Precious 6" and 9" Afghan Square

Precious Surface Crochet Afghan Square by Julie Yeager

Project Overview

The Precious Surface Crochet Afghan Square is an intermediate-level crochet design available in two finished sizes: a 6-inch square and a 9-inch square option. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Julie Yeager creates decorative afghan squares perfect for blanket projects, cushion covers, or standalone decorative pieces. The design features surface crochet techniques that add dimensional texture and visual interest to the base fabric.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single crochet square suitable for joining with other squares to create larger afghans or blankets. The 9-inch version is pictured in the pattern instructions. These squares can be combined to make coordinated throw blankets, bed covers, or used individually as decorative accents. The design incorporates color work with a white base and contrasting accent colors.

Yarn and Materials

The Precious Afghan Square uses worsted or aran weight yarn. The designer used Vanna's Choice yarn in the following colors: white for the base (Color A), yellow for accents labeled as Duckie (Color B), and blue for additional details labeled as Little Boy Blue (Color C). A Size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook is required to work this project.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques

This intermediate pattern employs several specialized crochet stitches and surface techniques that create texture and dimension:

• Front Post Triple Crochet (Fptr) – Worked by yarning over twice, inserting the hook from the front side of the work from right to left around the post of a stitch from a previous row, then completing a triple crochet stitch as usual. This stitch creates raised, dimensional elements on the fabric surface.
• Front Post Double Crochet (Fpdc) – Executed by yarning over, inserting the hook from the front of the work from right to left around the post of a previous row's stitch, then completing a double crochet. This stitch also produces a raised effect.
• Front Post Single Crochet (Fpsc) – Worked by inserting the hook from the front side around the post of a stitch from a previous row and completing a single crochet stitch. This creates subtle raised texture.
• Spike Double Crochet (Spkdc) – Also called a long double crochet, this stitch is placed into an indicated row below the current working row and brought up to the height of the current row. The pattern notes to keep spike stitches relaxed for proper drape and appearance.
• Front Post Treble Crochet 2 Together (Fptr2tog) – A decrease stitch combining two front post treble crochets worked together, creating shaping or design elements within the square.

Technique Explanation

Surface crochet is a decorative technique where stitches are worked into the posts of previous rows rather than into the tops of stitches, creating dimensional embellishments that sit on top of the base fabric. Front post stitches are worked from the front side of the piece, making them visually prominent. This technique is ideal for adding texture, color work, and visual complexity to otherwise simple square bases. Spike stitches add additional depth by reaching down to lower rows, creating long vertical lines of texture.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches and comfort working with post stitches. Crocheters should understand how to work into post stitches rather than into chain spaces or stitch tops, and be able to follow color changes and stitch placement instructions. The pattern is accessible to experienced beginners who have mastered fundamental techniques.

Pattern Format

This is a free downloadable PDF pattern that provides complete instructions for creating the afghan square in both the 6-inch and 9-inch sizes.