Arianrhod Afghan Square

Arianrhod Afghan Square by Kristine Mullen

Project Overview

The Arianrhod Afghan Square is a beginner-friendly crochet project designed by Kristine Mullen that creates a finished 9-inch square. This downloadable PDF pattern produces an individual square suitable for joining into larger afghans or blankets, making it ideal for both standalone projects and modular crochet designs.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a single crochet square with a distinctive circular-to-square construction method. The square measures 9 inches when blocked, with an unblocked size of approximately 8½ inches across. The design features the "Silver-Wheel" motif, incorporating post stitch cables that create visual texture and dimension throughout the piece.

Construction Technique

The Arianrhod Afghan Square employs a unique construction approach that begins as a circle and transforms into a square shape through strategic stitch height variations. Rather than starting with a traditional square foundation, the crocheter works in rounds from the center outward, gradually shifting the circular form into a square by changing stitch types at key points.

Post stitch cables form a central design element and are crossed strategically throughout the pattern. On even-numbered rounds, post stitches are worked and crossed in positions 1 and 2. On odd-numbered rounds, the post stitches are crossed in a different configuration, creating an interlocking cable effect that builds visual interest and texture.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) – foundational stitch used for starting rounds and creating chain spaces
• Single Crochet (sc) – basic short stitch for joining and shaping
• Double Crochet (dc) – medium-height stitch forming the primary fabric
• Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) – post stitch that wraps around the post of stitches from previous rows to create cable effects
• Front Post Treble Crochet (FPtr) – taller post stitch for varied texture and cable crossing

The pattern uses chain spaces (ch-sp) as structural elements, and the gauge is measured across the first three rounds, which should measure 3 inches across to ensure proper finished dimensions.

Materials Required

Yarn: Brava worsted weight yarn in the Dove Heather colorway. Each individual square requires 1.3 ounces of yarn, making this an economical choice for larger projects using multiple squares.

Hook: Size I/9 (5.50 mm) crochet hook, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge for your yarn and tension.

Notions: A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends and, if desired, for seaming squares together into larger blankets or afghans.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty

This pattern is worked in both aran and worsted weight yarns, providing flexibility for crafters with different yarn stashes. The beginner difficulty level makes this square accessible to newer crocheters while still offering interesting stitch techniques like post stitches and cable crossings. The straightforward progression from circular to square construction, combined with clear abbreviations and basic stitch requirements, allows beginners to build confidence while learning textured stitch techniques.

Finishing Notes

The pattern recommends blocking the finished square to achieve the full 9-inch dimension, which helps even out stitches and ensures consistent sizing when joining multiple squares into a larger project. The sample square was blocked to the finished 9-inch measurement, demonstrating the importance of this finishing step for professional results.