Tracks in the Snow crossed double crochet afghan square
This crossed double crochet afghan square is one of the squares included in the Fireside Winter Throw CAL. The free pattern is available on the blog.
This afghan square was designed as part of the Fireside Throw, a beautiful stitch sampler blanket that’s perfect for cuddling under during the cold winter months. Read all about the blanket here.
This afghan square is appropriately named Tracks in the Snow because of the “path” the crossed double crochet stitches make across the square. Because it’s included in the Fireside Throw, I wanted to name is something related to the winter season.
The crossed double crochet afghan square can be adapted to any home decor project like pillows and other blankets. I’ve used the crossed double crochet stitch in a number of my recent designs.
Click on the picture of your choice below to find out more.
Design + Construction of the crossed double crochet square
The crossed double crochet is a wonderful angular stitch that creates a subtle openwork texture. The holes created by the crossed double crochet are small enough to still provide adequate coverage against the cold.
While technically the stitch is not reversible, unless you’re looking for it (like I do), there shouldn’t be a discernible difference between right and wrong side.
The right side of the fabric is the one facing you when working the crossed double crochet rows. When the crossed double crochet is worked, the second double crochet of the pair crosses over from left to right. On the wrong side of the fabric, the double crochet would cross over from right to left.
This square is finished off with a round of single crochet to give it a clean, stable edge to work with when seaming it to other squares.
The yarn
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Because this crossed double crochet square was designed for the Fireside Throw CAL, the yarn I chose was already determined by what was needed for the entire blanket. In this case, Paintbox Yarns “Simply Aran” in Royal Blue is what you see in the sample.
I love this yarn because it’s soft and easy to work with. It provides enough stitch definition so you can see the beautiful crossed double crochet stitches.
I admit the royal blue is pretty dark, making it a little difficult to see the stitches. If you’re using this square for something other than the Fireside Throw, I would recommend choosing a lighter color to really let the stitches to shine through.
Any worsted weight yarn with a soft but firm twist will work for this square.
If you prefer to work from a PDF…
I have one available in my Ravelry shop. It’s beautifully formatted and ad-free. You can add it to your favorite digital device or print it out for your pattern library.
Remember, it will always be free on the blog. You can bookmark this page and come back to it anytime.
The Fireside Throw blanket pattern and CAL
As I mentioned earlier, this square is included in the Fireside Throw CAL. You can purchase the full pattern for $8 through February 13th after which the price increases to $12.
This beautifully formatted PDF includes everything you need to make your very own Fireside Throw. Here’s what you’ll get with your copy:
- Written instructions for all 6 squares in the blanket
- Detailed instructions for assembly and adding the simple border
- Tips that will help you as you make your blanket
Click here to purchase the full PDF for the Fireside Throw.
Here’s what you’ll need to make the crossed double crochet afghan square
Thank you for staying on this post and reading my patterns right here on the blog, without copy/pasting. When you stay here to follow the free version of my pattern, I am compensated for my time and energy. This is a great, free way to support a designer. If you would like to save this for later, bookmark the page to save it in your mobile browser.
Yarn
Paintbox Yarns “Simply Aran” 100% acrylic worsted weight (3.5 oz/201 yd; 100 g/184 m)
Color #240 Royal blue – approx. 1.1oz per square
Hook
US size H-8 (5mm)
Tools
- Removable stitch marker
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Finished size – Approx. 8.5″ square
Gauge – 7 crossed dc x 10 rows in pattern = 4″
Abbreviations – US crochet terminology
- beg – beginning
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- rep – repeat
- sc – single crochet
- sk – skip
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
- YO – yarn over
Special Stitches
Crossed double crochet (crossed dc): Sk st, dc in next st, dc in skipped st.
In the crossed dc stitch pattern, the double crochets are worked the same as usual. However, a stitch is skipped, and the first double crochet of the pair is worked in the next stitch. The second double crochet of the pair is worked in the skipped stitch, causing them to be crossed.
Invisible Join – Joining at the end of a circle or square worked in the round can leave an unsightly bump when the yarn is simply tied off after a slip stitch join. An invisible join creates a seamless look along the edge of your work.
Stacked single crochet (STsc) – (This stitch is used at the beginning of a row or round to replace the traditional turning ch-3. It has the appearance of a dc.) – Insert hook in same st as loop, YO, draw up loop, YO, pull through 2 loops (bottom sc made), insert hook in left vertical bar of bottom sc, YO, draw up loop, YO, pull through 2 loops (top sc made).
Written Instructions for Tracks in the Snow
Thank you for staying on this post and reading my patterns right here on the blog, without copy/pasting. When you stay here to follow the free version of my pattern, I am compensated for my time and energy. This is a great, free way to support a designer. If you would like to save this for later, bookmark the page to save it in your mobile browser.
Pattern Notes
- A ‘ch-3’ may be substituted for the STsc without changing the look or construction of the square.
- A ‘ch 1’ at the beginning of a row or round does not count as a st.
Pattern Instructions
Body
Ch 27.
Row 1 (WS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each sc across, turn. (26 sc)
Row 2 (RS): STsc, dc in next st, crossed dc across to last 2 sts, dc in last 2 sts, turn. (11 crossed dc, 4 dc)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st across, turn. (26 sc)
Rows 4-19: Rep Rows 2-3 8 times.
At the end of Row 19, turn but do not fasten off. Proceed to Edging.
Edging
Note: To evenly space the sc along the side edges, place a marker at the halfway point. Work 11 sc before and after the marker plus one where the marker sits for a total of 23 sc between corners.
Top edge: Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st across to last st, 3 sc in last st.
Side 1: Rotate 90 degrees, work 23 sc evenly across side.
Bottom edge: Rotate 90 degrees, 3 sc in 1st foundation ch, sc in next ch and in each ch across to last ch, 3 sc in last ch.
Side 2: Rotate 90 degrees, work 23 sc evenly across side, 2 sc in same sp as 1st st of Top Edge to complete the corner, use invisible slip st join to 1st st of Top Edge.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
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