by If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly, visually appealing, and adaptable crochet technique, the Block Stitch in the Round (Rectangle from Center Out) is the perfect pattern to add to your skill set. This method is ideal for making everything from baby blankets and throws to placemats and even rectangular shawls. It combines the beauty of simplicity with a construction method that grows smoothly from the center outward — all in the round.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Technique
- Easy to learn: Great for beginners who want to practice working in the round.
- Grows symmetrically: Perfect for rectangular shapes like blankets, table runners, or wraps.
- Endlessly customizable: Adjust the size, color changes, and yarn type to create personalized projects.
- Great stash buster: Excellent for using up leftover yarns in stripes or gradients.
🧵 Materials Needed
- Yarn: Any weight works, but worsted (Category 4) is recommended for beginners.
- Hook: Use the hook size recommended for your yarn (typically 5.0 mm for worsted).
- Other Supplies:
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Scissors
🧷 Skill Level: Beginner
You should be familiar with:
- Chain stitch (ch)
- Single crochet (sc)
- Double crochet (dc)
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Working in the round
📏 Finished Size
The finished size is completely customizable. You simply continue working in rounds until your rectangle reaches the desired dimensions.
🔁 Abbreviations (U.S. Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- sp – space
- st(s) – stitch(es)
📐 Construction Overview
The rectangle is started from a chain base worked flat, and then the rest of the blanket is crocheted in the round using block stitch sets (usually groups of 3 dc separated by ch-1 spaces). Corners are formed with 3 dc + ch 2 + 3 dc in the same space.
🪡 Pattern Instructions
🧱 Step 1: Foundation Chain
- Ch 21 (or any even number + 1 for a longer base). This will be the short edge of your rectangle.
🧱 Step 2: First Round (Set-up Round)
- Sc in the second ch from hook and in each chain across.
- Turn corner: Ch 2, sc in the same last chain (you’ll now begin working around the back side of the chain).
- Sc across the back loops of the foundation chain.
- At the beginning chain: Ch 2 and sl st to the first sc to join. You now have an oval shape.
🧱 Step 3: Round 2 – Start Block Stitch
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), skip 1 st, dc 3 in next st, skip 1 st, 3 dc in next; repeat across until corner.
- In the corner (ch-2 space): 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.
- Continue placing 3 dc clusters with 1 st skipped in between.
- Work second corner the same way.
- Sl st to top of ch-3 to close.
🧱 Step 4: Round 3 – Chain Mesh Round
- Ch 1, sc in space between each 3-dc block from the previous round.
- In corners: (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 corner space.
- Sl st to first sc to join.
🧱 Step 5: Round 4 – Block Stitch Round
- Sl st into first ch-1 space.
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc into same space.
- Work 3 dc into each ch-1 space across.
- In corners: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 space.
- Sl st to top of ch-3 to close.
🔁 Repeat Rounds 3 and 4
- Continue alternating the mesh round (sc + ch) and the block stitch round (3 dc clusters).
- Increase occurs naturally at each corner with the (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in every block round.
- Your rectangle will grow evenly from the center out.
🎨 Color Ideas
- Striped: Change colors every two rounds for defined blocks.
- Ombre: Use gradient yarn for a seamless color shift.
- Multicolor: Great stash buster for leftover yarn.
🧼 Care Instructions
Follow the care guidelines specific to your yarn. For most worsted acrylics:
- Machine wash cold
- Tumble dry low or lay flat to dry
- Avoid high heat and bleach
💡 Tips for Success
- Use stitch markers to keep track of corners as your rectangle grows.
- To avoid bulging, be consistent with stitch counts along the sides.
- For a border, finish with a round of single crochet or a crab stitch (reverse sc).
🧺 Project Ideas
This technique can be used to make:
- Baby blankets
- Throw blankets
- Shawls or prayer wraps
- Rectangular table mats or runners
- Pillow fronts
Video tutorial:
✅ Conclusion
The Easy Crochet Block Stitch in the Round: Rectangle From Center Out is a versatile, relaxing project that’s ideal for any skill level. Its elegant structure, rhythmic stitch pattern, and customizable size make it a go-to favorite for both personal and gift projects.
Whether you’re making a baby gift, a cozy throw, or a colorful stash-busting wrap, this pattern is a beautiful and enjoyable way to crochet from the center out.
