Its Own!
Of course, my first thought was to make a 12" square with this stitch, perfect as a spare square for the MooglyCAL. You can add it your own crochet along blanket, mix it up into your own unique creation, or make a bunch of these in as many colors as you like!
Getting to 12 inches was challenge enough, but I wanted to be sure to create a stitch pattern that could go as big as you like! It took a lot of trial and error, but I did finally find a 4 row repeat that should let you make this blanket large as desired! Just be sure to please read all the pattern notes before you begin!
As long as you end on the same row as I did, you can go right to the border provided. And then add a fancy edging if desired!
Leaping Stripes and Blocks Squared With Love!
The beautiful colors of Red Heart With Love are always my first go-to for blankets. So of course, that's what I grabbed to make the Leaping Stripes and Blocks Squared square! It's washable and dryable and perfect for afghans that get used and loved.
Leaping Stripes and Blocks Squared
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US - J, 6.0mm hook - Furls
125 yds Red Heart With Love (100% Acrylic; “4”/Medium/Worsted/Aran/UK: 10-12 ply)
Two Color Square: Bubble Gum and Jadeite
Four Color Square: Light Gray, White, Lilac, Aubergine
Gauge: 4" across after Rnd 5
Size: 12" squares shown
For a larger size, repeat Rnds 10 - 13 as many times as desired and then go to the Border Rnds.
Helpful Links and Tutorials
Leaping Stripes and Blocks Square Tutorial
Leaping Stripes and Blocks Blanket Tutorial (rows)
Color Options:
For the 2 color square, work Rnds 1 - 3 in Color A, then switch colors every 2 rnds by finishing the last stitch of the previous rnd with the new color, carrying yarn along and cutting only at the end of the square.
For the 4 color square, work as for the 2 color square but when finishing one color, ch 2 and seamless join to first stitch, and then join new color in the ch-2 sp with a standing single crochet.
Notes:
This pattern uses turned rounds beginning with Rnd 3. Join and turn to work from the opposite side of the work.
The sc used to join the end of most rnds (instead of a sl st) is not included in the stitch count as it's treated as part of a ch-2 corner.
When working into the "skipped sts," crochet into the sts in the rnd before the previous rnd, enclosing the ch of the previous rnd.
In Rnd 9 and all Rnd 13 reps, in "2 dc in next skipped ch-1 sp," the skipped ch-1 sp that you crochet into is in between the 2 skipped sts before the sc in the next ch-2 sp.
Instructions:
Rnd 1: (RS) Make a magic circle, work 16 dc into the ring; join with sl st. (16 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, [hdc in next 4 sts, ch 2] 3 times, hdc in next 4 sts, ch 1, sc in first st. (16 hdc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, *sc in same ch sp, hdc in next st, ch 2, skip 2 sts, hdc in next st, sc in next ch-2 sp,** ch 2; rep from * around finishing last rep at **, ch 1, sc in first st, turn. (8 sc, 8 hdc)
Rnd 4: (WS) Ch 1, *sc in same ch sp, ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next 2 skipped sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next ch-2 sp,** ch 2; rep from * around finishing last rep at **, ch 1, sc in first st, turn. (8 sc, 8 dc)
Rnd 5: (RS) Ch 1, *sc in same ch sp, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next 2 skipped sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next 2 skipped sts, ch 1, skip next st, sc in next ch-2 sp,** ch 2; rep from * around finishing last rep at **, ch 1, sc in first st, turn. (8 sc, 16 dc)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, *sc in same ch sp, ch 1, skip next st, hdc in next skipped st, ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next 2 skipped sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts, hdc in next skipped st, ch 1, skip next st, sc in next ch-2 sp,** ch 2; rep from * around finishing last rep at **, ch 1, sc in first st, turn. (8 sc, 8 hdc, 8 dc)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, *sc in same ch sp, ch 1, skip next st, hdc in next skipped st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next 2 skipped sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next 2 skipped sts, ch 1, skip next st, hdc in next skipped st, ch 1, skip next st, sc in next ch-2 sp,** ch 2; rep from * around finishing last rep at **, ch 1, sc in first st, turn. (8 sc, 8 hdc, 16 dc)
