Mum In Treble Afghan Square

Mum In Treble Afghan Square by Julie Yeager

Project Overview

The Mum In Treble Afghan Square is a 12-inch crochet square designed by Julie Yeager that creates a decorative floral motif. This advanced-level pattern is ideal for experienced crocheters looking to expand their cluster stitch techniques and create coordinated afghan blocks or blanket panels. The finished square showcases a dimensional flower design worked in multiple colors.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single 12-inch crochet square featuring a mum flower design. The square is suitable for combining with other blocks to create larger afghans, blankets, or decorative throws. The floral motif is created through strategic placement of cluster stitches that form the dimensional petals characteristic of a mum flower.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Mum In Treble Afghan Square employs advanced crochet techniques centered on cluster stitch construction. The pattern utilizes two distinct cluster stitch types worked across alternating rounds, creating depth and texture in the finished piece. Crocheters will work with treble crochet stitches as the foundation for these clusters, requiring precise tension control and understanding of how to join multiple stitches together. The pattern demonstrates color work through changing yarn colors between rounds, with the option to either fasten off at the end of each round or carry unused colors up the back of the work for a cleaner finish.

Stitches Used

• Treble Crochet Cluster (Tr3Cl): A standard treble crochet cluster featuring three treble crochets worked to the last step and joined together on the final yarn-over. This cluster appears in odd-numbered rounds.
• Beginning Treble 3 Cluster (BTr3Cl): The opening cluster of each odd-numbered round, which starts with a chain 4 to replace the first treble crochet stitch before working the remaining treble crochets to the last step and joining.
• Beginning Treble 4 Cluster (BTr4Cl): Used in even-numbered rounds, this cluster consists of four treble crochets with a chain 5 serving as the beginning treble in each cluster formation.
• Chain Stitches: Foundation stitches used throughout, including chain 4 for standard beginning trebles and chain 5 for the beginning trebles in four-stitch clusters.

Materials

Yarn: The pattern calls for Vanna's Choice yarn in three colors: Soft Pink (Color A), Pink (Color B), and Dusty Green (Color C). Vanna's Choice is a worsted weight yarn, though the pattern accommodates aran weight as well, providing flexibility for yarn substitution within similar weight ranges. The yardage requirements are specified in the complete pattern instructions.

Hook: A size J (6.0 mm) crochet hook is recommended for this project. The suggested gauge is 3½ inches across after completing 2 rounds, which helps ensure the finished square reaches the intended 12-inch dimensions.

Pattern Notes

The pattern includes helpful clarifications for crocheters working with the specialized cluster stitches. The notation "3rd Tr of Cl" refers to the third stitch made when working right to left, providing clear directional guidance. Crocheters have flexibility in finishing technique: the designer fastens off at the end of each round, but the pattern notes that unused colors can be carried up the back of the work as an alternative finishing method, which may reduce weaving in ends and create a neater appearance on the reverse side.