Distraction Granny Square Pattern
When you purchase through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
I really enjoy designing granny squares and afghan blocks. My Distraction Granny Square Pattern is an easy project to make.
The entire granny square is crocheted using simple stitches. The background of the square is crocheted in single crochet stitches and the foreground is crocheted with double crochet and treble crochet stitches that are worked into the remaining loop of a stitch from rounds before.
You will need to be able to recognize the loops of a stitch for this project and how to make chains (ch), slip stitches (sl st), single crochet (sc) stitches, double crochet (dc) stitches and treble crochet (tr) stitches.
I crocheted my granny square with Medium Weight Yarn [4] in two colors and a 6 mm (J) hook.
The beauty of this granny square design is that you can continue making more rounds, basically to infinity, to make a full-size square afghan. The back of the square lays flat due to a little trick I’ve used to secure it while working the drtr (dropped treble crochet stitches). There is a written explanation included and photos below to show you how to do this in the Special Stitches section.
Get my free Afghan Size Chart here.
If you’d like to try some of my other granny square patterns, you can take a look at them all here: Free Afghan Square Patterns
The full written pattern with images is available below in my post.
You can get the ad-free PDF version which includes a stitch diagram for you to work from Ravelry here: Distraction Square PDF
Distraction Granny Square Pattern
Supplies
- Yarn: Yarnspirations. Red Heart With Love Yarn. 7 oz (198 g) and 370 yds (338 m). 100% Acrylic. Medium-Weight Yarn [4]. Machine wash and dry.
- Colors: 1 skein each in Stone (Color A) and Platinum (Color B)
- Hook: 6 mm (J) Furls Streamline Wood
- Finished Project Yardage: 2.05 oz (58 g) and 108 yds (99 m)
- Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker
Difficulty Level
Easy
Finished Size
Afghan Square height approximately 12 inches X 12 inches width
Gauge
First 5 rounds measures 3 inches X 3 inches square
You can substitute any yarn and hook for this stitch pattern – just remember when you substitute, if your gauge is different, the finished size, and amount of yarn used for your project will also be different.
Abbreviations
US Terminology used
Our Crochet Translation Project offers translations in many languages.
Check out the Basic Crochet Terms in 10 languages here.
bl – back loop
ch – chain
ch2sp – chain 2 space
drdc – dropped double crochet (see Special Stitches)
drtr – dropped treble crochet (see Special Stitches)
fl – front loop
R – round
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
st/sts – stitch/stitches
* to ** – Work the instructions between the asterisks the number of times indicated. This repeat will contain multiple instructions.
[ ] – at the end of the row – the total number of stitches; within the row – a set of instructions to be repeated the given number of times.
( ) – important notes AND sets of stitches to be worked within one stitch or space.
Special Stitches
Dropped double crochet (drdc): A double crochet stitch worked into the unworked front loop of a stitch located directly below and 2 rounds before.
The stitch will be worked in the front loop of the stitch immediately below the next stitch in the current round. The stitch on the current round will not be worked into, this is indicated in the instructions.
The double crochet stitch is worked as a regular dc stitch: Yarn over, insert the hook under the front loop of the specified stitch, yarn over and pull up 1 loop. Yarn over and draw through 2 loops, yarn over and draw through last 2 loops.
Dropped treble crochet (drtr): A treble crochet stitch worked into the unworked front loop of a stitch located directly below and 3 rounds before.
The stitch will be worked in the front loop of the stitch 3 rounds below the next stitch in the current round. The stitch on the current round will be secured in place by picking up the bl before the last yarn over of the tr.
The treble crochet stitch is worked as a regular tr stitch with a slight modification: Yarn over twice, insert the hook under the front loop of the specified stitch, yarn over and pull up 1 loop. Yarn over and draw through 2 loops, yarn over and draw through 2 loops again, insert the hook under the unworked back loop of the stitch on the current round, yarn over and draw through the back loop from the current round and the last 2 loops.
