Finding Balance Afghan Square Pattern – BAWJ2019 CAL
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This post includes my newest free crochet design: Finding Balance Afghan Square Pattern. This pattern is written in US Crochet terms, includes a stitch diagram and a photo tutorial.
I’m excited to announce I was invited to participate as a Designer in the BAWJ2019 CAL (Block A Week JulieAnny 2019 Crochet Along ) with Julie Yeager Designs this year! I decided to create an original design for you to try and I worked on this for quite some time to get it just right.
I hope you love making the Finding Balance Afghan Square and you enjoy crocheting it for the CAL, or for whatever project you are making! Please scroll to the end of the post for the photo tutorial and images of other color options, 2 colors only and lighter weight yarn examples.
If you would like to save or print your own copy please use the Print Friendly button at the very top of my post on the right side (it says Print and has an image of a printer with a green paper leaf behind it). With Print Friendly you can remove images with a click, or resize the text size, delete text you don’t need to have or save a PDF of the whole post. Have fun! Rhondda xo
[disclaimer]I received the yarn I used to make this project from Red Heart Yarn. This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase after you click on one of my affiliate links in the post, I will receive a small commission for referring you, at no additional cost to you.[/disclaimer]
Finding Balance Afghan Square Pattern
Create your Ravelry Project Page Here:
Supplies
-
- Yarn: Red Heart With Love. 7 oz (198 g) and 370 yds (338 m). 100% Acrylic. Medium-Weight Yarn [4]. Machine wash warm, gentle cycle. Tumble dry low. Do not over dry. Do not bleach. Do not iron.
- Colors: 1 skein each in Cornsilk, Cameo, Stone, Sage and Light Grey
- Hook: 6.0 mm (J), or size required for gauge.
- Finished Project Yardage: 64 g (120 yds)
- Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker
Difficulty Level
Intermediate
Finished Size
Finished afghan square 12 inches by 12 inches
Gauge
Approximately 3 rows per 1 inch and 3 stitches per inch (in single crochet)
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
beg – beginning
ch – chain
ch3dc-cl – chain 3 double crochet cluster (see Special Stitches)
ch1sp – chain 1 space
ch2sp – chain 2 space
dc – double crochet
R – row or round
rep – repeat
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
tr – treble crochet
* to ** – Repeat the instructions between the asterisks the number of times indicated. This repeat will contain of multiple instructions.
[ ] – at the end of the row – the total number of stitches
( ) – important notes AND sets of stitches to be worked within one stitch or space OR repeats nested within a set of asterisks
Special Stitches
Chain 3 double crochet cluster stitch (ch3dc-cl) – ch 3, 1 dc in the back bump of the 3rd ch from the hook.
Helpful Tutorials
Helpful Video Tutorials
Notes:
- Pattern is written with a sl st join at the end of each round. I prefer to use an invisible join instead because it is tidier. Either is acceptable for this pattern up to the last round.
- Pattern does not have a turning chain for each round because I usually start each new round with a standing st. If you prefer to begin with a sl st join and a turning ch, feel free to substitute.
- The dc worked into the 3rd ch from the hook is part of the ch3dc-cl and is not counted as a dc.
- Sl st does not count as a stitch.
- Weave in your ends as you go.
- The corners of the square will be formed in the single crochet stitches in R2. Please visit the photo tutorial at the end of the post for round by round photos.
- Color A: Cornsilk (yellow), Color B: Cameo (pink), Color C: Stone (light grey), Color D: Sage (green), Color E: light grey (darker grey)
- A Full Photo Tutorial for the square is at the very bottom of the post.
Finding Balance Afghan Square Pattern Instructions
Please read the Notes section (above) for helpful tips before you begin crocheting.
