Chicken Scratch

Chicken Scratch Crochet Square by Jessica Phillips

Project Overview

Chicken Scratch is a downloadable crochet pattern designed by Jessica Phillips that creates a decorative 6-inch square. This intermediate-level project combines colorwork and textured post stitches to produce a visually interesting motif suitable for blankets, afghans, or other crochet compositions.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a single 6-inch square with a finished gauge of 6 inches wide. The design uses a multi-round construction technique, building the square outward from a center chain foundation. The pattern is worked in at least two contrasting colors of worsted weight yarn, allowing crafters to create striking color combinations and visual contrast within the square.

Techniques Used

Chicken Scratch employs several intermediate crochet techniques to create its texture and structure:

• Post stitches – The pattern makes extensive use of front post stitches, which are worked around the post of stitches from previous rounds rather than into the top loops. This creates a raised, dimensional effect.
• Multi-round construction – The square is built in successive rounds that expand outward, with each round adding new texture and stitch definition.
• Color changes – The pattern incorporates yarn color changes between rounds, with Color A (CA) used for the foundation and Color B (CB) introduced in subsequent rounds.
• Stitch skipping and selective placement – The pattern includes strategic skipped stitches and selective stitch placement to achieve the intended texture and prevent bunching.

Stitches Used

The Chicken Scratch pattern utilizes a comprehensive range of crochet stitches, emphasizing post stitches for dimensional texture:

• Chain (ch) – Foundation and spacing stitches
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Used for joining rounds
• Single crochet (sc) – Joining stitch for color changes
• Half double crochet (hdc) – Basic stitch in the stitch repertoire
• Double crochet (dc) – Primary stitch in Round 1 foundation
• Triple crochet (tr) – Extended height stitch
• Front post half double crochet (fphdc) – Textured post stitch worked around post of previous stitches
• Front post double crochet (fpdc) – Raised stitch creating dimensional texture
• Front post triple crochet (fptr) – Extended post stitch for additional height
• Front post double triple crochet (fpdtr) – Tallest post stitch variation in the pattern

Materials Required

The Chicken Scratch pattern calls for minimal materials, making it accessible and economical:

• Yarn: 1–2 ounces each in at least 2 colors of worsted weight yarn. The two-color requirement allows for creative color pairing and contrast.
• Hook: Size 5mm (H) crochet hook, which is the standard size for worsted weight yarn and provides appropriate gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches and experience working with post stitches. The use of front post stitches requires understanding how to work around the post of stitches rather than into top loops, and the multi-round construction with color changes demands attention to stitch placement and yarn management.