Squares are one of my favorite things to crochet. Maybe it’s because a granny square blanket was one of the first things I ever made. So, when Helen from Sunflower Cottage Crochet created the Friendship Blanket CAL project, I immediately signed up to participate! The CAL will offer you 40 crochet square patterns that you can make into a blanket or any other project you choose.
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This Crochet-A-Long (CAL) is a colloboration of 29 different designers. Starting on January 15, 2021, we will be offering three squares patterns each week using a variety of stitches and styles. You can choose to make them all or pick the ones that you love the most.
About the Inspiration for Friendship Blanket CAL
We were inspired to call this the Friendship Blanket CAL because we are all working together to bring it to you. As Helen says, it’s called the Friendship Blanket “Simply because I did not do this by myself!” It’s been my experience that crocheters love to give and help each other out. This blanket fits that spirit perfectly.
Helen made a gorgeous blanket out of 35 of the squares. I hope this photo of her blanket inspires your creativity. What colors would you want to use?
About the Yarn
All of the squares call for worsted weight yarn, sometimes also called Aran weight, medium weight, or #4 yarn. Helen made a gorgeous blanket using Paintbox Simply Aran yarn. You can grab some worsted weight yarn from your stash and make a scrapghan too. Or, if you are looking for some worsted weight options, here are some options.
Paintbox Simply Aran – you can find this 100% acrylic yarn on LoveCrafts. It comes in 3.5 oz skeins of 201 yards (184m).
Lion Brand Basic Stitch – this is another great 100% acrylic yarn. It comes in both Anti-Pilling and Premium in a variety of colors. The skeins are also 3.5 oz and contain 219 yards (220m).
WeCrochet Mighty Stitch – if you’d like some wool in your blanket for extra warmth, this is a soft superwash blend of 20% Superwash Wool and 80% Acrylic and comes in a range of colors. The skeins are also 3.5 oz and contain 208 yards.
How do I get the crochet square patterns?
You can download each pattern for free using the coupon code on its featured day. When a new pattern releases, I will add it to the list at the bottom of this post. The link on the list will take you to the designer’s website
You can also purchase an affordable bundle of all of the printable PDF patterns for just $10.
What You’ll Need for the Crochet Square Patterns
Yarn: Worsted weight velvet yarn (#4 Medium) in colors of your choice. To make a blanket of 35 squares, Sunflower Cottage Crochet used 19 skeins of Paintbox Simply Aran in 5 different colorways. You can find more information about the particular colorways and yarn amounts that Sunflower Cottage Crochet used on their post about the CAL.
Hooks: From size G/6 (4.0mm) to size J/10 (6.00mm) or sizes needed to obtain gauge.
Notions: Tapestry needle, at least 4 stitch markers, scissors.
Sizing and Gauge
Size: Each square measures approximately 9″ x 9”
Gauge: Gauge will vary by square. Check each square’s directions and adjust as needed.
Want some extra support for the Friendship Blanket CAL?
Sunflower Cottage Crochet will be offering extra support during the CAL in their Facebook Community. Sign up to join the community if you are interested in participating in their group. And, if you’d like email reminders when you can also sign up for their events and CALs email list.
40 Crochet Square Patterns - The Friendship Blanket CAL
The Friendship Blanket CAL is a collection of 40 crochet square patterns. On each square's featured day, visit the designer's website through the "read more" button. On the featured day, find either the link to the Ravelry store in the post or the button that says "download the free PDF pattern here" on the designer's website. Then, use the coupon code noted below to download the pattern for free.
The Friendship Blanket – Friendship Square
The Friendship Square is featured on January 15, 2021. This pattern is suitable for a beginner who wants to try post stitches. Sunflower Cottage Crochet has included video tutorials for the front and back post stitches that give the square its beautiful texture. On its own, this square would make a great washcloth too!
Look For: Link to the Ravelry Store
Coupon Code: Squares
Pretty Petals Crochet Square- Free Crochet Pattern
The Pretty Petals square is featured on January 17, 2021. This lacy square works up quickly. Sunflower Cottage Crochet added an extra round of hdc to her square to get it to measure 9". This is one of a few squares where the designer is not offering it as a free Ravelry PDF download. Instead you can use the button on the post to sign up for Amelia Makes' email list, and she will send the pattern to your inbox. The pattern is also available for free on her blog.
Look For: Button on Blog Post that Says "Get the Pattern"
Lauren Square
The Lauren Square is featured on January 20, 2021. This is one of the two squares I designed for the CAL. It features a wavy pattern that reminds me of ocean ripples.
