Modern Striped Log Cabin Crochet Square Free Pattern

Introduction

The Modern Striped Log Cabin Crochet Square is a wonderfully simple project that looks far more intricate than it really is. Built from a small center rectangle with strips worked around it in alternating colors, it uses only half double crochet and single crochet, so even a first-time crocheter can make it. The clean, straight lines and woven texture give it a fresh, modern feel that works beautifully in blankets, pillows, and afghans. At 8 inches square, it is a satisfying, quick finish that you will want to make again and again.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn, approximately 30 yards total: Color A (light gray) 10 yards, Color B (charcoal) 10 yards, Color C (teal) 10 yards
• Hook: 5.5 mm (I/9) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a stitch marker (optional) to mark corners
• Finished size: 8 inches (20.5 cm) square

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook
• hdc – half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook
• sc – single crochet: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• row end – the side edge of a row, where you work into the edge of the stitches

Gauge

14 sts and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in half double crochet. To check, crochet a small swatch in hdc and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your tension even, especially along the row ends, so the strips lie flat and the square stays square.
• When joining a new color, leave a 4–6 inch tail so you can weave it in securely later.
• Work into the row ends consistently (one hdc per row end) so each strip matches the length of the edge it covers.
• Count your stitches at the end of every row; the counts are small and easy to track.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Center (Color A)

Row 1: Ch 6, hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across (4 hdc).

Rows 2–4: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (4 hdc). Fasten off A.

Strip 1 (Color B)

Join B to top right corner of center.

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in each row end along right side (4 hdc).

Rows 2–3: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (4 hdc). Fasten off B.

Strip 2 (Color C)

Join C to bottom left corner of center.

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in each row end along bottom edge (4 hdc).

Rows 2–3: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (4 hdc). Fasten off C.

Strip 3 (Color A)

Join A to top left corner of Strip 2.

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in each row end along left side of center and Strip 2 (8 hdc).

Rows 2–3: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (8 hdc). Fasten off A.

Strip 4 (Color B)

Join B to bottom right corner of Strip 1.

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in each row end along top edge of Strip 1 and center (8 hdc).

Rows 2–3: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (8 hdc). Fasten off B.

Strip 5 (Color C)

Join C to top right corner of Strip 4.

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in each row end along right side of Strip 1 and Strip 4 (12 hdc).

Rows 2–3: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (12 hdc). Fasten off C.

Strip 6 (Color A)

Join A to bottom left corner of Strip 3.

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in each row end along bottom edge of Strip 2 and Strip 3 (12 hdc).

Rows 2–3: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (12 hdc). Fasten off A.

Strip 7 (Color B)

Join B to top left corner of Strip 6.

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in each row end along left side of Strip 3 and Strip 6 (16 hdc).

Rows 2–3: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (16 hdc). Fasten off B.

Strip 8 (Color C)

Join C to bottom right corner of Strip 5.

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in each row end along top edge of Strip 4 and Strip 5 (16 hdc).

Rows 2–3: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (16 hdc). Fasten off C.

Edging (Color A)

Join A to any corner.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around entire square, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

This square is worked as one piece, so no seaming is needed. Weave in all ends on the wrong side with your tapestry needle, taking care to secure the color joins. Block the square lightly by misting it with water and pinning it to an 8-inch square on a blocking mat; let it dry completely so the edges lie flat and straight.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Change the color sequence to match your decor, or use a single color for a subtle textured square.
• Make several squares and join them for a modern striped blanket or pillow front.
• Try a larger hook and bulkier yarn to create a bigger square for a quick lap blanket.