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Marley Mae Square Pattern

Marley Mae Square Pattern
4.6★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.3K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🤗

Soft Hug

Gentle, plush, and full of warmth, creating a sense of comfort and coziness wherever they find a home.

About This Marley Mae Square Pattern

Marley Mae Square is a richly textured crochet square designed in worsted-weight cotton with 17 rounds of sculpted post stitches, clusters, and cable details. Youll work with multiple colorways to create depth and contrast for a stunning finished square. The pattern includes clear round-by-round instructions and helpful photos to guide your progress.

Marley Mae Square Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for joining into blankets or used as a showpiece square, it highlights front and back post techniques. Finished size is approximately 11" x 11" using a 4.5 mm hook.

Why You'll Love This Marley Mae Square Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it layers texture and color to create a piece that feels both intricate and playful. I enjoy how the post stitches and clusters form a sculpted center that becomes a focal point of any blanket. The mix of techniques helped me refine my post stitch skills and taught me new ways to use stitch markers for consistent shaping. I also love that it works beautifully in worsted cotton, giving a crisp stitch definition every time. Sharing this square feels like giving a little heirloom you can build on or gift with pride.

Marley Mae Square Pattern step 1 - construction progress Marley Mae Square Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Marley Mae Square Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Marley Mae Square Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize the Marley Mae Square by changing the color palette—try muted neutrals for a modern look or bold brights for a playful throw.

I often substitute a soft wool blend for a cozier, warmer blanket; you can switch yarns but adjust hook size to maintain stitch definition.

To make a mini version for coasters or motifs, use a lighter weight yarn and smaller hook; conversely, use bulky yarn with a larger hook to create a chunky cushion cover square.

I sometimes emphasize the center by using contrasting colors for rounds 1-5 to draw the eye to the textured spiral motif.

Want a subtler texture? Try working RND 5 in the regular loops instead of the 3LP to soften the raised effect of the stitches.

I like adding embroidered accents after blocking—small surface stitches can highlight petals or corners for a bespoke finish.

For a posable sculptural piece, consider adding a fabric backing and light batting to create a padded square suitable for pillows or wall art.

If you plan to join multiple squares, experiment with different joining techniques like whipstitch, mattress stitch, or join-as-you-go to see which seam you prefer visually.

I recommend testing a small colorway swatch before committing to an entire blanket—this saves yarn and helps you judge how the textures read in your chosen colors.

Finally, have fun mixing colorways: create a twin set of squares using Colorway 1 and Colorway 2 as shown, then alternate them for a cohesive-yet-interesting blanket layout.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers during rounds with placed markers will cause misaligned motifs; place markers exactly as instructed and keep them until you are told to remove them. ✗ Working into the wrong loop when instructed to use the 3LP or shallow post stitches will change the texture; identify the FL, BL, and 3rd loop before inserting your hook. ✗ Pulling your yarn too tightly on color changes and invisible joins will distort corners and post stitches; finish rounds with a relaxed tension and weave in ends gently. ✗ Forgetting to follow the exact counts after clusters and cable sts leads to mismatched sides; count stitches after each round and confirm totals listed in the pattern. ✗ Not removing the correct markers at the specified round will shift the pattern repeats; remove or keep markers only when the pattern explicitly states to do so. ✗ Ignoring the special instruction to work in the 3LP for RND 5 will alter stitch heights and counts; use the third loop consistently for that round to match the sample.