Look For: Download PDF Button
Coupon Code: Squares
Rambling Roses Square
The Rambling Roses Square is featured on January 22, 2021. This gorgeous square by Made by Gootie is full of texture.
Look For: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
Illusion Square
The Illusion Square is featured on January 24, 2021. This pattern uses tapestry crochet and is a great opportunity to try out colorwork on a smaller square. If you fall in love with the square, try putting more than one together to see the results! Wouldn't a bunch of squares make a cool pillow cover or blanket?
Look For: Button that says "Download the Illusion Square here!"
Coupon Code: No coupon code needed!
The Diamond Bliss Square
The Diamond Bliss Square by Crafting at the Poole is featured on January 27, 2021. This beautiful square has a wonderful texture and is a great opportunity to try out post stitches.
Look For: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: ShineLikeADiamond
Omatra Square
The Omatra Square by Three Fates Creations is featured on January 29, 2021. This beautiful take on a granny square should be easy for anyone who has made granny squares before. Read more on the blog post about the beautiful inspiration for the name of the square and how it ties into the Friendship Blanket CAL.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
Raised Diagonal Friendship Square Pattern
The Raised Diagonal Friendship Square by Sunflower Cottage Crochet is featured on January 31, 2021. This square uses post stitches on a diagonal to get its beautiful geometric effect.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
Ara Blanket Square Free Crochet Pattern
The Ara Square by Ambassador Crochet is featured on February 3, 2021. Named after a constellation of bright starts, the square starts as a circle, transitions to a star, and then ends as a square. Friends can be like bright stars in our lives. This square should be a beautiful addition to the Friendship blanket.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
Diamonds Square
The Diamonds Square is featured on February 5, 2021. The pattern uses an argyle shell stitch that makes a square full of diamonds.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: CALSQUARE
Kindred Square
The Kindred Square by Through the Loop Yarn Craft is featured on February 7, 2021. This textured square has a honey-comb like pattern on the front and another beautiful texture on the back. Worked in cotton, the square could also work as a dishcloth or washcloth.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
Eclectic Friendship Blanket Square
The Eclectic Friendship Blanket Square by Crochets by Trista is featured on February 10, 2021. This beautiful square has a nice texture and easy to remember repeat.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
The Kinship Square
The Kinship Square by the Loophole Fox Crochet is featured on February 12, 2021. This is beginner-friendly square full of great texture.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
Crochet Tapestry Heart Square
The Crochet Tapestry Heart Square by Amelia Makes is featured on February 14, 2021. Perfect for Valentine's Day, the square comes in two sizes. This is one of a few squares where the designer is not offering it as a free Ravelry PDF download. Instead you can use the button on the post to sign up for Amelia Makes' email list, and she will send the pattern to your inbox. The pattern is also available for free on her blog.
Look For: Button on Blog Post that Says "Get the Pattern"
Friendship Blanket Square
The Friendship Blanket Square by Natali's Crochet Designs is featured on February 17, 2021. This highly textured square uses puff stitches that make it extra squishy.
Look For: Text that says "Get FREE pdf download with coupon code SQUARES (valid till the end of the CAL)" and then a link to the pattern on Ravelry
Coupon Code: Squares
The Connection Square
The Connection Square by Sunflower Cottage Crochet is featured on February 19, 2021. Suitable for intermediate crocheters, this pattern uses the bean stitch. Sunflower Cottage Crochet has video tutorials for both left and right handed crocheters in both the pattern and the post.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
Sweet Stripes Friendship Square " Green Fox Farms Designs
The Sweet Stripes Friendship Square by Green Fox Farms Designs is featured on February 21, 2021. This square uses simple repeats making it easy to master quickly.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
Sol Square: the Friendship Blanket CAL
The Sol Square by Emma Wilkinson Designs is featured on February 24, 2021. This square combines a variety of stitches to get its great texture.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
The Dolphin Stitch Square FREE Pattern
The Dolphin Stitch Square by Straight Hooked is featured on February 26, 2020. The pattern features the designer's own innovative stitch!
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
Cross Puff Stitch Crochet Square
The Cross Puff Stitch Square by HanJan Crochet is featured on February 28, 2021. This pretty textured square features rows of puff stitches.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
Desamour DesignsModern Crochet DesignerZanmi Crochet Square Pattern
The Zanmi Square by Desamour Designs is featured on March 3, 2021. Zanmi is the Haitian word for friends and friendship.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
No coupon code needed. Direct free download only available on March 3, 2021.
Sun and stars Granny Square
The Sun and Stars Granny Square by Crochet Cloudberry is featured on March 5, 2021. This pattern is free on the blog with lots of step by step photos. There is no free PDF download option.
