This 12″ textured floral square crochet pattern has 2 different options: A flat version, and one with more texture and embellishment! The elegant floral motif on this afghan block will add a feminine touch to any crochet blanket. Find the free crochet pattern instructions below, or purchase a print-optimized, ad-free PDF by clicking here.
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Since I love texture and flowers so much I decided to design an alternative 12″ block crochet pattern that matches the first and has the same stitch count on each side! You will be able to easily interchange them or even create a floral motif blanket by mixing and matching.
Look at those gorgeous floral texture details on the petals! Back post stitches create the 3D texture around the corners and along the edges of the square.
I recommend using Red Heart Super Saver, Red Heart With Love, or Red Heart Soft to crochet these 12″ afghan blocks with. These yarns come in so many hues that I know you’ll be able to find something fun to match your home decor or that of your friends and family if you decide to crochet an afghan with these blocks.
This 12″ afghan block is a part of the 2021 Stash-busting Sampler CAL hosted by The Unraveled Mitten. Head on over to her site to see the other fun square patterns!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase something using these links a small percentage of the sales price goes to me. However, you do not pay any extra for the item you purchase.
Difficulty:
Easy/Intermediate
Techniques used: post stitches, shell stitches, cross stitches, 3dc cluster stitches
Materials Needed:
5mm (H) hook, or hook needed to obtain gauge
135-150 yds #4 worsted weight Red Heart With Love in Eggshell, Red Heart Super Saver in Frosty Green, Red Heart Soft in Rose Blush, or the color of your choice.
Yarn needle
Scissors
(Optional) Stitch markers
Stitches Used:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
Additional Terms:
3dc cluster = dc3tog in same stitch
3tr cluster = tr3tog in same stitch
Cross Stitch = sk st, dc in next st, cross over st just made, dc in skipped st.
Cross Stitch Increase = dc in next unworked st, cross over st just made, dc in previous st (see picture tutorial at bottom of pattern if you are stuck).
sk = skip
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sp/sps = space/spaces
Gauge:
Circle measures 7” across after round 8
Measurements:
12” by 12” when finished
Additional Notes:
-ch 1 at beginning of round does not count as a stitch.
Secret Garden 12” Square (US Terms):
Click here to purchase an ad-free, print-optimized PDF of this pattern on LoveCrafts
Ch 4, join with sl st to first ch forming a circle,
Round 1: 12 sc in circle, join with sl st to first sc. (12)
Round 2: ch 1, *(3dc cluster, ch 2); repeat from * around, join with sl st to first 3dc cluster. (12 3dc clusters, 12 ch-2 sps)
Round 3: ch 1, *4 sc in next ch-2 sp; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (48)
Round 4: *sk st, 4 dc in next st, sk st, sl st in next st; repeat from * around, final sl st counts as join. (12 shells)
Your piece will be a bit puckered after this round. It should start to flatten out shortly.
Round 5: sl st up the next 2 dc sts, sl st between 2nd and 3rd dc of shell, *ch 4, sl st between 2nd and 3rd dc of next shell; repeat from * around, final sl st counts as join. (12 ch-4 sps)
Round 6: ch 1, 5 sc in each ch-4 sp around, join with sl st to first sc. (60)
Round 7: ch 1, *cross stitch across next 4 sts (2 cross stitches made), cross stitch increase, cross stitch across next 6 sts (3 cross stitches made), cross stitch increase; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first dc. (70)
Round 8: ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (84)
Round 9: ch 1, *[3dc cluster in next st, ch 1, sk st] 9 times, 3dc cluster in next st, ch 2, [3tr cluster, ch 2 in next st] 2 times; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first 3dc cluster. (40 3dc clusters, 8 3tr clusters)
Round 10: ch 1, *2 sc in next 9 ch-1 sps, 3 hdc in ch-2 sp, (2 hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in next ch-2 sp, 3 hdc in next ch-2 sp; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (112)
Round 11: sl st over to next st, [sk st, 4 dc in next st, sk st, sl st in next st] 5 times (5 shells made), *ch 1, hdc in same st as last sl st worked, hdc in next st, (2 hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in ch-1 sp, hdc in each of the next 2 sts (Note: the first st is easy to miss so push back the 2 hdc sts just made so you don’t accidentally skip over it), sl st in next st [sk st, 4 dc in next st, sk st, sl st in next st] 6 times (6 shells made); repeat from * around omitting last 5 shells on final repeat, final sl st counts as join. (24 shells, 32 hdc)
Round 12: sl st up the next 2 dc sts, sl st between 2nd and 3rd dc of shell, [ch 4, sl st between 2nd and 3rd dc of next shell] 4 times, *ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in next 4 hdc sts, (sc, ch 1, sc) in ch-1 sp, sc in next 4 hdc sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sl st between 2nd and 3rd dc of shell, [ch 4, sl st between 2nd and 3rd dc of next shell] 5 times; repeat from * around omitting last 4 ch-4 sps on final repeat, final sl st counts as join. (20 ch-4 sps, 8 ch-2 sps, 40 sc)
Round 13: 4 sc in each of the next 4 ch-4 sps, *2 sc in ch-2 sp, sk st, 4 dc in next st, sk st, sl st in next st, sk st, 6 dc in ch-1 sp, sk st, sl st in next st, sk st, 4 dc in next st, sk st, 2 sc in ch-2 sp, 4 sc in each of the next 5 ch-4 sps; repeat from * around ending with 4 sc in final ch-4 sp. (12 shells, 100 sc)
Begin your first cross stitch of the round in the same stitch as join.
