Free Crochet Afghan Patterns: Sand Pebbles Crochet Square

When we were growing up our mom always had several knitting or crochet projects on the go. In her project stash was a lovely crochet square with a diamond pattern in the middle made using a popcorn stitch. She had seen an afghan made by a friend using a similar design and always wanted to make one for herself, as a keepsake bed-cover for her bedroom. So we’re recreated it and are happy to share this free crochet afghan patterns with you.

When we received an order of beautiful, light gray 100% Canadian wool yarn from Topsy Farms in Ontario, this project quickly came to mind. We’ve recently written about eight benefits of wool and appreciate that the wool from Topsy Farms is chemical-free and washable. From their online shop they also sell wool roving which is great for felting projects as well as finished wool blankets, bedding and even sheep skins, all at great prices. Moreover their focus on sustainable and ethical practices in wool production is impressive: their sheep are raised as naturally as possible, without growth hormones and on pesticide-free lands.

If you are in the central Ontario area, consider a road trip to Topsy Farms in the spring: from mid-May to early June they invite the public to to cuddle and bottle-feed their foster lambs, who have been rescued as their moms can’t raise them.

Sand Pebbles Free Crochet Afghan Patterns

Once we made one square it dawned on us that the colour looked like sand, and the popcorn stitch reminded us of pebbles, and hence the name!

Supplies to make one crochet afghan square (approximately 10 inches x 10 inches)

• approximately 50g of medium or worsted weight pure wool yarn. We used Topsy Farms Grey Light 2-ply fine wool which comes in generous 100g skeins (double the size of usual wool skeins you may find in the store).
• Crochet hook (USN/9.0mm)
• Darning needle

Free Crochet Afghan Patterns Legend:

ch, chain; dc, double crochet; pc, popcorn stitch; sl st, slip stitch; sts, stitches

This pattern is worked in joined rounds. The first ch2 of each round counts as a dc.

To create a popcorn stitch (pc), make 4 dc in the same space. Remove the hook and re-insert it from the front to back into the top of the first dc. Hook the dropped stitch and pull it through, then ch1 to finish. There’s a helpful video tutorial to make the popcorn stitch on the Moogly Blog.

Round 1: dc magic ch 12, sl st to starting ch2. (12 sts)

Round 2: (ch2, 3dc in same sp to make 4dc then finish as a pc including the starting ch2), (2dc in next 2 sts, pc in next st) 3 times, 2dc in next 2 sts, sl st to first dc of pc. (20 sts)

Round 3: (ch2, 3dc in same sp to make 4dc then finish as a pc), skip next st (top ch1 of Round 2 pc), pc in next st, [sk next st, 4dc in next st, skip next st, pc in next st, sk next st (top ch1 of Round 2 pc), pc in next st] 3 times, skip next st, 4dc in next st, sl st to first dc of pc. (27 sts)

Round 4: (ch2, 3dc in same sp to make 4dc then finish as a pc), skip next st (top ch1 of Round 3 pc), pc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 3 pc), pc in next st, [skip next st, 6dc in next st, skip next st, pc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 3 pc), pc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 3 pc), pc in next st] 3 times, skip next st, 6dc in next st, sl st to first dc of pc. (46 sts)

Round 5: ch2, 2dc in same sp, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 4 pc), pc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 4 pc), pc in next st, [skip next st (top ch1 of Round 4 pc), 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 4 pc), pc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 4 pc), pc in next st] 3 times, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 4 pc), 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, sl st to top of starting ch2.

Round 6: ch2, 2dc in same sp, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 5 pc), pc in next st, [skip next st (top ch1 of Round 5 pc), 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 5 pc), pc in next st] 3 times, skip next st (top ch1 of Round 5 pc), 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, sl st to top of starting ch2.

Round 7: ch2, 2dc in same sp, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st (top of ch1 of Round 6 pc), skip next 3 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, repeat around, sl st to top of starting ch2.

Round 8: ch2, 2dc in same sp, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 5 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 6 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 6 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 6 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, sl st to top of starting ch2.

Round 9: ch2, 2dc in same sp, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 5 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 6 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 6 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, [skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next st] 6 times, skip next 2 sts, 6dc in next st, sl st to top of starting ch2. Fasten off.

Joining the crochet afghan squares

To assemble the crochet blanket start by placing two squares together, facing each other. Then slip stitch the sides of the squares together.

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We’re so happy to share free crochet afghan patterns with you. Moreover, we’re happy to have finally started this special wool afghan which we look forward to enjoying for many years to come. If you’re looking for more free crochet patterns check out our crochet coaster pattern for beginners , our Sand Dollar crochet pillow cover pattern, or our dishcloth crochet pattern.

Do you have any handmade keepsake pieces in your home?

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Free Crochet Afghan Patterns: Sand Pebbles Crochet Square

This detailed vintage inspired crochet blanket square will remind you of beautiful sand pebbles on the beach.

Author: Jane and Sonja