This Crocheted Old Time Lace Square Motif can be used for any number of projects. This square is made using a vintage-looking yarn, but the pattern can be made using anything from a cotton thread to a number four medium-weight yarn. It can be made all in one color, or each round could be a different color. There are endless possibilities with this motif!
While this pattern is beginner-friendly, I always recommend my Beginner Crochet Series to learn all the basics of crochet if you are new to this hobby. Also, I have a video tutorial for this Crocheted Old Time Square Motif at the bottom of this post which is perfect to help the novice crocheter, or for anyone who (like me) has a hard time reading crochet patterns.
The yarn I am using for this crochet project is a thrift store find, so I don’t have any information on the fiber or official weight of yarn. My guess is that it is some sort of rayon/cotton blend, and I am quite certain this is a number three light-weight yarn. I have recommended a couple of options in the supply list below that will be of equivalent properties.
Supply List
- Number 3 light-weight yarn ~ 18 yards (16.5 m) per square (roughly based on yarn choice and personal tension)
- 4 mm (G-6) crochet hook
- Darning needle
- Scissors
- Hand Steamer (recommended)
- Blocking Board (optional)
Terms and Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- st = stitch
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- 3dc cl = 3 double crochet cluster
- yo = yarn over
- beg = beginning
Special stitch ~ 3dc cl: [yo, place hook through sp, yo, draw up a loop, yo draw through 2 loops], 3 times in the same sp, yo draw through all 4 loops on hook.
Finished size = 5″ x 5″ (12.5 cm x 12.5 cm), base on this yarn and my tension
Crocheted Old Time Square Motif Pattern
Round one: ch 8, join with a sl st to beg ch1, ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), *1 dc in ring, repeat from * 14 times (16 dc incl beg ch3). Join with a sl st into the back loop and back bump of 3rd ch of beg ch3.
Round two: ch 5 (counts as 1dc, ch2), *1 dc, ch 2 in back loop and back bump of next st, repeat from * 14 times (16 dc, ch2). Join with a sl st into the 3rd ch of beg ch5.
Round three: sl st into the next ch2 sp, ch 2, [yo, place hook through sp, yo, draw up a loop, yo draw through 2 loops], 2 times in the same sp, yo draw through all 3 loops on hook (beg 3dc cl made), ch 3, *1 3dc cl, ch 3 in next ch2 sp, repeat from * 14 times (16 3dc cl’s made). Join with a sl st into st closest to ch3 sp.
UPDATE: as I was creating the Crocheted Old-Time Lace Scarf pattern, I found some of the chain 8 spaces in each corner to be a bit bulky. This was because my crochet tension was too loose in some of the corners. In retrospect, I think a chain 7 would work better. For this round, you can do either a chain 7 or 8 in the corner, depending on your tension.
Round four: sl st into next ch3 sp, ch 2, [yo, place hook through sp, yo, draw up a loop, yo draw through 2 loops], 2 times in the same sp, yo draw through all 3 loops on hook (beg 3dc cl made), ch 8 (or 7), 1 3dc cl in same ch3 sp, ch 4. *1 sc, ch 4 in next ch3 sp, 3 times, [1 3dc cl, ch 8 (or 7), 1 3dc cl, ch 4] in next ch 3 sp, repeat from * twice, 1 sc, ch 4 in next ch3 sp 3 times, join with a sl st into the top of beg cluster, fasten off and darn in your tail ends.
Once your square is complete, I do recommend blocking the motif. You can use a foam board or folded towel with pins to shape the square. You can mist the motif with water and let it dry or use a hand steamer to moisten the motif and let it dry.
This Crocheted Old Time Square can be used to make a number of projects. It would be beautiful as a shawl or sweater and I am planning to use this for a lacy spring scarf. It will be nice and light, and will make a pretty accent. I will be sharing that tutorial next time, so make sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss out.
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