R1: With Color A: Ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook to form a ring. Sl st into the ring, ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, ch 1), 1 dc, 1 sc, (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc, 1 sc) 3 times. Sl st to the 3rd ch of beg ch-4 to join. Finish off. [8 dc, 4 sc, 4 ch1sp]
R2: Join in any sc with Color B: *1 sc in the sc. Sk 1 dc, (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the ch1sp. Sk 1 dc**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first sc to join. Finish off. [8 dc, 4 sc, 4 ch3dc-cl]
R3: Working behind the previous round, join in any ch1sp from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there with Color C: *Working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the ch1sp from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there, sk 1 dc, (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next sc, sk the next dc and the next ch3dc-cl**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first tr to join. Finish off. [12 dc, 4 tr, 8 ch3dc-cl]
R4: Join in any corner dc with Color D: *(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the corner dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the corner sc from 2 rounds prior between the last 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc, (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the next corner sc from 2 rounds prior between the first 2 dc already worked there.** Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first dc to join. Finish off. [15 dc, 8 tr, 12 ch3dc-cl]
R5: Join in any corner dc with Color E: *(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the corner dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the last 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc, (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the tr from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc, (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the next corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the first 2 dc already worked there**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first dc to join. Finish off. [28 dc, 12 tr, 16 ch3dc-cl]
R6: Join in any corner dc with Color A: *(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the corner dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the last 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc. [(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the tr from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc] 2 times. (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the next corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the first 2 dc already worked there**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first dc to join. Finish off. [36 dc, 16 tr, 20 ch3dc-cl]
R7: Join in any corner dc with Color C: *(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the corner dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the last 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc. [(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the tr from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc] 3 times. (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the next corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the first 2 dc already worked there**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first dc to join. Finish off. [44 dc, 20 tr, 24 ch3dc-cl]
R8: Join in any corner dc with Color E: *(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the corner dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the last 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc. [(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the tr from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc] 4 times. (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the next corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the first 2 dc already worked there**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first dc to join. Finish off. [52 dc, 24 tr, 28 ch3dc-cl]
R9: Locate any corner dc. Join in the dc this corner dc is worked into with Color D: *Working behind the previous round, 3 tr in the corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the last 2 dc already worked there, sk the ch3dc-cl and the next dc. 1 sc in the next tr. (Sk the next dc and the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 3 tr in the dc from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there, sk the next dc, 1 sc in the next tr) 5 times. Sk the next dc and the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 3 tr in the corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the first 2 dc already worked there, ch 2, sk the corner dc**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first tr to join. Finish off. [84 tr, 24 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R10: Join in any corner ch2sp with Color C: *3 sc in the ch2sp, (1 sc in each of the next 3 tr, 1 sc in the next sc) 6 times. 1 sc in each of the next 3 tr.** Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first sc to join. Finish off. [120 sc]
R11: Join in any corner sc with Color E: *3 sc in the corner sc,1 sc in each of the next 29 sc**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first sc to join. Finish off. [128 sc]
R12: Join in any corner sc with Color B: *3 sc in the corner sc,1 sc in each of the next 31 sc**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first sc to join. Finish off. [136 sc]
R13: Join in any corner sc with Color C: *3 sc in the corner sc,1 sc in each of the next 33 sc**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first sc to join. Finish off. [144 sc]
Optional extra round (only complete this round if you need it to reach your 12 inches X 12 inches).
R14: Join in any corner sc with Color C: *3 sc in the corner sc,1 sc in each of the next 35 sc**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first sc to join. Finish off. [152 sc]
Finishing
Weave in any remaining ends. Wet block and pin to 12 inches by 12 inches.
