Water Lily Afghan Square

Water Lily Afghan Square by Julie Yeager

What is Being Made

The Water Lily Afghan Square is a 12-inch crocheted motif designed by Julie Yeager. This intermediate-level project creates a decorative square suitable for joining with other squares to form a complete afghan blanket. The design features a water lily theme with a multi-color construction that brings dimension and visual interest to the finished piece.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate crochet techniques that add texture and sophistication to the finished square. The design makes extensive use of cluster stitches, which are foundational to creating the dimensional water lily effect. A key technique highlighted in the pattern involves crocheting into the top of clusters for a neater appearance—specifically, the instructions direct you to crochet into the first stitch after the cluster, which is the stitch that closes up the cluster formation. The pattern also utilizes color changes across multiple rounds, with the option to either fasten off at the end of each round or carry unused colors up the back during certain rounds for a more efficient construction method. Front post stitches are incorporated as well, adding textural variation to the design.

Stitches Used

The Water Lily Afghan Square relies on the following specialized and standard crochet stitches:

• Beginning Treble 4 Cluster (BTr4Cl): Created by chaining 4, then working treble stitches to the last step 3 times, and finally yarning over and pulling through all 4 loops to complete the cluster
• Treble 4 Cluster (Tr4Cl): Constructed by working treble stitches to the last step 4 times, then yarning over and pulling through all 5 loops on the hook
• Front Post Single Crochet (FPSC): Worked by inserting the hook behind the post of a stitch from the front, creating a textured, dimensional effect
• Treble (Tr): Standard treble stitches used throughout the pattern
• Chain (Ch): Foundation and structural stitches

Materials and Yarn

The Water Lily Afghan Square pattern calls for Vanna's Choice yarn in five coordinated colors: White (Color A), Duckie (Color B), Soft Pink (Color C), Kelly Green (Color D), and Baby Aqua (Color E). Vanna's Choice is a worsted weight and aran weight yarn option, making it an accessible choice for intermediate crocheters. The pattern specifies a Size I (6.0 mm) crochet hook as the suggested tool for this project. The gauge is established as 2 1/2 inches across after 2 rounds, which helps ensure your finished square reaches the intended 12-inch dimension when the pattern is completed.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to work with cluster formations, color changes, and post stitches. The detailed notes regarding cluster technique and the multi-round, multi-color construction require attention to detail and familiarity with reading crochet patterns, but the instructions provide clear guidance for successful completion.