How to Crochet Fleece Squares Together

Repurpose a fleece sweatshirt by cutting it into squares and crocheting them together.

One quick way to repurpose old sweatshirts and fleece sweatpants is to cut them into squares and join the squares to create lap blankets, afghans, purses or sweaters. The method you choose to join the squares helps determine the character of your finished piece. A simple crochet join frames each fleece square with a single color and creates a neat, edged appearance. It works equally well with purchased fleece squares.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Pencil or chalk
• Yarn needle
• Yarn
• Crochet hook (size H)

Instructions

Blanket Stitch Edging

1. Measure 1/4 inch in from each edge of the fleece squares and mark a 1/4-inch border on all four sides. Press the edges of the fleece to the wrong side along the marked border.

2. Thread the needle with about 1 yard of yarn. Knot the end of the yarn. Bring the needle up through the square from the bottom at one corner and pull the yarn through until the knot is snug against the fleece. Hold about 1/4 inch of the yarn against the top side of the fleece with your fingertip. Bring the needle under the fleece and back up through it between the yarn and the edge of the fabric. Pull the yarn through just tightly enough to form a right angle from the held yarn. Continue working like this to create a blanket stitch border along each edge you'll be joining.

3. Hold two fleece squares side by side with the blanket stitches matching. Slide the crochet hook through the first blanket stitch on one fleece square and hook the yarn from the ball, called the working yarn. Pull the working yarn through the stitch to form a loop on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through the loop.

4. Insert the hook under the first blanket stitch on the second fleece square, hook the working yarn and pull the loop through the stitch. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through both loops on the hook.

5. Continue working as established, alternating each stitch back and forth between the two squares.

6. Join fleece squares in strips and then join the strips to each other using the same crochet method.

Single Crochet Edging

1. Work a blanket stitch edging around each fleece square.

2. Work a single crochet border around each fleece square, using the blanket stitches as a foundation row.

3. Hold two squares together with right sides facing and crochet stitches matching. Attach the yarn in one corner.

4. Insert the crochet hook through the first single crochet of both squares together. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through the stitches. Wrap the yarn over the hook again and pull it through both loops on the crochet hook to complete a single crochet.

5. Work a single crochet stitch through each set of single crochet stitches to the corner of the square. Cut the yarn and pull the end through the last loop to end off.

Tips & Warnings

• Pull your blanket stitches just tight enough to keep them even and straight.