Introduction
This charming crochet project features a colorful cross motif constructed from granny squares adorned with floral designs. The piece combines cheerful shades of yellow, coral pink, turquoise, and cream with a gleaming gold border, all worked in a soft, medium-weight yarn. Each floral granny square showcases textured petals and contrasting backgrounds, giving the finished piece a vibrant, eye-catching look. The cross shape emerges organically from the joining of separate squares, making it perfect as a wall decoration for religious occasions, a thoughtful gift, or a centerpiece for celebrations such as Easter or baptisms. Whether you enjoy working with bold colors or want to practice your motif-joining skills, this project offers a wonderful opportunity to develop your technique while creating something both meaningful and beautiful.
What makes this project particularly enjoyable is its flexibility and manageable size—it’s intricate in appearance, but each individual square comes together quickly. The luscious yarn colors bring each flower to life, and the gilded edging provides a special finishing touch. Crafters of various skill levels can enjoy assembling the motifs, playing with color placement, and giving the cross a personal touch. This is a piece you’ll be proud to display or gift for a wide range of special occasions.
Project Overview
This crochet cross is constructed from five floral granny squares: one at the center, one at each end of the cross, and extending rectangles. Each square is worked individually and then joined using the join-as-you-go method. The floral centers are crocheted first, followed by the background and border rounds. After joining, a supportive border and a double round finish the cross, culminating in a decorative gold edge. The project is worked flat, with some ends that will need to be woven in, and requires simple seaming or crocheted joins.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate. Basic knowledge of working in rounds, changing colors, crocheting granny squares, and joining motifs is required. The textured flower stitch adds moderate complexity, but detailed instructions are provided.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or soft acrylic yarn.
- Turquoise (background): approx. 70g
- Light cream (frame/flowers): approx. 60g
- Coral pink (flowers): approx. 25g
- Golden yellow (flowers and border): approx. 35g
- Gold metallic yarn or thread (final border): approx. 20g
- Hook: US H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook (adjust size if changing yarn weight)
- Tapestry needle: For sewing in ends and joining squares if not crocheting them together
- Scissors
- Stitch markers: Optional, for marking motif corners and joins
- Blocking board and pins: Optional but recommended for shaping granny squares
Finished Size
The finished cross measures approximately 27 cm tall by 20 cm wide (10.5 x 8 inches). Each granny square/rectangle is about 7 cm (2.75 inches) per side. You can easily adjust the size by using different hook or yarn sizes, or by altering the dimensions and number of squares before joining.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this project but for reference, each granny square should measure approximately 7 cm (2.75 inches) across after the final background round. Small changes in tension or yarn thickness will change the overall finished dimensions, so adjust hook size if your squares differ noticeably in size.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble (triple) crochet
- MR – magic ring
- sp – space
- st – stitch
- inc – increase (2 sts in same space)
- dec – decrease (tog, two stitches together)
Pattern Notes
- All instructions use US crochet terminology.
- Chains at the beginning of rounds count as a stitch unless stated.
- Rounds are joined with a slip stitch unless otherwise indicated.
- Change colors as directed by fastening off and joining new yarn, or carry yarn up the back for less weaving in.
- Use a magic ring (MR) to start each flower for a neat center, or ch 4 and sl st to first ch to form a ring.
- Motifs are joined with whipstitch or crochet slip-stitch join for a seamless finish.
- Pay attention to right side (RS) up during motif placement and joining for a neat appearance.
- Place stitch markers at corners to help align squares perfectly.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Part 1: Floral Granny Squares
You will make 5 squares: 3 with coral pink flowers, and 2 with golden yellow flowers. A central motif is worked in cream (star). Adjust colors as desired.
- Round 1 (Flower Center – MR, any flower color): Make a MR, ch 2 (counts as first hdc), work 11 more hdc in ring (12 hdc total). Sl st to first hdc to join. Fasten off (or pull MR closed).
- Round 2 (Petals): Attach flower color (coral pink/yellow). Ch 2, (counts as first hdc). *In same st: [hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc]—petal made. Skip 1 st, sl st in next st.* Repeat from * to * 5 more times (6 petals). Sl st to base of first ch 2. Fasten off flower color.