Rnd 8: Ch 1, *sc in same ch sp, ch 2, skip 2 sts, 2 dc in next skipped st, ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next 2 skipped sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts, 2 dc in next skipped st, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next ch-2 sp,** ch 2; rep from * around finishing last rep at **, ch 1, sc in first st, turn. (8 sc, 24 dc)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, *sc in same ch sp, ch 1, skip next st, 2 dc in next skipped ch-1 sp, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next 2 skipped sts] twice, ch 2, skip 2 sts, 2 dc in next skipped ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip next st, sc in next ch-2 sp,** ch 2; rep from * around finishing last rep at **, ch 1, sc in first st, turn. (8 sc, 32 dc)
*Begin Rnds Repeat Here*
Rnd 10: Ch 1, *sc in same ch sp, ch 1, skip next st, hdc in next skipped st, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, [dc in next 2 skipped sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts] to next ch-1 sp, hdc in next skipped st, ch 1, skip next st, sc in next ch-2 sp,** ch 2; rep from * around finishing last rep at **, ch 1, sc in first st, turn. (8 sc, 8 hdc, 24 dc)
Rnd 11: Ch 1, *sc in same ch sp, ch 1, skip next st, hdc in next skipped st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next 2 skipped sts, [ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next 2 skipped sts] to next hdc, ch 1, skip next st, hdc in next skipped st, ch 1, skip next st, sc in next ch-2 sp,** ch 2; rep from * around finishing last rep at **, ch 1, sc in first st, turn. (8 sc, 8 hdc, 32 dc)
Rnd 12: Ch 1, *sc in same ch sp, ch 2, skip 2 sts, 2 dc in next skipped st, ch 2, skip 2 sts, [dc in next 2 skipped sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts] to next ch-1 sp, 2 dc in next skipped st, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next ch-2 sp,** ch 2; rep from * around finishing last rep at **, ch 1, sc in first st, turn. (8 sc, 40 dc)
Rnd 13: Ch 1, *sc in same ch sp, ch 1, skip next st, 2 dc in next skipped ch-1 sp, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, [dc in next 2 skipped sts, ch 2, skip next 2 sts] to last ch-2 sp before corner, 2 dc in next skipped ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip next st, sc in next ch-2 sp,** ch 2; rep from * around finishing last rep at **, ch 1, sc in first st, turn. (8 sc, 48 dc)
*End Rnds Repeat Here*
For a 12" square, Rep Rnds 10-13 for Rnds 14-17, then go to the Border Rnds.
Border Rnds:
Rnd 1: Ch 1, *sc in same ch sp, sc in next st, hdc in next skipped st, sc in next 2 sts, [dc in next 2 skipped sts, sc in next 2 sts] to next ch-1 sp, hdc in next skipped st, sc in next st, sc in next ch-2 sp,** ch 2; rep from * finishing last rep at **, ch 1, sc in first st, turn. (144 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same ch sp, *sc in each st to next ch-2 sp**, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp; rep from * finishing last rep at **, sc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, join to first st with sl st, break and weave in ends. (152 sc)
Looking for more Leaping Stripes and Blocks patterns? Check these out!
Leaping Stripes and Blocks Blanket, Leaping Crochet Baby Hoodie, Leaping Stripes and Blocks Beanies
Mesmerizing Mini Bag, Stripes and Blocks Scarf, Mesmerizing Messenger Bag
If this pattern inspires you to make your own project, and you post a photo on social media, be sure to tag me @mooglyblog or #mooglyblog so I can check it out too!
THE FINE PRINT
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mona hosny says
fascinating
Dee Wotring says
I’m really interested in this pattern but in a rectangular pattern rather than a square. I like the circle rows rather than straight rows of the traditional rectangle. Is there a pattern for that?
Tamara Kelly says
Not yet! I'm a little confused though - are you looking for a rectangle or an oval? 🙂
Claudia Fiest says
Love Moogly everything
Tamara Kelly says
♥ Thank you so much, Claudia!
Dee Wotring says
Rectangular. I’m about ready to start a large afghan in 2 colors and would like to do this stitch in the round but rectangular instead of square.
Tamara Kelly says
I'll have to design that! 🙂
LADNEA says
Tamara-
I can and do spend a lot of time on your site because there is much information and ideas and to do.
I just want to thank you for everything you do and let you know a lot of designers cue back to you for your videos and designs. Love it!
<3
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much! ♥♥♥