This sweet little ghost square is a fun addition to your Halloween projects. A friendly cream ghost with round black eyes and a little “boo” mouth floats on a solid black background, framed by a bright orange border. Tiny cream dots in the corners look like twinkling stars in the night sky. It is quick, easy, and perfect for spooky blankets, pillows, bags, and decorations.
The diagram shows the square worked in rounds from the center. The ghost is made first, then the black background rounds turn it into a square, and the orange border finishes the edge. The face is added at the end.
Materials
Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in cream, about 12 g
Worsted weight yarn in black, about 20 g
Worsted weight yarn in orange, about 20 g
Crochet hook 4.0 mm
Tapestry needle, scissors, and stitch markers
Finished Size
About 15 by 15 cm (6 by 6 inches)
Stitches Used (US Terms)
ch chain
sl st slip stitch
sc single crochet
hdc half double crochet
dc double crochet
tr treble crochet
sc2tog single crochet two together
How to Read the Diagram
Start at the ghost in the center and follow each round outward. Each small oval is a chain, each cross or plus sign is a single crochet, and each tall stitch with one bar across the post is a double crochet. The fan shapes near the corners are groups of tall stitches worked into the same space to turn the shape into a square. The round wheel symbols on the ghost show where the eyes and mouth go.
Part 1: The Ghost (cream)
The ghost is worked in rows from the bottom up, then the top is rounded.
Chain 13.
Row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. You have 12 stitches.
Rows 2 to 10: Chain 1 and single crochet in each stitch across. Turn.
Row 11: Chain 1, single crochet 2 together, single crochet across to the last 2 stitches, and single crochet 2 together. Turn. You have 10 stitches.
Row 12: Chain 1 and single crochet across. Turn.
Row 13: Repeat Row 11. You have 8 stitches.
Row 14: Repeat Row 11. You have 6 stitches.
Do not fasten off.
Rounding the Ghost
Round 1: Chain 1 and work single crochet evenly all around the ghost shape. At the top corners, work 2 single crochet in the same stitch to smooth the curve.
Wavy Bottom Edge
When you reach the bottom edge, make the wavy hem: slip stitch in the first stitch, then work half double crochet, double crochet, and half double crochet in the next stitch. Slip stitch in the next stitch. Repeat across the bottom to make 3 rounded waves.
Join and fasten off.
Part 2: The Black Background
Round 2: Join black at the top of the ghost. Chain 1 and single crochet in each stitch around the ghost. Join.
Round 3: Now start turning the shape into a square. Place 4 stitch markers at the corners: two at the top sides of the ghost and two at the bottom corners.
Along the top and sides, use double crochet. Where the ghost is narrow, at the top corners, use treble crochet to fill the space. Along the bottom, use half double crochet so the edge stays straight.
At each marked corner, work 2 double crochet, chain 2, and 2 double crochet.
Join.
Round 4: Chain 3 and work double crochet in each stitch along the sides. In each corner space, work 2 double crochet, chain 2, and 2 double crochet. Join.
Round 5: Repeat Round 4. Your square should now be about 12 cm across.
Fasten off.
Corner Star Dots
With cream, sew a small cross stitch or a French knot in each corner of the black area, close to the corner spaces. Add 2 more dots near the top corners as shown in the photo. These little dots look like stars in the night sky.
Part 3: The Orange Border
Round 6: Join orange in any corner space. Chain 3 and work 2 double crochet, chain 2, and 3 double crochet in the corner. Work double crochet in each stitch along the sides. Repeat for all corners. Join.
Round 7: Chain 3 and work double crochet in each stitch along the sides, with 3 double crochet, chain 2, and 3 double crochet in each corner space. Join.
Round 8: Chain 1 and work single crochet in each stitch around, with 3 single crochet in each corner space. Join and fasten off.
Part 4: The Face (black)
Eyes (make 2): Chain 2 and work 6 single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook. Join and fasten off, leaving a tail.
Mouth: Chain 2 and work 5 single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook. Join and fasten off, leaving a tail. The mouth is slightly smaller than the eyes.
Sew the eyes near the top of the ghost, about 3 stitches apart. Sew the mouth centered below them.
Tip: You can also use 8 mm black safety eyes or embroider the face with black yarn.
Weave in all ends on the back.
Blocking
Lightly dampen the square and pin it flat with straight sides and sharp corners. Let it dry completely.
Ways to Use Your Ghost Square
Join it with jack o lantern, bat, and pumpkin squares for a Halloween sampler blanket.
Sew two squares together over a cushion insert for a spooky pillow.
Join 10 squares to make a trick or treat bag.
Use a single square as a coaster or a mug rug.
Join a row of squares for a Halloween table runner or wall banner.
Color Ideas
Purple border instead of orange for a magical look
Gray background with a white ghost for a soft, misty feel
Green border with a black background for a fun monster theme
Glow in the dark white yarn for the ghost for a nighttime surprise
Tips for Success
Count your stitches in every row of the ghost so it stays even on both sides.
If the black round ruffles, go down one hook size.
Use stitch markers to mark your corners in Round 3 so the square stays straight.
Sew the face last so you can place it exactly where you like.
Final Thoughts
This cute ghost granny square is a quick and cheerful Halloween project that even beginners can enjoy. Make a whole stack for a cozy seasonal blanket, or mix it with other spooky squares for a fun sampler. Share your finished ghosts in the comments below. We would love to see your friendly spooks!