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Pinwheel Square Crochet Pattern

Pinwheel Square Crochet Pattern
4.2★ Rating
4-5 Hours Time Needed
2.8K Made This
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Advanced Level

Designed for experienced knitters, these patterns involve intricate designs and complex techniques to challenge and inspire.

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Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Pinwheel Square Crochet Pattern

The Pinwheel Square pattern features a unique construction method where each petal is worked from the center outward, then reversed back using reverse single crochet to create raised edges. The magic happens by working into the front loops only during the reverse pass, leaving back loops available for the next petal. This clever technique creates a dimensional spiral effect that's both visually stunning and fun to make.

Pinwheel Square Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

With four coordinating colors and strategic placement, this square builds from a simple chain ring into a complex geometric design. The final square rounds smooth out the petals into a perfect 12-inch block ready for joining.

Why You'll Love This Pinwheel Square Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love how this pattern challenges you to think differently about crochet construction. The reverse single crochet technique creates such beautiful texture and dimension that you simply can't achieve with traditional methods. Watching the pinwheel take shape as each petal connects is incredibly satisfying, and the color play possibilities are endless. I find the methodical rhythm of working each petal meditative, and the final square always feels like a little work of art. Plus, once you master this technique, you'll have a skill that sets your projects apart from typical granny squares.

Pinwheel Square Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Pinwheel Square Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Pinwheel Square Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Pinwheel Square Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with color combinations in this pinwheel pattern! While the original uses peacock, cornsilk, lettuce, and taupe for a fresh springtime feel, I've had amazing results with other palettes. Try jewel tones like ruby, sapphire, emerald, and gold for a rich, luxurious look perfect for fall blankets.

For a softer aesthetic, I recommend pastels in pink, mint, lavender, and cream which create the sweetest baby blankets. If you want drama, go monochromatic with different shades of the same color family ranging from light to dark. I once made a stunning ocean-themed version using navy, turquoise, aqua, and white that looked like waves spinning.

You can also play with the size by changing your yarn weight. I've successfully made mini versions with sport weight yarn and a smaller hook for coasters, and supersized versions with bulky yarn for statement pillow covers. The technique works beautifully at any scale.

Another fun variation is to work all petals in the same color, then use contrasting colors for the square rounds to really make the geometric shape pop. Or reverse it and make rainbow petals with a neutral border. The construction method is so versatile that once you understand the technique, the creative possibilities become endless!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Forgetting to work reverse single crochet from left to right without turning, which disrupts the raised edge formation ✗ Missing the back loop of the last treble crochet on each petal, making it difficult to join the square rounds properly ✗ Pulling stitches too tight when working into back loops only, causing the square to pucker instead of lay flat ✗ Not flipping unused yarn colors up under the hook between petals, creating tangled strands and color management issues

Pinwheel Square Crochet Pattern

Create a stunning pinwheel square blanket piece with this colorful and dynamic crochet pattern. Each petal spirals outward from the center ring, then works back in reverse to form beautiful raised edges. This mesmerizing square combines reverse single crochet with strategic color changes to create a textured, eye-catching design perfect for blankets, pillows, or standalone decorative pieces. The pattern guides you through twelve petals in alternating colors before finishing with a square border, resulting in a gorgeous 12x12 inch block.

Advanced 4-5 Hours

Materials Needed for Pinwheel Square Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight yarn in 4 colors: darkest (A), medium (B), higher contrast (C), and neutral (D)
  • 02
    Red Heart With Love 100% acrylic worsted weight yarn in Peacock, Cornsilk, Lettuce, and Taupe (or similar colors)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size J (6mm) or hook to achieve gauge
  • 02
    13 stitch markers (recommended)
  • 03
    Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • 04
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Pinwheel Pattern :

Foundation :

With Color A, ch 14

First Petal :

Join with sl st in 4th ch from hook to form ring (place stitch marker in center of ring), work into remaining chs, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, 2 hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, 2 dc in next ch, htr in next ch, 2 htr in next ch, tr in next ch, 2 tr in next ch, tr in last ch, place stitch marker in back loop of last tr made; Do not turn, working back in the other direction, revsc in the flo of each stitch across to ring (14 revscs), sl st in center of ring, do not turn

Next Petal :

Working in unused back loops (blo) of previous petal, sc in first sc changing color to B, hdc in next hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc, dc in next hdc, 2 dc in next dc, htr in next dc, 2 htr in next dc, tr in next htr, 2 tr in next htr, tr in next htr, leave remaining 4 sts unused; Do not turn, working back in the other direction, revsc in the flo of each stitch across to ring (last stitch will be in prev color), sl st in ring, do not turn

Petals 3-12 :

Repeat "Next Petal" instructions for 10 more Petals. Change to color C for third Petal, then alternate colors A, B, and C around for a total of 12 petals

Joining :

Fold First Petal down so wrong (or back) side of petal is facing you. Join last Petal to unused loops of beginning chain on First Petal with sl sts worked across, inserting hook in from wrong side of first petal through both layers. Finish off all three colors

— Square Pattern :

Round 1 :