Marley Mae Square Pattern

Create a vibrant, textured 11" x 11" square perfect for blankets, throws, or standalone decor. This intermediate pattern guides you through 17 detailed rounds with unique post stitches, cable stitches, and decorative corners. Youll enjoy layering colors and textures using worsted weight cotton yarn to achieve a professional, polished square. Ideal for building a memorable legacy blanket or adding a handmade accent to your home.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Marley Mae Square Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    I Love This Cotton (Worsted Weight) 100% cotton - Colorway 1 A = Buttercup
  • 02
    I Love This Cotton (Worsted Weight) 100% cotton - Colorway 1 B = Banana
  • 03
    I Love This Cotton (Worsted Weight) 100% cotton - Colorway 1 C = Curry
  • 04
    I Love This Cotton (Worsted Weight) 100% cotton - Colorway 1 D = Mint
  • 05
    I Love This Cotton (Worsted Weight) 100% cotton - Colorway 1 E = Aqua
  • 06
    I Love This Cotton (Worsted Weight) 100% cotton - Colorway 1 F = Turquoise
  • 07
    I Love This Cotton (Worsted Weight) 100% cotton - Colorway 1 G = White
  • 08
    Loops & Threads Cr me Cotton (Worsted Weight) 100% - Colorway 2 A = Pale Orchid
  • 09
    Use approximate amounts per square depending on color distribution (sample uses small amounts of each color; adjust for full blanket)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.5 mm
  • 02
    Stitch markers (multiple for placement of marker #1-#4)
  • 03
    Darning needle for weaving in ends
  • 04
    Scissors
  • 05
    Blocking tools (pins, blocking mats) for wet or steam blocking
  • 06
    Tape measure or ruler to check gauge
  • 07
    Optional: steam iron for careful steam blocking (avoid with acrylic yarns)

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— General Info :

Info :

Hook/Finished Size: 11" x 11", 4.5 mm hook. Crochet Terms: US terminology throughout. Skill Level: Intermediate.

Infos :

Additional Items Needed: Stitch markers and darning needle. Yarn: I Love This Cotton (Worsted Weight), 100% cotton and Loops & Threads Cr me Cotton (Worsted Weight), 100% for alternate colorway.

— Stitches Used :

Infos :

double magic circle; standing stitch; ch (Chain); invisible join; st(s) (Stitch/stitches); sp (Space); sc (Single crochet); FPsc (Front post single crochet); BPsc (Back post single crochet); hdc (Half double crochet); FPhdc (Front post half double crochet); BPhdc (Back post half double crochet); shallow FPhdc (shallow front post half double crochet); dc (Double crochet); FPdc (Front post double crochet); 2FPdc-cluster (2 front post double crochet cluster); long dc (Long double crochet); dc2tog (Double crochet 2 together); dc3tog (Double crochet 3 together); FPtr (Front post treble crochet); BL (Back loop); cable st; 3LP of sc, hdc, dc, tr (use of third loop in indicated stitches).

— Symbol Guide & Special Instructions :

Infos :

ASTERISKS: * to repeat instructions after a single asterisk as directed. PARENTHESES: ( ) indicates a group of sts that are worked together in or around the same st. BRACKETS: [ ] repeat instructions within brackets as directed. COUNT TOTALS: Total chain spaces are included in the st count; corner chain spaces are not included in the total. Instructions for ALL rounds start with a standing stitch and end with an invisible join to 2nd st of rnd, and fasten off. If not changing colors, you can opt to finish the previous rnd with a slip stitch join and use the appropriate "ch" or "chainless starting stitch" to begin the next round. Keep in mind that if you choose the slip stitch end, the "ch" or "chainless starting stitch" will replace the first standing st of the round.

— Rounds :

Round 1 :

In a double magic circle, ch 3 (counts as 1st dc of rnd), 7 dc; cut yarn, invisible join to 1st true dc of rnd. Counts: 8 dc (8 total)

Round 2 :

Starting in any dc, *hdc in dc; FPdc around dc immediately before hdc just worked; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 8 hdc, 8 FPdc (16 total)

Round 3 :

Starting in any hdc, *hdc in hdc AND FPdc, FPdc around FPdc immediately before hdc just worked; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 16 hdc, 8 FPdc (24 total)

Round 4 :

NOTE: After completing BPsc, the next st may be partially hidden. Starting in 1st hdc of any group of 2 hdc • *shallow BPsc around st, (2 sc) in NEXT st; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 24 sc, 12 BPsc (36 total)

Round 5 :

Note: Work in 3LP of all sts in this rnd. Starting in 1st sc of any (2 sc) group, * dc in 2 sc (place st marker around post of both dc-marker #1, #2), ch 2; use NEXT 7 sts to work dc, hdc, 3 sc, hdc, dc; ch 2; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 12 sc, 8 hdc, 16 dc, 8-ch 2 sp (52 total)

Round 6 :