- Round 3 (Background – turquoise): Attach turquoise yarn in any sl st. Ch 2 (counts as dc). Work 1 dc between each pair of petals, and 2 dc in each skipped st from Round 2 as you move around for a total of 24 dc. Sl st to join. (24 dc)
- Round 4 (Granny Square Formation): Still in turquoise, ch 3 (counts as first dc), *dc in next 2 dc, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st/corner], dc in next 4 dc*; repeat from * to * around, making corners in every 6th stitch. Join with sl st. (Each side: 6 dc, corners: ch-2)
- Round 5 (Frame – cream): Attach cream to any ch-2 sp. Ch 1, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in corner sp], sc in each dc across to next corner, repeat for all 4 sides. Sl st to join. (Each corner with 2 sc, each side: 8 sc)
Part 2: Rectangle Motifs (if creating cross arms)
Create two rectangles using the same flower and background instructions, but on round 4, work two extra sets of dc before starting the next corner, making a longer rectangle (sides: 10 dc, corners as usual). Follow with framing in cream as above.
Part 3: Central Star Motif
- Round 1 (Cream): Make MR, ch 2, 11 hdc into MR, join. (12 hdc)
- Round 2: *(Ch 5, sl st in next st)* repeat 6 times for 6 loops. Fasten off.
- Round 3: In each ch-5 loop, work (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) for a pointed star petal. Join, fasten off.
- Round 4 (Background – turquoise): Attach yarn at any point between petals. Ch 3, dc evenly around work placing 2 dc between each petal, and an extra dc at the valleys, with (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) at each corner to square off the motif. Sl st to join. Proceed with cream frame as before.
Part 4: Joining the Motifs
- Arrange pieces with one square center, one on each arm/top/bottom, two rectangles extending horizontally if desired for cross arms.
- With RS facing, whipstitch or slip-stitch join using cream along touching edges, keeping motifs aligned.
Part 5: Border and Gold Edge
- Cream Border Round: With cream, sc evenly around entire cross, working (sc, ch 2, sc) at each outer corner for smooth turns.
- Gold Final Border: Switch to gold metallic yarn. Sl st in every sc around entire cross, keeping tension even. (Optional: work reverse single crochet/crab stitch for a twisted cord look.) Join and fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
After joining all squares and rectangles, weave in all yarn ends securely with a tapestry needle, especially around color changes and joins. Block the finished cross by lightly misting with water and pinning it to shape on a foam board or towel; allow to dry completely for crisp edges. Make sure edges are flat and corners are squared off. If your border or gold round has any rippling, gently reshape while blocking. You may add a felt or fabric backing for extra firmness, attaching it with invisible whipstitching. Lastly, steam as needed (if yarn allows) and ensure the gold border sits evenly without twisting.
Customization Ideas
- Swap out the featured colors to match holidays or personal taste—choose soft pastels for spring, jewel tones for Christmas, or a monochrome look for simplicity.
- Use sport or DK yarn to make a smaller cross for bookmarks, or bulky yarn for a larger wall hanging.
- Add beads or sequins into the petal centers for extra sparkle.
- Use the pattern for other shapes: squares for blankets, or combine motifs for table runners or placemats.
- Change the metallic gold edge to a neutral tone for a subtler effect.
Troubleshooting
- Curling Motifs: If your squares curl, your tension may be too tight—try using a larger hook, or blocking the motifs before joining.
- Uneven Edges: Make sure your stitch counts match for each motif; blocked motifs make joining easier.
- Piece Too Large/Small: Gauge differences or yarn choice may affect size. Adjust hook size accordingly, or add/subtract rounds as needed.
- Loose Color Changes: Always secure and weave in color ends properly to prevent unraveling and loose areas.
- Uneven Tension: Take breaks to relax hands, and practice a few sample squares before beginning.
- Sloppy Joins: Use the whipstitch or crochet slip-stitch join with care; line up motifs using stitch markers to maintain shape and symmetry.
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent and gently squeeze out excess water. Reshape and lay flat to dry, pinning edges if needed. Avoid machine washing or tumble drying, especially if using metallic yarn in the border, as it may snag or lose sheen.
Final Notes
Check your stitch counts carefully as you work each round—granny squares rely on even numbers for best shape. Adjust your tension if the piece is warping. Use the project photo as a guide for color placement and motif joining. Remember, small variations will give your cross a unique handmade character. Enjoy the process and happy crocheting!
