This post is part of my 31 Days of Squares series, originally published as "365: A Year of Crochet Squares." I’m updating and revamping the posts to reflect my current projects and style!
Just in case you missed it: January’s monthly blanket is the Last Dance on the Beach CAL. It uses 12 different squares and today is Day 11 of the daily square challenge—Day 3 of the blanket itself.
🧶 Bobble Along with a Crochet Bobble Stitch
I love a good bobble stitch, and this one was a bit tricky but totally worth it. The texture is everything. 😍
If you need a refresher on how to crochet a bobble stitch, I’ve got you covered. Check out my video from 2020 below:
🧵 Double Check Your Ends
I try to weave in the ends as I go, but let’s be honest—there’s always one or two that sneak by. Today’s your reminder to go on a tail hunt before moving on!
✨ Did You Crochet This?
Are you stitching along? Tag me on Instagram or TikTok—I'd love to see your version! Use the hashtag #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares so I can find it. 💕
📚 Resources Used
Originally part of “365: A Year of Crochet Squares,” this project has been revamped as 31 Days of Squares to highlight one square a day—with heart, humor, and honest reviews.
🌟 It’s Day 10, and today’s square features the Star Stitch—a stitch I’ve avoided like last year’s leftover fruitcake. Why? Because it’s a total yarn hog. 🧵
But... I was wrong. This stitch works up surprisingly fast and creates a thick, cozy texture perfect for a winter blanket. If you’re looking for a warm and weighty square, this might be your new favorite!
✨ The Star Stitch
I finally gave the Star Stitch a go and I’m glad I did. Despite being yarn-hungry, it’s satisfying to watch it build into a thick, beautiful fabric. It’s perfect for blankets meant for serious snuggle sessions.
🧵 Double Check Your Ends
I try to weave in the ends as I go, but let’s be honest—sometimes they sneak by. Now’s the time to inspect your square and secure those pesky little tails. 🪡
💬 Did You Crochet This?
Are you working through the 31 Days of Squares with me? Tag me on IG or TikTok with #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares—I’d love to see your version! 📸
📚 Resources Used
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This post was originally part of my 2023 series 365: A Year of Crochet Squares—but spoiler alert, life got lifey and I only made it to 33. So here we are, reworking and reviving it as a cozy, realistic 31-day series instead. Welcome to Day 9!
Day 9 kicks off a new twist in the square-a-day journey! One of my big 2023 goals was to make a blanket a month, and this one started strong. I planned on crocheting 5 squares a day—four for the blanket, and one extra for my future stash. Because let’s be honest, there’s always a future project waiting. 😅 (spoiler alert: I didn't crochet 5 squares a day)
✨ This blanket was a gift for a beautiful soul who had just finished chemo and has a cozy patio with a fireplace. I wanted something meaningful, warm, and full of comfort. Enter: the Last Dance on the Beach.
🩵 Last Dance on the Beach
Before I even picked up my hook, I knew this was the one. The Last Dance on the Beach blanket has a backstory that will absolutely break and warm your heart at the same time. It was created in memory of designer Marinke Slump (Wink), and the love stitched into it is undeniable.
It took me forever to relocate the pattern link in my Pinterest mess of boards, but the moment I found it, I knew. This was the only blanket that made sense for such a heartfelt gift.
🧵 On To Crocheting Today’s Square
Today’s square is from Week 1 of the original CAL, designed by Esther of Happy in Red. I didn’t see a specific name for it, so we’ll just call it “Week 1 Popcorn Square.” 🧈
And y’all know how I feel about a good popcorn stitch. It’s got texture. It’s got charm. It’s got that squish factor. I’ll be doing a tutorial for this stitch soon because it deserves its own moment in the spotlight. 🫶
🔁 Double Check Your Ends
I like to try to weave in the ends as I go, but there’s usually a few I miss—or I get lazy and think “I’ll do it later.” If you’re anything like me, this is your reminder: go ahead and tuck them in now. Your future self will thank you. 💪
📸 Did You Crochet This?
Are you crocheting along with me? Tag me on TikTok or IG, or use the hashtag #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares. I’d love to see your squares! ✨
📚 Resources Used
Welcome to Week 2 of the *31 Days of Squares* challenge! Today's square is a classic—the trusty, timeless, tried-and-true Granny Square.
I was going to save this one for when I was stuck... but surprise! I’m not stuck at all. I’m just deep into blanket planning for a friend, so this little gem popped up while my mind was off daydreaming about colors and cozy corners.
🧶 Why Every Crocheter Should Master the Granny
This pattern is foundational. It’s the peanut butter of crochet—versatile, nostalgic, and always reliable. Once you know how to make it, you can create everything from dishcloths to cardigans to full-on heirloom throws.
