Introduction
This crochet project features an irresistibly cute pig face centered on a neatly bordered square. The motif showcases delightful pops of pink on a pale, softly contrasting background, giving it a bright and playful look. The main features are the pig’s prominent snout, perky ears, and gentle black eyes—all worked in a way that brings personality and charm to the square. The background is a subtle grid in a soft blue or mint shade, with a clean beige, cream, or pale tan border, which beautifully frames the central animal motif.
This sweet square can serve as a charming coaster, a unique patch for a child’s blanket, a cheerful addition to a nursery wall hanging, or even the focal square for a whimsical throw cushion. The pig face motif is popular because it’s eye-catching, full of character, and offers room for creativity in color and assembly. This project is fun for anyone who wants to practice colorwork, applique techniques, or simply bring a smile to someone’s face with their crochet skills.
Project Overview
This motif is constructed from the center outward, starting with a grid-based square worked in rows. The pig’s face—including snout, ears, and eyes—are made separately as small appliqués, then sewn onto the center of the square. The piece is bordered with a single-color crochet frame to finish. The construction method uses basic techniques, careful color changes, and applique placement for greatest visual effect.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner
This pattern uses basic stitches (mainly single crochet), fundamental color changing, and simple shaping. Some experience in sewing crochet appliqués and managing color changes is helpful. It’s an ideal project for someone with a handful of simple squares under their belt who wants to try motif work.
Materials
- Yarn Weight: Worsted weight (Category 4) acrylic or cotton yarn
- Yarn Quantities:
- Light Blue or Mint (background): 30g
- Cream, Beige, or Pale Tan (border): 20g
- Light Pink (pig face & ears): 20g
- Darker Pink (snout): 10g
- Black (eyes, nostrils): small amount
- Crochet Hook: US size G/6 (4.0 mm) or size needed to match gauge
- Tapestry Needle for sewing appliqués and weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers (optional but helpful for border and motif placement)
Finished Size
- Approximate size: 16 cm x 16 cm (6.3″ x 6.3″)
Adjust size by changing hook size and yarn weight, or by increasing/reducing the initial grid rows and columns for the square.
Gauge
- 14 sc and 16 rows = 10 cm (4″) square
Exact gauge is not critical unless joining multiple motifs together, but small differences will affect the final size.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec – decrease (single crochet 2 together)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- FO – fasten off
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
Important Pattern Notes
- Ch 1 at the start of a row does not count as a stitch.
- Work the main square in rows; turn your work at the end of each row.
- Change colors on the last yarn-over of the previous stitch for crisp color transitions.
- Work appliqué pieces separately, then sew them onto the main square using a tapestry needle.
- Mark the center of the square (or count stitches/rows) to help align appliqués precisely.
- All instructions use US crochet terms.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: The Square Background
- Main color A: Light Blue or Mint
- Border color B: Cream, Beige, or Pale Tan
Square Base
- With color A, ch 27.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (26 sc) Turn.
- Rows 2–26: Ch 1, sc in each st across. (26 sc) Turn.
(Optional: For a subtle grid, every 4th row or column can be worked in BLO (back loop only) to create a lined effect.)
Border
- Attach color B at any corner. Ch 1.
- Round 1: Sc evenly around the four edges of the square (26 sc per side), working 3 sc in each corner. Join to first sc with a sl st. (112 sc total: 26 x 4 plus 4 corners)
- Fasten off and weave in the border ends.
Part 2: Pig Face Appliqué
- Face and Ears: Light Pink (C)
- Snout: (Optional darker pink) (D)
- Eyes and Nostrils: Black (E)
Pig Face (Oval)
- With C, make a MR (magic ring).
- Round 1: Ch 1, 8 sc in MR. Pull tight, sl st to first sc to join. (8 sc)
- Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Sl st to join. (16 sc)
- Round 3: Ch 1, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around. Sl st to join. (24 sc)
- Round 4: Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. Sl st to join. (32 sc)
- Round 5: Ch 1, *sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. Sl st to join. (40 sc)
- FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Flatten the oval. The finished face is approximately 6 cm (2.3″) wide.