Photo Tutorial for Finding Balance Afghan Square
R1: With Color A: Ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook to form a ring. Sl st into the ring, ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, ch 1), 1 dc, 1 sc, (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc, 1 sc) 3 times. Sl st to the 3rd ch of beg ch-4 to join. Finish off. [8 dc, 4 sc, 4 ch1sp]
R2: Join in any sc with Color B: *1 sc in the sc. Sk 1 dc, (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the ch1sp. Sk 1 dc**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first sc to join. Finish off. [8 dc, 4 sc, 4 ch3dc-cl]
R3: Working behind the previous round, join in any ch1sp from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there with Color C: *Working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the ch1sp from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there, sk 1 dc, (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next sc, sk the next dc and the next ch3dc-cl**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first tr to join. Finish off. [12 dc, 4 tr, 8 ch3dc-cl]
R4: Join in any corner dc with Color D: *(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the corner dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the corner sc from 2 rounds prior between the last 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc, (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the next corner sc from 2 rounds prior between the first 2 dc already worked there.** Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first dc to join. Finish off. [15 dc, 8 tr, 12 ch3dc-cl]
R5: Join in any corner dc with Color E: *(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the corner dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the last 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc, (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the tr from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc, (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the next corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the first 2 dc already worked there**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first dc to join. Finish off. [28 dc, 12 tr, 16 ch3dc-cl]
R6: Join in any corner dc with Color A: *(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the corner dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the last 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc. [(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the tr from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc] 2 times. (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the next corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the first 2 dc already worked there**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first dc to join. Finish off. [36 dc, 16 tr, 20 ch3dc-cl]
R7: Join in any corner dc with Color C: *(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the corner dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the last 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc. [(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the tr from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc] 3 times. (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the next corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the first 2 dc already worked there**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first dc to join. Finish off. [44 dc, 20 tr, 24 ch3dc-cl]
R8: Join in any corner dc with Color E: *(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the corner dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the last 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc. [(1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the tr from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there. Sk the next dc] 4 times. (1 dc, 1 ch3dc-cl, 1 dc) in the next tr, sk the next dc, sk the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 1 tr in the next corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the first 2 dc already worked there**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first dc to join. Finish off. [52 dc, 24 tr, 28 ch3dc-cl]
R9: Locate any corner dc. Join in the dc this corner dc is worked into with Color D: *Working behind the previous round, 3 tr in the corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the last 2 dc already worked there, sk the ch3dc-cl and the next dc. 1 sc in the next tr. (Sk the next dc and the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 3 tr in the dc from 2 rounds prior between the 2 dc already worked there, sk the next dc, 1 sc in the next tr) 5 times. Sk the next dc and the next ch3dc-cl, working behind the previous round, 3 tr in the corner dc from 2 rounds prior between the first 2 dc already worked there, ch 2, sk the corner dc**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first tr to join. Finish off. [84 tr, 24 sc, 4 ch2sp]
R10: Join in any corner ch2sp with Color C: *3 sc in the ch2sp, (1 sc in each of the next 3 tr, 1 sc in the next sc) 6 times. 1 sc in each of the next 3 tr.** Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first sc to join. Finish off. [120 sc]
R11: Join in any corner sc with Color E: *3 sc in the corner sc,1 sc in each of the next 29 sc**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first sc to join. Finish off. [128 sc]
R12: Join in any corner sc with Color B: *3 sc in the corner sc,1 sc in each of the next 31 sc**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first sc to join. Finish off. [136 sc]
R13: Join in any corner sc with Color C: *3 sc in the corner sc,1 sc in each of the next 33 sc**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first sc to join. Finish off. [144 sc]
Optional extra rounds (only complete this round if you need it to reach your 12 inches X 12 inches).
R14: Join in any corner sc with Color C: *3 sc in the corner sc,1 sc in each of the next 35 sc**. Rep from * to ** 4 times total. Sl st to the first sc to join. Finish off. [152 sc]
Finishing
Weave in any remaining ends. Wet block and pin to 12 inches by 12 inches.
Here are some other color options I used in my samples:
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn (Medium Weight [4]) in 2 colors and a 6 mm (J) hook:
Sport Weight Yarn [2] and a 4 mm (G) hook:
here is an example using bright Sport Weight Yarn:
#redheartyarns #joycreators #BAWJ2019
Hi Betty, I haven’t created a professional PDF copy for it yet but I hope to do so in June 🙂 If you want to create one from the post, you can use the Print Friendly button at the very beginning of the post and you can create one yourself for free 🙂 I will try to have the one in the Ravelry shop added next month if you just want to wait though. All the best, Rhondda
This is such a beautiful square pattern! Do you sell it in a pdf format please. I want to make this as a pillow cover in cream for our living room. Thank you so much!
Beautiful!! With Gratitude and Love.