Cross Burst Granny - GrannySpiration Challenge

  For this month's GrannySpiration Challenge, I have a versatile project for you! As soon as I started making a few washcloths with this pattern, I knew I wanted to make something else with this square. The texture of the double crochet cross stitch is so amazing when worked in the round, and a group of these squares together is absolutely stunning. I simply added a long chain in one corner to create a hanging loop for a washcloth, and you could do the same. Or, skip the loop and create a bunch of regular squares to be joined for any project you like:

  Whether you're looking for a luxurious-feeling washcloth, a dishcloth with extra scrubbing power, or a square to join into a blanket, this pattern is sure to please. A burst of double crochet cross stitches around the center combine with a beginning and end of simple stitches, and it all results in one of those "I can't stop running my hand over this awesome texture" sensations. Lacy and pretty enough to create an heirloom baby blanket, but rough enough (in the yarn I used) to scrub the worst grime off of a construction worker... Believe me, I know because I married one. 😉 I could mention more about "texture", "awesome texture", or "the coolest texture ever", but maybe we should get on with the pattern before I talk too much about texture... Oh, wait... I forgot about reversible texture:

Skill level:

Easy - intermediate

Materials:

Worsted weight (4) yarn

I used Peaches & Creme cotton yarn in the color "Happy Go Lucky". Click here and also here to read why I'm not happy with it.

Size J/10 - 6.00 mm crochet hook

Yarn needle

Stitch markers (optional - use to mark corners and beginning spaces if needed)

Gauge:

In 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm)

14 double crochet across

6 rows

Notes:

Chain 1 at beginning of rounds does not count as a stitch. (Chain 2 if you find this to be too short.)

Single crochet (used to join) counts as a chain-1 space at the end of rounds.

When following the chart, join rounds with a slip stitch unless otherwise noted in the diagram.

Stitches:

(American terms)

Chain

Slip stitch

Single crochet

Double crochet

Double crochet cross stitch

-Watch me work this stitch in rows in this video...

-Or click here to see it worked in rounds

Instructions:

Begin with a magic circle/loop.

Round 1:

Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), make 12 double crochet in the ring. Join with a slip stitch. 

(12 double crochet)

Round 2:

Chain 1, make one double crochet cross stitch in the space between each double crochet. Join with a slip stitch to the first double crochet made of the beginning cross stitch. 

(12 double crochet cross stitches)

Round 3:

Chain 1. 

*1 double crochet cross stitch in the chain-1 space of the next cross stitch; 1 double crochet cross stitch in the space between cross stitches. Join with a slip stitch.

(24 double crochet cross stitches)

Round 4:

Chain 1. Make 1 double crochet cross stitch in the chain space of the next cross stitch (makes beginning of first corner; to be finished at end of round). Chain 1.  

*(Work 1 double crochet cross stitch in the chain space of the next cross stitch) 5x.**

Make 2 double crochet cross stitches in the next.*

Repeat from * to * 3x.

Repeat from * to ** once more.

Make a double crochet cross stitch in the beginning space. Join with a single crochet (counts as chain-1 space) in the first double crochet of the starting double crochet cross stitch.

Round 5:

Chain 1. Make 2 double crochet in the joining space.

*Chain 1. (Double crochet in the space between next 2 cross stitches, chain 1) 6x.**

(2 double crochet, 1 chain, 2 double crochet) in the corner space.*

Repeat from * to * 3x.

Repeat from * to ** once more.

Make 2 double crochet in the beginning space. Join with a single crochet in the starting double crochet.

Round 6:

(Note - Pattern is written for a regular square. To create a hanging loop for a dishcloth or washcloth, simply replace the chain-1 of any corner in this round with more chains, then slip stitch in the top of the previous double crochet made. My loops are made with a chain of ten.)

Chain 1. Make 2 double crochet in the single crochet joining space.

*Make 2 double crochet in each of the following 7 spaces.**

(2 double crochet, 1 chain, 2 double crochet) in the corner space.*

Repeat from * to * 3x.

Repeat from * to ** once more.

Make 2 double crochet in the beginning space. Chain 1, bind off loosely. 

Join with a false stitch by bringing the tail through the starting stitch, then back through the top of the ending stitch. Weave in ends.

Happy Crocheting!