Bramble Square – Square 1 of Bláithín Blanket Stash Busting CAL

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Welcome to the first Flower Square pattern of the Bláithín Blanket Stash Busting CAL! This crochet square is called the Bramble Square. The hedgerows in Ireland are full of brambles this time of year, and blackberries are plentiful for the picking.

This post also includes the pattern for the Solid Square that you will need to complete your blanket. You will need to make 3-4 Bramble Squares and 3-4 Solid Squares for this part of the CAL.

The Blaithin Blanket CAL is over now, but all information and patterns for the squares will always be available for Free on my Blog.

• No need to sign up, no worries about keeping up! Feel free to make the patterns at your own pace – they will always be available for Free on my blog.
• Share your progress on Instagram using #blaithinblanketcal

Introduction – Bláithín Blanket CAL

Square 1 – Bramble Square and Solid Square

Square 2 – Ragwort Square

Square 3 – Cosmos Square

Square 4 – Hydrangea Square

Square 5 – Primula Square

Square 6 – Bellflower Square

Square 7 – Queen Anne’s Lace

Square 8 – Love-In-A-Mist Square

Square 9 – Aster Square

Square 10 – Forget-Me-Not

Final Week – Joining and Border

I have included the patterns in US crochet terms and UK crochet terms. You will find the Instructions below in written form, and also some helpful photo tutorials.

Please read Notes before you start, and read through the Special Stitches needed for the Bramble Square.

I am thrilled so many of you are joining with me for this blanket CAL, and would love you to join me in the Facebook Group where we can chat and share our blankets! Everybody is very welcome! It is not necessary though, as all information will be always here on the Blog. Some people are purchasing yarn to make the blanket, but most people are finding lots of left overs they can use. I am so happy about that, as I am mindful that not everyone can purchase a complete blanket worth of yarn in one go.

I want this CAL to be relaxing and friendly and be a real Stash Buster. You will need a few balls (approx. 1000m) of your main colour for joining and border. You have creative freedom to choose your own colours, and I want to encourage you to do so, and have fun!

You might like to check out my other Free Patterns

Notes

• As such, gauge is not critical in this project. What is important is that all your squares are the same size.
• My blanket is made using DK weight yarn and 4.5 mm hook and each square is 6.5in. If your tension is very loose you could use a 4mm hook
• It’s generally best to stick to the same yarn brand if possible, to avoid drastic changes in the yarn’s thickness (which can affect the size of your squares)
• You could use worsted weight (aran weight) if that is what you have. Your finished squares will be approx 8in
• The squares are designed to be all the same size after blocking. Your stitch count for final round of every square ,will be 24 dc (tr) each side of square
• Blocking will even out any minor differences in size. I pin them to my ironing board to the same size template each time, and steam them. After they cool down they will be a beautiful polished square!
• Use the same hook size throughout the CAL and block your squares to keep the size consistent.
• Check your stitch count at the end of each round to make sure you are on track.
• I suggest you use the Invisible Joining method to finish rounds of the Solid Square, and rounds 6 & 7 of the Bramble Square, for a neat consistent finish. I have provided Instructions below.

You will need the pattern for the Solid Square this week as well as the Bramble Square. The solid squares are included in between the flower squares in the blanket.

Some of the flowers squares are open and lacy so the solid ones give weight to the finished piece. You can make them in different colours as I did, or in a single colour if you prefer……have fun designing your own unique blanket!

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• Beg – beginning
• Ch – chain
• St – stitch
• SC – single crochet
• Hdc – half double crochet
• Dc – double crochet
• Tr – treble crochet
• Sl st – slip stitch
• Yo – yarn over

Abbreviations (UK Terms)

• Beg – beginning
• Ch – chain
• St – stitch
• Dc – double crochet
• Htr – half treble crochet
• Treble – treble crochet
• Dtr – double treble crochet
• Sl st – slip stitch
• Yo – yarn over

Instructions for Solid Square

Your square may be a bit wavy on completion but don’t worry, it will even out beautifully after blocking.

US Crochet Terms

Using first colour, ch 4 and join in a ring.

Round 1: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc, ch 2), [4 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times, 3 dc in ring, join with a sl st to 3^rd ch of beg ch 5. Fasten off yarn. 4 groups of 4 dc, 4 ch-2 sp

Round 2: Join next colour in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, dc in next 4 sts, * [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 4 sts; rep from * 3 times, join with a sl st to beg ch 3 (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 4 groups of 8 dc, 4 ch-2 sp

Round 3: Join next colour in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, dc in next 8 sts, * [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 8 sts; rep from * 3 times, join with a sl st to beg ch 3 (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 4 groups of 12 dc, 4 ch-2 sp

Round 4: Join next colour in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, dc in next 12 sts, * [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 12 sts; rep from * 3 times, join with a sl st to beg ch 3 (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 4 groups of 16 dc, 4 ch-2 sp

Round 5: Join next colour in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, dc in next 16 sts, * [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 16 sts; rep from * 3 times, join with a sl st to beg ch 3 (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 4 groups of 20 dc, 4 ch-2 sp

Round 6: Join main colour yarn in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, dc in next 20 sts, * [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 20 sts; rep from * 3 times, join with a sl st to beg ch 3 (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 4 groups of 24 dc, 4 ch-2 sp

UK Crochet Terms

Using first colour, ch 4 and join in a ring.

