Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in next st and around, except in the 2 stitches at each of the four corners, you will put (dc, tr) in the first st, ch 2, and (tr, dc) in the second st to shape the corners. Jn with a sl st in the first dc. (3 dc along each side, so 12 dc total, and 4 (tr, dc) corners)

If the squares are big enough to suit your project now then simply fasten off and weave in all the ends of the scrap yarn you have tied together to make it. If you’d like a larger square then proceed to Rnd 4.

Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in next st and around except for in the four ch-1 corner spaces. In each space ( 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc).  Jn wit a sl st in the top corner and fasten off. Weave in ends. (6 dc along each side, so 24 dc total, and 4 ( 2dc, ch 2, 2dc) corners.)

Joining the squares: Once you’re ready to connect the squares, join with a sl st in any space, ch 1, sl st in the st across from it (in the second square). (Ch 1, sl st in the st across from that) all along the joining sides. If you’d like to add a pretty zigzag effect then chain 2 or 3 in between each sl st while you join instead of the ch-1.

Then just look up a neat border for your squares or simply sc or dc all around the outside of your work. (Remember to add several sc or dc in each corner so your work doesn’t bend in.) You can also get creative and join your squares to cover everything around you like I did to this poor step stool in my house! I know…the colors aren’t all that impressive, but I did it a long time ago when I was first learning to crochet so I only used scrap yarn to practice instead of the rich colors I go out and buy now to do more advanced projects.

I’ve decided to share this pattern for free, so if you share it with a friend I’d like for you to mention me and/or link it back to where they can find my site! Let me know whatcha think! Thanks!    ~Starling