Helpful Tutorials
If you are new to crochet, you can always refer to my How to Crochet Guide and Crochet Stitches and Symbols for more information. For my crochet video tutorials, subscribe to my YouTube Channel here.
Get my crochet cheat sheet here
Notes:
Round by round photos are included at the end of the post.
- Beginning in R2, until R20, all single crochet stitches are worked in the back loop only.
- All double crochet stitches are worked in the front loop only, in the stitch immediately below the next stitch of the round, but made 2 rounds prior.
- All treble crochet stitches are worked in the front loop only, in the stitch immediately below the next stitch of the round, but made 3 rounds prior. To secure the previous round, the back loop of the stitch on the current row will be picked up before the last yarn over of the treble crochet stitch. See Special Stitches for more information.
- We will be working into the corner chain stitches (NOT the chain spaces), under the back loop only, until R20. In R20 we will be working into the ch2sp.
- Stone (Color A) and Platinum (Color B)
- Pattern is written with a ch 2 to begin. I prefer to use a double magic ring to begin, as it is more secure. Either is acceptable for this pattern.
TIP: If you are using a ch 2 to begin, leave about a 4-inch yarn tail at the beginning. You will use this yarn tail to close the hole that will be there from using this method to start.
- Pattern is written with a sl st join at the end of each round. You may use an invisible join instead if you prefer. Either is acceptable for this pattern, when instructed to finish off, up to the last round. Use an invisible join on the last round.
TIP: If you are using a sl st to join I recommend you make it very tightly and keep it to the one side (right side if you are RH, left side if you are left handed) of the stitch. This will give you more room to work into the bl of the same stitch as you proceed to the next round.
- Pattern does not have a turning chain for each round with a color change because I usually start each new color change round with a standing st. If you prefer a sl st join and a turning chain, feel free to substitute.
- Add this project to your Ravelry Library here
Distraction Granny Square Pattern Instructions
This 12-inch afghan square is crocheted in joined rounds
beginning in the center and working towards the outer edges.
Using your 6 mm (J) hook (or size required for gauge):
R1: With Color A: Ch 2 and working in the 2nd ch from the hook, (1 sc, ch 2) 4 times. Sl st to the first sc to join. [4 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R2: Ch 1, 1 sc in the bl of the first st, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch. *1 sc in the bl of the next st, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch**. Work between * and ** 3 times total. Sl st to the first st to join. [12 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R3: Ch 1, 1 sc in the bl of each of the first 2 sts, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of the next st. *1 sc in the bl of each of the next 2 sts, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of the next st**. Work between * and ** 3 times total. Sl st to first st to join. [20 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R4: Ch 1, 1 sc in the bl of each of the first 3 sts, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 2 sts. *1 sc in the bl of each of the next 3 sts, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 2 sts**. Work between * and ** 3 times total. Finish off. [28 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R5: With Color B: Join in the bl of the first ch in any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 3 sts from R3, sk the next 3 sts in R4 (behind the drdc), 1 drtr in the unworked fl of the next st from R2, sk the next st in R4 (behind the drtr), 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 3 sts from R3, sk the next 3 sts in R4 (behind the drdc)**. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Finish off. [8 sc, 24 drdc, 4 drtr, 4 ch2sp]
Square measures approximately 3 inches in diameter.
R6: With Color A: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the st before the ch2sp, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 8 sts. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first st to join. [44 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R7: Ch 1, *1 sc in the bl of each of the next 2 sts, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 9 sts**. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first st to join. [52 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R8: Ch 1, *1 sc in the bl of each of the next 3 sts, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 10 sts**. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Finish off. [60 sc, 4 ch2sp]
Square measures approximately 4.5 inches in diameter.