Round 1: Ch 5 (counts as 1 tr, ch 2), [4 tr in ring, ch 2] 3 times, 3 tr in ring, join with a sl st to 3^rd ch of beg ch 5. Fasten off yarn. 4 groups of 4 tr, 4 ch-2 sp

Round 2: Join next colour in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 1 tr, ch 2, 2 tr in same sp, tr in next 4 sts, * [2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr] in next ch-2 sp, tr in next 4 sts; rep from * 3 times, join with a sl st to beg ch 3 (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 4 groups of 8 tr, 4 ch-2 sp

Round 3: Join next colour in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 1 tr, ch 2, 2 tr in same sp, tr in next 8 sts, * [2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr] in next ch-2 sp, tr in next 8 sts; rep from * 3 times, join with a sl st to beg ch 3 (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 4 groups of 12 tr, 4 ch-2 sp

Round 4: Join next colour in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 1 tr, ch 2, 2 tr in same sp, tr in next 12 sts, * [2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr] in next ch-2 sp, tr in next 12 sts; rep from * 3 times, join with a sl st to beg ch 3 (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 4 groups of 16 tr, 4 ch-2 sp

Round 5: Join next colour in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 1 tr, ch 2, 2 tr in same sp, tr in next 16 sts, * [2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr] in next ch-2 sp, tr in next 16 sts; rep from * 3 times, join with a sl st to beg ch 3 (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 4 groups of 20 tr, 4 ch-2 sp

Round 6: Join main colour yarn in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 1 tr, ch 2, 2 tr in same sp, tr in next 20 sts, * [2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr] in next ch-2 sp, tr in next 20 sts; rep from * 3 times, join with a sl st to beg ch 3 (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 4 groups of 24 tr, 4 ch-2 sp

Instructions for Bramble Square

Read through Special Stitches for the version you will follow

Special Stitches (US Terms)

• Beg Popcorn (beg PC): Ch 3, work 4 dc sts in space indicated in pattern, remove hook from the last loop and insert into the top of the beg ch3. Now insert hook back into the last loop and pull this loop through. Pull tight.
• Popcorn (PC): Work 5 dc sts in space indicated in pattern, remove hook from the last loop and insert into the top of the first st. Now insert hook back into the last loop and pull this loop through. Pull tight.
• Double crochet 3 together (dc3tog) cluster: In indicated space or st, work (yo, insert hook in space/st, yo and pull up loop, yo and pull through 2 loops on hook) 3 times, yo and pull through all 4 loops on hook.
• Double crochet 2 together (dc2tog) cluster: In indicated space or st, work (yo, insert hook in space/st, yo and pull up loop, yo and pull through 2 loops on hook) twice, yo and pull through all 3 loops on hook.
• Treble crochet 2 together (tr2tog) cluster: In indicated space or st, work (yo hook twice, insert hook into space/st, yo and pull up loop, yo and pull through 2 loops, yo and pull through 2 loops) twice, yo and pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Bramble Square – US Crochet Terms

Using first colour, make a magic ring, or ch 4 (counts as beg ch,1 hdc, ch 1),

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 hdc, ch 1), [1 hdc, ch 1] 7 times more into ring, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beginning ch 3. Fasten off yarn. 8 hdc, 8 ch-1  Picture A

Round 2: Join next colour in any ch-1 space, make a beg PC (see special stitches), ch 3, *PC in next ch-1 space, ch 3; repeat from * 6 times more. Join with a sl st to top of beg PC by inserting hook into back of popcorn (see picture below for where to place your hook). Do not fasten off yarn. 8 PC, 8 ch-3  Pictures B, C, D

Round 3: You are now working behind round 2, * ch 3, dc3tog in next ch-3 space, ch 3, sl st into top of next PC by inserting hook into back of popcorn (see picture below); repeat from * 7 times, ending with a sl st into top of beg PC. Fasten off yarn. 8 petals  Pictures E, F, G

Round 4: Join next colour in top of any dc3tog cluster, ch 1, 1 sc in same st, * ch 4, work (dc2tog, ch 2, tr2tog, ch 2, dc2tog) in top of next dc3tog cluster (corner made), ch 4, ** 1 sc in top of next cluster; repeat from * twice more, and from * to ** once. Join with a sl st to beg sc. Fasten off yarn. Pictures H, I

Round 5: Join next colour in top of any tr2tog cluster, ch 3, dc2tog (counts as dc3tog), ch 2, dc3tog in same st [corner made], * ch 2, 1 dc in next dc2tog cluster, [4 dc in next ch-4 sp] twice (skip next sc), 1 dc in next dc2tog cluster, ch 2, ** (dc3tog, ch 2, dc3tog) in next tr2tog cluster; rep from * 2 more times and from * to ** once more. Join with a sl st to beg cluster. Fasten off yarn. 8 clusters, 40 dc   Pictures J, K, L

Round 6 : Join next colour in any corner ch-2 space, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same space (corner made), * 1 dc in next dc3tog, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp, 1 dc in each of next 10 sts, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp, 1 dc in next dc3tog, ** (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp; rep from * 2 more times and from * to ** once more. Join with a sl st to beg ch 3 (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 20 dc in each side Pictures M, N, O

Round 7: With main colour, join in any ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same space (corner made), 1 dc in each st around, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp. Join with a sl st to beg ch 3  (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 24 dc in each side Picture P

You have just completed your first square! Now weave in all those ends, you will thank me later I promise!

