Warm Up America Textured Crochet Rectangle #1

Here at 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 one of this rectangle crochet collection that you can make with leftover yarn, yarn scraps or even a new skein!

Keep on scrolling to learn how to crochet a 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 or completed afghan.

The Stitches For a 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 back loop and the front loop of a stitch.

The hdc is a basic crochet stitch that is easy to master. The front loop and back loop hdc may be the one part of the pattern you’d like to go over before you begin.

Crochet Stitches for Rectangle Pattern

Half Double Crochet (hdc): Video & Written Tutorial

• 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.

Front Loop Half Double Crochet (fl hdc):

• Worked the same as the regular hdc stitch but only through the front loop of a stitch.

Back Loop Half Double Crochet (bl hdc):

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

The square pattern is created by crocheting a row of regular hdc stitches followed by alternating back loop and front loop hdc stitches.

By working alternating back loop and front loop hdc stitches the pattern square creates a fantastic texture! 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 one of My new Warm-UP America section pattern collection. Happy Crocheting!

The Textured Rectangle Pattern

Skill Level: Easy

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

• 9″ x 7″

Crochet Stitch Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• hdc = half double crochet
• bl = back loop
• fl = front 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 9″ 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 9″ and the height is 7″ (see images above)

The Pattern

To Start: Ch 21

Row 1: in the second ch from the hook hdc, hdc into each ch across, turn. (20)

Row 2: Ch 1, hdc into the last st from row 1, *hdc fl, hdc bl, repeat from *across ending with a hdc in the last st, turn. (20)

Row 3: Ch 1, hdc into the last st from row 2, hdc into each st across, turn.

Row 4 – 13: Rep rows 2 & 3

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

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.

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