Cross My Lotus

Cross My Lotus Crochet Square by Sally Yanita

Project Overview

Cross My Lotus is a spring-inspired crochet square design created by Sally Yanita as a redesign of a previous square used in a Granny Square Swap event in 2017. This intermediate-level project produces an 8-inch (20 cm) finished square and welcomes the season with a lotus-themed aesthetic. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF with complete instructions and component guidance.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a single decorative crochet square measuring 20 cm (8 inches) on all sides. The square is suitable for use in blankets, afghans, cushion covers, or as a standalone decorative motif. The design incorporates a lotus theme intended to symbolize blooming and renewal for spring 2021.

Finished Dimensions and Gauge

The completed square measures 20 cm / 8 inches when properly blocked. To achieve the correct finished size, crocheters should work to a gauge of 18 stitches and 10 rows over a 10 cm (4-inch) square in double crochet stitch after blocking. Hook size adjustments may be necessary to obtain proper gauge, as individual tension varies.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

Cross My Lotus employs several fundamental and intermediate crochet techniques to create its design. The pattern utilizes the following stitches and techniques:

• Double crochet (DC) – The primary stitch used to establish gauge and form the base structure of the square
• Single crochet (SC) – Used for shaping and detail work throughout the design
• Half double crochet (HDC) – Incorporated for varied stitch height and texture
• Triple crochet (TC) – Employed to create taller stitches and open areas within the pattern
• Chain stitch (CH) – Used to create foundation chains and spacing between stitches
• Slip stitch (SL ST) – Applied to join rounds and create seamless transitions
• Crocodile stitch (Croc st.) – A decorative specialty stitch consisting of 4 double crochets worked on the side of a double crochet from the round below, followed by a chain 2 and slip stitch on the first chain, then 4 double crochets on the other side of another double crochet from the round below. This stitch creates a distinctive textured, scale-like appearance reminiscent of crocodile skin
• Single crochet 2 together (SC2tog) – A decrease technique used to shape the square
• Double crochet 2 together (DC2tog) – Another decrease method for shaping and stitch reduction

Materials Required

Cross My Lotus is designed to work with DK weight yarn, requiring approximately 100 grams / 200 meters total. The pattern is worked with two yarn colors:

• Color A – Handdyed soft cotton acrylic by Qiuknit (as shown in the pattern sample)
• Color B – Soft cotton big ply in white (as shown in the pattern sample)

Additional materials include a 4.0 mm / US G crochet hook (or the size required to meet gauge), a stitch marker for tracking rounds, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming if the squares are joined into a larger project.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it uses fundamental crochet stitches accessible to beginners, the inclusion of specialty techniques such as the crocodile stitch and the need to maintain proper gauge and blocking make it suitable for crocheters with some experience. Intermediate-level crafters should be comfortable reading pattern abbreviations, managing multiple colors, and executing decrease techniques.

Pattern Format

Cross My Lotus is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern file containing complete written instructions, stitch abbreviations, and component details. This format allows crocheters to print the pattern or reference it digitally while working on their project.