Circle in the Square - Free Crochet Granny Square Pattern

I like simple crochet patterns, but I also like something that doesn't look too basic.  I think this Circle in the Square granny square pattern fits both of those nicely.  This square is easy enough to make, but I think that starting out as a circle adds an interesting element of design.  It really pops if you crochet it in contrasting light and bright or dark colors.

Materials Needed

Size I crochet hook
Two contrasting colors of worsted weight yarn
Large needle to weave in ends

Abbreviations

Ch = chain
St = stitch
Sl st = slip stitch
Sk = skip
SC = single crochet
DC = double crochet
HDC = half double crochet

Circle in the Square Pattern

Using size I crochet hook and worsted weight yarn will result in a 6" granny square

With Color A, ch 5, join with slip stitch to first ch.

Round 1:  Ch 2 (counts as first HDC at beginning of rounds 1-3), work 17 more HDC in the circle for a total of 18 HDC.  Join with sl st to top of beginning ch 2/HDC.

Round 2:  Ch 2, work 1 HDC in each stitch around, for a total of 18 HDC.  Join with sl st to top of beginning ch 2/HDC.

Round 3:  Ch 2, 1 HDC in same space, work 2 HDC in each stitch around, total of 36 HDC.  Join with sl st to top of first ch 2/HDC.  Finish off.

Round 4:  Join Color B in any stitch.  Ch 3 (counts as first DC at beginning of rounds 4-5), DC in same space, * DC in next st, HDC in next 2 st, SC in next 2 st, HDC in next 2 st, DC in next st, (2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC) in next st (making corner).  Repeat from * to complete other 3 sides, ending with 2 DC in beginning corner, ch 2, sl st to join to beginning ch 2/DC.

Round 5:  Ch 3, DC in same space, * DC in next 10 st, sk last DC, work (2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC) in corner, repeat from * to complete other 3 sides, ending with 2 DC in last corner, ch 2, sl st to top of first ch 3/DC.  Finish off.

Border:  Join Color A in any stitch.  Ch 1, SC around all four sides, working (SC, ch 2, SC) in each corner.  Sl st to join to initial ch.  Finish off, weave in ends.

Enjoy!

Marie Anne

P.S.  Make sure to check out the rest of my free crochet patterns.