Squares Squared: 12" Block & Custom Blanket

A lot of crochet can seem rather feminine - flowers, lace, etc - but sometimes I want something a little more unisex. And I love designs that look great, are modern, interesting and customizable. I think this pattern fits the bill!

And it's reversible too, with an attractive stripe pattern on the "back" side.

I've written this up as a stitch pattern and given you instructions for three ways to use it: as a 12" block (shown), as a baby blanket, and as an afghan. Made with the colors of your choice, you'll have a custom piece that really wows!

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Squares Squared: 12" Block & Custom Blanket

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For all Patterns:

Hook: US-J, 6.00mm
Yarn: Any worsted weight yarn in three colors.
Example block is made with Caron Simply Soft in Grey Heather (A), Sunshine (B), and White (C).

Special Stitches:

Video Tutorial on Post Stitches

dtr fp - double treble front post (yo 3x before inserting hook around stem of specified stitch from right to left, then yo, draw up a loop, yo and pull through two loops at a time until one loop left on hook)

quad tr fp - quadruple treble front post (yo 5x before inserting hook around stem of specified stitch from right to left, then yo, draw up a loop, yo and pull through two loops at a time until one loop left on hook)

NOTE:

In pattern Row 10, I used a quad tr fp stitch - for some crocheters this won't be long enough and will pull the fabric down. If you find this to be the case for you, substitute a quin tr fp stitch (yo 6x at the start of the stitch). By "corresponding stitch", the pattern refers to the stitch directly below the working stitch, however many rows down - i.e., if you are working the 4th stitch in a row, go around the 4 stitch of the row specified to make the post stitch.

Squares Squared Stitch Pattern:

Row 1: Using color A, ch1, sc into each st to end, turn.

Row 2-3: Using color B, ch1, sc into each st to end, turn.

Row 4-7: Using color C, ch1, sc in each st to end, turn.

Row 8: Using color B, ch1 and sc in the first 3 sts. *[dtr fp around the corresponding stitch in Row 3] twice, then sc in the next 4 sts, [1dtr fp around the corresponding stitch in Row 3] twice, then sc in the next 2 sts.* Repeat from * to *, ending with one sc into the last st of the row, turn.

Row 9: Using color B, ch1 and sc in each st to end, turn.

Row 10: Using color A, ch1 and sc in the first st. *[quad tr fp around the corresponding stitch in Row 1] twice, sc in the next 8 sts.* Repeat from * to * until the last 3 sts, then [quad tr fp around the corresponding stitch in Row 1] twice, sc in the last st, turn.

Squares Squared 12" Block:

Ch 35 and starting in the second chain from the hook, work Stitch Pattern Rows 1-10 5x. Break yarn and fasten off. Working from the front of the block, work border by sc evenly around, working 3sc into each corner. If your gauge is different than mine and your block is too small, adjust this border by making hdc or dc instead. If it's too large, try going down a hook size or two.

Squares Squared Baby Blanket:

Ch 105 and starting in the second chain from the hook, work Stitch Pattern Rows 1-10 15x. Break yarn and fasten off. Working from the front of the blanket, work border by sc evenly around, working 3sc into each corner. Add another decorative border if you like!

Squares Squared Afghan:

Ch 145 and starting in the second chain from the hook, work Stitch Pattern Rows 1-10 20x. Break yarn and fasten off. Working from the front of the blanket, work border by sc evenly around, working 3sc into each corner. Add another decorative border if you like!

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So what do you think? Have the squares captured your imagination? What about 4 pattern repeats and a thick border for a placemat? I can't wait to see what you make!

The Fine Print

Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly, 2012, all rights reserved. Please include links to this blog post if sharing this pattern with others.