Berry Biscuit Square

Let's crochet a beautiful Berry Biscuit Square! This fun project is part one of the Secret Stitches CAL 2021. I'll guide you through each step, from gathering your materials to mastering the popcorn stitch. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crocheter, you'll find helpful tips and clear instructions to create your own unique square. This blog post follows the video tutorial from The Secret Yarnery, so you can crochet along with me! Don't forget to subscribe to The Secret Yarnery's YouTube channel for more exciting patterns and tutorials.

Have you ever heard of a Crochet Along, or CAL? It's like a collaborative crochet party! A CAL is when crocheters work together on the same project, with new parts of the pattern released over a period of time.

The Secret Stitches CAL 2021 is a 12-block project. A new block is released every four weeks, giving you plenty of time to complete each one. At the end of November 2021, instructions for joining and finishing the blocks will be available. You can choose to make a single square, a cozy baby blanket, or both!

The best part of a CAL is the community. It's a chance to connect with other crocheters, share your progress, and get inspired. I encourage you to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #secretstitchescal2021. I'd love to see your unique Berry Biscuit Squares!

This video tutorial is part one of the CAL, so grab your hook and yarn, and let's get started! The pattern is designed by Krista from The Secret Yarnery, who shares easy patterns, inspiration, and tips for crocheters of all levels.

To make the Berry Biscuit Square, you'll need a few basic materials:

• Yarn: Savor by Ice Yarns (or any size 4 worsted weight yarn)
• Crochet Hook: 6mm
• Stitch Markers: 4
• Darning Needle
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape

In the tutorial, I used Savor by Ice Yarns. This yarn is 100% draylon acrylic, and each skein contains 200 grams and 330 meters. The yarn label recommends a 5mm needle, but I prefer using a 6mm hook for this pattern. One skein of this yarn will make approximately three squares. If you'd like to use the same color as me, you can find it here: Ice Yarns.

Of course, you're welcome to use any yarn you like! The Berry Biscuit Square is a great way to use up scraps or experiment with different colors and textures.

I recommend using a 6mm hook to achieve the correct gauge. Gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows per inch, and it affects the final size of your square. If your gauge is too tight, your square will be smaller. If it's too loose, your square will be larger.

If you're looking for other crochet must-haves, The Secret Yarnery has a list of recommendations on Amazon. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Berry Biscuit Square uses a few basic crochet stitches, combined in a unique way to create a textured design. The key stitch is the "popcorn" stitch, which creates the raised "berry" texture in the square. Don't worry, I'll provide detailed instructions for the popcorn stitch in the step-by-step tutorial.

You'll also be using the double crochet stitch to create the rows and texture of the square. Double crochet is a tall stitch that creates a dense fabric.

The chain stitch is used to create the foundation row and turning chains. It's also used to create the spaces between the blocks of double crochet.

The pattern also uses the concept of "chain one, skip one." This means you'll chain one stitch, then skip the next stitch before working the next double crochet. Skipping stitches creates the spaces between the blocks.

For the foundation chain, you can choose to work into the back loops. This creates a neater edge, but it's not mandatory. If you prefer, you can work into the front loops instead.

The pattern is based on multiples of seven. This means that each row will have a number of stitches that is a multiple of seven, plus a few extra stitches for the turning chains. This is important to ensure the correct number of stitches in each row.

Ready to start crocheting? Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own Berry Biscuit Square!

Start by making a slip knot, leaving a long tail for weaving in ends later. Make the loop snug it down and put it onto your hook.

Next, chain 40, then chain one more. Chain 40...chain one more. The extra chain is for turning.

Now, work into your back loops for the foundation row. Turn your chain over and look for the little bumps along the back. These are called "camel bumps."

Remember, the chain counts as the first double crochet.

Double crochet into the fourth stitch from the hook. Double crochet into the fourth stitch...

Next, double crochet into each of the next five stitches. Double crochet into each of the next five stitches...

