Stitchfinder: Crochet Block: Concentric Squares

This classic design is an excellent filler block that will complement every afghan style. It is also quick to crochet with a pattern that is easy to memorize.

Foundation chain: Ch 35.
Row 1 (right side): (as chart) yo, insert the hook into the 4th ch from the hook, work 1dc, dc into the next ch, this completes the first mesh. Cont to the end of the row using the chart as reference and counting each ch as either a sp or a st. Read the chart from right to left on odd numbered rows and left to right on even numbered rows. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1dc) cont to the end of the row, work the last dc into the 2nd ch of the beg-ch. Turn.
Cont to work as the chart, ch 2 (counts as 1dc) at the beginning of each row, and work the last dc into the top of beg-ch before turning.
Fasten off yarn.

Inverted variation
This block works well when surrounded by blocks with firmer edges. These will help to give the outer open mesh blocks shape.

Foundation chain: Ch 36.

Row 1: (as chart) yo, insert the hook into the 6th ch from the hook, work 1dc this completes the first mesh.
Cont to work as the chart, working the solid mesh blocks as open mesh blocks and the open mesh blocks as solid mesh. Ch 2 (counts as 1dc) at the beginning of each row, and work the last dc into the second ch of beg-ch before turning.
Fasten off yarn.

om open mesh-ch 1, sk 1 sp or dc, dc into the next dc st
sm solid mesh-dc into the next sp or st, dc into the next dc st

ABBREVIATIONS / REFERENCES Click for explanation and illustration
beg = begin(s)(ning)	foll = follow(s)(ing)
ch(s) = chain(s)	sk = skip
cont = continu(e)(s)(ing)	sp(s) = space(s)
dc = double crochet	st(s) = stitch(es)

Pattern by permission from Crochet Blocks in a Box by Luise Roberts, St. Martin's Griffin, 2007