Crochet Textured Square Stitch

The crochet Textured Square Stitch is a striking stitch pattern that creates the illusion of individual raised squares across an otherwise flat piece of crochet. Rather than making separate motifs and joining them together, the entire fabric is worked back and forth in rows, with strategically placed relief stitches forming the outlines of the squares.

Colour changes really bring this design to life. Using contrasting shades for different sections highlights the geometric pattern and can make the finished fabric look almost like a collection of joined crochet blocks. Despite its detailed appearance, everything is worked as one continuous piece.

The raised lines are created by front post stitches which are worked around the posts of stitches several rows below. This gives the fabric its distinctive three dimensional texture and makes this a fun choice if you want something a little more adventurous than ordinary rows of double crochet.

About the Crochet Textured Square Stitch

This stitch combines rows of single crochet with taller front post stitches that travel across the surface of the fabric. The relief stitches are positioned carefully so that horizontal and vertical raised lines appear, graduallyy forming the edges of each square.

One of the cleverest things about the technique is that the square effect is created without crocheting separate squares. The fabric remains one piece from the beginning to end, which means there are no piles of motifs waiting to be sewn together afterwards. That alone deserves a small round of applause.

The pattern is especially effective when worked in several colours. You can use three contrasting shades to emphasise the different section as shown in this style of stitch or experiment with shades from the same colour family for a softer effect.

Crochet Textured Square Stitch Instructions

Make a chain in multiples of 10 + 5. We will use three colours marked as colours A, B and C

Row 1: Using colour A

Work a sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.

Row 2:

Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Rows 3-4: Using colour B

Rep row 2

Row 5-8: Using colour C

Rep row 2

Row 9: Using colour B

Ch 1, sc in each of the next 3 sts, *(FPdtr around next st 5 rows below) twice, sc in each of the next 4 sts, (FPdtr around next st 5 rows below) twice, sc in each of the next 2 sts, rep from * ending with a sc in last st. Turn.

Row 10: Using colour B

Rep row 2

Row 11: Using colour A

Ch 1, sc in first st, *(FPqutr around next st 9 rows below) twice, sc in each of the next 8 sts, rep from * across until 3 sts remain, (FPqutr around next st 9 rows below) twice, sc in the last st. Turn.

Row 12:

Rep row 2

Repeat:

Rep rows 3-12 for stitch pattern.

Tips for Working the Crochet Textured Square Stitch

The most important part of this pattern is identifying the correct stitch several rows below. Once the first set is established the previous raised stitches provide useful visual markers and the repeat becomes much easier to follow.

Try not to pull the tall stitches too tightly. They need enough length to travel comfortably across the intervening rows without causing the fabric to pucker. If the squares begin pulling inward, loosen your tension slightly when making these stitches.

It’s also worth keeping the colour changes neat along the edge especially if you plan to leave the sides exposed. If the piece will eventually have a border, the edging can neatly disguise carried yarn or colour change joins.

Choosing Colours for the Textured Square Stitch

Three colours make the construction of this stitch especially noticeable. Contrasting colours give a bold, graphic result while three related shades create something more subtle.

You could reverse the colour placement between repeats or experiment with a larger palette. Because the texture already creates strong geometric lines, even fairly simple colour combinations can produce a surprisingly dramatic fabric.

For a quieter look, the stitch can also be worked in a single colour. In that case, light or medium shades tend to show the shadows created by the raised stitches better than very dark yarns.

Crochet Textured Square Stitch FAQs

Are the squares crocheted separately?

No. Although the finished fabric gives the impression of individual crochet squares, the pattern is worked continuously back and forth in rows. The raised stitches and colour placement create the square effect.

What creates the raised square outlines?

The outlines are formed using front post double treble crochets and front post quintuple treble crochets. These stitches sit to the front of the fabric rather than disappearing into the rows.

Do I have to use three colours?

No. Three colours make the stitch pattern especially easy to see but you can experiment with more shades or simply just use one solid colour.

Is this stitch suitable for beginners?

I would say this is an intermediate stitch. The ordinary single crochet rows are simple but working very tall stitches around stitches several rows below requires a little more confidence and careful stitch placement.

Does this stitch make a thick fabric?

The raised stitches add extra yarn and texture to the surface, so the fabric is more substantial than plain single crochet. This makes the stitch very attractive for projects where you want plenty of structure and definition.