This creates a set of seven double crochets.

Now, chain one and skip one stitch. Chain one and skip one...

Repeat the set of seven double crochets, chain one, skip one across the row. Try to maintain consistent tension.

Chain two and turn your work. Chain two and turn your work. The chain two counts as the first double crochet. A chain three can be used for a looser edge.

Double crochet into each of the next two stitches. Double crochet into each of the next two stitches.

Now, it's time to make the popcorn stitch! Four double crochets into the fourth stitch...pull up the hook...insert into the first double crochet...slip stitch...chain one.

To create the popcorn stitch, make four double crochets into the fourth stitch.

Pull the hook up, remove the hook, and insert it into the first double crochet of the four.

Place the loop back on the hook, slip stitch, and chain one to secure the popcorn.

Double crochet into each of the next three stitches. Double crochet into each of the next three stitches.

Chain one and skip one, repeating the popcorn stitch sequence across the row. Place stitch markers in the chain one spaces to help keep track of them.

Chain two and turn your work. Chain two and turn your work. The chain two counts as the first double crochet.

Double crochet into each stitch across the 7 stitches, including one into the top of the popcorn stitch. Double crochet into each stitch, including the popcorn stitch.

Chain one and skip one, repeating the double crochet block across the row. Work the last stitch into the chain. Move the stitch markers up to the next set of spaces.

If you lost count of the seven stitches, now is the time to recount.

Chain three (counts as a double crochet and chain one) and turn your work. Chain three and turn your work.

Skip the first stitch and double crochet into the second stitch, then chain one, skip one, repeating across the row. Skip the first stitch, double crochet into the second, chain one, skip one...

Skip the last double crochet and work into the turning chain. This creates the mesh-like texture for the next row.

Rows 5-10 are a repeat of rows 1-4. Continue following the pattern until you have six rows of "biscuits." Here's a brief summary of each row in the repeat:

• Row 5: Double crochet blocks with chain one skip one (repeat of Row 1)
• Row 6: Popcorn stitches with double crochet blocks (repeat of Row 2)
• Row 7: Double crochet blocks (repeat of Row 3)
• Row 8: Mesh stitch (repeat of Row 4)
• Row 9: Double crochet blocks with chain one skip one (repeat of Row 1)
• Row 10: Popcorn stitches with double crochet blocks (repeat of Row 2)

Here are the timestamps for each row of the pattern, for easy reference:

• Row 1: 1:18
• Row 2: 6:13
• Row 3: 11:42
• Row 4: 14:28
• Row 1: 20:26

Continue using stitch markers to keep track of the spaces. What do you do if you end with a row different than what the pattern says? Don't worry!

Cut the yarn, chain one, and pull the yarn through to secure. Cut the yarn, chain one, and pull through to secure.

Weave in the ends using a darning needle.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid common problems:

A tight chain can cause the work to curl. Use a larger hook for the foundation chain or intentionally chain loosely. Reference the "Quick Tip" at 5:14 in the video.

Count stitches frequently to ensure accuracy. Use stitch markers to mark the beginning and end of each row.

Make a neat popcorn stitch by pulling the loop through the first double crochet securely.

Consistent tension is important for a uniform square. Practice tension with scrap yarn before starting the project.

Once you've made a few Berry Biscuit Squares, what can you do with them? Join multiple squares to create a cozy blanket or afghan.

You can also use the squares to make scarves, bags, or pillow covers.

Be creative and personalize your projects with different color combinations. Check out other patterns from The Secret Yarnery that use similar techniques through the free crochet patterns.

Share your finished squares on social media using the hashtag #secretstitchescal2021. Tag The Secret Yarnery on Instagram. I'm excited to see your creations!

Subscribe to The Secret Yarnery for more crochet patterns and tutorials. Leave comments and questions below this blog post. Stay tuned for the next part of the Secret Stitches CAL 2021!