Special Stitches (UK Terms)

• Beg Popcorn (beg PC): Ch 3, work 4 tr sts in space indicated in pattern, remove hook from the last loop and insert into the top of the beg ch3. Now insert hook back into the last loop and pull this loop through. Pull tight.
• Popcorn (PC): Work 5 tr sts in space indicated in pattern, remove hook from the last loop and insert into the top of the first st. Now insert hook back into the last loop and pull this loop through. Pull tight.
• Treble crochet 3 together (tr3tog) cluster: In indicated space or st, work (yo, insert hook in space/st, yo and pull up loop, yo and pull through 2 loops on hook) 3 times, yo and pull through all 4 loops on hook.
• Treble crochet 2 together (tr2tog) cluster: In indicated space or st, work (yo, insert hook in space/st, yo and pull up loop, yo and pull through 2 loops on hook) twice, yo and pull through all 3 loops on hook.
• Double treble crochet 2 together (dtr2tog) cluster: In indicated space or st, work (yo hook twice, insert hook into space/st, yo and pull up loop, yo and pull through 2 loops, yo and pull through 2 loops) twice, yo and pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Bramble Square – UK Crochet Terms

Using first colour, make a magic ring, or ch 4 (counts as beg ch,1 htr, ch 1)

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 htr, ch 1), [1 htr, ch 1] 7 times more into ring, join with a sl st to 2nd ch of beginning ch 3. Fasten off yarn. 8 htr, 8 ch-1  Picture A

Round 2: Join next colour in any ch-1 space, make a beg PC (see special stitches), ch 3, *PC in next ch-1 space, ch 3; repeat from * 6 times more. Join with a sl st to top of beg PC by inserting hook into back of popcorn (see picture below for where to place your hook). Do not fasten off yarn. 8 PC, 8 ch-3  See Pictures E, F, G

Round 3: You are now working behind round 2, * ch 3, tr3tog in next ch-3 space, ch 3, sl st into top of next PC by inserting hook into back of popcorn (see picture above); repeat from * 7 times, ending with a sl st into top of beg PC. Fasten off yarn. 8 petals  Pictures E, F, G

Round 4: Join next colour in top of any tr3tog cluster, ch 1, 1 dc in same st, * ch 4, work (tr2tog, ch 2, dtr2tog, ch 2, tr2tog) in top of next tr3tog cluster (corner made), ch 4, ** 1 dc in top of next cluster; repeat from * twice more, and from * to ** once. Join with a sl st to beg dc. Fasten off yarn.  Pictures H, I

Round 5: Join next colour in top of any dtr2tog cluster, ch 3, tr2tog (counts as tr3tog), ch 2, tr3tog in same st [corner made], * ch 2, 1 tr in next tr2tog cluster, [4 tr in next ch-4 sp] twice (skip next dc), 1 tr in next tr2tog cluster, ch 2, ** (tr3tog, ch 2, tr3tog) in next dtr2tog cluster; rep from * 2 more times and from * to ** once more. Join with a sl st to beg cluster. Fasten off yarn. 8 clusters, 40 tr  Pictures J, K, L

Round 6 : Join next colour in any corner ch-2 space, ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr, ch 2, 2 tr in same space (corner made), * 1 tr in next tr3tog, 2 tr in next ch-2 sp, 1 tr in each of next 10 sts, 2 tr in next ch-2 sp, 1 tr in next tr3tog, ** (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in corner ch-2 sp; rep from * 2 more times and from * to ** once more. Join with a sl st to beg ch 3 (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 20 tr in each side  Pictures M, N, O

Round 7: With main colour, join in any ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr, ch 2, 2 tr in same space (corner made), 1 tr in each st around, (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in corner ch-2 sp. Join with a sl st to beg ch 3  (or join with Invisible join method – see NOTES). Fasten off yarn. 24 tr in each side  Picture P

You have just completed your first square! Now weave in all those ends, you will thank me later I promise!

You can download a Printable Copy of the pattern in US or UK Crochet terms below

Blanket CAL Square 1 US Version

Blanket CAL Square 1 UK terms

Pin the Pattern for later!

You might like to check out my other Free Patterns

I am so excited about this Crochet a Long and to make my own blanket along with you! I can’t wait to see your projects and the colours you choose for your scrap busting blankets! You can use the hashtags #blaithinblanketcal and #anniedesigncrochet on Instagram