10 Helpful Things you need to know about How to Crochet a Square
Crochet squares serve as a fundamental crochet shape in various patterns and are often used as components to create larger projects by joining multiple squares together. They can be worked in continuous rounds or joined afterward to form intricate designs or patterns, offering endless possibilities for crafting unique and visually appealing crochet pieces. It is a great way to start learning crochet as it is easier to pick up as opposed to say crocheting a circle.
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What is a crochet square?
In crochet, a square refers to a geometric shape formed by working stitches in rows or rounds to create a four-sided figure with equal sides and four right angles. Crochet squares are versatile and widely used in various projects, including blankets, afghans, coasters, motifs, or as building blocks for larger designs. These squares can vary in complexity, size, and design, depending on the pattern and stitches used.
What is a crochet square called?
In crochet, a square motif or shape can be referred to simply as a "crochet square." However, depending on the pattern, design, or intended use, crochet squares may also have specific names based on the stitch pattern or technique used to create them.
Some crochet square patterns have distinct names based on their appearance or design, such as "granny squares," which typically consist of clusters of stitches in a traditional motif style.
How to crochet a square step by step?
Let’s move onto making a flat 2D square, which can be used in making simple coasters, for my amigurumi, I have made them into mini capes. We will start off simple with a foundation chain and crocheting into rows, then end off with single crocheting all around 4 sides of the square. See the following pattern:
Row 1: Chain 5
Row 2: Sc4, ch1 and turn - 4st
Row 3-5: Repeat Row 2 – 4st
If you simply end off at Row 5, you will get a basic square shape that is the easiest to crochet up. In the next part, I ended off with an additional step to crochet around the basic piece above just to tidy it up and make a neater square, still using single crochet stitches.
How to crochet a square single crochet?
Follow the steps mentioned above with Rows 1-5 and then continue with the instructions below.
Turn and rotate whole piece, sc1 in last st, then place stitch marker here. Continue in rounds now, instead of rows.
Round 1: Sc1 in last st (as mentioned above), sc2 along side, 2sc1 in corner, turn and rotate, sc2 along bottom, 2sc1 in corner, turn and rotate, sc3 along side, turn and rotate, sc4 - 16st
The final completed square should have 16 st in the round, with the edges in all sides tidied up nicely.
How to crochet a square around a circle?
This method does not technically give a very nice uniform perfect square, but it follows the same concepts as crocheting a triangle around a magic ring. It basically involves crocheting around a magic ring and making selected stitches fatter to simulate the corners of a square. Go ahead and try until Round 4 to get a small triangle, I wrote up to Round 5 so that the number pattern is easier to understand and continue if you want to make the square larger.
Round 1: Magic ring sc4 – 4st
Round 2: 4sc4 – 16st
Round 3: (Sc3, 4sc1) x 4 – 28st
Round 4: (Sc6, 4sc1) x 4 – 40st
Round 5: (Sc9, 4sc1) x 4 – 52st
How do you crochet a granny square step by step?
I just decided to include this in for completeness and because there are folks who love crocheting granny squares. I definitely do not profess to know anything about crocheting granny squares since my passion is in crocheting amigurumi. So I am going to leave this to the experts and link out to someone who would be better equipped in showing you the step by step instructions for a granny square below.
What is the easiest square to crochet?
Out of the 4 different methods mentioned above on how to crochet a square, the easiest is most probably the first one because it just involves crocheting a foundation chain, turning and crocheting down the chain and then subsequently in rows. Ending off with the second part by crocheting all around the main piece helps with making the final piece neater and it’s pretty easy as well.
Why is my crochet square not square?
There could be several reasons for why your crochet square is not turning out perfectly. It could be from inconsistent tension while crocheting, which distorts the square shape. Irregular stitch count on the square sides can cause the square to skew as well, which happens when missing or adding stitches. Likewise, uneven increases or decreases in the pattern can lead to a non-square shape.
Why is my crochet square not flat?
Apart from the same reasons I mentioned above which include inconsistent tension, irregular stitch counts and uneven increases or decreases, this could happen depending on the method you choose to crochet a square. If you decide to crochet a square around a magic ring, the 4 single crochet inside one stitch might cause the square to pucker a bit at the corners, this can be rectified by trying taller stitches with more gaps like a double crochet square.
Why is my crochet square curving?
Much like the previous question, the crochet square is not flat but instead looking like it is curvy or wavy might be from squeezing too many increases in the stitch in a round. Also, if you crochet with too tight tension when starting out, the corners of the square will curve up as well. This can also happen if the crochet hook you pick is way too small for the yarn weight and the stitches become too tight and the fabric too dense, causing the square to curl.
How do you keep crochet squares straight?
Some simple ways to keep the crochet squares straight is to maintain consistent tension while crocheting and to use the same yarn weight and type throughout the whole project. Consistency in materials and tension helps maintain uniformity in your squares.
