Expectation Granny Square Pattern
When you purchase through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
Happy February Crocheters! Today is my day to share a free 12-inch afghan block pattern with you as part of the #mooglycal2022. The Expectation Granny Square Pattern is available for free in the post below. I have created a video tutorial to walk you through the first 5 rounds of the square which will demonstrate each of the stitches and joins you need to make for the square.
The square is relatively simply and if you have crocheted one of my other afghan squares in the past, it uses the same dropped double crochet (drdc) method.
You will need Medium Weight Yarn [4] and a 6 mm (J) crochet hook for this project.
Expectation Granny Square Pattern
The entire Expectation Granny Square pattern is crocheted in joined rounds where the background is created by working single crochet stitches in the back loops (bl) of the stitches and the dropped double crochet (drdc) stitches are worked in the unworked front loops of a stitch 2 rounds prior.
I hope you enjoy making this square and if you do, please check out the others free crochet afghan blocks I have designed using this technique too!
Similar Free 12 inch Granny Square Patterns:
- Distraction Granny Square
- Guiding Light Afghan Square
- Hidden Sanctuary Afghan Square
- Don’t Blink Afghan Block
- October Square
- Perfect Balance Square
- Madison Afghan Square
As with all the posts and patterns on my site you can create your very own PDF copy simply by tapping the printer icon at the top of my post. If you prefer, I do have an ad-free PDF available that includes the stitch diagram, for purchase on Ravelry here.
Pop over to Tamara’s site to see all the beautiful blocks in this year’s Moogly CAL here. Join the other crocheters working on this year’s project in her dedicated Facebook Group here.
I love the colors Tamara chose for her Expectation Granny Square:
Expectation Granny Square Pattern
Supplies
- Yarn: Red Heart With Love Yarn. 7 oz (198 g) and 370 yds (338 m). 100% Acrylic. Medium-Weight Yarn [4]. Machine wash and dry.
- Yarn Colors: 1 skein each in Stone (Color A), Platinum (Color B), Pewter (Color C) and Dusty Grape (Color D)
- Crochet Hook: 6 mm (J) Furls Streamline Wood (affiliate link)
- Finished Project Yardage: 1.97 oz (56 g) and 105 yds (96 m)
- Scissors, Tapestry Needle (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)
- 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 used in the Expectation Granny Square Pattern
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.
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.
- Stitch Anatomy
- Invisible Join
- Quick Stitch Guide
- Slip Knot and Starting Chain
- Rounds 1 – 5 of the Expectation Granny Square Pattern (shows you all the stitches for the square)
Notes:
- Round by round photos for the Expectation Granny Square Pattern are included at the end of the post.
- Beginning in R2 all single crochet stitches are worked in the back loop only, unless otherwise indicated.
- 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.
- We will be working into the corner chain stitches (NOT the chain spaces), under the back loop only, until R19. In R19 we will work 1 sc in the bl of the first chain, 1 sc in the ch2sp and 1 sc in the bl of the second chain.
- Stone (Color A), Platinum (Color B), Pewter (Color C) and Dusty Grape (Color D).
- 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 right handed, 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 your project to Ravelry here
Expectation 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 from * to ** 3 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [12 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R3: With Color B: Join in the bl of sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc 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 2 sts**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [20 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R4: With Color A: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc 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 2 sts, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of the next st from R2, sk the next st in R3 (behind the drdc), 1 sc in the bl of the next st**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [24 sc, 4 drdc, 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 each of the next 3 sts in R4 (behind the 3 drdc), 1 sc in the bl of the next st, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 3 sts from R3, sk each of the next 3 sts in R4 (behind the 3 drdc)**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [12 sc, 24 drdc, 4 ch2sp]
R6: With Color A: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc 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 4 sts, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of the next st from R4, sk the next st in R5 (behind the drdc), 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 3 sts**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [40 sc, 4 drdc, 4 ch2sp]
Square measures approximately 3.5 inches in diameter.
R7: 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 4 sts from R5, sk each of the next 4 sts from R6 (behind the 4 drdc), 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 3 sts, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 4 sts from R5, sk each of the next 4 sts from R6 (behind the 4 drdc)**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [20 sc, 32 drdc, 4 ch2sp]
R8: With Color A: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc 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 5 sts, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 3 sts from R6, sk each of the next 3 sts from R7 (behind the 3 drdc), 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 4 sts**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [48 sc, 12 drdc, 4 ch2sp]
R9: 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 4 sts from R7, sk each of the next 4 sts from R8 (behind the 4 drdc), 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 7 sts, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 4 sts from R7, sk each of the next 4 sts in R8 (behind the 4 drdc)**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [36 sc, 32 drdc, 4 ch2sp]
R10: With Color A: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc 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 5 sts, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of each of the next 7 sts from R8, sk each of the next 7 sts in R9 (behind the 7 drdc), 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 4 sts**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [48 sc, 28 drdc, 4 ch2sp]
R11: With Color C: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc 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 18 sts**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [84 sc, 4 ch2sp]
Square measures approximately 7 inches in diameter.
R12: With Color D: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc 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 20 sts**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [92 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R13: With Color A: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc 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 22 sts**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [100 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R14: With Color B: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc 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 from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [108 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R15: With Color A: 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 the next st from R13, sk the next st from R14 (behind the drdc). [1 sc in the bl of the next st, 1 drdc in the unworked fl of the next st from R13, sk the next st from R14 (behind the drdc)] 13 times**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [60 sc, 56 drdc, 4 ch2sp]
R16: With Color D: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc 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 28 sts**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [124 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R17: With Color C: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc 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 30 sts**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [132 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R18: With Color B: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc 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 from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [140 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R19: With Color A: Join in the bl of the sc before any corner ch2sp. *1 sc in the bl of the sc before the ch2sp, 1 sc in the bl of the first ch, 1 sc in the ch2sp, 1 sc in the bl of the next ch, 1 sc in the bl of each of the next 34 sts**. Work from * to ** 4 times. Sl st to the first st to join. Finish off. [152 sc]
Finishing
- Weave in any remaining ends.
- Wet block to 12 X 12 inches square.
I hope you loved crocheting the Expectation Granny Square Pattern!
Add your project to Ravelry here
Did you make this project? Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram.
Check out my other available size charts and measurements here.
Round by Round Photos
Expectation Granny Square Pattern
Make your Expectation Granny Square Pattern Project Page here.
#grannysquare #crochet #crochetpattern #afghanblock #freepattern #yarnspirations #furlsin222 #furlscrochet #redheartyarns #redheartyarn
I love this square it is so pretty. It would look good made into a tote.
Such a beautiful square!