Starting in ch-2 sp before marker #1, * (3 hdc) place a st marker in 1st hdc – marker #3; BPhdc around NEXT 2 dc; (3 hdc) in NEXT ch-2 sp, place st marker in 3rd hdc – marker #4); • [ch 1, sk st; 2FPdc-cluster around NEXT st] 3 times; ch 1, sk dc; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 24 hdc, 12 2FPdc-cluster, 8 BPhdc, 16 ch-1 sp (60 total)

Round 7 :

Starting in marked st #3 of rnd 6, • *hdc in hdc-do not remove marker; sc in NEXT 6 sts; hdc in NEXT hdc-do not remove marker; • ch 1, sk ch-1 sp; dc in NEXT 2FPdc-cluster; ch 1, sk ch-1 sp; (2 dc, ch 2 as a corner, 2 dc) in NEXT 2FPdc-cluster; ch 1, sk ch-1 sp; dc in NEXT 2FPdc-cluster; ch 1, sk ch-1 sp; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 24 sc, 8 hdc, 24 dc, 16 ch-1 sp, 4 ch-2 corner sp (72 total/18 per side)

Round 8 :

Starting in ch-2 corner sp before marked st #3 of rnd 6, * (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch-2 corner sp, sk NEXT 2 dc; (2 hdc) in NEXT ch-1 sp; • sk dc, (2 hdc) in NEXT ch-1 sp, ch 1; • FPsc around NEXT worked and marked hdc of rnd 6 (marker #3), remove marker, ch 1; • FPsc around NEXT 2 worked and marked dc of rnd 5 (marker #1 and #2), remove markers, ch 1; • FPsc around worked and marked hdc of rnd 6 (marker #4), remove marker, ch 1; • sk NEXT (hdc, 6 sc, hdc) of rnd 7; (2 hdc) in NEXT ch-1 sp; sk dc, (2 hdc) in NEXT ch-1 sp, sk NEXT 2 dc; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 48 hdc, 16 FPsc, 16 ch-1 sp, 4 ch-2 corner sp (80 total/20 per side)

Round 9 :

Starting in any ch-2 corner sp, • * (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch-2 corner sp; ch 1, sk NEXT 2 hdc; FPtr around NEXT 2 dc of rnd 7 corner; • hdc between (2 hdc) directly behind FPtr and NEXT (2 hdc); ch 1, sk NEXT 2 hdc; hdc between skipped (2 hdc) and NEXT (2 hdc), ch 2; • dc2tog, working in 1st and 2nd UNworked sc of rnd 7, ch 1; dc3tog, working in NEXT 3 sc, ch 1; dc2tog, working in NEXT sc and hdc of rnd 7; • ch 2, sk NEXT 2 hdc of rnd 8; hdc between previous (2 hdc) and NEXT 2 (hdc); ch 1, sk NEXT 2 hdc; hdc in between skipped (2 hdc) and NEXT (2 hdc); • FPtr around NEXT 2 dc of rnd 7 corner, ch 1, sk NEXT 2 hdc; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 32 hdc, 16 FPtr, 8 dc2tog, 4 dc3tog, 24 ch-1 sp, 8 ch-2 sp, 4 ch-2 corner sp (100 total/25 per side)

Round 10 :

Starting in any ch-2 corner sp, * (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch-2 corner sp; hdc in NEXT 2 hdc, sk ch-1 sp; shallow FPhdc around NEXT 2 FPtr, sk hdc; hdc in NEXT ch-1 sp; • FPhdc around NEXT hdc, hdc in NEXT ch-2 sp; FPhdc around NEXT dc2tog, hdc in NEXT ch-1 sp; FPhdc around NEXT dc3tog, hdc in NEXT ch-1 sp; FPhdc around NEXT dc2tog; hdc in NEXT ch-2 sp; FPhdc around NEXT hdc; hdc in NEXT ch-1 sp, sk hdc; • shallow FPhdc around NEXT 2 FPtr; sk ch-1 sp, hdc in NEXT 2 sts; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 56 hdc, 16 shallow FPhdc, 20 FPhdc, 4 ch-2 corner sp (92 total/23 per side)

Round 11 :

NOTE: In this rnd, be careful not to make your sts too tight. Starting in any ch-2 corner sp, * (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 corner sp; [ch 1, sk st, sc in NEXT st] 11 times, ch 1; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 52 sc, 48 ch-1 sp, 4 ch-2 corner sp (100 total/25 per side)