Working into any of the color A Petals, join color D with a sc in blo of third unused tr (stitch before marker), *ch 2, sc in unused blo of next tr of same petal, sk to next Petal, tr in same back loop as last tr worked into next Petal, [dc in blo of next tr, hdc in blo of next tr, sc in blo of last 2 trs, sk to next Petal, dc in same back loop as last tr worked into next Petal] 2 times, dc in blo of next tr, hdc in blo of next tr**, sc in blo of next tr; Rep from *2 more times; Rep from * to ** once, join with sl st in first sc (60 sts and 4 ch-2 sps)

Round 2 :

Ch 2 (does not count as a st here and throughout), dc in first sc, *(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 7 sts, hdc in next 2 sts**, dc in next 2 sts; Rep from * 2 more times; Rep from * to ** once, dc in last st, join with sl st in first dc (76 sts and 4 ch-1 sps)

Round 3 :

Ch 2, dc in first 3 dc, *(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next 5 sts, hdc in next 3 sts, sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 3 sts**, dc in next 5 sts; Rep from * 2 more times; Rep from * to ** once, dc in last 2 dc, join with sl st in first dc. Finish off color D (92 sts and 4 ch-1 sps)

Round 4 :

Join color B with sl st in second dc of prev rnd, ch 2, dc in same dc as join, *3 tr in next dc, dc2tog, hdc2tog, [dc in next st, 3 tr in next st, dc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next st, hdc in next st] 3 times**, dc in next dc; Rep from * 2 more times; Rep from * to ** once, join with sl st in first dc. Finish off color B (120 sts)

Round 5 :

Join color C with sc in second tr of prev rnd, 2 sc in same tr, *sc in each of next 5 sts, [3 sc in next tr, sc in next 2 sts, sc3tog, sc in next 2 sts] 3 times**, 3 sc in next tr; Rep from * 2 more times; Rep from * to ** once, join with sl st in first sc. Finish off color C (128 sts)

Round 6 :

Join color A with sc in second sc of prev rnd, *hdc in next sc, dc in next sc, (dc, tr) in next sc, 2 tr in next sc, (tr, dc) in next sc, dc in next sc, hdc in next sc, [sc in next sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next sc, tr3tog, dc in next sc, hdc in next sc] 3 times**, sc in next sc; Rep from * 2 more times; Rep from * to ** once, join with sl st in first sc. Finish off color A (116 sts)

Round 7 :

Join color D with sc in first sc of prev rnd, sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next tr, ch 2, 2 sc in next tr, *sc in next 27 sts, 2 sc in next tr, ch 2, 2 sc in next tr; Rep from * 2 more times, sc in next 22 sts, join with sl st in first sc. Finish off color D and weave in all ends (128 sts)

Info :

If your block is not quite 12 inches, you can add additional rounds of sc, or replace Rnd 7 with hdc or dc around, adding a couple additional stitches at each corner

Assembly Instructions

  • Weave in all yarn ends securely on the wrong side of the work, especially where colors were changed
  • Block the finished square to 12x12 inches using steam or wet blocking method for best shape
  • If making multiple squares for a blanket, use the ch-2 corner spaces to join squares together
  • Ensure all petals lay flat and the pinwheel maintains its spiral direction before blocking

Important Notes

  • 💡Place stitch markers in unused back loops of last treble crochet stitches to easily find them for Square Round 1
  • 💡Always flip unused yarn colors up under the hook between petals to keep them ready for the next color change
  • 💡Work reverse single crochet from left to right without turning your work for proper raised edge formation
  • 💡Gauge is important for this pattern, adjust hook size if needed to achieve 12 stitches by 7 rows equals 4 inches
  • 💡Pull gently on the ridge of reverse single crochets if back loops become too loose when working Square rounds
  • 💡Left-handed crocheters will create a pinwheel that twists in the opposite direction, which is perfectly normal

This stunning Pinwheel Square pattern brings dynamic color and texture to any blanket project. The innovative reverse single crochet technique creates beautiful dimensional petals that spiral from the center, making each square a miniature work of art. Perfect for mixing and matching colors, this 12-inch block works beautifully in afghans, pillows, or as standalone coasters. The advanced construction method will expand your crochet skills while creating something truly special. 🧶 Happy crocheting! 🌈✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Why does my pinwheel twist in a different direction than the pattern photo?

If you're a left-handed crocheter, your pinwheel will naturally twist in the opposite direction. This is completely normal and doesn't affect the final square. The designer is left-handed and flipped the image for the main photo.

What should I do if I can't find the back loop of the last treble crochet on each petal?

Use stitch markers to mark the back loop of the last treble when you first create it. If you didn't mark it, you can use any loop at the top of that stitch as long as you're consistent throughout the pattern.

My back loops are getting very loose when working the square rounds. How do I fix this?

Gently pull up on the ridge of reverse single crochets. This will tighten the front loops they were worked into, which in turn tightens the back loops and reduces the size of the holes.

Can I substitute different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, but your finished square size will change. Use a lighter weight yarn with a smaller hook for a smaller square, or bulky yarn with a larger hook for a bigger square. Always check your gauge and adjust accordingly.

How do I keep my yarn colors from getting tangled when switching between petals?

After each color change, flip the unused yarn colors up under your hook, between the hook and working yarn. This brings them to the top and keeps them ready for the next petal without tangling.