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Pinwheel Square Pattern

Pinwheel Square Pattern
4.6★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.1K 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.

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Weekend Treat

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

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Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Pinwheel Square Pattern

This pattern creates a decorative Pinwheel Square worked in 15 detailed rounds using worsted weight cotton yarns and a mix of post stitches and puff stitches. The square features layered texture with back/front post techniques and shaped corners for a crisp finish. Clear stitch definitions and photo references are included to help you master each round.

Pinwheel Square Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Ideal for blankets, throw projects, or standalone accent squares, the pattern includes two colorway suggestions to inspire your palette choices. You will find gauge information and blocking recommendations to achieve a professional finish.

Why You'll Love This Pinwheel Square Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines striking colorwork with interesting textures that keep every round fun and different. I poured care into the stitch sequence so the square builds beautifully from a simple center into a structured, framed motif. The mix of post stitches, dc2tog shaping, and puff accents gives the finished piece a handcrafted, heirloom feel I enjoy making again and again. I also love that it works up into a perfect square that blocks nicely, making it easy to incorporate into larger projects like blankets or cushions.

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

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with color—try switching the color order to make the central motif pop or use monochrome shades for a subtle textured square.

For a chunkier, cozier version I sometimes use a bulky weight cotton and a larger hook which gives a squishier, oversized square perfect for chunky blankets.

To make mini versions for coasters or appliques, use fingering or sport weight yarn with a matching smaller hook and reduce final hook size to keep stitch definition.

I often swap the puff rounds for clusters or bobbles to change the surface texture while keeping the same overall construction of rounds.

If you want a lacy effect, replace some of the dense dc rounds with more chain-space patterns and openwork to let background fabric show through.

I like to add embroidery or a contrasting surface slip stitch row on top of the finished square to personalize the design with lettering or simple motifs.

For a quilted effect, join multiple completed squares with whipstitch and then slip stitch over the join in a contrasting color to create grid lines.

Consider adding a thin fabric backing for coasters to protect surfaces—use matching thread and hand sew through the outer rounds to keep the motif visible.

I sometimes add a crocheted border in complementary color using crab stitch or scallops to frame the square and give it a finished look.

Don’t be afraid to mix yarn fibers—your choice of cotton, cotton-blend, or linen will affect drape and stitch definition, and experimenting leads to delightful, unique results.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the special instructions about starting and ending each round; always begin with the standing stitch and finish with an invisible join (or slst join if not changing colors) as directed to keep your rounds aligned. ✗ Failing to count stitches after increases and decreases; count at the end of each round to catch mistakes early and avoid shaping issues later in the pattern. ✗ Rushing post stitch placement (FPdc/BPdc/shallow BPdc) which results in uneven texture; take time to insert your hook in the correct front or back loop/part of the post as described, and mark repeats if needed. ✗ Not blocking the finished square which leaves stitches looking uneven; block using a wet block or gentle steam block (avoid steam on acrylics) to open up the texture and square the piece properly. ✗ Changing hook size mid-work without adjusting tension; if you alter hook size, make a gauge swatch and adjust where needed to keep the final dimensions consistent with the pattern.

Pinwheel Square Pattern

Create a vibrant, textured Pinwheel Square that adds instant color and personality to any blanket, cushion, or decorative project. This pattern guides you through unique post stitches, puff motifs, and corner shaping so you can make a polished square with beautiful depth. You will enjoy the step-by-step instructions and clear round counts to keep your work precise and satisfying. Perfect for practicing stitch variety while creating a stunning finished piece.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Pinwheel Square Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    I Love This Cotton (Worsted Weight) - 100% cotton (used for multiple colorways; main quantities vary by square)
  • 02
    Yarn Bee - Pima Suprema (Worsted Weight) - 100% pima cotton (used for Colorway E: Lace)
  • 03
    Yarn Bee - Cotton Et Lin (Worsted Weight) - 80% cotton, 20% linen (used for Colorway 2 B: Fern)
  • 04
    Colorway 1: A - Apple Green (I Love This Cotton); B - Banana (I Love This Cotton); C - Glowing (I Love This Cotton); D - Rosey II (I Love This Cotton); E - Lace (Yarn Bee Pima Suprema)
  • 05
    Colorway 2: A - Aubergine (I Love This Cotton); B - Fern (Yarn Bee Cotton Et Lin); C - Olive (I Love This Cotton); D - Deep Teal (I Love This Cotton); E - Lace (Yarn Bee Pima Suprema)
  • 06
    Finished & Blocked Size: using 4.5 mm hook results in approximately 11" x 11"; using 5.0 mm hook results in approximately 12" x 12"

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.5 mm (recommended for smaller finished size)
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 5.0 mm (recommended for larger finished size)
  • 03
    Wet blocking materials (pins, flat surface) or steam block (use caution with acrylic yarns)
  • 04
    Scissors
  • 05
    Yarn/tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  • 06
    Stitch markers (helpful for marking corners and repeat starting points)

Progress Tracker

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— Pinwheel Square :

Info :

