Striped Granite Stitch Square Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This striped granite stitch square is a wonderful first project for anyone who wants to learn a textured stitch without a complicated chart. The granite stitch creates a dense, bumpy fabric with a rustic, farmhouse feel, and the simple horizontal stripes in oatmeal and sage green make it look far more intricate than it really is. Worked in worsted weight cotton, the square comes out soft but sturdy, about 8 inches by 8 inches, with a neat single crochet border framing every edge. It is perfect for afghan blocks, throw pillows, or a set of washcloths, and it works up quickly enough to make a whole stack in a weekend.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) cotton yarn, approximately 100 yards total: 60 yards oatmeal (color A) and 40 yards sage green (color B).
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a measuring tape or ruler for checking gauge.
- Finished size: 8 inches x 8 inches.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- sp: space
- sps: spaces
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st: slip stitch
- rep: repeat
- A: oatmeal
- B: sage green
Gauge
16 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in granite stitch. To check, crochet a small swatch in pattern and measure a 4-inch section in the middle; if you have more stitches than 16, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.
Tips Before You Start
- Count your stitches at the end of every row. The granite stitch always keeps 16 single crochets and 15 chain-1 spaces per row, so a quick count catches mistakes early.
- Keep your chain-1 spaces loose and even. Tight chains make the fabric stiff and pull the square out of shape.
- Change colors at the end of the last row of each stripe by finishing the final stitch with the new color, so the stripe edge stays clean.
- Because this is cotton, the square may look slightly uneven before blocking. Do not worry; a gentle block squares it up beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Square (make 1)
Worked in rows with color A unless noted.
Setup: With A, ch 33.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (32 sc).
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, skip next sc, sc in next sc; rep from * across, ending with sc in last sc (16 sc, 15 ch-1 sps).
Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip next sc; rep from * across, ending with sc in last sc (16 sc, 15 ch-1 sps).
Rows 4-8: Rep Row 3 (16 sc, 15 ch-1 sps).
Change to B.
Rows 9-16: Rep Row 3 (16 sc, 15 ch-1 sps).
Change to A.
Rows 17-24: Rep Row 3 (16 sc, 15 ch-1 sps).
Change to B.
Rows 25-32: Rep Row 3 (16 sc, 15 ch-1 sps).
Change to A.
Rows 33-40: Rep Row 3 (16 sc, 15 ch-1 sps). Do not fasten off.
Border
Border Rnd 1: Ch 1, turn, work 1 round of sc evenly around the entire square, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
This square is a single flat piece, so no seaming is needed. Weave in all ends on the wrong side with your tapestry needle, running each tail through several stitches before trimming. Block the square gently by misting it with water and pinning it to an 8-inch by 8-inch square on a blocking mat; let it dry completely. If you are making multiple squares, block them all to the same size before joining so your afghan lies flat.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the stripe colors for any two shades you love, or work the whole square in one color for a subtle, allover texture.
- Make a set of four squares and seam them into a 16-inch pillow cover, or work a single square as a generous washcloth.
- For a softer, drapier fabric, try a worsted weight acrylic or cotton blend; just check your gauge again before starting.
