How to Crochet a Square
By Rachel Choi – 39 Comments| Squares can be crochet “in the round†or row by row. When crocheting in the round, you start by creating the center of the square and then crochet around the center to make your square larger. When you crochet a square row by row, you start by creating one side of the square which is as long as the width. Then you keep adding rows on top of it until your square is the proper length. In this tutorial, I will show you both ways. |  |
Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.
Crochet a Square in the Round
Round 1:ch 2, 4 sc in second ch from hook, place marker
Round 2: 3 sc in each sc around: 12 sc
Round 3: sc in next sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next sc: 20 sc
Round 4: sc in next 2 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc: 28 sc
Round 5: sc in next 3 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc: 36 sc
Round 6: sc in next 4 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 8 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc: 44 sc
Round 7: sc in next 5 sc, (3 sc in next sc, sc in next 10 sc) 3 times, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc: 52 sc
Continue this pattern until the square is the desired size.
The basic idea is to put 3 single crochets in each of the four corner, while just 1 single crochet in each single crochet on the sides of the square.
Crochet a Square Row by Row
Row 1: chain until chain is width of desired square
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across
Repeat row 2 until length of square is the same as the width of the square. With this pattern, you can also create a rectangle.
These examples of creating a square only use single crochet. Squares can be crocheted in any crochet stitch that you want. Just make sure you account for the length of a crochet stitch when you make your square. For a fun square pattern, try crocheting a granny square!
If you need help on how to crochet a square, just leave a comment and I would be glad to help you!
Hi Rachel!!! Love your blog!!!!! I was wondeirng about the picture you have with this pattern. I get the pattern, its so easy. but I was wondeirng how did you get the little bumps in the corners? That is so neat. Appreciate the help!!! thanks!!!
Hi Harold!! I’m glad you asked. The square in the picture is crocheted using the “in the round” technique. So 3 single crochets are made in each of the four corners every time you make a new round. I also used a very small hook with the medium weight yarn. So it came out very tight. That is why there are the bumps on the corners.
I hope that answered your question, if not let me know!
Sure did!! Thank you!!!!
HI Rachel
Thanks, awesome site! and I’m so impressed with your skills at your age (sorry if its a faux pas to talk about your age).
I’m in South Africa, so hello from Africa.
I have tried the square, row by row, and for some reason, my square starts turning into a trapezoid… help ?
thanks
tash
Hi Tash!
No worries I don’t mind talking about my age, lol. Wow, Africa that is very long ways away!
As for the square row by row, perhaps you are missing the “chain then turn” part. For instance in row 2 it says “ch 1, turn…” I used to forget that part and that made my squares look funny! But if your not missing that part. just make sure that your making the same number of stitches in each row and try to keep your tension consistant 🙂
thanks, I’ll give it a shot and let you know…
thanks again 😀
What did you do to develop consistent tension to help keep things even?
Thanks again for the email…
hey JJ,
Practice mostly. But you can also make sure that every time you put a loop on your hook that you slide it back a little to where the hook is evenly leveled (I hope that makes sense). This way all your loops/stitches will be the same size.
Rachel,
I am trying to do the crochet a square in the round. Mine is not looking like yours. I am using a size G hook and I am going to change to a smaller one. When I get to my marker. I do sl stitch to complete my round, right? I am thinking that is were I maybe wrong. Not sure. I have never really read a pattern before. So this is new to me. I am trying to make a baby blanket for a friend who is pregnant and want the square, round look and not the row by row look. I can do the row by row but am bored with it. Thanks for your help.
Shantell
Hi Shantell, you do not need the slip stitch at the end of each round. Instead, just continute to crochet in a spiral fashion.
Rachel:
Do you have any patterns for crocheting little appliques in shapes like leaves? Maple leaves, oak leaves, and so forth. You know, just a variation on those great little posy appliques you posted a week or so ago. They would look nice on some scarves I’m working on. Thanks for your help!
Lisa
Hi Lisa, check out the Flower Applique Crochet Pattern set. That’s the closest pattern set that comes to what you are describing although it does not include maple and oak leaves.
Hi!!!! My name is marissa I literally just started crocheting this year starting earlier this month. My square I was trying to accomplish turned into a bowl lol but those who I know that have been crocheting for a long time said I’m off to a good start. The bowl is cute though! The sides aren’t all even but its a start. Soooo would you have a video tutorial on how to make a square…without it turning into a bowl.
(age 20)
Hi Marissa, I don’t have a video at the moment, but from your description it sounds like there are stitches missing from the outer edges of the square (at least if you are using this square pattern). Since this square is made by crocheting in the round like a circle, each round needs to have more and more stitches in it for the square to lay flat. Be sure to count your stitches after each round to make sure it has the correct number if stitches in it. The number after the colon will tell you the total stitch count for each round.
I’m sure this was asked and I missed it. Could you use “magic circle” to start the square-in-the-round pattern?
Sure Pam! You can make the magic circle in place of the “ch 2” at the beginning of round 1. Then instead of making the 4 sc in the second ch from your hook you would make then in your circle/ring.
Thanks for the quick answer, Rachel! My aunt bequested me her large number of crochet hooks and yarn stash, among other crafting items. I’m using the square-in-the-round pattern to make cleansing pads with a size H (5.00 mm) hook and what my Dad calls “kitchen cotton.” So good to have “re-purposed” items in my beauty kit 🙂
Hello I’m looking for a way to crochet a solid(non granny) rectangle at lays flat, and done in a continual round………….any ideas out ere?