Hook used/Finished and Blocked Size: 4.5 mm, 11" x 11"; 5 mm, 12" x 12"

Info :

Crochet Terms: US terminology throughout. Skill Level: Mid Intermediate. Gauge: 4" x 4" square = 15 sc x 16 rows, using 4.5 mm hook

Infos :

Yarn and Colors Used: I Love This Cotton (Worsted Weight), 100% cotton. Yarn Bee ~ Pima Suprema (Worsted Weight), 100% pima cotton. Yarn Bee ~ Cotton Et Lin (Worsted Weight), 80% cotton, 20% linen. Colorway 1, A - Apple Green (I Love This Cotton); B - Banana (I Love This Cotton); C - Glowing (I Love This Cotton); D - Rosy II (I Love This Cotton); E - Lace (Yarn Bee ~ Pima Suprema). Colorway 2, A - Aubergine (I Love This Cotton); B - Fern (Yarn Bee ~ Cotton Et Lin); C - Olive (I Love This Cotton); D - Deep Teal (I Love This Cotton); E - Lace (Yarn Bee ~ Pima Suprema)

Infos :

STITCHES USED: double magic circle; standing stitch; invisible join; st(s) (Stitch/stitches); sp (Space); sk (Skip); ch (Chain); yo (Yarn over); rnd (Round); slst (Slip stitch); sc (Single crochet); shallow BPsc (Shallow back post single crochet); hdc (Half double crochet); alternate starting hdc (Alternate starting half double crochet); dc (Double crochet)

Infos :

Additional Stitches: e-dc (Extended double crochet); FPdc (Front post double crochet); e-FPdc (Extended front post double crochet); BPdc (Back post double crochet); shallow BPdc (shallow back post double crochet); dc2tog (Double crochet 2 together); tr (Treble crochet); puff

Infos :

Special Instructions: 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 rnd with a slst 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.

Infos :

Navigate between written instructions, stitch definitions, videos, and pictures by clicking on the corresponding links. To view the yarns and colors used, click the "Yarns and Colors Used" link. Achieve a professional appearance by blocking your finished square. Blocking opens up your stitches; you can block using a wet block or steam block, but be cautious when steam-blocking acrylic yarn.

Round 1 :

Colorway 1: A, Apple Green Colorway 2: A, Aubergine Start in a double magic circle, • In a double magic circle, work a ch 2 OR use an alternate starting hdc (as the first hdc of rnd), 7 hdc; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 8 hdc (8 total)

Round 2 :

Colorway 1: B, Banana Colorway 2: B, Fern Start in any hdc, • [(2 dc) in hdc] 8 times; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 16 dc (16 total)

Round 3 :

Colorway 1: B, Banana Colorway 2: B, Fern Start around any dc, • [FPdc around dc, ch 1] 16 times; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 16 FPdc, 16 ch-1 sp (32 total)

Round 4 :

Colorway 1: C, Glowing Colorway 2: C, Olive Start in any ch-1 sp, • [(3 dc) in ch-1 sp, sk FPdc; (2 dc) in ch-1 sp, sk FPdc] 8 times; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 40 dc (40 total)

Round 5 :

Colorway 1: D, Rosey II Colorway 2: D, Deep Teal Start around any dc, • *shallow BPsc around dc; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 40 shallow BPsc (40 total)

Round 6 :

Colorway 1: D, Rosey II Colorway 2: E, Lace Start in any shallow BPsc, • dc2tog, working in 1st and 3rd shallow BPsc, skipping 2nd shallow BPsc, ch 3; [dc2tog, working in previously worked shallow BPsc (skipping a shallow BPsc) and NEXT UNworked shallow BPsc, ch 3] 18 times; • dc2tog, working in previously worked shallow BPsc (skipping a shallow BPsc) and in 1st worked shallow BPsc of rnd, ch 3; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 20 dc2tog, 20 ch-3 sp (80 total)

Round 7 :

Colorway 1: D, Rosey II Colorway 2: E, Lace Start in any ch-3 sp, • [(3 sc) in ch-3 sp, ch 1, sk dc2tog] 20 times; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 60 sc, 20 ch-1 sp (80 total)

Round 8 :

Colorway 1: E, Lace Colorway 2: D, Deep Teal Start in any ch-1 sp, • *(sc, ch 6, sc) in ch-1 sp; [ch 3, sk 3 sc, sc in NEXT ch-1 sp] 4 times; ch 3, sk 3 sc; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 24 sc, 20 ch-3 sp, 4 ch-6 sp (108 total)

Round 9 :

Colorway 1: E, Lace Colorway 2: D, Deep Teal Start in any ch-6 sp, • *(4 tr, dc, ch-2 as a corner; dc, 4 tr) in ch-6 sp; sk NEXT (sc, ch-3 sp, sc); (hdc, 3 dc) in NEXT ch-3 sp; • sk sc, (5 tr) in NEXT ch-3 sp; sk sc, (3 dc, hdc) in NEXT ch-3 sp; sk NEXT (sc, ch-3 sp, sc); repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 8 hdc, 32 dc, 52 tr, 4 ch-2 corner sp (92 total/23 per side)

