Alright, let’s shake things up with a super simple, yet visually interesting crochet square! Forget the usual granny square for a sec. We’re going for a textured, almost woven look using just single and double crochet.
The “Criss-Cross Weave” Square
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn in your favorite color
- Crochet hook size H/8 (5.0 mm) – adjust if needed for your yarn
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Abbreviations:
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
Instructions:
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc 11 in the 3rd ch from the hook. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (12 dc)
Round 2: Ch 1 (doesn’t count as a st), sc in the same st. Ch 2, skip next dc, sc in the next dc. Repeat from * to around. Ch 2, join with a sl st to the first sc. (6 sc, 6 ch-2 spaces)
Round 3: Sl st into the first ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in the same ch-2 space. Ch 1, 2 dc in the next ch-2 space. Repeat from * around. Ch 1, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (12 dc, 6 ch-1 spaces)
Round 4: Ch 1 (doesn’t count as a st), sc in the same st. Ch 3, skip next dc, sc in the next dc. Repeat from * around. Ch 3, join with a sl st to the first sc. (6 sc, 6 ch-3 spaces)
Round 5: Sl st into the first ch-3 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc 2 in the same ch-3 space. Ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-3 space. Repeat from * around. Ch 1, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (18 dc, 6 ch-1 spaces)
Round 6: Ch 1 (doesn’t count as a st), sc in the same st. Ch 4, skip next 2 dc, sc in the next dc. Repeat from * around. Ch 4, join with a sl st to the first sc. (6 sc, 6 ch-4 spaces)
Round 7: Sl st into the first ch-4 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc 3 in the same ch-4 space. Ch 1, 4 dc in the next ch-4 space. Repeat from * around. Ch 1, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (24 dc, 6 ch-1 spaces)
Round 8: Ch 1 (doesn’t count as a st), sc in the same st. Ch 5, skip next 3 dc, sc in the next dc. Repeat from * around. Ch 5, join with a sl st to the first sc. (6 sc, 6 ch-5 spaces)
Round 9: Sl st into the first ch-5 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc 4 in the same ch-5 space. Ch 1, 5 dc in the next ch-5 space. Repeat from * around. Ch 1, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (30 dc, 6 ch-1 spaces)
To make a larger square: Keep repeating Rounds 8 and 9, increasing the chain length in the chain spaces by 1 and adding one more dc in each dc group in each repeat.
Finishing: Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Video tutorial
Why it’s different and easy:
- Alternating Textures: The rounds of single crochet with chain spaces create an open, airy feel that contrasts nicely with the solid double crochet rounds.
- Simple Stitches: You’re only using single and double crochet, plus chains and slip stitches – perfect for beginners or when you want a relaxing project.
- Unique Look: The way the rounds build on each other gives a subtle “woven” or criss-cross effect that’s not your typical square.
