Warm Up America Crochet Rectangle #2

Here on Easy Crochet I’ve created a collection of 7″ x 9″ crochet rectangle squares that are perfect to donate to the Warm up America organization.

Below you will find Square number two of this collection that you can make with leftover yarn, yarn scraps or even a new skein! Keep on scrolling to learn how to crochet a textured half double crochet rectangle today!

What is Warm Up America!?

Before you get started on your square you may want to learn more about what Warm Up America is. Warm up America is an organization that collects rectangles and blankets year round as well as many other items such as blue hats for the HatnotHate program to donate to those in need.

All projects, crochet or knit that are donated to Warm Up America should be machine-washable. Most donations are in a medium/worsted weight, but any weight yarn will work as long it is the 7″ x 9″ rectangle, 9″ x 7″ rectangle or a completed afghan.

The Stitches For a Textured Crochet Rectangle

To crochet this rectangle, you will need to know how to half double crochet (hdc) as well as work that hdc into the second back loop of the stitch. The hdc is a basic crochet stitch that is easy to master which makes this an easy pattern to work up. The second back loop of the half double crochet may be the one part of the pattern you’d want to go over before you begin, so you know exactly where it is located.

Crochet Stitches for Textured Rectangle Pattern

Half Double Crochet (hdc):

• YO (yarn over) insert hook from front to back of the designated stitch, YO the hook and pick up a loop. 
• YO the hook and pull back through all three loops on the hook.

Half Double Crochet Second Back Loop (second loop hdc):

• Worked the same as the regular hdc stitch but only through the second back loop of the hdc stitch.

The square pattern is created by crocheting a row of regular hdc stitches followed by a row of hdc stitches worked in the second back loop.

It is good to be familiar to where the front loop and the back loop of a stitch is so that way you can find the second back loop of the hdc as highlighted above easier.

By working alternating hdc stitch rows with second back loop rows the pattern square creates a fantastic texture and look! See the picture below.

Let’s Start Crocheting!

If you have any questions about this square, please let me know in the comments, or you can join the Easy Crochet Facebook Group where you can post your finished block section as well as ask questions.

Below you will find rectangle number two of My new Warm UP America section pattern collection. The pictures show the square unblocked, so you might like to make this a bit more even with blocking before sewing together. Happy Crocheting!

The Textured HDC Rectangle Pattern

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials

• Paintbox Simply Chunky or any four or five weight yarn (as long as gauge is met)
• 5.5 mm crochet hook (or hook size needed to get gauge)
• Scissors
• Yarn needle (to weave in ends)
• Measuring Tape

Finished Size

• 7″ x 9″

Crochet Stitch Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• hdc = half double crochet
• bl = back loop
• st = stitch
• rep = repeat

Notes

• Written in standard US terms
• Keep track of your tension + gauge so that you get the 7″ x 9″ size requirement
• Make sure your starting chain and first row are 7″ before you continue on. If it isn’t the correct size change hook sizes to get the accurate gauge or fix your tension.
• This rectangle block pattern has a width that is 7″ and the height is 9″ (see images above)

The Pattern

Foundation Row: Ch 18

Row 2: in the second ch from the hook hdc, hdc into each ch across, turn. (17)

Row 3: Ch 1, hdc into the first st, hdc once into each of the next 6 sts, second hdc bl once into each of the next 3 sts, hdc once into each of the last 7 sts across, turn. (17)

Row 4: Ch 1, hdc into the last st from row 2, hdc into each st across, turn.

Row 5: Ch 1, hdc into the first st, hdc once into each of the next 5 sts, second hdc bl into each of the next 5 sts, hdc one into each the last 6 sts across, turn.

Row 6: Rep row 3

Row 7: Ch 1, hdc into the first st, hdc once into each of the next 4 sts, second hdc bl into each of the next 7 sts, hdc one into each the last 5 sts across, turn.

Row 8: Rep row 3

Row 9: Ch 1, hdc into the first st, hdc once into each of the next 3 sts, second hdc bl into each of the next 9 sts, hdc one into each the last 4 sts across, turn. (17)

Row 10: Rep row 3

Row 11: Rep row 6

Row 12: Rep row 3

Row 13: Rep row 4

Row 14: Rep row 3

Row 15: Rep row 2

Row 16: rep row 3

Finishing: Fasten off by pulling yarn through the last st, cut and weave in loose ends with a yarn needle.

Stitch Chart

Use this chart as a guide to where you should place the hdc stitches and hdc second back loop stitches.

Common Questions about Warm Up America

What Types of Yarn Can I used to Make Blanket Squares?

You can use any yarn weight as long as its washable and meets the size guidelines of 7″ x 9″. Warm up America recommends using an acrylic yarn or a 100% cotton yarn that is a four weight, but they will accept any weight. Are you still not sure which yarn you’d like to use? Take a look at a few of my favorite four weight yarns below.

Where Can I Find the Full Collection of Free Crochet Blanket Squares for Warm Up America?

As the collection is released weekly you can find all the free square patterns in the Easy Crochet blanket squares section here on the blog. You can also find a list of other crochet squares below too.

Square #1

Find square number one of the Warm-UP American Crochet Sections below!

GET THE SQUARE

More Crochet Squares You May Like

• 29 Easy Crochet Squares for Beginners (Granny, Motifs and more)
• Almost Solid Granny Square Pattern (2 Sizes)
• WUA Simple Crochet Rectangle #5
• WUA Puff Crochet Rectangle Pattern #4
• Warm Up America Alissa Crochet Rectangle Pattern #3