Joining Bavarian Crochet Squares: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Bavarian crochet stitch is a colourful and textured pattern that can be used to create blankets, scarves, dishcloths, bags, and hot pads. The stitch is worked in squares, with interlocking rounds that blend together to create a mosaic-like pattern. While it may seem difficult at first, the Bavarian crochet stitch is easy to master with practice and is considered an intermediate-level technique. The pattern can be worked with any type of yarn and its corresponding hook, although DK weight yarn is recommended for beginners as it makes it easier to crochet 12 treble crochet stitches into one chain stitch.

How to Join Bavarian Crocheted Squares

Choosing the right yarn and hook size

Yarn Selection:

• Yarn Weight: The weight or thickness of the yarn will determine the hook size you need. For Bavarian crochet squares, you can use any yarn you wish, from fine fingering weight to bulky jumbo yarn.
• Fiber Content: Different fibres have different properties that will impact the look and feel of your squares. Common yarn fibres include wool, acrylic, cotton, and bamboo, each offering unique benefits. For example, wool is warm and breathable, while acrylic is durable and affordable.
• Colour and Texture: Bavarian crochet squares often use multiple colours to create a mosaic-like pattern. Choose colours that complement each other and consider adding texture with variegated or textured yarns.

Hook Size Considerations:

• Standard Hook Sizes: Crochet hooks come in various sizes, typically ranging from B-1 (2.25 mm) to Q (19 mm) in US sizing or 3.25 mm to 19 mm in UK sizing. The most common size for worsted weight yarn is an H-8 (5 mm) hook.
• Hook and Yarn Relationship: As a general rule, smaller yarns require smaller hooks, while bulkier yarns call for larger hooks. The yarn label usually provides a recommended hook size range.
• Tightness of Stitch: Bavarian crochet is a tight stitch, so you may need to increase your hook size by one or two to achieve a more relaxed tension.
• Ergonomics: Consider using ergonomic hooks with rubber handles or soft grips, especially if you plan to crochet for extended periods. These hooks reduce hand and arm strain and provide a more comfortable crocheting experience.
• Hook Material: Hooks are made from various materials, including aluminium, plastic, bamboo, wood, and steel. Each material has unique characteristics that affect your crocheting experience and interaction with the yarn. For example, aluminium hooks are smooth and popular for beginners, while steel hooks are the smallest and strongest, suitable for fine thread crocheting.
• Hook Shape: Hooks also come in different shapes, such as tapered or inline heads, and Tunisian hooks have a cord to hold stitches.

Remember, the right yarn and hook combination will ensure your Bavarian crochet squares have the correct tension, drape, and overall appearance. Taking the time to select the appropriate materials and tools will enhance your crocheting experience and the final result.

How to crochet the starting ring

To crochet the starting ring for a Bavarian crochet square, you will need DK or worsted weight yarn in several colours, a crochet hook, and a pair of scissors.

To begin, chain 6 stitches, then slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. Chain 1 stitch, then single crochet into the ring. Next, chain 5 stitches. Treble crochet into the ring, leaving the last loop on the hook (this forms a treble crochet cluster). Repeat this step three more times, so you have a total of four treble crochets on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all five loops on the hook. Chain 5 stitches, then single crochet into the ring. Repeat steps 2 through 5 three more times, then join the round with a slip stitch.

Now you have completed the starting ring for your Bavarian crochet square! You can continue by following a Bavarian square pattern or tutorial.

How to crochet the first spoke

To start crocheting the first spoke, begin by crocheting a starting ring. Chain 6 and join into a ring with a slip stitch.

Then, start the first spoke by chaining 1 and single crocheting into the ring. Chain 5, and then treble crochet into the ring, leaving the last loop on the hook. This is because you will be making a cluster of 4 treble crochets together. Treble crochet into the ring three more times, leaving the last loop on the hook each time. You should now have 5 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on your hook.

Chain 5 and single crochet into the ring. Repeat these steps three more times so you have a total of four spokes. Join the round with a slip stitch.

How to anchor the stitches

When anchoring overlay stitches in crochet, you should work all the background stitches in the back loops. This will leave the front loops "free" and ready for the overlay stitches to be anchored to them.

If the overlaid stitch is anchored in the front loop of the stitch of some underlying round, the hook is inserted from bottom to top. You will be crocheting a classical stitch but inserting the hook through the front loop only. You can anchor overlay stitches to the stitches of the previous round or a few rounds below.

Now, let's see how the front post stitches are made (these stitches have an FP abbreviation before their name: FPdc, FPtr, and so on). The post is the vertical part under the front and back loops. So, when you make a front post stitch (no matter if it’s hdc, dc, or tr), you should insert the hook from front to back and then again to the front around the post (vertical part) of the indicated stitch. In simple words, the hook will be inserted behind the post.

The anchored stitch is a very easy pattern that you can use to make ponchos and scarves. It is called the anchored stitch because the mixture of double crochet stitches in V and one other on top of them looks like an anchor.

• Work a loose chain from multiples of 6, plus 3 extra chains to complete the pattern.
• Row 1: work [ 2dc, 2ch, 2dc] in 6th ch from the hook; skip next 5ch; work [ 2dc, 2ch, 2dc ] in next ch; repeat; finish the row: skip next 2ch, work 1dc in the last ch from the foundation ch, 1ch to turn.
• Row 2: work 1sc in the last dc from the previous row; 3 ch; skip next 2dc; work 1dc in the next ch-2-sp; 3ch; skip next 2dc; work 1sc in the sp between the 2 groups of 4dc; repeat; finish the row: work 1sc in the last ch-sp from the previous row, 4ch to turn.
• Row 3: work [ 2dc, 2ch, 2dc ] in the first dc from the previous row; skip next sc; repeat; finish the row: work 1tr in the last sc from the previous row, 1ch to turn.
• Repeat rows 2 to 3 to complete the pattern.

How to join the squares to create a blanket

Joining Bavarian crochet squares to create a blanket is an intermediate-level technique that can be tricky to master. However, once you get the hang of it, it's a great way to create a stylish and textured blanket. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to join the squares:

• Plan Your Layout: Before you start joining, it's important to plan the layout of your blanket. Decide on the number of squares you want and their colours. You can join the squares as you go or crochet them individually and join them at the end.
• Choosing a Joining Method: There are various methods to join crochet squares, such as whipstitching, single crocheting, or crocheting them together with a slip stitch. The most common way to join Bavarian squares is by using a slip stitch. This method creates a seamless and invisible join, giving your blanket a neat appearance.
• Slip Stitch Join: To use the slip stitch method, place two squares together, right sides facing. Insert your hook through the corresponding stitches on both squares and pull the yarn through both layers. Repeat this process for each stitch along the edges of the squares.
• Weaving in Ends: Once you've joined two squares, weave in the ends to secure the join. This can be done by sectioning off small portions of the yarn tails and using a yarn needle to weave them into the stitches at the join. Make sure to weave in both directions for added security.
• Joining Multiple Squares: Repeat the process of slip stitching and weaving in ends for each pair of squares until all your squares are joined. You can join them into rows and then join the rows together, or you can join the squares diagonally to create a unique pattern.
• Border and Edging: After all your squares are joined, you can add a border or edging to your blanket. This step is optional but can help to neaten the edges and give your blanket a more finished look. Common edging techniques include single crochet, double crochet, or a combination of stitches to create a picot edge.

Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of creating your Bavarian crochet blanket. It's a unique and beautiful stitch that will result in a warm and cosy handmade item.

Frequently asked questions