In this free step-by-step crochet stitch tutorial I show how to make the aligned squares stitch. This stitch is a solid, textured crochet stitch. It creates dense, durable fabric with a nice texture. It works great for potholders, washcloths, decorative pillow covers, blankets, scarves, cardigans and other projects that need warmth, structure, and durability.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes photo instructions and a video tutorial (see below). The aligned squares stitch is a repeat of two rows. For this crochet stitch you should know how to make single crochet and double crochet. The tutorial below shows how to make a front post double crochet.
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use Järbo 8/4 100% Cotton Mercerized & Gassed 50 g yarn, color: linen. However, you can use your favorite yarn depending on the crochet project.
Hook: I use a 2.0 mm hook. If you are using a different yarn, choose the hook size that is recommended on your yarn label.
Printable PDF and chart
This free crochet tutorial includes detailed photo instructions and written steps. If, in addition to photo instructions, you would like a short written pattern and a chart, join Nordic Hook Club and get access to one of the largest crochet stitch libraries! There you will find hundreds of ad-free downloadable crochet stitch tutorials that include detailed step-by-step photo instructions, concise written patterns and member-exclusive charts. Plus, you can download all Nordic Hook patterns, stitches and e-books for free! Read more about all the membership benefits here and sign up today.
Read more and sign up!If you prefer a printable version without ads, you can purchase my e-book Beautiful Crochet Stitches Volume 1 with 50 detailed tutorials. In addition to the photo instructions, the tutorials include exclusive short written stitch patterns (charts are not included). SAVE 40% by purchasing a BUNDLE with all six volumes of Beautiful Crochet Stitches. That’s 300 crochet stitches in total!
Buy Volume 1 Buy bundle
Video tutorial
The video tutorial below shows how to make the aligned squares stitch.
Photo instructions for the aligned squares stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining a multiple of three plus two. You will start working in the second chain from your hook.
2. So, make a single crochet in the second chain from your hook.
3. Then chain two.
4. Skip two stitches and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
5. Chain two, skip two stitches and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
6. Then repeat until the end of the row: chain two, skip two stitches and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
7. The row should end with a single crochet.
Row 2
8. Chain three and turn your work around. Chain three counts as a stitch.
9. Then make a double crochet in the chain two space of the previous row.
10. Make the second double crochet in the same chain two space. Next you will make a front post double crochet working around the post of the next single crochet.
11. So, yarn over.
12. Insert your hook bringing the post of the next single crochet forward.
13. Yarn over.
14. Pull the yarn through. Now you have three loops on your hook.
15. Yarn over.
16. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. Now you have two loops on your hook.
17. Yarn over.
18. Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. You have just made a front post double crochet!
19. Make two double crochets in the next chain two space.
20. Then make a front post double crochet working around the post of the next single crochet.
21. Then repeat: make two double crochets in the chain two space and then make a front post double crochet.
22. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
23. At the end of the row make a double crochet in the last single crochet of the previous row.
Row 3
24. Chain one and turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch.
25. Make a single crochet in the very first stitch.
26. Chain two.
27. Skip two stitches and make a single crochet in the next one.
28. Then repeat: chain two and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
29. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
30. At the end of the row make the last single crochet in the turning chain. For the rest of the pattern repeat rows 2 and 3.
Finished aligned squares stitch
31. Done!
You might also like
There is much more to explore:
Save this tutorial to your Pinterest crochet board here.
