Pansy in square

Pansy in Square Crochet Pattern by Luba Davies

What Is Being Made

The Pansy in Square is a decorative crochet square motif measuring 12 x 12 cm. This design features a stylized pansy flower worked in the round, creating a finished square suitable for blankets, cushions, garments, or standalone decorative pieces. The pattern uses a multi-color approach to bring the pansy flower to life with distinct petals and color blocking.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Rated as Easy difficulty, this project is well-suited for intermediate crocheters who have foundational knowledge of basic stitches and color changes. The pattern requires familiarity with working in the round and managing multiple yarn colors, making it an excellent stepping stone for crafters looking to expand their skills beyond simple single-color projects.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental crochet techniques to create its dimensional flower effect:

• Magic Loop (Adjustable Loop) – The pattern begins with a magic loop, a popular method for starting projects worked in the round that allows for a tight, adjustable center
• Working in the Round – The design is constructed in continuous rounds, building outward from the center to create the pansy shape
• Working into Front-Half Loops – Specific rounds are worked into the front-half loops only of previous rows, creating texture and definition between petal layers
• Color Changes – The pattern incorporates yarn color changes between rounds to distinguish different parts of the flower, requiring basic color-work management
• Joining Techniques – Slip stitches are used to join rounds and secure color changes throughout the pattern

Stitches Used

The Pansy in Square pattern utilizes the following crochet stitches in US terminology:

• Chain (ch) – Used for creating foundation loops and shaping petal edges
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – Used for joining rounds and securing yarn colors
• Single Crochet (sc) – Used in the foundation round to establish the base structure
• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – Used in petal construction for moderate height and density
• Double Crochet (dc) – Used throughout petal shaping to create dimensional elements
• Treble Crochet (tr) – Used to create taller, more dramatic petal points and layering

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern is designed for DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn that produces delicate, detailed results suitable for decorative motifs. The recommended yarn is Stylecraft Special DK, which provides 295 meters per 100 grams, offering good yardage for color work.

Color Palette: The pattern uses four distinct colors from the Stylecraft Special DK range:

• Color (A) – Citron 1263 – A bright yellow-green shade used for the foundation and background layers
• Color (B) – Black 1002 – A deep black used for the first petal layer, providing strong contrast
• Color (C) – Matador 1010 – A rich red shade contributing to the pansy's characteristic coloring
• Color (D) – Claret 1123 – A deep burgundy-red tone adding depth and dimension to the flower

Crochet Hook: The pattern calls for a D size hook (3.25 mm), which is the standard hook size for DK weight yarn and ensures proper gauge and fabric density for this decorative square.

Pattern Structure Overview

The Pansy in Square is constructed in multiple rounds, beginning with a magic loop foundation of 15 single crochets. Subsequent rounds build outward, creating three-dimensional petals through strategic stitch placement and color changes. The use of front-half loop working creates visual separation between petal layers, while varying stitch heights (from half double crochet to treble crochet) produce the organic, dimensional quality characteristic of realistic flower motifs. This structured approach makes the pattern accessible while producing a sophisticated finished result.