Continuing my Granny Square Showcase series, meet the third design — the Pinwheel Square!
This pattern brings energy and playful movement to your crochet collection, with its swirling colorwork and geometric texture. The Pinwheel Square is all about rhythm and flow — a design that looks intricate but works up surprisingly easily once you get the hang of the pattern repeats.
Just like the name suggests, the stitches create a gentle spin that reminds you of a summer pinwheel turning in the breeze. Whether you go bold with contrasting shades or keep it soft and subtle with tonal colors, this square is sure to make your project pop!
By strategically placing increases and alternating colors, the pattern creates a balanced swirl that’s fun to crochet and even more fun to look at. The texture is slightly raised, giving a three-dimensional effect that catches the light beautifully.
Blocking Instructions
Blocking helps define the crisp lines of the pinwheel and keeps your square from twisting.
- Gently soak or spray your finished square with cool water.
- Lay it flat on a blocking mat or foam board.
- Pin each corner, making sure all sides are even and the pinwheel pattern lies flat.
- Let it dry completely before joining or storing.
This quick step really enhances the symmetry of the design and gives your finished square that polished, professional look.
Crochet Project Ideas for the Pinwheel Square
The lively motion of this square makes it a wonderful accent piece in many projects. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity spinning:
- Pinwheel Blanket: Alternate Pinwheel Squares with solid-color granny squares for a quilt-like effect full of movement.
- Vibrant Pillow Cover: Use bold color contrasts for a statement pillow that brightens any room.
- Table Runner or Wall Hanging: Arrange the squares in rows to create a dynamic, eye-catching piece of home décor.
- Playful Baby Blanket: Soft pastel yarns transform the Pinwheel Square into a cheerful, whimsical baby gift.
- Tote Bag or Project Pouch: Two joined Pinwheel Squares make a sturdy and stylish front and back panel.
These images were created with AI using my original Pinwheel Square crochet pattern as a reference to visualize how the Pinwheel Squares could look joined into a blanket and a tote bag.
VIDEO TUTORIAL OF PINWHEEL SQUARE
WRITTEN PATTERN OF PINWHEEL SQUARE
Materials
- Yarn: Sport or DK weight yarn in 2 colors, Patons Grace used in tutorial (Orchid – color A, Natural – color B), available on Amazon)
- Hook: 2.75 mm or size needed for your yarn
- Notions: Scissors, tapestry needle, blocking board and pins
Abbreviations:
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
beg = beginning
tr = triple crochet
sp = space
Pattern notes:
– 3ch in the beginning of round 3 counts as the 1st dc.
– ch in the beginning of rounds doesn’t count as a st.
- With color A make a magic ring (please see the video tutorial).
- Round 1 = sc 8 in the ring, sl st in 1st sc.
- Round 2 = ch, sc 2 in each sc (16 sc), sl st in 1st sc.
- Round 3 = ch 3, hdc in next sc, (sc in next sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next sc, hdc in next sc) 3 times, sc in next sc, hdc in next sc, sl st in 3rd beg ch.
- Round 4 = ch, sc in same st, hdc in hdc, dc in sc, tr in hdc, ch 4, (sc in dc, hdc in hdc, dc in sc, tr in hdc, ch 4) 3 times, sl st in 1st sc, cut off, fasten off color A.
- Round 5 = join color B with sc in ch4-sp, sc in same sp, hdc 2 in same sp, dc in sc, dc in hdc, tr in dc, tr in tr, ch 4, (sc 2 in ch4-sp, hdc 2 in same sp, dc in sc, dc in hdc, tr in dc, tr in tr, ch 4) 3 times, sl st in 1st sc, cut off, fasten off color B.
- Round 6 = join color A with sc in ch4-sp, sc 2 in same sp, hdc in same sp, hdc in next 2 sc, dc in next 2 hdc, dc in next dc, tr in next dc, tr in next 2 tr, ch 4, (sc 3 in ch4-sp, hdc in same sp, hdc in next 2 sc, dc in next 2 hdc, dc in next dc, tr in next dc, tr in next 2 tr, ch 4) 3 times, sl st in 1st sc, cut off, fasten off color A.
- Round 7 = join color B with sc in ch4-sp, sc 3 in same sp, hdc in next 3 sc, hdc in next hdc, dc in next 2 hdc, dc in next 2 dc, tr in next dc, tr in next 3 tr, ch 4, (sc 4 in ch4-sp, hdc in next 3 sc, hdc in next hdc, dc in next 2 hdc, dc in next 2 dc, tr in next dc, tr in next 3 tr, ch 4) 3 times, sl st in 1st sc, cut off, fasten off color B.
- Round 8 = join color A with sc in ch4-sp, sc 3 in same sp, sc in next sc, hdc in next 3 sc, hdc in next 2 hdc, dc in next 2 hdc, dc in next 3 dc, tr in next dc, tr in next 4 tr, ch 4, (sc 4 in ch4-sp, sc in next sc, hdc in next 3 sc, hdc in next 2 hdc, dc in next 2 hdc, dc in next 3 dc, tr in next dc, tr in next 4 tr, ch 4) 3 times, sl st in 1st sc.
- Round 9 = ch, (sc in each 20 st, in ch4-sp: sc + ch3 + sc5) 4 times, sl st in 1st sc.
- Cut off, fasten off color A, block the square.
Don’t forget to share your version with the tag #GrannySquareShowcase or #HandmadebyRaine — I can’t wait to see your whirling creations.
HAPPY CROCHETING!
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