About This Pattern
This square starts small and grows in spirals. Eight single crochet into a magic ring, then corners build outward round by round. It needs an evening, maybe two, depending on size. No seams, no turning, just steady back loop stitches. It sits well on a lap while you watch something quiet. One square can become a cushion front or a throw piece later.
In the basket
Abbreviations
- sc
- single crochet
- dc
- double crochet
Moss square stitch blanket, worked corner to corner
Main Pattern
- Round 1Work 8 single crochet (SC) into the magic ring. Do not slip stitch to close. You will work in continuous spirals.
Securing Ends
Tie the starting and ending yarn tails together.
Creating the Pattern
- Round 2Into the back loop of the first SC, work: 1 SC, chain 1, 1 SC (this creates your first corner).Place a stitch marker in this chain-1 space to mark your corner (optional for this round only).Back Loop SC in the next stitch, then in the next stitch work: 1 Back Loop SC, chain 1, 1 Back Loop SC (corner creation). Repeat 3 times for each side of your square.Do not join rounds, continue working in spirals.
- Round 3and Beyond: Remove stitch marker and in the back loop of the corner chain-1 space, work: 1 Back Loop SC, chain 1, rotate work, 1 Back Loop SC in the same chain-1 space.For the next stitch, work a front loop double crochet (FL DC) two rounds below, then 1 Back Loop SC in the next stitch.At the corner, work: 1 Back Loop SC, chain 1, another Back Loop SC into the same corner.Continue the pattern of alternating between Back Loop SC and FL DC (two rounds below), with each corner comprised of: 1 Back Loop SC, chain 1, and another Back Loop SC.With every round, add an additional FL DC between the corner spaces. This means if one round has a single FL DC between corners, the next will have two, and so on, resulting in the pattern gradually expanding outward.
Continuing the Pattern:
Keep working in spirals, adding one more FLDC in the sequence between corners for each subsequent round.
Mark the first corner of each round with a stitch marker to keep track of rounds and ensure even sides.
Tips for Visibility and Growth:
The pattern is particularly suited for variegated yarn as it highlights color changes and makes the blanket grow rapidly due to the larger hook size and the lightweight yarn.
Finishing
- Round 1Once your square has reached the desired size, ensure your sides have an equal number of stitches. If your stitch marker is lost, count the number of FL DC stitches on each side to confirm.
- Round 2In the final round, consider adding an extra FL DC at each side of the corners to firm them up a bit before finishing.
- Round 3To finish your project neatly: Slip stitch into the corner chain-1 space to neatly close your work.Cut the yarn and fasten off.
More pictures
Before the first stitch
- Check your yarn amount against the finished size you want.
- Have a stitch marker ready for the first corner.
- Read Round 1 and Round 2 together before starting.
Minutes per piece
- Main Pattern and early rounds about 20 minutes, because the first rounds are short and quick
- Securing Ends and growing the square about 3-5 hours, because each round adds stitches and corners need care
Other yarns that work
- Cotton, DK weight Gives a crisper square with less drape. Keep the same 5 mm hook.
- Acrylic, worsted weight Makes a bigger, softer square. Move up to a 5.5 mm or 6 mm hook.
Where it ends up
- A lap blanket square, paired with a warm mug and quiet evening.
- A cushion front, backed with plain fabric.
- A sample square, kept to test yarn and hook before a larger blanket.
Joining up
- Step 1 Once your square has reached the desired size, ensure your sides have an equal number of stitches. If your stitch marker is lost, count the number of FL DC stitches on each side to confirm.
- Step 2 In the final round, consider adding an extra FL DC at each side of the corners to firm them up a bit before finishing.
Small notes
- Use a 5 mm hook and keep tension even across rounds.
- Mark the first corner each round, or you will lose your place.
- Work in continuous spirals; there is no slip stitch join until the end.
Little questions
Why do I not slip stitch at the end of each round?
This pattern works in continuous spirals. Slip stitching would break the spiral and shift your corners.
What happens if I lose my stitch marker?
Count the FL DC stitches on each side instead. Equal counts mean your square stayed even.
How do I know when my square is big enough?
Check that all four sides have equal stitch counts. Then move on to the final round and finishing.
Should I add extra stitches at the very last round?
Yes, consider one extra FL DC at each corner. It firms up the shape before you fasten off.
Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/how-to-crochet-moss-square-stitch-blanket-pattern/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