Hi Kelly, you can alter this square pattern if you’d like. To make it into a rectangle you’d start with a longer chain (the length depends on how narrow you want your rectangle, ch 2 will give you the square). Then you basically make 1 single crochet into each stitch until you get to the corner and then you make 3 single crochets into the corner. Repeat around and around and you’ll have a rectangle!
I’m trying to crochet a rectangle box.
What do you do after the initial chain of say, 10 sc?
Do I start ch3 at the corner on the next row or do I do 1 round of sc first?
Thanks
Hi Su, I would recommend making a chain, say 10 chains like in your example. Then make 3 sc stitch into your first ch, sc in each ch across, then make 3 sc in the last ch. Then I’d recommend turning your work to work in the opposite side of the foundation chain, here’s a tutorial on that: How to Crochet on Opposite Side of Chain
Then working on opposite side of the chain, make 3 sc stitch into your first ch, sc in each ch across, then make 3 sc in the last ch.
Hi Rachel
Thanks for your quick reply
Can I confirm if the first 3 sc is done in the second chain from the hook?
Maybe I didn’t do it right but when I did the 3 sc in the last ch and 3 sc on the opposite side, it tends to leave a hole in that chain. How do I correct that?
Thanks
Yes, you will crochet into the second chain from your hook. For the hole, a little trick that I like to do is crochet over the tail of the yarn when I’m working that corner and then pull it tight to close the hole. You can also weave it shut later with the tail of the yarn or a scarp of yarn.
Hi Rachel
Thanks a lot for all your help
I’m actually making a rectangle cube for part of a toy that my son wants.
Now I can finish it. Been stuck at it for a while
Thanks again
Wow thanks rachel! I’m glad I checked back here lost my laptop today no email:( anyway i’ll try it out. Do I do the 3 sc on both the top and bottom of the chain or just the top? Thanks again for responding means allo!
Wow thanks rachel! I’m glad I checked back here lost my laptop today no email:( anyway i’ll try it out. Do I do the 3 sc on both the top and bottom of the chain or just the top? Thanks again if there’s ever a tutorial out there I’m in!!!!!!
Yes, top and bottom. Make sure you make 4 corners 🙂
Thanks sooo much,I went ahead and did that!! I made a rectangle!!! Finally and it’s not a granny either lol!!!!!!! I took it apart and will write down what I did so I can make more!!! Thanks xo
I used to crochet a lot, but don’t remember how to “turn” and do the following rows. Would love an explanation. Thanks. Margot
Hi Margot, in this pattern there isn’t a turn. Instead you crocheting in the round like a spiral. If you would like a basic tutorial on turning your work, here’s a link to a single crochet tutorial that covers turning as well: How to Crochet: Single Crochet Stitches (sc)
Hi Rachel, love your blog! I would like make your in-the-round square using hdc instead of sc. Following your pattern works, but the square isn’t quite as square. How would you recommend compensating using an hdc or dc? Thanks!
Hi Terry, try starting the square with 9 stitches on the first round for hdc and 12 stitches for dc. Then continue working around making the increase in each corner.
Thanks so much! I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Hi there! I have been crocheting for about 5 years and I am really driving myself crazy trying to figure something out. I am working a patter that reads like this:Row 1-chain 5, turn. Row 2-chain 1, sc in same st., sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in last stitch. (7), turn.
I cannot figure out how I would posibbly turn and then chain 1,after just making the foundation chain 5! I really hope you get what I am talking about, lol!!! Please help!!!
Thanks so much,
Christy
Hi Christy, I think the pattern was just trying to tell you to “turn” as in start working along the chain you just made. The “ch 1” seems to be just an additional chain added to the beginning chain 5. So you are really chaining 6, then making your first single crochet stitch into the second ch from your hook.
The square in the round after row seven ya said to continue which roe are you continuing to get bigger
Hi Pat!
The basic idea is to put 3 single crochets in each of the four corners, while just 1 single crochet in each single crochet on the sides of the square. So you aren’t going to repeat any row exactly. You see how each row the numbers between each corner increases because each side gets bigger and bigger? You’ll be increasing the number of single crochet between each corner like that. If it helps you, you can put a stitch marker (scrap of yarn, paper clip, etc.) into each corner so that when you get to the stitch marker you can do the increase there.
Hi did the ROW by ROW one its more of a rectangle shape and you can’t fold it like an envelope to put a card in so what I am asking is what ROWS do you repeat for the other square?
You show ROWS 1 thru 7 I believe but what do you do after the last row
I want to do for my sister’s bday and put a card in it and then fold like an envelope
The other one did not work as is a rectangle and can’t be folded in an envelope
So could ya email me what you do or repeat after the 7 the ROW of the square thanks
I like that one as does not have all the holes etc
Hi Pat,
I don’t know if you saw, but I replied to your comment on the other pattern where you make the square row by row. All you have to do is keep adding rows until it is no longer rectangle and is a square.
For this pattern that is crocheted in the round, the basic idea is to put 3 single crochets in each of the four corner, while just 1 single crochet in each single crochet on the sides of the square. If it helps you visualize, you can put a stitch marker into each of the 4 corners. The corner stitch is where you will make the 3 sc into. All other stitches you will work 1 sc. You will keep doing that until it is the size you want it.