06/21/21 • Crochet • Advanced Beginner

44 Free Crochet and Knit Squares Projects

Many projects are made of squares. They’re among the most common projects out there. However, crochet and knit squares don’t have to be boring! Find new ways to make projects with squares with these free patterns from Yarnspirations. Naturally there are a lot of blankets in the bunch. But you might be surprised at how many other types of patterns use squares as well. Of course, you can start by learning how to crochet the basic granny square. But there are tons of other choices, too.

5 image collage of items using crochet and knit squares as a base. Shade of blues knit blanket, mitered squares knit scarf (in red, orange, turquoise, and 2 shades of grey), simple scrubbies in various colors, squares shoulder bag in red with leather strap, Granny square blanket (crocheted in yellow, green, & white).

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Crochet and Knit Squares Blankets

There are so many different ways to make crochet and knit squares into blankets. You can start in the middle, work in the round and end up with a square. The classic large granny square blanket would be the most obvious example of this. However, there are much more interesting designs as well.

Alternatively, you might make a bunch of different crochet and knit squares. Then you’d stitch them together for a patchwork throw, Sometimes they’re all the same size but make them in different sizes for a more unique design.

These blanket, afghan and throw patterns will all make you excited about using squares:

Diagonal Squares Throw - Free Knitting Pattern (Garter Stitch knitting in shades of blue with hints ofyellow, green, and grey). Squares worked corner to corner and joined to show Xs and diamonds.

Other Home Decor Made of Squares

Of course, blankets are a form of home decor. However, there are so many other things you can make to use around the house. Baskets, scrubbies, floor cushions and more can be square or made of squares. Some of the most fun pieces in this roundup are the stuffed animals that use crochet and knit squares.

Chic Carry All Bag - Free Crochet Pattern. Textured shoulder bag in red yarn. 2 large motifs worked from the center outward, joined with gusset to give bag depth. Leather shoulder strap joined to bag with large metal circles and tabs.

Crochet and Knit Squares To Wear

Squares are perfect to make scarves, sweaters, and shawls! You could string together a set of squares to make a simple scarf. A large crochet or knit square can be a shawl in and of itself. Two squares together form the basic foundation of a sweater. Plus, of course, you can combine squares of different shapes and sizes to make flattering, fitting clothing.

Miter Me This Chic Scarf - Free Knitting Pattern. Knit mitered squares in 3 sizes. Modular construction.

More Shapes to Make

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are squares such popular knit and crochet projects?

Squares are the ultimate modular crafting unit! They’re small enough to finish quickly (instant gratification!), portable for on-the-go crafting, and they combine into almost any finished project size. You can make one square as a test of a new stitch pattern, or make 100 and join them into a blanket. They use up stash yarn beautifully. And there’s something deeply satisfying about making a stack of identical (or wildly different!) squares and watching them accumulate into something bigger.

What’s the most popular type of crochet square?

The granny square is the undisputed queen of crochet squares… it’s been around for over a century and it never goes out of style. Classic granny squares, solid granny squares, floral grannies, star grannies, C2C blocks… the variations are endless. But this collection goes well beyond granny squares into mosaic designs, textured patterns, colorwork blocks, and more. If you can make a square, you can make anything in this collection.

How do I join crochet or knit squares neatly?

There are several joining methods! The join-as-you-go (JAYG) technique attaches each new square as you finish it… no separate seaming step. The slip stitch join creates a visible ridge that can be a decorative feature. The flat slip stitch join or mattress stitch seam creates an invisible join. The whipstitch is quick and casual. The “right sides together single crochet join” is very clean and sturdy. The method you choose affects the look and drape of the finished project… experiment with a few before committing to hundreds of squares.

What can I make with knit and crochet squares?

Blankets and throws are the classic, but squares are incredibly versatile! Bags and totes made from joined squares are beautiful and sturdy. Square pillows, pot holders, coasters, and table mats are quick projects. Garments built from squares… ponchos, cardigans, vest panels… have a fun patchwork quality. Wall hangings and decorative banners. Sampler projects where each square explores a different stitch. The square is the launching pad… where you go from there is limited only by your imagination.

How do I make sure all my squares are the same size?

Gauge… and counting. Work all squares to the same stitch count, the same number of rounds, and the same yarn weight and hook or needle size. Even tiny variations in your tension can add up across a blanket’s worth of squares. Blocking individual squares before joining is incredibly helpful… lay them all out flat, wet block or steam block to the same dimensions, and let them dry pinned in place. Squares that look slightly different in the pile can become surprisingly uniform after blocking.

Categories: Free Patterns