sampler

What is A Sampler Square For simplicity, we at the Crochet List have broken squares down into two basic types: Sampler Squares and Granny Squares. There are many exceptions to these definitions as can be expected with an art as varied and versitile as crochet, however, for the purposes of exchanges on the crochet list we have Strict Rules. A Sampler Square is any square done in ROWS. This means going back and forth, and turning your work at the end of each row. A Granny Square is a square done in rounds. I realize that there are many books out there that are called "sampler Squares" that have patterns done in rounds. But for this exchange, we only allow squares done in rows.

Sampler Square Patterns Here are a few patterns that I like. They will help you get started with your sampler square friendship afghan. To save yourself time and frustration, I recommend measuring your work at the end of the first row. If it doesn't measure approx. 6 1/2 inches, start again using a larger/smaller hook, or modifying the starting number of chains. That way, when your square measures 6 1/2 both ways, you can finish the square off with a row of sc all the way around. This gives the square a nice finished look, and it will measure about 7 inches.

Trinity Stitch (multiples of 2 chains) Chain 26 loosely Row 1: sc in second from hook, insert hook in same ch & pull up a loop, (insert hook in next ch & pull up a loop) twice, YO & draw through all 4 loops on hook, * ch 1, insert hook in same ch & pull up a loop, (insert hook in next ch & pull up a loop) twice, YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook, repeat from * across, sc in last stitch. 25 stitches.

Row 2: ch 1, turn. sc in first sc & pull up a loop, (insert hook in next stitch & pull up a loop) twice, YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook, * ch 1, insert hook in same stitch & pull up a loop, (insert hook in next stitch & pull up a loop) twice, YO & draw through all 4 loops on hook, repeat from * across, sc in same sc as last stitch.

Repeat row 2 until piece measures 6 1/2 inches across. Finish by edging with a row of sc all the way around.

Parallel Post Stitch (multiples of 2 + 1 ch) Chain 27 loosely Row 1: (right side) hdc in third st from hook & in each st across. 25 hdc

Row 2: ch 2, turn. hdc in first hdc & in each across

Row 3: ch 2, turn. hdc in first hdc, *work FPhdc around the post of the hdc in the row below the next hdc, skip hdc behind FPhdc, hdc in next hdc, repeat from *across. 25 stitches

Row 4: ch2 turn, hdc in first hdc & in each st across.

Row 5: ch 2 turn, hdc in first hdc. *work FPhdc around the post of next FPhdc, skip hdc behind FPhdc, hdc in next hdc, repeat from * across.

Repeat Rows 4 & 5 for pattern until piece measures approx. 6 1/2 inches. Finish by doing a row of sc all around.

Doubles (multiples of 2 chs) Chain 26 loosely Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. 25 sc

Row 2: (right side) ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn; skip next sc * 2dc in next sc, skip next sc, repeat from * across to last sc, dc in last sc. 24 dc

Row 3: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first dc, sc in each dc across. 25 sc

Repeat rows 2 & 3 till piece measures approx. 6 1/2 inches, finish by doing a row of sc all the way around.

Other Ideas Very nice and simple sampler squares can be made by doing any stitch back and forth in rows. Even a square made of dc or sc is very nice. To save yourself time and frustration, I recommend measuring your work at the end of the first row. If it doesn't measure approx. 6 1/2 inches, start again using a larger/smaller hook, or modifying the starting number of chains. That way, when your square measures 6 1/2 both ways, you can finish the square off with a row of sc all the way around. This gives the square a nice finished look, and it will measure about 7 inches. CLSSX Finishing Your Sampler Square Right! Melany's Home Page

LINKS to other Sampler Square patterns

1. Appliqued Heart Afghan Sq

This is just a square of dc, with a crochet heart attached, but it is lovely. You will need to adjust it to 7" rather than 10.

2. Cathedral Windows Square

This is a really neat looking square. I think it might be a little tougher at first, but stick with it, you'll get the hang of it!

3. Exchange Squares #1 - 12

Here is a site that has 12, YES 12 sampler style squares. All with pictures. They range in difficulty, but are all very lovely.

4. Crochet Cabana

Here are a variety of patterns, including some for premie blankets and other stuff! Remember, a stitch done for a blanket can be made into a square!

Here are a few to help you get started.

Enjoy!