Lasting Links Crochet Blanket Square
The Lasting Links Square by Ned and Mimi is featured on March 7, 2021. This square uses a unique take on the Jacob's Ladder stitch pattern.
Look For: Download PDF Button
Coupon Code: Squares
Square for CAL pattern by Canoe Mtn Designs
This beautiful square by Canoe Mtn Designs is always free on Ravelry! It's featured on March 10, 2021 in the CAL.
Synergy Interlocking Square
The Synergy Interlocking Square by Kickin' Crochet is featured on March 12, 2021. I actually tested this square for Mary, and it was my first time trying interlocking crochet. Mary has a great video that will take you through making the square. The results are gorgeous if you want to try out this cool technique (or if you've done it before!)
Look For: Link to the Ravelry Store
Coupon Code: Squares
Sedge Stitch Square
The Sedge Stitch Square by Carroway Crochet is featured on March 14, 2021. This is a relaxing square to make. The coupon code is good on March 14 only. The pattern is free on the blog all the time and includes video instructions too.
Look For: Download PDF Button
Coupon Code: Squares
Arianrhod Blanket Square
The Arianrhod Blanket Square by Ambassador Crochet is featured on March 17, 2021. This blanket uses a construction of cables made in the round for its textured effect.
Look For: Download PDF Button
Coupon Code: Squares
Free Granny Square Pattern – Harmony Square
The Harmony Square by Me 'n My Hook is featured on March 19, 2021. This square has a fun shape within a shape design.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: YNOMRAH
Crochet Cluster Stitch Square
The Cluster This Way square is featured on March 21, 2021. The texture in this square is gorgeous. Susanna is an amazing designer over at Fosbas Designs. If you love garments, she has wonderful and versatile designs!
Look For: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Square
Crochet Cable Stitch Pattern – Easy Rialto Square
The Easy Rialto Square by HanJan Crochet is featured on March 24, 2021. Hannah has a video tutorial to help you try the cable stitch if it's new to you.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
Friendship Star
The Friend Ship Star pattern by Blue Star Crochet is featured on March 26, 2021. This gorgeous square uses a combination of textured and lacy crochet stitches.
Look For: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: star
Stunning Crochet Lace Square Pattern – The Little Angel Square
The Little Angel Square by Desert Blossom Crafts is featured on March 28, 2021.
Look For: Under the Written Instructions Section, look for "TO GET THIS PATTERN AS A FREE PDF, PLEASE CLICK HERE!"
Coupon Code: Angel
Textured Granny Square Pattern (Free)
The Victoria Square is a textured granny square featured on March 31, 2021. This is my second design for the Friendship Blanket CAL.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Squares
Integrity Square
The Integrity Square by Creative Crochet Hook is featured on April 2, 2021. This square combines a variety of stitches for beautiful texture.
Look for: Download FREE PDF
Coupon Code: No Code Needed
Communion Square
The Communion Square by Me n My Hook is featured on April 4, 2021. I love how this square goes from a circle to square shape plus it has texture!
Look For: Download PDF Button
Coupon Code: NOINUMMOC
Malachia Granny Square
The Malachia Granny Square by Raffamusa Designs is featured on April 7, 2021. This square is inspired by the beauty of rose windows.
Look For: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Rosone
The Companion Square FREE Crochet Pattern
The Companion Square by Straight Hooked is featured on April 9, 2021. This pattern uses only double crochets and chains for a quick and easy square.
Look For: Button that says "Download the Illusion Square here!"
Coupon Code: Square
The Fellowship Square
The Fellowship Square by The Loophole Fox is featured on April 11, 2021. This square uses the crossed double crochet or cross stitch crochet stitch. This is one of my favorite stitches. You can find it in my Susan Shawl pattern which is available for free on the blog.
Look For: Button that says "Download the Illusion Square here!"
Coupon Code: Squares
Waffle Stitch Square
The Waffle Stitch Square by Carroway Crochet is featured on April 14, 2021. This square has great texture and is quick to finish.
Look For: Button that says "Download the Illusion Square here!"
Coupon Code: crochetalong
Circle of Friends Square
The Circle of Friends Square by Blue Star Crochet is featured on April 16, 2021. The circle in the center of the square represents the circle of family and friends around you.
Look for: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF pattern here"
Coupon Code: Circle
Brindisi Bobble Square Crochet Pattern
The Brindisi Bobble Square is the last square in the CAL and is featured on April 18, 2021. This square by ChristaCo Design features bobbles and stripes. This square actually makes 41 squares in the CAL - think of it as a bonus square!
Look For: Button on Blog Post that says "Download the free PDF"
Coupon Code: Bobble