Random Squares Throw in Caron Simply Soft Heathers - Downloadable PDF

Random Squares Throw in Caron Simply Soft Heathers – Free Crochet Pattern by Kim Biddix

The Random Squares Throw is a beginner-friendly crochet blanket designed by Kim Biddix and worked entirely in Caron Simply Soft Heathers yarn. The finished afghan measures approximately 50 inches wide by 66 inches long (127 cm × 168 cm), making it a generously sized throw suitable for draping over a sofa, layering on a bed, or gifting as a handmade keepsake. This pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF, making it an accessible project for crocheters of all experience levels who are just beginning to explore modular, motif-based construction.

What Is Being Made

The project is a large, cozy crocheted throw blanket assembled from 48 individual granny-style squares. Each square measures approximately 8 inches (20 cm) across once completed. The squares are divided evenly into two colorways — 12 squares in Grey Heather (color 9509) and 12 squares in Woodland Heather (color 9503) — though the pattern notes that squares can be assembled as shown on the included diagram or arranged as desired, giving crafters creative freedom in their layout. The "random squares" concept allows for a relaxed, patchwork aesthetic that suits both modern and traditional home décor styles.

Construction Technique

This throw is built using a classic modular crochet approach, where individual motifs are completed separately and then joined together to form the full blanket. Each square is worked in the round, beginning at the center with a foundation ring created by chaining 4 stitches and joining with a slip stitch. The motif grows outward over five rounds, with each round adding structure, texture, and dimension. This method of working from the center outward is a hallmark of traditional granny square construction and is an excellent technique for beginners because each round is short, repetitive, and easy to follow.

A notable construction detail is that the entire afghan is worked using two strands of yarn held together throughout. This double-stranding technique creates a thicker, denser fabric with excellent drape and warmth, and it also speeds up the overall crocheting process since the fabric grows more quickly than with a single strand.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates a satisfying variety of basic and intermediate crochet stitches, making it a wonderful skill-building project for newer crocheters while remaining engaging for more experienced makers. The stitches used include:

• Chain stitch (ch) – used to begin the foundation ring and to create chain spaces between stitches in each round
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used to form the initial ring, to join rounds, and to reposition the working yarn at the start of certain rounds
• Double crochet (dc) – the primary structural stitch, used extensively in every round to build the body of each square
• Half double crochet (hdc) – used in Rounds 3 and 4 to create subtle shaping along the sides of the square between corner shells
• Single crochet (sc) – used in Round 3 at the midpoint of each side to add a gentle curve and visual interest
• Corner shell stitch – a signature element of this motif, each corner is formed by working [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] into the same chain-2 space, creating a defined, structured corner that gives the square its crisp, geometric shape

The progression of stitches across the five rounds is thoughtfully designed. Round 1 establishes a dense circle of 16 double crochets. Round 2 opens up the fabric with a series of chain-1 spaces between each double crochet, creating an airy mesh. Round 3 introduces the corner shell structure and begins to transform the circular motif into a square shape, using a combination of double crochets, half double crochets, and single crochets along each side. Round 4 reinforces the corner shells and adds chain-2 spaces along the sides for further shaping. Round 5 fills in those chain-2 spaces with pairs of double crochets, completing the square with a solid, well-defined border before fastening off.