Peppermint Candy

Peppermint Candy Crochet Square by Jessica Phillips

Project Overview

The Peppermint Candy is a beginner-friendly crochet project designed by Jessica Phillips that creates a decorative 6-inch square. This downloadable PDF pattern is perfect for crafters new to crochet who want to practice fundamental techniques while creating a festive, colorful finished piece inspired by classic peppermint candy stripes.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single 6-inch square motif featuring a peppermint candy design. The square is worked in the round from the center outward, building up layers of stitches to create a flat, finished square with a striped appearance achieved through strategic color changes.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 1-2 ounces of worsted weight yarn in three colors: white (c1), red (c2), and dark red (c3)
• Crochet Hook: Size 5mm (H)
• Additional Tools: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch): The foundation stitch used to begin the project
• Single Crochet (sc): A basic, tight stitch for structure
• Half Double Crochet (hdc): A medium-height stitch providing balanced fabric
• Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch used as the primary stitch throughout most rounds
• Triple Crochet (tr): The tallest stitch in the pattern for creating height variation
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and connect stitches seamlessly

Techniques Used

• Color Changes: The pattern incorporates strategic color switching between rounds to create the peppermint stripe effect. Crafters are directed to reference an instructional video demonstrating proper color change technique to ensure clean transitions between white, red, and dark red yarns.
• Standing Stitches: The pattern utilizes standing stitch techniques for joining new rounds without creating visible seams, contributing to a professional appearance. A reference link to standing double crochet instructions is provided to guide beginners through this intermediate technique.
• Working in the Round: The square is constructed by working concentric rounds outward from a central chain ring, a fundamental technique for creating circular and square motifs in crochet.

Pattern Progression

Round 1: Beginning with white yarn (c1), a foundation chain of 4 is created with the last 3 chains counting as the first double crochet. Fifteen double crochets are worked into the fourth chain from the hook, then joined with a slip stitch to create a ring of 16 double crochets total.

Round 2: Working in white, a chain of 3 (counting as a double crochet) is made, then two double crochets are worked into each stitch around the entire round. After joining, this round contains 32 double crochets, doubling the stitch count and beginning to establish the square's width.

Rounds 3 & 4: These rounds introduce color changes, incorporating both white (c1) and red (c2) yarns. Crafters switch colors according to the pattern instructions and the color change technique video referenced in the materials section, creating the distinctive peppermint striping effect.

Gauge and Sizing

The gauge is established after completing Round 1, at which point the piece measures 1.5 inches wide. The finished square reaches 6 inches, making it suitable for use as a coaster, appliqué, blanket square, or decorative motif.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Peppermint Candy pattern is accessible to new crocheters while introducing color-work techniques and standing stitches that build foundational skills. The straightforward round-by-round construction and clear stitch abbreviations make it an ideal learning project.