Also remember to count your stitches regularly, especially at the end of rows or rounds, to ensure you have the correct number of stitches on each side of the square, this helps with straight edges and prevents irregularities. You can check out this article on “Stitch Counting Made Easy: A Beginner's Guide to Counting Stitches in Crochet” for more information.
Lastly, when following a pattern that requires shaping within the square, ensure you're making the correct number of increases and decreases as per the instructions. Evenly spaced shaping prevents the square from becoming distorted.
Free Amigurumi Shaping Starter Guide
Learn how to create a toy for your child with your own hands in 5 simple steps.
How many stitches do you need to crochet a square?
This really depends on a few factors about the square you want to crochet. For one, the number of stitches depends on the size of the square. A larger square generally requires more stitches than a smaller one. Also, the type of stitch used and its height (single crochet, double crochet etc) affects the number of stitches required. Some stitches may create shorter or taller rows, affecting the stitch count. If you are following a specific pattern, the designer will typically specify the number of stitches needed for each row or round to achieve the square shape.
How do you crochet a small square?
For a small square, you could follow the easiest example I stated above which is a 5x5 square or the pattern below:
Row 1: Chain 5
Row 2: Sc4, ch1 and turn - 4st
Row 3-5: Repeat Row 2 – 4st
This is technically using the shortest stitch, the single crochet stitch (apart from slip stitch) and a square of 5x5 is as small as it gets. Shorter foundation chains do not make for uniform perfect squares so I did not make the pattern any shorter or smaller.
How to crochet a large square?
By following the same steps as for the small square above, you could make a larger square, just make sure the number of chains in the foundation chain and the number of rows tally. So in the case of a larger square that you want to maintain all single crochet stitches, you could try a pattern like this:
Row 1: Chain 10
Row 2: Sc4, ch1 and turn - 4st
Row 3-10: Repeat Row 2 – 4st
While on the other hand, if you choose to crochet with taller stitches like double crochet stitches, then technically the height of the row will double that of single crochet stitches, so to achieve the same large sized square, you could finish it in a shorter time period!
How long does it take to crochet a square?
The time it takes to crochet a square can vary widely depending on several factors:
Size of the Square: Larger squares naturally take more time than smaller ones. A small square might take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, while a larger square could take several hours or more.
Complexity of the Pattern: Some square patterns involve more intricate stitches or techniques that take longer to complete compared to basic stitches. Like granny squares!
Crocheter's Skill Level: Beginners might take longer to crochet a square compared to experienced crocheters who are more familiar with the stitches and techniques.
Concentration and Speed: The individual crocheter's speed and ability to concentrate on the project can also affect the time taken. Some crocheters work faster than others.
Interruptions and Breaks: Interruptions or breaks during the crocheting process can extend the overall time taken to complete a square.
As a rough estimate, a simple, small-sized square worked with basic stitches might take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour for an average crocheter. However, larger or more intricate squares can take several hours or even days to complete, especially if the pattern involves complex stitches or a larger size.
The time it takes to crochet a square is highly individual and can vary based on these factors and the specific project's requirements.
How to crochet a cube?
The 3D version of a square would be a cube with all 6 sides being the same size as the square. We will similarly start off the same way as the square above, then continue into rounds and end off with the same square covering the last side. The pattern is as follows below:
Row 1: Chain 5
Row 2: Sc4, ch1 and turn - 4st
Row 3-5: Repeat Row 2 – 4st
Turn and rotate whole piece, sc1 in last st, then place stitch marker here. Continue in rounds now, instead of rows.
Round 1: Sc1 in last st (as mentioned above), sc2 along side, 2sc1 in corner, turn and rotate, sc2 along bottom, 2sc1 in corner, turn and rotate, sc3 along side, turn and rotate, sc4 - 16st
Round 2-3: Sc16 in a round - 16st
Using a separate new piece of yarn, create the same square again:
Row 1: Chain 5
Row 2: Sc4, ch1 and turn - 4st
Row 3-5: Repeat Row 2 – 4st
Add stuffing to the first piece that has 5 sides, then close up the last side with the second square piece by sewing them together using whipstitch. Use this method of crocheting a cube to make mini amigurumi presents or even amigurumi furniture.
Conclusion of how to crochet a square
Crocheting a square is a great way to start off your crocheting journey as it is the easiest to pick up. Not only that, it is a great building block for larger projects with more intricate stitch patterns, colours and designs. Whether you crochet blankets, garments or amigurumi, learning how to crochet and vary your squares is crucial in bringing your crochet projects to the next level! For amigurumi lovers, you can progress onto 3D shapes from crocheting a square as well!
Free Amigurumi Shaping Starter Guide
Learn how to create a toy for your child with your own hands in 5 simple steps.
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