Round 14: ch 1, cross stitch across next 18 sts (9 cross stitches made), *ch 1, sk 2 sts, sl st between 2nd and 3rd dc of shell, ch 4, sk 5 sts, sl st between 3rd and 4th dc of shell, ch 3, sl st back between 3rd and 4th dc of shell, ch 4, sk 5 sts, sl st between 2nd and 3rd dc of shell, ch 1, sk 2 sts, cross stitch across next 24 sts (12 cross stitches made); repeat from * around, omitting last 9 cross stitches of final repeat, join with sl st to first dc.
Round 15: ch 1, sc in next 18 sts, *sc in ch-1 sp, 6 sc in ch-4 sp, (sc, ch 1, sc in ch-3 sp, 6 sc in ch-4 sp, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in next 24 sts; repeat from * around omitting last 18 sc in final repeat. (40 sts per side)
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Block if desired.
The following square is a little bit more advanced because of all of the texture. As long as you know how to crochet post stitches and multi-layer flowers you should be just fine. You will use the same size hook (5mm) to crochet this block as you did on the first pattern.
Secret Garden 12″ Square – Option 2 (US Terms):
Click here to purchase an ad-free, print-optimized PDF of this pattern on LoveCrafts (same PDF as linked above)
Stitches Used:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
BPsc = back post single crochet
BPhdc = back post half double crochet
BPdc = back post double crochet
Additional Terms:
3dc cluster = dc3tog in same stitch
3tr cluster = tr3tog in same stitch
Cross Stitch = sk st, dc in next st, cross over st just made and dc in skipped st.
Cross Stitch Increase = dc in next unworked st, cross over st just made, dc in previous st (see picture tutorial at bottom of pattern if you are stuck).
sk = skip
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sp/sps = space/spaces
Ch 4, join with sl st to first ch forming a circle,
Round 1: 12 sc in circle, join with sl st to first sc. (12)
Round 2: ch 1, *(3dc cluster, ch 2); repeat from * around, join with sl st to first 3dc cluster. (12 3dc clusters, 12 ch-2 sps)
Round 3: ch 1, *4 sc in next ch-2 sp; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (48)
Round 4: *sk st, 4 dc in next st, sk st, sl st in next st; repeat from * around, final sl st counts as join. (12 shells)
Your piece will be a bit puckered after this round. It should start to flatten out shortly.
Round 5: flip flower over and work this round at the back, behind the petals: ch 1, sl st into center back of first petal, *ch 4, sl st into back of next petal; repeat from * around, final sl st count as as join. (12 ch-4 sps)
Turn flower over so you are working at the front.
Round 6: *(hdc, 4 dc, hdc, sl st) in next ch-4 sp; repeat from * around. (12 petals)
Round 7: flip flower over and work this round at the back, behind the petals: ch 1, sl st into center back of first petal, *ch 4, sl st into back of next petal; repeat from * around, final sl st count as as join. (12 ch-4 sps)
Turn flower over so you are working at the front.
