Candy Cradle Square Crochet Pattern | Video Tutorial & Tips

Hey there, fellow yarn enthusiasts! I'm so excited to share this fun and engaging crochet project with you. We're diving into the Candy Cradle Square, a delightful pattern that's part of the Secret Stitches Crochet Along (CAL) 2021. Christa from The Secret Yarnery has designed this square, and trust me, it's a treat to make! Get ready to add a touch of sweetness and texture to your crochet creations as we work together on this project. Crochet alongs are the best, aren't they? You get to learn new stitches and techniques, plus you end up with a gorgeous blanket at the end. It's like a year-long adventure in yarn!

If you're new to the world of crochet, you might be wondering, "What's a CAL?" Well, CAL stands for Crochet Along. It's like a virtual crafting party where crocheters work on the same project together, usually following a set schedule. The Secret Stitches CAL 2021 was a year-long event where a new stitch pattern was released every four weeks. Each pattern created a unique rectangular square, and at the end of the year, all the squares were joined together to form a beautiful blanket. Pretty cool, right?

The Candy Cradle Square is special because of its unique texture and design. It's got these adorable "candy" rows alternating with "cradle" rows, creating a sweet and cozy effect. This square is also a great way to use up those leftover bits of yarn in your stash. It's perfect for adventurous beginners who want to try something a little more challenging, as well as intermediate crocheters looking for a fun and quick project. I think this Candy Cradle Square would be fantastic for a baby blanket, don't you?

Alright, let's gather our supplies! Here's what you'll need to crochet the Candy Cradle Square:

• Worsted weight yarn (make sure it's the same type and thickness for all your squares)
• 6 mm crochet hook
• Scissors
• Darning needle
• Optional: Stitch markers

I love using yarn from my stash for projects like this. It's a great way to be budget-friendly and reduce waste. If you're looking to buy yarn, The Secret Yarnery has some awesome options available at their online shop. You can find the perfect yarn for this project! Candy Cradle Square Product

When it comes to choosing yarn for this project, it's important to use the same weight and fiber for all the squares in your blanket. This will ensure that all your squares are uniform in size and texture. Suitable yarn types include acrylic, cotton, and wool blends. Feel free to use different colors for each square to create a vibrant and unique blanket! If you need to substitute yarn, make sure you find something that's the same weight and fiber content as the original yarn.

Gauge is super important for making sure your squares are all the same size. The finished size of the Candy Cradle Square should be consistent with the other squares in the CAL. Before you start, I recommend checking your gauge by crocheting a small swatch using the recommended yarn and hook size. If your swatch is too small, try using a larger hook. If it's too big, try using a smaller hook.

Here are the abbreviations used in this pattern:

• ch - chain
• sc - single crochet
• dc - double crochet

To start, you'll need to make a slip knot. Wrap the yarn around your fingers, create a loop, and pull the yarn through the loop. Then, place the loop on your crochet hook and tighten it gently. Easy peasy!

Next, chain 36 stitches. Try to keep your tension consistent as you chain. This will help create a nice, even foundation for your square.

After chaining 36, chain 2 more stitches. These chains will help create the height for the next row.

Now, here's a slightly trickier part: working into the back bumps. If you flip your chain over, you'll see a series of small bumps on the back. These are the back bumps. We're going to be working into these bumps to create a cleaner edge for our square. To work into a back bump, insert your hook into the bump, yarn over, and pull through a loop. Then, yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook to complete a single crochet. It sounds complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it's a breeze!

Okay, let's get started with Row 1! Here's what you need to do:

1. Single crochet into the first back bump.
2. Chain 3.
3. Skip two bumps and single crochet into the third.
4. Repeat this pattern across the row.

As you work, try to maintain consistent tension. If your work starts to twist, don't worry! It will straighten out as you add more rows.

When you reach the end of Row 1, make sure your last single crochet is in the very last camel bump. This will ensure that your square has a nice, even edge.

Now we're getting to the fun part – creating the "candy" effect! Here's how to crochet Row 2:

1. Chain 3 and turn your work.
2. Double crochet into the first stitch.
3. Single crochet into the next space.
4. 3 double crochets into the next stitch.
5. Single crochet into the next space.
6. Repeat this pattern across the row.

Remember to place your stitches correctly – double crochets into stitches and single crochets into spaces. This is what creates the "candy" look.

At the end of Row 2, single crochet into the last space and then place two double crochets into the last stitch. Make sure you get two strands of that stitch onto your hook. This completes the candy row!

