💛Crochet New Design Motif💛Unique Square Pattern Step-by-Step 

This unique square motif, which we will call the “Golden Bloom Square,” creates a stunning, dimensional look. It features a raised, flower-like center that blooms out from the square, framed by a solid, graphic border that makes it perfect for joining into larger projects.

🧶 The Toolkit

• Yarn: DK or Worsted weight. Use a vibrant Yellow or Gold for the center bloom and a contrasting Cream or White for the frame.
• Hook: 4.0 mm. A smaller hook ensures the “bloom” stays tight and structured.
• Stitch Key (US Terms):
  • ch: Chain
  • sl st: Slip Stitch
  • sc: Single Crochet
  • dc: Double Crochet
  • tr: Treble Crochet (Yarn over twice)
  • Popcorn Stitch (PC): Work 5 dc into one stitch, remove hook, insert into the top of the first dc, pull the loop through to create a raised “pop.”

🛠 The Step-by-Step Instructions

Round 1: The Golden Bloom Center (Color A)

1. Start: ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
2. The Petals: ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 11 dc into the ring. You should have 12 stitches total. sl st to join.
3. The Popcorns: ch 3, work 4 dc into the same stitch, then pull the loop through to complete your Popcorn Stitch. ch 2.
4. Repeat: Work a PC in every stitch around (12 Popcorns total), with ch 2 between each one. sl st to join.
   • Result: A beautiful, textured circle of golden “buds.”

Round 2: The Square Transition (Color A)

1. Attach: Join in any ch-2 space.
2. The Corners: ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc (all in the same space).
3. The Sides: ch 1. In the next 2 spaces, work 3 dc.
4. The Pattern: Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the corner space, then 3 dc in each of the next 2 spaces. Repeat around.
5. Join: sl st to join. Fasten off.

Round 3: The Graphic Frame (Color B)

This round turns your textured circle into a perfectly crisp square.

1. Attach: Join Color B in any corner.
2. The Corner: ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc (all in corner).
3. The Solid Fill: ch 1. Work 1 dc into every stitch and space along the sides.
4. The Result: By working solid double crochets, you hide the “gaps” from the previous rounds, leaving a sleek, geometric frame around your textured golden bloom.
5. Join: sl st to the top of your ch 3.

✨ Pro-Tips for a “Unique” Motif

1. The “Puffed” Center Effect

If you want the center bloom to be even more dramatic, don’t just use a standard Popcorn Stitch. Use a “Bobble Stitch” (where you leave the final loops of every double crochet on the hook and pull through them all at once). It creates a rounder, softer texture that looks like a real flower petal.

2. Blocking is Essential

This motif has significant texture. If you don’t block it, the center “bloom” will cause the square to curl.

• The Technique: Pin the square to a mat, focusing on the four corners to ensure they are at perfect $90^\circ$ angles.
• The Steam: Lightly steam the entire piece, but press down firmly on the corners while steaming. This flattens the frame while allowing the center “bloom” to remain raised and textured.

3. Color Contrast

The “uniqueness” of this square relies on the contrast between the texture and the frame. If you use a variegated (multi-colored) yarn for the center and a solid, matte yarn for the frame, the motif will look like a piece of jewelry.

💡 Project Idea: The “Golden Garden” Tote

This square is perfect for a summer tote bag. Because the center is so textured, it provides a nice, thick structural base.

• Join 12 of these squares (3 rows of 4).
• Use a dark navy or forest green for the frame color of all your squares. The dark frame will make the golden centers look like glowing sunflowers, creating a high-end, artistic look for your bag.

Would you like a guide on how to join these textured squares so that the “bloom” stays prominent and isn’t squashed by the seams?