Round 8: ch 1, 5 sc in each ch-4 sp around, join with sl st to first sc. (60)
Round 9: ch 1, *cross stitch across next 4 sts, cross stitch increase, cross stitch across next 6 sts, cross stitch increase; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first dc. (70)
Round 10: ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (84)
Round 11: ch 1, *[3dc cluster in next st, ch 1, sk st] 9 times, 3dc cluster in next st, ch 2, [3tr cluster, ch 2 in next st] 2 times; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first 3dc cluster. (40 3dc clusters, 8 3tr clusters)
Round 12: ch 1, *2 sc in next 9 ch-1 sps, 3 hdc in ch-2 sp, (2 hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in next ch-2 sp, 3 hdc in next ch-2 sp; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (112)
Round 13: sl st over to next st, [sk st, 4 dc in next st, sk st, sl st in next st] 5 times (5 shells made), *ch 1, hdc in same st as last sl st worked, hdc in next st, (2 hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in ch-1 sp, hdc in each of the next 2 sts (Note: the first st is easy to miss so push back the 2 hdc sts just made so you don’t accidentally skip over it), sl st in next st [sk st, 4 dc in next st, sk st, sl st in next st] 6 times (6 shells made); repeat from * around, omitting last 5 shells on final repeat, final sl st counts as join. (24 shells, 32 hdc)
Round 14: ch 1, [work the following sts across each shell: BPhdc around first st, BPsc around next 2 sts, BPhdc around next st, move to next shell] 5 times, *BPsc around next 4 sts, (sc, ch 1, sc) in ch-1 sp, BPsc around next 4 sts, [work the following sts across each shell: BPhdc around first st, BPsc around next 2 sts, BPhdc around next st, move to next shell] 6 times; repeat from * around, working BP stitches along final shell on final repeat, join with sl st to first BPhdc.
Round 15: ch 1, sc in next 20 sts, *sk st, 4 dc in next st, sk st, sl st in next st, sk st, 6 dc in ch-1 sp, sk st (Note: this stitch will be hiding under the 6dc so don’t accidentally skip 2 stitches here), sl st in next st, sk st, 4 dc in next st, sk st, sc in next 24 sts; repeat from * around, omitting 20 sc sts in final repeat.
Begin your first cross stitch of the round in the same stitch as join.
Round 16: ch 1, cross stitch across next 20 sts (10 cross stitches made), *BPdc around next st, BPhdc around next 2 sts, BPdc around next 3 sts, BPhdc around next st, ch 1, BPhdc around next st, BPdc around next 3 sts, BPhdc around next 2 sts, BPdc around next st, cross stitch across next 24 sts (12 cross stitches made); repeat from * around omitting 10 cross stitches from final repeat, join with sl st to first dc.
Round 17: ch 1, sc in next 28 sts, (sc, ch 1, sc) in ch-1 sp, sc in next 38 sts; repeat from * around, omitting last 28 sts from final repeat, join with sl st to first sc. (40 sts per side)
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Block if desired.
How to Crochet the Cross Stitch Increase:
Crocheting the cross stitch increase is very simple, but here are a few pictures to help you out if you are stuck. It’s worked exactly like the regular cross-stitch, but without the skipped stitch.
Step 1: dc in next unworked stitch (don’t skip any stitches).
Step 2: Cross over the stitch you just made and work a dc in the previous stitch. Yes, there is a stitch already in that spot. This will add a second creating the “increase”.
Step 3: Complete the dc stitch as you normally would. Notice how the increase sits right up against the previous cross-stitch?
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PATTERN TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
You are welcome to share the link to this pattern, using one image of your choice, on your site, but please do not share the written patterns themselves, this includes my Ravelry downloads or translations of these patterns, or use additional images. You do not have permission to use my images by themselves to create pinnable graphics for Pinterest, however they may be included in a roundup pin if there are 4 or more other patterns. If you sell finished items online, please do not use my pictures for your listings. I’m positive that your work is of high enough quality for you to sell the finished piece. Have confidence in your abilities! <3 Thank you!
This pattern was made to be used by individuals, and small business crocheters alike. Selling your finished pieces in boutiques, at farmer’s markets, craft shows, and other local events is encouraged! Please credit/link Kirsten Holloway Designs when selling finished products online. The only thing I require is that this pattern not be used commercially to produce hundreds of thousands of copies.
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ninda says
this patterns are so lovely. i wanna make a blanket soon. thank you so much
Kirsten says
You’re welcome, Ninda!
Dee says
These squares are gorgeous. I hope to make a beautiful afghan using all three squares. I am so inspired! Terrified but iinspired. Thank you for creating them.
Kirsten says
Dee, I’m glad the squares are inspiring you! Just take the patterns one comma at a time and hopefully they will not be too much of a challenge. 😊
Dee says
I mocked up the one with the double petals and I see yours looks so much nester than mine and I have lines of yarn that I move to the sides of the petals…I think I am doing something wrong. Any tips?
