Textured Square Sampler Wall Hanging: Free Crochet Pattern

Textured Square Sampler Wall Hanging: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This wall hanging is a perfect first "sampler" project for anyone who has just learned half double crochet and wants to make something they'll actually hang on the wall. Nine simple squares, worked entirely in back loops only, create a soft horizontal rib that looks far more complicated than it is. The checkerboard of denim blue and cream keeps it modern and calm, while the single crochet border and corner tassels give it a finished, boutique look. It's light, drapey, and quick enough to finish over a weekend.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton. 200 yards total: 100 yards denim blue (Color A) and 100 yards cream (Color B).
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape, blocking mats and pins (optional but recommended).
• Finished size: Approx. 18 inches (45.5 cm) square, excluding tassels. Each square is about 6 inches (15 cm) square.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• hdc – half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops on hook.
• blo – back loop only: work into the loop of the stitch that is farthest from you.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• RS – right side: the side of the fabric that faces out.

Gauge

14 hdc x 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in back loop only. To check, crochet a small swatch in blo and measure a 4-inch section; if your stitches are larger, go down a hook size, and if smaller, go up.

Tips Before You Start

• Work every hdc after Row 1 into the back loop only — this is what creates the ribbed texture, so don't skip it.
• Keep your turning chains loose so the square edges stay straight and easy to seam.
• Make all five Color A squares first, then all four Color B squares, so your tension stays consistent within each color.
• Block each square lightly before joining; it makes the seams lie flat and the finished grid even.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Square (make 9 total: 5 in Color A, 4 in Color B)

Ch 22.

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across (20 hdc).

Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), turn, hdc in blo of each st across (20 hdc).

Rows 3–18: Repeat Row 2 (20 hdc). Piece should measure about 6 inches (15 cm); add or remove rows in pairs if needed to reach 6 inches.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Assembly

Arrange the nine squares in a 3x3 grid, alternating colors in a checkerboard:

Top row: A – B – A
Middle row: B – A – B
Bottom row: A – B – A

With RS facing, whipstitch the squares together using matching yarn, joining rows first, then columns.

Border

With RS facing, join Color A with a sl st in any corner.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Tassels (make 4)

Cut 10 strands of Color A, each 10 inches (25 cm) long. Fold the bundle in half, insert the hook through a corner sc, pull the folded loop through, thread the loose ends through the loop, and pull tight. Trim ends evenly to 4 inches (10 cm). Repeat at each corner.

Hanging Cord

Cut a 12-inch (30 cm) length of Color A. Attach it to the top two corners and tie securely to form a hanging loop across the top edge.

Assembly and Finishing

Whipstitch all seams with matching yarn, keeping stitches small and even so the joins disappear into the ribbing. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, changing direction a few times so they don't work loose. Block the finished hanging by misting lightly and pinning flat to an 18-inch square, paying attention to the corners and border; let dry completely. Fluff the tassels and trim any uneven ends last.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the checkerboard for a gradient: work squares in five shades from light to dark for an ombre effect.
• Use a contrasting color for the border and tassels to make the grid pop.
• Add a small wooden dowel through the top edge instead of a cord for a more structured, gallery-style look.