Crochet Popcorn Parade Afghan Square

 Introducing the Crochet Popcorn Parade Afghan Square, a delightful and eye-catching pattern that will add a touch of whimsy to your crochet projects. This square features a unique popcorn stitch design that creates a textured and three-dimensional effect, making it a standout piece in any afghan or blanket. The popcorn stitch, with its raised bobbles, gives this square a playful and fun look, reminiscent of a parade marching down the street. The pattern is easy to follow, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced crocheters alike. With its vibrant colors and intricate design, this square is sure to be a conversation starter and a focal point in any project. So why not join the parade and create your own stunning afghan square with the Crochet Popcorn Parade pattern?

SKILL LEVEL: Easy

FINISHED SIZE: 12” square

MATERIALS: 3 colors worsted weight yarn – labeled A, B, & C

Crochet hk size I / 5.5 mm; Tapestry needle.

ABBREVIATIONS:

Beg = beginning

Bet = between

Ch/s = chain/s

Dc= double crochet

Hdc = half double crochet

Hk = hook

Lp/s = loop/s

Rnd = round

Sc = single crochet

Sk = skip/skipped

Sl St = slip stitch

Sp/s = space/s

St/s = stitch/es

Tr = treble crochet

SPECIAL STITCHES:

Beginning Popcorn (begpc): Ch 3, work 4 dc in same st, drop lp off hk, insert hk into top ch-3, pick up dropped lp and draw through st, ch 1 tightly to secure st.. The ch-1 does not count as a st.

Popcorn (pc): Work 5 dc into same st, drop lp off hk, insert hk into first of these dc, pick up dropped lp and draw through, ch 1 tightly to secure st. The ch-1 does not count as a st.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Rnd 1: With A, ch 5, join to form a ring – OR – make a magic ring, ch 1, 12 sc in ring, join in first sc.

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (24 dc)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in bet posts of same and next dc, [ch 3, sk next 3 dc, sc in bet posts of 3rd sk dc and next dc] around omitting last sc, join with sl st to beg sc. Finish off. (8 ch-3, 8 sc)

Rnd 4: Join B with sc to any sc, [(hdc, dc, 3 tr, dc, hdc) in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc] around omitting last sc, join with sl st to beg sc. Finish off. (8 petals)

Rnd 5: Join C with sc to any middle tr, [ch 3, dc in next sc, ch 3, sc in middle tr of next petal] around omitting last sc, join with sl st to beg sc. (8 dc, 8 sc, 16 ch-3)

Rnd 6: Ch 1, sc in same st, [4 sc in next ch-3 sp, sk next dc, 4 sc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc] around omitting last sc, join with sl st to beg sc. (72 sc)

Rnd 7: Ch 4 (counts as tr), tr in same st, [dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 3 sts, sc in next 7 sts, hdc in next 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts, 3 tr in next st] around omitting last 2 tr, tr in beg st, join with sl st to top of beg ch-4. (80 sts)

Rnd 8: Ch 5 (count as dc, ch 2), dc in same st – corner made, [ch 1, sk 1 st, (dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st) 9 times, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next tr – corner made] around omitting last corner, join with sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-5. (11 dc per side, 10 ch-1 per side, 4 ch-2)

Rnd 9: Sl st into ch-2 sp, ch 5 (count as dc, ch 2), dc in same sp, [ch 1, (dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next ch-2 sp. (dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp – corner made] around omitting last corner, join with sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-5. (12 dc per side, 11 ch-1 per side, 4 ch-2)

Rnd 10: Ch 1, sc in same st, [(sc, hdc, sc) in next ch-2 sp for corner, place 1 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each ch-1 sp to next ch-2 sp] around, join with sl st to beg sc. Finish off. (104 sts)

Rnd 11: Join A with sl st to any corner hdc, (Begpc, ch 2, pc) in same st, [dc in next 3 sts, (pc in next st, dc in next 2 sts) 7 times, dc in next st, (pc, ch 2, pc) in corner hdc] around omitting last corner, join with sl st to top of Begpc. Finish off. (7 pc per side, 2 pc per corner)

Rnd 12: Join B with sl st to any corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, [place 1 dc in top of each pc and 1 dc in each dc to next corner ch-2 sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp] around, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (31 dc per side)

Rnd 13: Ch 3, place 1 dc in each dc around and (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each corner ch-2 sp, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. Finish off. (35 dc per side)

Weave in ends, block.