Retro Daisy Squares

The Retro Daisy Square is a gorgeous vintage-inspired crochet motif featuring a raised daisy at the center, framed by a traditional granny square border. It has a nostalgic, 1970s aesthetic, making it perfect for blankets, cushion covers, tote bags, or even clothing like cardigans and sweaters. The combination of puff stitches for the flower center and granny clusters for the square creates a stunning contrast of textures.

This pattern is an excellent way to experiment with color, and because it works up quickly, it’s a fantastic stash-busting project!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

Yarn:
- Centre: A warm yellow, mustard, or orange for a classic daisy look.
- Petals: White or cream (or experiment with pastel shades for a fun twist).
- Border: Any retro-inspired color (teal, rust, burnt orange, olive green, or mustard).
- Choose worsted weight (category 4) or DK yarn (category 3) for best results.
Hook: 5mm (for worsted weight) or 4mm (for DK).
Scissors: To cut yarn when changing colors.
Yarn Needle: For weaving in loose ends.
Stitch Marker (optional): Useful for marking corners if needed.

Pattern Instructions

Step 1: Crochet the Daisy Centre (Puff Stitch Circle)

The center of the daisy is made with puff stitches, which give it a soft, textured look.

Make a magic ring (or chain 4 and slip stitch into the first chain to create a loop).
Chain 2 (this counts as the first part of a puff stitch).
Puff Stitch: Yarn over, insert the hook into the ring, and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook). Repeat this step two more times (you should now have seven loops on your hook). Yarn over and pull through all loops.
Chain 1 to close the puff stitch.
Repeat Step 3 seven more times, working 8 puff stitches in total, separated by chain 1 between each.
Slip the stitch into the top of the first puff stitch to join the round.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

At this stage, you should have a neat, circular flower center with puff stitches forming the petals.

Step 2: Creating the Petals (Granny Stitch Round)

Now that the center is complete, it’s time to create the white (or colored) daisy petals using basic double crochet clusters.

Join the petal color in any chain-1 space around the puff stitch center.
Chain 3 (counts as the first double crochet).
Work 2 more double crochets in the same chain-1 space.
Chain 1, then work 3 double crochets in the next chain-1 space.
Continue working (3 dc, ch 1) in each chain space around the daisy center.
Slip stitch to the top of the first chain 3 to close the round.
Fasten off and weave in the ends.

By now, the daisy should have a circular shape with granny-style clusters forming the petals.

Step 3: Turning the Circle into a Square

To turn your floral circle into a square, you’ll need to introduce granny clusters and corners.

Join the border color in any chain-1 space.
Chain 3 (counts as the first dc).
In the same space, work 2 more dc, ch 2, 3 dc (this forms the first corner).
In the next chain-1 space, work 3 dc (this is a side cluster).
Repeat 3 dc in the next space (side cluster).
In the next chain-1 space, work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc (this forms another corner).
Continue this pattern around:
- Corners: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
- Sides: (3 dc in each space).
Slip stitch to the starting chain 3 to close the round.

Your daisy motif should now have a clear square shape, with granny clusters forming the sides and corners.

Step 4: Adding Additional Rounds (Optional for a Larger Square)

If you’d like a bigger square, you can add more rounds of granny clusters, following this simple pattern:

For sides: Work 3 dc in each space from the previous round.
For corners: Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner space.

Continue until the square reaches your desired size.

Finishing & Customisation

✔ Weave in ends securely to keep your work neat.
✔ Block your squares if needed to help them lay flat.
✔ Join multiple squares using slip stitch, whip stitch, or continuous join-as-you-go (JAYGO) for larger projects like blankets or bags.

How to Use Your Retro Daisy Squares

💛 Blankets: Stitch multiple squares together for a charming throw.
🌼 Cushions: Sew two squares together and stuff for a retro-style pillow.
👜 Bags: Join squares to make a trendy tote bag.
👚 Clothing: Use as panels for cardigans or summer tops.
🎀 Coasters & Placemats: A single square works perfectly for home decor.

Troubleshooting & Tips

1. My puff stitches look uneven!

Make sure you yarn over evenly when pulling up loops.
Use consistent tension throughout each stitch.

2. My square is curling at the edges.

This is normal! Light blocking with steam or wet blocking will help straighten it.

3. My corners aren’t sharp.

Ensure you chain 2 in each corner so they don’t pull in.
Don’t skip the corner clusters—they’re essential for the square shape.

4. The center hole is too big.

If using a magic ring, pull it tight before fastening it off to close the gap.
If chaining 4 instead, slip stitch tightly to minimize the hole.

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

For a visual guide on creating the Retro Daisy Square, you might find this step-by-step tutorial helpful:

Why You’ll Love the Retro Daisy Square

✅ Beginner-Friendly: Uses basic stitches (puff, double crochet, chains).
✅ Versatile: Works for blankets, bags, clothing, and more.
✅ Perfect for Stash-Busting: Mix and match colors with leftover yarn.
✅ Nostalgic & Stylish: A true vintage-inspired crochet design.