R9: With Color B: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the st before the ch2sp, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of the next st, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 2 sts from R7, sk the next 2 sts in R8 (behind the drdc), 1 drtr in the unworked fl of the next st from R6, sk the next st in R8 (behind the drtr), [1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 3 sts from R7, sk the next 3 sts in R8 (behind the drdc), 1 drtr in the unworked fl of the next st from R6, sk the next st in R8 (behind the drtr)] twice, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 2 sts from R7, sk the next 2 sts in R8 (behind the drdc)**. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Finish off. [16 sc, 40 drdc, 12 drtr, 4 ch2sp]
R10: With Color A: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the st before the ch2sp, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 16 sts. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first st to join. [76 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R11: Ch 1, *1 sc in the bl of each of the next 2 sts, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 17 sts**. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first st to join. [84 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R12: Ch 1, *1 sc in the bl of each of the next 3 sts, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 18 sts**. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Finish off. [92 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R13: With Color B: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the st before the ch2sp, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of the next st, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 2 sts from R11, sk the next 2 sts in R12 (behind the drdc), 1 drtr in the unworked fl of the next st from R10, sk the next st in R12 (behind the drtr), [1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 3 sts from R11, sk the next 3 sts in R12 (behind the drdc), 1 drtr in the unworked fl of the next st from R10, sk the next st in R12 (behind the drtr)] four times, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 2 sts from R11, sk the next 2 sts in R12 (behind the drdc)**. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Finish off. [16 sc, 64 drdc, 20 drtr, 4 ch2sp]
R14: With Color A: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the st before the ch2sp, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 24 sts. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first st to join. [108 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R15: Ch 1, *1 sc in the bl of each of the next 2 sts, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 25 sts**. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first st to join. [116 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R16: Ch 1, *1 sc in the bl of each of the next 3 sts, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 26 sts**. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Finish off. [124 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R17: With Color B: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the st before the ch2sp, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of the next st, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 2 sts from R15, sk the next 2 sts in R16 (behind the drdc), 1 drtr in the unworked fl of the next st from R14, sk the next st in R16 (behind the drtr), [1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 3 sts from R15, sk the next 3 sts in R16 (behind the drdc), 1 drtr in the unworked fl of the next st from R14, sk the next st in R16 (behind the drtr)] six times, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 2 sts from R15, sk the next 2 sts in R16 (behind the drdc)**. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Finish off. [16 sc, 88 drdc, 28 drtr, 4 ch2sp]
R18: With Color A: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the st before the ch2sp, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 32 sts. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first st to join. [140 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R19: Ch 1, *1 sc in the bl of each of the next 2 sts, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, ch 2, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 33 sts**. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Finish off. [148 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R20: With Color B: Join in the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the st before the ch2sp, 3 sc in the ch2sp, 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts. [1 drdc in the unworked fl of the next st from R18, sk the next st in R19 (behind the drdc), 1 sc in each of the next 3 sts] eight times, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of the next st from R18, sk the next st in R19 (behind the drdc), 1 sc in the next st**. Work between * and ** 4 times total. Finish off. [124 sc, 36 drdc]
Finishing Instructions for the Distraction Granny Square
- Weave in any remaining ends.
Round by Round Photos for the Distraction Granny Square
Create your project page here: Distraction Granny Square Pattern
#grannysquare #crochet #crochetpattern #afghanblock #freepattern #yarnspirations #furlsin222 #furlscrochet #redheartyarns #redheartyarn #bamcal
Similar Afghan Square Patterns Include:
Guiding Light Afghan Square
Hidden Sanctuary Afghan Square
Don’t Blink Afghan Block
October Square
Perfect Balance Square
Madison Afghan Square
Such a neat square design!
Thanks Verna 🙂 I think it would look quite lovely. One of the crocheters making it in the BAMCAL group used a few different colors for hers 🙂 https://www.ravelry.com/projects/hrdnglynne/distraction-granny-square Thank you for always visiting me and leaving comments Verna ♥ I feel like I have a crochet friend online!
WOW! This is amazing Rhondda. I wonder how it would look worked with each square being different contrasting colors?