Want a pro move? I work mine using a chainless standing double crochet (csdc) to keep those beginnings crisp and neat. I’m working on my own video tutorial for that version—coming soon!
🧵 Double Check Your Ends
I like to weave in my ends as I go—less hassle later. But especially with this one, here’s a pro-tip: DO NOT just crochet over the magic ring tail and call it a day. That tail will wiggle its way out over time, especially in a loved-to-death blanket. Take the extra minute and weave it in securely. You'll thank yourself later. Promise.
📚 Resources Used
💬 Did You Crochet This?
Let me see what you’re making! Share your squares on TikTok or Instagram and tag me. Use #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares so I can follow along and cheer you on. 🎉
✨ Don’t Miss What’s Next
More squares are coming your way—and some of them are spicy. Sign up for cozy crochet inspiration, updates, and printables right in your inbox.
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We’ve made it through Week 1! 🎉 Seven squares in, and today’s pick is a showstopper. The 8" Cabled Star Square by Amelia Beebe is everything I love in a crochet project: texture, structure, and just the right amount of “wait… how do I do this again?”
This square looks intricate, but once you get the flow, it’s surprisingly approachable—especially if you take it slow and follow the directions carefully.
🌟 Pattern Review: A Star is Born
This stunner comes from Ravelry: 8" Cabled Star Square. When I first opened the pattern, I had a moment of “oops, maybe this is too ambitious for Day 7,” but I was wrong. It’s wonderfully written and worked up smoothly with a little focus and coffee.
The finished square is crisp, textured, and gorgeous. I can absolutely see an entire blanket made from this pattern. Would it be a labor of love? Yes. Would it be worth it? Also yes.
🧶 Materials Used
✂️ Weave In Those Ends
Like always—give your square a final check and weave in those ends before you toss it in the “done” pile. You’ll thank yourself later when assembling time comes.
💬 Are You Stitching Along?
Let’s celebrate the small wins together. Tag me on Instagram or TikTok and use #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares so I can see your progress! I love seeing how everyone interprets these designs.
📚 Resources
We’re switching things up for a few days and diving into Ravelry territory. I’ve bookmarked some promising squares, and today’s pick had me both excited and slightly frazzled. 😅
The square? Diamonds in the Round by Beverly Button. It’s a bold, eye-catching square—and it makes a statement. But friends, this one is not for the faint of hook.
🧶 Pattern Thoughts: Proceed with Caution
You can find the pattern here: Diamonds in the Round – 8-inch Square.
Let me be honest: this pattern is not beginner-friendly. It looks approachable at first glance, but once you dive in, it demands a high level of stitch awareness and adaptability. If you enjoy frogging… you’ll love this. 😬
I was hoping to feature easier patterns during the early part of this challenge, but this one snuck in with its beautiful center ring and crisp geometry. My finished square actually turned out great, but it took more effort than expected.
🧵 Notes & Materials
✂️ Don’t Forget Your Ends
You already know what I’m going to say: weave those ends in before you toss the square into your “done” pile. Especially with this center ring design, it helps to give it a little shaping and tug while you’re at it too.
💬 Are You Crocheting Along?
I want to see what you’re making—even if it involved a bit of frogging like this one did. Use #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares and tag me on TikTok or Instagram so we can compare our stitchy adventures!
📚 Resources
Day 5 is here and this square is done! This project is about progress, not perfection, and I’m giving myself grace this year to show up imperfectly and still keep going. 💛
Today’s square? The Fisherman’s Ring, and oh my goodness... it’s officially one of my favorites in this series so far!
🧵 Pattern Review: Fisherman’s Ring
This square comes from Crochet Patterns & Projects, page 12. I’ve been using this book for the past few days, and honestly, this might be the last pattern I pull from it. Most of them are not beginner-friendly, and the instructions could use a major overhaul.
That said—Fisherman’s Ring is a gem. It's considered intermediate, but with a little patience and maybe a replay or two of your favorite podcast, a confident beginner could definitely tackle it. It’s got great structure, a cool ring motif in the center, and it’s just… satisfying to make.
I loved this one so much, I’m planning a blanket using only this square and maybe one complementary design to break it up. When I get to that blanket, you better believe I’ll be posting about it. 😄
🪡 Materials Used
✂️ Check Those Ends
You know what time it is—do a quick sweep and make sure your ends are woven in tight. The ring center of this square is especially noticeable, so tidy finishing makes a big difference.
💬 Did You Crochet This?
I’d love to see your version! Share it with me on Instagram or TikTok using the hashtag #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares. Let’s cheer each other on as the squares stack up!
📚 Resources
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