Crochet Cross My Heart Square

The Crochet Cross My Heart Square is a charming and heartfelt pattern that brings joy to any project. With its intricate design and symbolic cross stitches, this square truly makes a statement. It is a versatile pattern that can be used to create lovely afghans, blankets, or even decorative pillows. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, this square is a fun and rewarding project to work on. So grab your yarn and hook, and let your creativity shine with the Crochet Cross My Heart Square!

Materials:
Worsted weight acrylic yarn (I used Red Heart Super Saver), approx. 1 oz each of 3 colors; size I (5.5 mm) aluminum crochet hook (I used a Boye hook) OR Size Needed for Gauge
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Gauge:
Rnds 1 - 3 = about 4" across
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Finished Size:
12" square (see Note below for 7" square)
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Special Stitch:
Double Treble Crochet (dtr) - yo hook 3 times, insert hook in st indicated, draw up a lp, (yo, draw through 2 loops on hook) 4 times
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Notes:
For 7" square, use size H (5.0 mm) hook and stop after Rnd 7 is complete.
Square may need blocking when finished. To do this, I usually mist the square (front and back) with water from a spray bottle and lay out on a flat surface, pinning to shape if needed. Allow enough time for square to air dry completely.
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With first color, ch 5, join with sl st in first ch to form ring.
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Rnd 1: ch 3 (counts as first dc now and throughout), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, (3 dc in ring, ch 2) 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
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Rnd 2: sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, *dc in each of next 3 dc**, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner ch-2 sp*, rep from * to * around ending last rep at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3. (28 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
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Rnd 3: sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, *dc in each of next 7 dc**, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner ch-2 sp*, rep from * to * around ending last rep at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3. (44 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
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Rnd 4: sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, *dc in each of next 11 dc**, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner ch-2 sp*, rep from * to * around ending last rep at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3. (60 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
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Rnd 5: sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in same sp, *sk next 3 dc, 7 tr in next dc, sk next 3 dc, sc in Back Loop Only of next dc, sk next 3 dc, 7 tr in next dc, sk next 3 dc**, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next corner ch-2 sp*, rep from * to * around ending last rep at **, join with sl st in top of first sc. Fasten Off. (56 tr, 12 sc, 4 ch-2 sps)
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Center X - separates the Hearts
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Note: this part is worked by holding the yarn under the square and pulling it up through the corner sps with your hook - some call this technique a Surface Chain. You will be working sl sts in corner sps between dc groups. Do Not work this part tightly.
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With corner pointing towards you, join next color with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, (sl st in next corner sp, ch 1) 4 times, sl st in beg ring, sl st in beg ring on opposite side of last sl st, (ch 1, sl st in next corner sp) 4 times, sl st in corner sp of Rnd 5. Fasten Off. Repeat in remaining corner sps to form an X.
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Rnd 6: join same color with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 4 (counts as first tr), (2 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in same sp, *sk next sc, dc in next tr, hdc in next tr, sc in each of next 3 tr, hdc in next tr, dc in next tr, dtr in unworked front lp of Rnd 4, sk sc behind dtr just made, dc in next tr, hdc in next tr, sc in each of next 3 tr, hdc in next tr, dc in next tr, sk next sc**, (3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in next corner ch-2 sp*, rep from * to * around ending last rep at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch-4. (24 sc, 24 tr, 16 dc, 16 hdc, 4 dtr, 4 ch-2 sps)
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Rnd 7: ch 1, sc in same st as joining and in next 2 sts, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in next corner ch-2 sp, sc in each of next 21 sts*, rep from * to * around ending last rep with sc in each of next 18 sts, join with sl st in top of first sc. Fasten Off. (92 sc, 4 ch-2 sps)
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Rnd 8: join next color with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, *ch 1, sk first sc, (dc in next sc, ch 1, sk next sc) 11 times**, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner ch-2 sp*, rep from * to * around ending last rep at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3. (60 dc, 48 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps)
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Rnd 9: ch 3, dc in next dc, *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner ch-2 sp, dc in each dc and each ch-1 sp across*, rep from * to * around, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3. Fasten Off. (124 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
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Rnd 10: join next color with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, *ch 1, sk first 3 dc, (3 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk next 3 dc) 7 times**, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner ch-2 sp*, rep from * to * around ending last rep at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3. Fasten Off. (36 3-dc groups, 32 ch-1 sps, 4 ch-2 sps)
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Note: If you prefer, you can use the Hidden Ends technique instead of ending Rnd 10 with a sl st.