Pig Ears (make 2)
- With C, ch 6.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (5 sc) Turn.
- Row 2: Ch 1, dec across first 2 sts, sc in next st, dec last 2 sts. (3 sc) Turn.
- Row 3: Ch 1, dec, sc in last st. (2 sc) Turn.
- Row 4: Ch 1, sc2tog (decrease). (1 sc)
- FO, leaving a tail for sewing. Pinch the wider end to curve slightly when sewing.
Pig Snout (Oval)
- With D (or same pink as face), ch 7.
- Round 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 4 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Do not turn; work into the bottom of the foundation chain: sc in next 4 ch, 2 sc in base of starting ch (opposite the first sc). (14 sc)
- Round 2: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in each of next 3 sts, sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts. (20 sc)
- Slip stitch to join, FO, leaving a tail for sewing.
Nostrils (make 2)
- With black, ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to next ch. FO, leaving small tail. Sew or embroider nostrils onto snout with black yarn, spaced evenly.
Eyes (make 2)
- With E, embroider French knots or sew on tiny black buttons, beads, or surface crochet as follows: Insert hook into the face at the desired spot, pull up a loop with E, ch 1, sl st in the same spot, FO.
Part 3: Assembly and Attachment
- Lay the face oval in the center of the square (use markers or lightly tack with sewing pins).
- Sew down with the long tail and tapestry needle using small whip stitches or back stitch, going under the edge for neatness.
- Attach snout in the lower third of the face oval with tail yarn. Stitch down snugly. Attach nostrils securely.
- Pinch the base of each ear and sew to the top sides of the face, with ears angled slightly outward.
- Embroider or sew on eyes symmetrically above the snout; check image for optimal positioning.
Part 4: Final Border (optional for a chunkier edge)
- Join B at any corner and ch 1.
- Round 2: Sc around, working 3 sc in each corner, sl st to first sc to join.
- FO and weave in all ends.
Assembly and Finishing
- Gently pull the finished motif into a neat square by hand (especially after sewing appliqués), shape and pin to blocking board if needed.
- Steam block with a damp towel or spray bottle for crisp edges and flatness.
- Check that the pig face sits flat and centered—adjust sewing if needed.
- Weave in all remaining yarn ends on WS.
Customization Ideas
- Try pastel or bold colorways to suit different tastes or holidays (for example, green and red for festive versions).
- Vary yarn weight and hook size for smaller coasters or larger pillow panels.
- Make multiple squares and join together for a blanket, baby afghan, or wall hanging.
- Add a loop to one corner for a playful potholder or kitchen decoration.
- Embroider blushing cheeks, a smile, or a flower for extra personality.
- Swap in animal face details for a collection: try bunny, sheep, or bear features using the same grid.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your square curls, ease tension and block as soon as the center motif is finished.
- Uneven borders can be straightened with careful blocking or a second border round.
- If the motif is too large or small, switch hook size or adjust stitch count.
- Messy color changes: always change colors before pulling through the last loop of the previous stitch.
- If eyes/nose look uneven, remove and re-sew with fresh length of yarn for best result.
- Use consistent yarn brands and weights for all motif parts to prevent warping.
Care Instructions
- Handwash or machine wash gently in cool water.
- Lay flat to dry and reshape as needed.
- Avoid ironing directly; steam block for best results.
- Keep away from high heat to prevent acrylic yarn melting.
Final Notes
Always count your stitches at the end of each row and after assembling to ensure symmetry. Adjust tension as needed to keep sides even. Refer to the image as a visual placement guide, especially for face and ear positions. With careful attention to color transitions and applique sewing, your finished pig face motif will have the charm and personality of the original inspiration and is sure to bring joy to any project or recipient!
