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How to Crochet a Bavarian Square
Learn about Bavarian crochet patterns with this step-by-step tutorial.
A Bavarian square is a lovely and unique way to add texture and style to your crochet projects, and with this easy to follow tutorial on How to Crochet a Bavarian Square, you can learn how to create this neat crochet design.
Geared more towards the intermediate crocheter, this technique may take some time to master, but once you have it down, it's a great way to jazz up your crochet afghans, scarves, dishcloths, and much more!
Have you tried Bavarian square crochet? Leave us your tips and tricks in the comments below!
Materials List
- 3 different colors of yarn
- Crochet hook
Instructions:
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Round 1: With first color, ch 5, slip stitch in first ch to form a ring, ch 1, [sc in ring ch 5, 4-tr cl in ring, ch 5] 4 times (see photo 1), join with a slip stitch to beginning sc. (see photo 2).   (8 ch-5 spaces, 4 sc, 4 4-tr cls) Join with a slip stitch as indicated unless otherwise stated. First ch of ch 5 made after working either a cluster or a bptr dec is actually the âlocking stitchâ. This ch forms the âoâ at the top of the stitch that will be worked into on the next row or round.Â
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Round 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 2, lg shell in top of next 4-tr cl (see photo 3), ch 2, [sc in  next sc, ch 2, lg shell in top of next 4-tr cl, ch 2,] 3 times, join to beginning sc. and fasten off. (8 ch-2 spaces, 4 lg shells, 4 sc) Note: Piece may ruffle slightly until next round is worked.
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Round 3: Join next color with a sc in first ch 1 space of any shell, ch 5, 4-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space of shell, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5, [sc in next ch 1 space of shell, ch 5, 4-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space of shell, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5] 3 times, join to beginning sc. (8 sc, 4 8-bptr dec, 4 4-bptr dec)
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Round 4: Ch 1, sc in first sc, lg shell in top of the next 4-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of the next 8-bptr dec, [sc in next sc, lg shell in top of the next 4-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of the next 8-bptr dec] 3 times, join to beginning sc and fasten off. (4 lg shells, 4 sm shells)
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Round 5: Join next color with a sc in first ch 1 space of any large shell, *ch 5, 4-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5**, sc in next ch 1 space, repeat from * around ending last repeat at **, join to beginning sc. ( 4 4-bptr dec, 8 8-bptr dec, 12 sc)
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Round 6: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *lg shell in top of next 4-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of next 8-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of next 8-bptr dec**, sc in next sc, repeat from * around ending last repeat at **, join to beginning sc and fasten off. (4 lg shells, 8 sm shells)
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Round 7: Join next color with a sc in first ch 1 space of any corner shell, *ch 5, 4-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 8 bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5**, sc in next ch 1 space, repeat from * around ending last repeat at **, join to beginning sc.
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Round 8: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *lg shell in top of next 4-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of next 8-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of next 8-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of next 8-bptr dec, **, sc in next sc, repeat from * around ending last repeat at **, join to beginning sc and fasten off. (4 lg shells, 12 sm shells)
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Next Rounds: To make the square larger, continue repeating Rounds 7 and 8 alternatively, working 2 rounds of each color until desired square size. You will be adding 1 sm shell to each side of square with every 2 round worked.
Abbreviations
- (tr)
- Treble
- (bptr)
- Back post treble
- Large Shell (lg shell)
- (4 tr, [ch 1, 4 tr] twice) in place indicated
- Small Shell (sm shell)
- (4 tr, ch 1, 4 tr) in place indicated
- 4-treble cluster (4-tr cl)
- Holding last loop of each stitch on hook, 4 tr in place indicated, yarn over, pull through all loops on hook.
- 4-back post treble decrease (4-bptr dec)
- Holding back last loop of each stitch on hook, bptr around each of next 4 stitches, yarn over, pull through all loops on hook.
- 8-back post treble decrease (8-bptr dec)
- *Holding back last loop of each stitch on hook, bptr around each of next 4 stitches*, skip sc between shells and working on next shell, repeat between * once, yarn over, pull through all loops on hook. The 8-bptr dec is always worked using the last 4-tr group of 1 shell and the first 4-tr group of the next shell.
Now that you've mastered this fun and creative pattern, give it a try on a bigger scale with this free Bavarian crochet pattern:Â Bavarian Rainbow Afghan
Have you ever tried this technique before? What do you think?
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Zeemer
Nov 07, 2018
Wow. Lovely. I really appreciate this tutorial on how to crochet the bavarian stitch. Anyone will be able to learn this stitch by just just learning this tutorial. Cheers!

MelissaCraftyGrand mato5
Jul 26, 2018
I can't decide which colors I love more! The pastel colors are so beautiful and relaxing but theother photo with the burgundy and deep green just screams "Bavarian" to me! I LOVE this pattern!

ellenk
Apr 22, 2018
I find the chains are much too long. I switched the 5 chains to three chains, and eliminated the two chains at the beginning and end of the clusters all together. This results in something that looks more similar to the picture.
katxox 6198177
Sep 23, 2016
I found this and thought I'd give it a try. It seemed to be going well, until I got to round 5. For some reason, I apparently forgot how to correctly count to 4! I must have done that round 6 times!! I'm now on round 11. I'll post a pic when I'm done!
helmor54 2881660
Mar 21, 2016
Could you tell me if this is US or UK terminology, please?

Kaylee
Mar 21, 2016
@helmor54 2881660 this pattern is in the US terminology! Hope that helps! -Kaylee, Editor of FaveCrafts

Suzie280
Dec 29, 2014
Silly me, I see what I did wrong. I think I got it from here.

Kaylee
Mar 07, 2016
Awesome! We're glad you figured it out. I'd love to see a photo when you're done. -Kaylee, Editor of FaveCrafts

Suzie280
Dec 29, 2014
I need help with the (4tr, ch1, 4tr twice) step in top of next 4 tr cl. Not sure? I cannot tell by the picture. Is there a tutorial? Suzie Thanks
Missys Mom
Jul 04, 2014
Is there a tutorial for crocheting a Bavarian Square?

Melissa Ryan
Jul 07, 2014
Hi Missys Mom-Thanks for the comment. This actually is a tutorial for crocheting a bavarian square. If you're looking for more patterns containing bavarian squares or using bavarian crochet, be sure to check out our sister site, AllFreeCrochet.com for more great ideas. Hope that helps! --FaveCrafts Editors

lgrbin
Jul 02, 2014
How do you join the squares together to create a blanket.

Melissa Ryan
Jul 03, 2014
Hi lgrbin--Thanks for your comment. We suggest looking at our sister site, www.allfreecrochet.com, for more helpful suggestions on joining squares. You can also review YouTube for other videos and ideas on how to put these squares together. Hope that helps! --FaveCrafts Editor

wjthomps 5011624
Mar 03, 2014
This is beautiful, but I am stuck after See Photo 2 with the group (8 ch-5 spaces, 4 sc, 4 4-tr cls) Can anyone explain ????

pkpattim 7669727
Apr 15, 2014
I was wondering the same thing!!! Did you happen to get an answer??
FaveCrafts Editor JL
Apr 16, 2014
Hi there! For specific pattern-related questions, please contact the pattern designer (Roseanna Beck) via her designer profile. You can also leave a comment on our Facebook page and see if anyone has run into this problem. Thanks!

JessiHarrison 6593 540
Feb 02, 2014
This is a good texture for a lot of different house projects.

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