by Donna Collinsworth

Created on: March 09, 2010

Crochet is filled with all kinds of squares: lace ones, small ones, ones with flowers inside and even ones that begin with a circle at its center.  The mitered square is one the of easiest to master and simplest to make.  Once you have mastered the mitered square you will be able to make any size of that square you want.

Abbreviations Used In This Article:

Ch = Chain

St = Stitch

Sl St = Slip Stitch

Hdc = Half Double Crochet

Beg = Beginning

Rnd = Round

Sp = Space

Ea = Each

Instructions for the mitered square:

Ch-3, sl st to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch-1, work (2 hdc, ch-2) 4 times in ring, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.  (8 sts + 4 ch-2 sps)

Rnd 2: Hdc ea st around and working (2 hdc, ch-2, 2 hdc) in ea ch-2 sp, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.  (24 sts)

Repeat rnd 2 until you get the size of square you want and fasten off.

Mitered squares are no good unless you have some ideas to go along with them.

Large mitered squares look good as pillows in anything from a solid color to alternating rounds of color or just a graduation in color.  Just make two mitered squares the same size, sew the squares together stuffing as you sew.

Medium mitered squares make a nice size purse.  There are many ways of doing this, but here we will only discuss two.

Take two mitered squares the same size and sew three of the four sides together like you did for the pillow.  Add a closure and strap and your purse is done.

This time take two mitered squares the same size and add sides and bottom to them.

Sample Side Bottom:

Row 1: Ch-7, hdc 3rd ch from hook, hdc ea ch across, ch-1, turn.  (5 sts)

Row 2: Hdc ea st across, ch-1, turn.

Repeat row two until piece will fit around three of the four sides of your square.  Sew the sides and bottom to three sides of one mitered square.  Sew the remaining square to the sides and bottom.  Again add a closure and strap.

Small Mitered squares can be sewn together to make afghans, sweaters, ponchos and shawls.

To make a shawl begin at the bottom with one of your small mitered squares.  Stack row on top of row, adding one square to each row like stair steps.  Sew together and add a fringe or crochet boarder or even a simple spiral boarder to finish it off.

Mitered squares can be used to “paint” a picture much like the stitched in cross-stitch.  Simply graph out your design.  One square on the graph will equal one mitered square.  Follow the graph joining the mitered squares as you work.

Mitered squares can be as small as one-inch square and as large as an afghan or throw.  They can be made into napkin rings, place mats, table clothes, rugs, purses and much more.  Once you have mastered the mitered square your design possibilities are endless. 

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