December Square

December Square Crochet Pattern by Hobbydingen

Project Overview

The December Square is the final installment in the Year of Squares blanket series, designed by Hobbydingen. This intermediate-level crochet pattern creates a finished square measuring 30x30cm (12x12in) after blocking, making it a perfect modular component for building a complete blanket throughout the year. The square showcases decorative double crochet cross stitches as its signature design element.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single crochet square intended as the December component of a year-long blanket project. The square features a textured surface created through the use of crossed double crochet stitches, adding visual interest and dimensional detail to the finished piece. Before blocking, the square measures 28x28cm (11x11in), with blocking adding approximately 2cm to each dimension for a polished final appearance.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The December Square employs several fundamental crochet techniques suitable for intermediate crafters:

• Double Crochet Cross Stitches: The primary stitch pattern feature, created by working two double crochet stitches in a crossed formation to build texture and visual appeal across the square
• Half Double Crochet (Hdc): Used as a supporting stitch within the pattern structure
• Chain Stitches (Ch): Foundational stitches used for creating spaces and establishing the base structure of the design
• Double Crochet (Dc): A core stitch used throughout the pattern for building height and density

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 11 stitches by 6 rows over a 10x10cm (4x4in) swatch in the stitch pattern before blocking. After blocking, the gauge adjusts to 10 stitches by 6 rows over the same measurement. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the square to reach its intended finished dimensions of 30x30cm (12x12in) after blocking.

Materials Required

This pattern calls for aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn category that provides good stitch definition and drape. The project requires approximately 80 yards of yarn. The pattern specifies Scheepjes Chunky Monkey in Mid Grey (colorway 1099), which is a 100% acrylic yarn available in 100g balls with yardage of 116m (127yd) per ball. Acrylic yarn offers durability, easy care, and affordability, making it practical for a year-long blanket project.

Two crochet hooks are needed: a 5.5mm (size I) hook and a 6.0mm (size J) hook, allowing for gauge adjustments and stitch variation if desired. Additional materials include a darning needle for weaving in ends, scissors for cutting yarn, and blocking materials and supplies to finish the square to its final dimensions.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes familiarity with basic crochet stitches and techniques. Crafters should be comfortable working with chain stitches, half double crochet, double crochet, and understanding how to execute crossed stitch variations. The pattern is accessible to those with some crochet experience but may present challenges for absolute beginners unfamiliar with stitch abbreviations and pattern reading.

Pattern Format

The December Square is provided as a downloadable PDF document, allowing crafters to print the instructions for easy reference while working. This format is part of the Year of Squares collection, a structured monthly project series designed by Hobbydingen.