Time for the "cradle" effect! Here's how to crochet Row 3:

1. Chain 1 and turn your work.
2. Single crochet into the first stitch.
3. Chain 3.
4. Single crochet into the second double crochet (the center) of each "candy".
5. Chain 3.
6. Repeat this pattern across the row.

The single crochets should go into the center stitch of each candy. This is what creates the "cradle" effect. Don't worry if your work is twisting a bit – it'll all even out as you continue.

To finish Row 3, work the last single crochet into the top of the chain 3. Make sure you have two strands of that chain on your hook. Congrats, you finished the cradle row!

We're repeating the candy row again! Here's how to crochet Row 4:

1. Chain 3 and turn your work.
2. Double crochet into the first stitch.
3. Single crochet into the next space.
4. 3 double crochets into the next stitch.
5. Single crochet into the next space.
6. Repeat this pattern across the row.

Remember to pay attention to where you're placing your stitches – double crochets into stitches and single crochets into spaces.

To finish Row 4, single crochet into the last space and then place two double crochets into the last stitch, getting two strands of that stitch onto your hook. That completes the candy row!

Now, here's the pattern: alternate between the Candy Row (Row 2/4) and the Cradle Row (Row 3) until you have completed 15 Candy Rows. Keep going, you're doing great!

Need to double-check how many candy rows you've done? Just count each shell of double crochets. Easy peasy!

It's important to end on a Cradle Row. Here's how to crochet that final Cradle Row:

1. Chain 1 and turn your work.
2. Single crochet into the first stitch.
3. Chain 3.
4. Single crochet into the center stitch of each "candy".
5. Chain 3.
6. Repeat this pattern across the row.

Make sure you work the last single crochet into the top of the chain 3.

Alright, time to finish off your square! Here's what to do:

1. Chain 1.
2. Cut the yarn.
3. Pull the hook up and yarn through.
4. Snug the yarn to secure the stitch.

Don't forget to weave in those ends! This will make your square look neat and prevent it from unraveling. Thread the yarn onto your darning needle and weave it through the stitches on the back of your work.

Blocking is a way of shaping the fabric. It will improve the look of your work, and ensure your blocks are the same size.

Once you've crocheted all your squares, it's time to join them together to create a blanket! There are several different joining methods you can use, such as the single crochet join or the mattress stitch. Check out The Secret Yarnery's Easy Crochet Blanket Ideas for a full tutorial on how to join your squares. Experiment with different methods to find the one you like best!

Here are some crochet tools that are very helpful:

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Having the right tools can really make a difference in your crochet experience. Yarn ball storage bags keep your yarn clean and organized. UFO (UnFinished Object) zipper pouches are perfect for keeping your projects safe when you're on the go. A ball winder makes it easy to wind your yarn into neat cakes. Stitch markers help you keep track of important points in your pattern. And a good pair of scissors is essential for clean yarn cuts.

Crochet hooks come in different sizes, and it's important to use the right size for your project. Crochet hook sizes are typically indicated by a number and a letter (e.g., 6 mm, H/8). The larger the number, the larger the hook. The size of your hook will affect the gauge and overall look of your project.

Sharp scissors are essential for clean yarn cuts. Embroidery scissors or thread snips are great options for crochet.

Stitch markers are little helpers that mark important places in your crochet. I like to use them to mark the beginning of a row, or to designate a place where I need to increase or decrease stitches.

A darning needle (also known as a yarn needle or tapestry needle) is a large needle with a blunt tip and a large eye. It's used for weaving in ends and joining pieces of crochet.

Yarn comes in different weights, from lace weight to bulky weight. Worsted weight yarn is a medium-weight yarn that's perfect for a wide variety of projects. Using the correct yarn weight is essential for achieving the correct gauge and overall look of your project.

Yarn is made from different fibers, such as cotton, wool, acrylic, and blends. Each fiber has its own unique properties. Cotton is soft and breathable. Wool is warm and cozy. Acrylic is durable and easy to care for.

A ball winder is a tool that winds yarn into neat cakes or balls. This makes it easier to work with your yarn and prevents it from tangling.

A color wheel is a tool that helps you choose harmonious color combinations. By using a color wheel, you can create visually appealing crochet projects.

Crochet is not only a fun and creative hobby, but it also has many therapeutic benefits. It can help reduce stress, improve focus, and boost your mood. And, of course, there's the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own two hands!

For more crochet tutorials and inspiration, be sure to subscribe to The Secret Yarnery's YouTube channel! And don't forget to follow The Secret Yarnery on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. youtube.com/secretyarnery

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to crochet the Candy Cradle Square! It's a fun and rewarding project that's perfect for adding to the Secret Stitches CAL 2021 blanket. So grab your hook, yarn, and let's get crocheting!