The motif featured here is a delightful twist on the classic granny square, turning a simple square into a standout statement piece that combines floral elegance with airy geometric lace. At the center, you’ll notice a well-defined bloom—eight creamy white petals radiate from a tight circular eye, surrounded by a contrasting soft teal. The frame is open and lacy, giving it an ethereal feel. This square’s openwork structure and floral center make it an enchanting choice for projects where freshness and a hint of vintage charm are desired.
The colors are tranquil—a cool seafoam green or light teal paired with crisp white highlights. Its main visual features are a dense flower center, elongated petal stitches, and a beautifully airy, squared-off border. Each motif can be used on its own as a stunning coaster or joined with others for larger creations. Imagine soft throws, light bedspreads, summer pillow covers, bags, or wall hangings. The combination of solid and lacy elements creates subtle texture changes, making it interesting to crochet and visually eye-catching in any room. This project is for anyone seeking both beauty and versatility in their crochet endeavors.
Project Overview
This square is worked in the round—starting at the center and expanding outward. The beginning forms a tight ring, from which the elongated petals radiate. After the flower portion, chains and double crochets craft the repetitive lattice sections, finishing with bold, open corners to form a clear square. Each motif is created separately and can be joined using your favorite join-as-you-go or sewing technique.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project uses basic stitches (chains, double crochets) but requires confident handling of cluster and puff stitches, neat color changes, precise stitch placement, and balanced tension for openwork. Some experience with granny squares and reading crochet instructions is recommended.
Materials
- Yarn: Light worsted (DK / #3) cotton or cotton-blend yarn
- Colors: Approx. 20g of main color (teal/green) per motif, 10g of accent color (white) per motif
- Crochet Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) or suitable for your yarn and tension
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing motifs together
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers: Useful for marking the first stitch of rounds or corners
- Blocking Board and Pins: Optional, for crisp edges
Finished Size
Each square will be approximately 13 cm x 13 cm (5 x 5 inches) when blocked. You can adjust the finished size by changing your yarn weight or hook size. For larger squares, use a thicker yarn and larger hook; for smaller, use finer materials.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for motifs, but for reference: One finished square should measure approx. 13 cm/5 inches across after blocking. If you’re making a fitted item (like a pillow), work a test square and adjust hook size to match your target size.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- cl – cluster (as defined in pattern)
- puff – puff stitch (as defined in pattern)
- MR – magic ring
- sp – space
- rep – repeat
Important Pattern Notes
- Ch 3 at the beginning of rounds counts as a dc unless otherwise specified.
- Join rounds with a sl st to the top of the initial chain or stitch, unless stated.
- Work with the right side facing throughout.
- For neat color changes, complete the last yarn-over of the last stitch in the old color with the new color.
- Use stitch markers if you lose track of the first stitch of a round or corner spaces.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Flower Center
With main color (teal/green):
- MR, ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 16 sc into ring. Pull ring tight. Join with sl st in first sc. (16 sc)
- Ch 1, *ch 5, skip 1 sc, sl st in next sc*; rep from * to * around (you’ll have 8 ch-5 loops). Fasten off main color. Join accent color (white) in any ch-5 loop. (8 loops)
Part 2: Petal Rounds
With accent color (white):
- Join with sl st to any ch-5 loop, ch 2 (does not count as stitch, for height), *work 1 puff stitch (yarn over, insert in ch-5 sp, pull up loop, yarn over, pull up loop, repeat 3 more times – 9 loops on hook, yarn over and pull through all loops, ch 1 to close), ch 2, work another puff in same sp, ch 2*; rep around, working 2 puffs and ch-2 between in each loop. Join with sl st to top of first puff. (16 puffs total; 2 per petal base, 8 petals)
- In each ch-2 space between paired puffs, work: (sl st, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st) – this shapes the petals. Fasten off white. (8 petals)
Part 3: First Lacy Frame
Switch back to main color (teal/green):
- Join in any ch-2 between petals. *Ch 7, sl st between next set of petals in next ch-2; rep from * around, making 8 ch-7 loops. Join with sl st to starting point. (8 loops)
- Sl st into first ch-7 loop, ch 3 (counts as dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same loop (first corner), *ch 3, 3 dc in next ch-7 sp, ch 3, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-7 sp*; rep from * to * 3 more times, ending with ch 3, 3 dc in next sp, ch 3, sl st to top of initial ch-3. (4 corners, each corner has [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc])
Part 4: Second Lacy Frame (Square Shaping)
- Sl st into corner ch-2 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp. *Ch 5, skip to next ch-3 sp, sc, ch 5, skip to next corner ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).* Repeat for all four sides. Fasten off at end of round and weave in ends. (Motif will now have clear square corners and lacy sides.)
Part 5: Optional Decorative Rounds (for larger blocks or bolder borders)
- If you wish, work a round of sc in each st and ch-sp around the square, placing (3 sc) in each corner ch-2 sp, for a firmer edging. Adjust number of chains for the desired openness. You may also add more rounds of mesh (ch 3, skip 2, sc) as needed for your intended use (see Customization Ideas).
Assembly and Finishing
- Block each square using a spray bottle and blocking pins to ensure straight edges and sharp corners. Let dry completely.
- For multi-motif projects, whipstitch or crochet squares together through the back loops, aligning corners and side mesh for a seamless join.
- Weave in all yarn tails using a tapestry needle. Use darker yarn for joining motifs for a more cohesive finished look, or white for contrast depending on design aesthetic.
Customization Ideas
- Change the flower center color for seasonal effects—try yellow filaments or pastel petals for spring, or all-neutral for a modern look.
- Make larger or smaller motifs by adjusting yarn thickness and hook size. Bulky yarn yields a chunky effect for throws; fine cotton makes dainty coasters or doilies.
- Transform squares into bags, throws, pillow covers, table runners, or wall art by varying assembly methods.
- Add a solid granny-round border for sturdier projects.
- Alternate color order between motifs to create a beautifully patchworked design.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the motif curls: Use a larger hook for the flower/petal rounds or steam-block the motif gently.
- If corners ripple: Double-check stitch count on mesh rounds; too many chains or stitches in corners can cause this.
- Edges uneven: Carefully count ch-spaces and ensure each petal/mesh section aligns.
- Motif too tight or loose: Match gauge by adjusting hook size or tension.
- Color changes look sloppy: Always change color on the last yarn-over of the previous stitch for a tidy finish.
- Petals don’t pop: Puff stitches rely on consistent, slightly looser tension.
Care Instructions
Hand wash or gentle machine wash in cold water for cotton or cotton-blend yarns. Lay flat to dry and reshape while damp. If desired, carefully press with a warm iron between towels. Avoid bleach and excessive wringing.
Final Notes
Before joining, count all petals and mesh loops to ensure uniform size. Adjust your tension early if the square starts to warp or pull. Use the photo as a color and structure reference, and don’t hesitate to block each motif for professional results. Enjoy showcasing your new stitches and breathing life into every square!