Kirsten says
Hi Dee,
Without seeing what you are talking about, I’m not sure what is going on. You are welcome to apply to join my Facebook group and ask your questions (along with a picture of the troubling spot) there and we’ll do our best to help you out. 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/groups/KirstenHollowayDesigns
Brenda Booth says
How do you join the squares?
Kirsten says
You cam sew them together with a whip stitch, or you can crochet them together with a sli stitch or single crochet. There are lots of awesome joining methods out there. Take a look at some of the ideas here in this post: https://knitterknotter.com/17-ways-to-join-crochet-squares/ 😁
Brenda Booth says
Thank you 😊
Kirsten says
You’re welcome!
Joni Matthews Davis says
In row 12, I am coming up with a total of 116 stitches, but the pattern says 112. But with the 2sc x9 =18 stitches, then the corner being 11 stitches, for a total of 29 stitches, and I multiply it x 4, I come up with 116. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.
Kirsten says
I did not count the ch-1 sps in the corners as a stitch. Hopefully that’s where you’re picking up the extra 4 stitches on your square. 🙂
Joni Davis says
Thank you, that’s exactly where the 4 extra stitches came from! Thank you!
Kirsten says
You’re welcome!
Joni Davis says
What do you mean by “cross stitch increase” after the 4 cross stitches, and before the six cross stitches?
Kirsten says
There should be a picture tutorial at the bottom of the post that shows how to work an increase.
Make sure you are only working 2 complete cross stitches, which will take up 4 stitches, and 3 complete cross stitches, which will take up 6 stitches, though!
Joni Davis says
Thank you. I finally figured that out after reading the other comments. I was reading to do 4 cross stitches instead of cross stitching over 4 stitches.
Kirsten says
I’m glad you figured it out! The stitch instructions before the pattern begins also say that each cross stitch takes up 2 stitches. 🙂
Joni Matthews Davis says
On the three dimensional square – on round 7, where do I place my last slip stitch? Do I go into the first slip stitch/chain 4?
Kirsten says
Joining to the first slip stitch is fine. 😊
Jai says
Where should we place the sl st behind each petal in Rounds 5 and 7? It says “center back” but that’s vague.
Kirsten says
I eye-ball it for the most part. 🤣 Look at the back of the petal and try to find the center point. Slip stitch through the back half of that stitch (or possibly 2 stitches). It’s just like making a layered flower. 😊
JennyT says
Would you look at round 9? The previous round left us with 84 stitches but round 9 would need at least 86 stitches to complete. Ps: I also feel short on round 7 like everyone else, so I did extra increases at the end to make sure I ended with 70.
Kirsten says
Hi Jenny,
For round 7 you may want to look at the stitch tutorial at the bottom of the post. Each cross stitch takes up 2 stitches to make so 2 regular cross stitches will take up 4 stitches, and 3 regular cross stitches take up 6 stitches.
For round 9 you should end up with 40 3dc clusters and 8 3tr clusters. Most of the 3dc clusters should have a stitch between them, so there are just enough stitches to complete the round when taking that space into account. I hope that helps!
Moons says
I can’t seem to get 70/stitches either in round 7.
I have done 4 x stitch , 1 inc
6 x stitch, 1 inc
4 x stitch, 1 inc
6 x stitch, 1 inc
4 x stitch, 1 inc
But I only have room for 4 more x stitch ?
Kirsten says
Each cross stitch takes up 2 stitches, so you will work 3 cross stitches across 6 stitches, and 2 cross stitches across 4 stitches. I hope that helps!
Victoria says
I have tried the criss stitch increase several times and my ending count is 64 for round 7. I believe I am doing it correctly, not skipping a stitch for the increase and completing it in the last back stitch. Is the number of stitches to fmdo this 6 or is it 4 like what we started with?
Kirsten says
You should end up with 70 if you alternate the “2 cross stitches, increase, 3 cross stitches, increase” pattern I’ve written down in that round. that I’ve written. Each cross stitch takes up 2 stitches. I hope that helps!
Kare says
All these beautiful squares, it’s going to be difficult to decide which to start first! I love the idea of heirloom wedding and baby blankets with these squares. Color possibilities are endless!
Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing with us!
Kirsten says
You’re welcome! So glad you like the 12 inch square patterns, Kare!
Barbara Miller says
Fantastic!!!
Kirsten says
I’m so glad you like the square, Barbara! 🙂