This is my first stab at a crochet pattern. I wanted to make a square design in the round. I had found plenty of patterns for working from the middle out, but I could not find any for working outside in, so I printed a grid chart and got to work figuring out how to do it.

This pattern can be used as a coaster, like the sample, a dishcloth, or, if you stop after a round or two, a cute picture frame.

I will first give the pattern used for this specific sample, and then give a formula you can use to make a square of any size.

Any yarn you desire using any size hooks you wish.

For this sample, I used Sugar 'N Cream yarn with a size J-10 hook.

This sample ended up being 5 x 4.5 inches.

Gauge isn't important for this pattern.

This pattern uses slip stitch, single crochet, and decreases.

Chain 69 and join for a ring. Make sure chain is not twisted when joined.

Round 1 - Skip first ch. (Dec over 2 ch. 10 sc. Dec over 2 ch. Skip 3 ch.)* Repeat 3 times. Dec over 2 ch. 10 sc. Dec over 2 ch. Skip 2 ch.

Round 2 - (Dec over next two sts. 8 sc. Dec over next two sts.)* Repeat 4 times.

Round 3 - (Dec over next two sts. 6 sc. Dec over next two sts.)* Repeat 4 times.

Round 4 - (Dec over next two sts. 4 sc. Dec over next two sts.)* Repeat 4 times.

Round 5 - (Dec over next two sts. 2 sc. Dec over next two sts.)* Repeat 4 times.

Round 6 - (Dec over next two sts. Dec over next two sts.)* Repeat 4 times.

Round 7 - (Dec over next two sts.)* Repeat 4 times.

Round 8 - (Dec over next two sts.)* Repeat twice.

Round 9 - Dec over remaining two sts.

Finish work by weaving ends in.

This will give you a square of 18 stitches by 18 stitches.

If you wish to make a larger or smaller square, follow this formula:

(x * 4) - 3 = ch, where x equals the number of stitches you want per side and ch equals the length of the chain to start with.

For the first row, after chaining and joining: skip the first ch, (Dec, (x - 8) sc, Dec. Skip 3 ch.)* Repeat 3 times. Dec, (x - 8) sc, Dec. Skip 2 ch.

For each row afterword reduce the sc in each section by 2.