Creating the Beautiful Willow Square Pattern: A Step-by-Step Crochet Guide
- Dawn VanBlargan
- Feb 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 24
Crochet enthusiasts often seek patterns that combine elegance with a touch of complexity, offering both a satisfying challenge and a stunning result. The Willow Square Pattern fits this desire perfectly. This guide breaks down the process into clear, manageable steps, helping you create a beautiful square that can be used for blankets, pillows, or other projects. Whether you are an intermediate crocheter or looking to expand your skills, this pattern offers a rewarding experience.
Starting with the Foundation Ring
The foundation of the Willow Square Pattern begins with a simple ring, which sets the stage for the intricate stitches that follow.
Use yarn A.
Chain 6 stitches.
Join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
This initial ring forms the base for the first round of double crochets (dc), creating a sturdy center to build upon.
Building the First Two Rounds
The first two rounds establish the core structure of the square.
Round 1:
Chain 3 (counts as 1 dc).
Work 15 dc into the ring.
Join with a slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the initial chain 3.
Total stitches: 16 dc.
Round 2:
Chain 4 (counts as 1 dc and chain 1).
Work 1 dc into the next dc, chain 1 — repeat 15 times.
Join with a slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the initial chain 4.
Break off yarn A.
These rounds create a circle of double crochets separated by chain spaces, which will be essential for the pattern’s openwork design.
Introducing Yarn B and Expanding the Pattern
The third round introduces a new yarn color and increases the stitch count to prepare for the square’s shape.
Round 3:
Join yarn B to any double crochet of the previous round.
Chain 3 (counts as 1 dc).
Work 2 dc into the next chain 1 space, 1 dc into the next dc — repeat 15 times.
Join with a slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the initial chain 3.
Total stitches: 48 dc.
Break off yarn B.
This round adds volume and texture, setting the foundation for the distinctive Willow Square look.
Creating the Pattern’s Unique Loops and Spaces
Rounds 4 through 7 develop the characteristic loops and spaces that define the Willow Square.
Round 4:
Chain 1.
Single crochet (sc) into the same stitch.
Chain 5, slip stitch into the 5th chain from the hook, skip 2 dc, sc into next dc, chain 2, skip 2 dc, sc into next dc, chain 3, skip 2 dc, sc into next dc, chain 2, skip 2 dc, sc into next dc — repeat twice.
Repeat from to * once more.
Join with slip stitch into the first sc.
Round 5:
Slip stitch into the next chain 5 space.
Chain 3 (counts as 1 dc).
Work 4 dc, chain 3, 5 dc into the same space.
Single crochet into next chain 2 space, 5 dc into next chain 3 space, single crochet into next chain 2 space — repeat twice.
Repeat from to * once more.
Join with slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the initial chain 3.
Break off yarn B.
Round 6:
Join yarn C to any corner chain 3 space.
Chain 1.
Work 1 sc, chain 3, 1 sc into the same space.
Chain 5, 1 dc into next sc, chain 3, skip 2 dc, 1 sc into next dc, chain 3, skip 2 dc, 1 dc into next sc, chain 5 — repeat twice.
Repeat from to * once more.
Join with slip stitch into the first sc.
Round 7:
Slip stitch into next chain 3 space.
Chain 3 (counts as 1 dc).
Work 2 dc, chain 2, 3 dc into the same chain 3 space.
5 dc into next chain 5 space, 3 dc into each of next 2 chain 3 spaces, 5 dc into next chain 5 space — repeat twice.
Repeat from to * once more.
Join with slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the initial chain 3.
Break off yarn C.
These rounds introduce a mix of chains, double crochets, and slip stitches that create the Willow Square’s signature openwork and textured corners.
Finishing Touches with Rounds 8 and 9
The final rounds add solidity and a clean edge to the square.
Round 8:
Join yarn A.
Chain 1.
Single crochet into each double crochet of the previous round, working 12 sc.
Work 2 sc into each chain 2 corner space.
Join with slip stitch into the first sc.
Round 9:
Chain 1.
Single crochet into each sc of the previous round.
Work 3 sc into each chain 2 corner space.
Join with slip stitch into the first sc.
Fasten off.
These rounds provide a neat border that frames the intricate pattern inside, making the square ready for use or joining with others.
Tips for Success with the Willow Square Pattern
Yarn choice: Use smooth, medium-weight yarn to highlight the pattern’s details.
Hook size: Follow the yarn label recommendations or choose a hook that gives you a firm but flexible fabric.
Tension: Keep your tension consistent to maintain the square’s shape.
Color changes: Plan your color changes to enhance the pattern’s layers and texture.
Blocking: After finishing, block your square to even out stitches and open up the lacework.
Using the Willow Square in Projects
The Willow Square Pattern is versatile. You can create:
Blankets by joining multiple squares.
Donate to Warming Neighbors
Decorative pillows with a single or multiple squares.
Table runners or placemats by arranging squares in rows.
Wall hangings by combining squares with different color schemes.
Its openwork design adds elegance, while the sturdy border ensures durability.
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