Round 12 :

Starting in any ch-2 corner sp, * (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 corner sp; [2FPdc-cluster around NEXT sc, ch 1; sc in NEXT ch-1 sp, sc and ch-1 sp] 6 times; • 2FPdc-cluster around NEXT sc, ch 1; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 80 sc, 28 2FPdc-cluster, 28 ch-1 sp, 4 ch-2 corner sp (136 total/34 per side)

Round 13 :

Start in any ch-2 corner sp, * (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 corner sp; working in BL and skipping all ch-1 sps, sc across in each st to NEXT ch-2 corner sp; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 8 sc, 108 BLsc, 4-ch 2 corner sp (116 total/29 per side)

Round 14 :

Starting in any ch-2 corner sp, * (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 corner sp; ch 1, sk NEXT sc; [cable st] 7 times, ch 1; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 16 dc, 28 cable st, 8 ch-1 sp, 4-ch 2 corner sp (52 total/13 per side)

Round 15 :

Starting in any ch-2 corner sp, * (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 corner sp; ch 1, sk NEXT 2 dc; (2 dc) in NEXT ch-1 sp; sk cable st, [(4 dc) between NEXT 2 cable sts] 6 times; sk cable st, (2 dc) in NEXT ch-1 sp; ch 1, sk NEXT 2 dc; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 128 dc, 8 ch-1 sp, 4 ch-2 corner sp (136 total/34 per side)

Round 16 :

Starting in any ch-2 corner sp, * (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 corner sp; dc in NEXT 2 dc and ch-1 sp; dc in NEXT 13 dc; dc2tog in NEXT 2 dc; dc in NEXT 13 dc; dc in NEXT ch-1 sp and 2 dc; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 144 dc, 4 dc2tog, 4 ch-2 corner sp (148 total/37 per side)

Round 17 :

Note: If after rnd 16, your square is running small, replace the sc with hdc. Starting in any ch-2 corner sp, * (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 corner sp; sc across in each st to NEXT ch-2 corner sp; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join and weave in ALL yarn ends. Counts: 156 sc, 4 ch-2 corner sp (156 total/39 per side)

Info :

Blocking is recommended to reach final shape and size. You can either wet block or steam block, but be careful when steam blocking acrylic yarn. Weave in all ends after finishing rnd 17 and before blocking.

Assembly Instructions

  • Weave in all yarn ends securely after finishing Round 17, then block the square to shape and size using wet blocking or careful steam blocking (avoid steam on acrylic).
  • Use stitch markers during construction to mark st markers #1-#4 as indicated in the rounds and remove them only when the pattern explicitly instructs you to do so.
  • When joining multiple squares, pin or block them first to ensure consistent size and alignment before sewing or join-as-you-go methods.
  • If assembling into a blanket, join squares using your preferred seaming method (mattress stitch, whipstitch, or join-as-you-go) and then give the finished blanket a final blocking to even out seams and edges.
  • Press gently when steam blocking and allow the squares to dry completely pinned in position for best results, ensuring corners are square and edges are even.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of special placed stitches and to identify marker #1-#4 positions for accurate shaping.
  • 💡Work Round 5 in the 3rd loop (3LP) of stitches as instructed to achieve the proper stitch height and texture.
  • 💡Keep an eye on stitch counts after rounds with clusters or cable stitches; count often to confirm you match the listed totals.
  • 💡When changing colors, finish with an invisible join and fasten off as directed, or use a slip stitch join and a chainless starting stitch if you prefer continuity.

Marley Mae Square is a colorful, textured statement square perfect for heirloom blankets and cozy gift projects. The mix of post stitches, clusters, and cable details creates a beautiful sculpted surface that pops in worsted cotton. Make a single square or a whole collection to build a vibrant blanket that will be cherished for years. 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished square measures approximately 11" x 11" when using the recommended worsted weight cotton and a 4.5 mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can substitute yarn weights, but the final size and texture will change; adjust your hook accordingly and check gauge if matching sample size is important.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so familiarity with post stitches, clusters, and working in the third loop is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete a single square in about 5-7 hours depending on experience and familiarity with the special stitches used.