Round 10 :

Colorway 1: A, Apple Green Colorway 2: A, Aubergine Start in any corner sp, • *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner sp; dc in NEXT 5 sts, ch 1; BPdc around NEXT 4 sts; working in 3LP, hdc in NEXT 5 tr; BPdc around NEXT 4 sts, ch 1; dc in NEXT 5 sts; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 20 hdc, 56 dc, 32 BPdc, 8 ch-1 sp, 4 ch-2 corner sp (116 total/29 per side)

Round 11 :

Colorway 1: C, Glowing Colorway 2: E, Lace Start in any corner sp, • *(hdc, ch 2, hdc) in corner sp; working in 3LP, hdc in NEXT 7 dc, sk ch-1 sp; • [hdc in NEXT st, ch 1, sk st] 6 times, hdc in NEXT BPdc, sk ch-1 sp; • working in 3LP, hdc in NEXT 7 dc; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 92 hdc, 24 ch-1 sp, 4 ch-2 corner sp (116 total/29 per side)

Round 12 :

Colorway 1: D, Rosey II Colorway 2: C, Olive Start in any corner sp, • *[(dc, ch 1] 2 times, dc) in corner sp; BPdc around NEXT 8 hdc, sk hdc; • [working in front of rnd 11, dc in NEXT UNworked BPdc of rnd 10, sk ch-1 sp, hdc in NEXT hdc of rnd 11] 5 times; working in front of rnd 11, dc in UNworked BPdc of rnd 10; • working in rnd 11, sk hdc; BPdc around 8 hdc; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 20 hdc, 36 dc, 64 BPdc, 8 ch-1 sp (128 total/32 per side)

Round 13 :

Colorway 1: E, Lace Colorway 2: B, Fern Start in 1st ch-1 sp of any [(dc, ch 1) 2 times, dc] group, • *(puff) in ch-1 sp; ch 2 as the new corner, sk dc; (puff) in NEXT ch-1 sp, ch 1 to close puff; dc in NEXT 9 sts; • [hdc in NEXT dc, FPdc around NEXT hdc] 5 times, hdc in NEXT dc; • dc in NEXT 9 sts; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 24 hdc, 8 puff, 72 dc, 20 FPdc, 4 ch-1 sp, 4 ch-2 corner sp (128 total/32 per side)

Round 14 :

Colorway 1: A, Apple Green Colorway 2: E, Lace Start in any corner sp, • *(2 e-dc, ch 2, 2 e-dc) in corner sp; e-FPdc around NEXT puff, sk ch-1 sp used to close puff; shallow BPdc around NEXT 29 sts; e-FPdc around NEXT puff; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join. Counts: 116 shallow BPdc, 16 e-dc, 8 e-FPdc, 4 ch-2 corner sp (140 total/35 per side)

Round 15 :

Colorway 1: D, Rosey II Colorway 2: A, Aubergine Start in any corner sp, • *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner sp; dc across to NEXT corner sp; repeat from * around; cut yarn, invisible join and weave in ends. Counts: 156 dc, 4 ch-2 corner sp (156 total/39 per side)

Assembly Instructions

  • Block the finished square flat using a wet block or gentle steam block (use caution on acrylic yarn). Pin the square to measurements to open up textured stitches and achieve a square shape.
  • Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side using a yarn needle; hide ends under post stitches or along color changes for a cleaner finish.
  • If joining multiple squares, align squares right side up and use your preferred join (whipstitch, slip stitch join, or mattress stitch) placing joins between corresponding rounds to preserve motif alignment.
  • When joining, pin or baste squares first to ensure corners and motif points align, then sew with matching yarn color for an invisible join and reinforce stress points at corners.

Important Notes

  • 💡Instructions for all rounds start with a standing stitch and end with an invisible join to the 2nd stitch of the round unless otherwise directed.
  • 💡If you are not changing colors, you may finish rounds with a slip stitch join and begin the next round using the chain or chainless starting stitch which replaces the standing stitch.
  • 💡Blocking is recommended to open up stitches and square the piece; use wet blocking or gentle steam blocking and be cautious when using steam on acrylic yarns.

This Pinwheel Square pattern is a joyful mix of texture and color that makes a beautiful addition to blankets or cushions. The layered post stitches, puffs, and shaped corners give your square an heirloom-quality finish you will be proud to display. Make a set in coordinating colors or experiment with bold contrasts for a modern twist. 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished square measures approximately 11" x 11" when using a 4.5 mm hook, and approximately 12" x 12" when using a 5.0 mm hook, before blocking.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will affect the finished size and gauge; adjust your hook size accordingly and check a gauge swatch before proceeding.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated Intermediate, so familiarity with post stitches, dc2tog, puff stitches and reading round counts is recommended for best results.

How should I block the square for best results?

Wet block the square by pinning it to the desired dimensions and allowing it to dry, or use a gentle steam block while taking care with heat-sensitive fibers like acrylic.