It’s time to learn a new stitch! I am so excited to show you the Bavarian Square because it looks complicated but it really isn’t, once you get the hang of it. There aren’t many tutorials that go into full detail so I tried my best to provide that for you. I hope you enjoy it! Happy Crocheting!
Bavarian Square Tutorial
Materials:
- DK or Worsted weight yarn in several colors (If using DK yarn, your project will come out smaller than it would with worsted weight. I used DK for this example.)
- Size H Crochet Hook
- Yarn Needle
- Scissor
Abbreviations:
tr – treble crochet
bptr – back post treble crochet
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sk – skip
sc – single crochet
Instructions:
Step 1: Ch 6. Sl st to form a ring. Ch 1, sc into the ring.
Step 2: Ch 5
Step 3: Tr into the ring, leaving the last loop on the hook (Do not complete the tr. We are going to make a cluster of 4 tr together.)
Step 4: Tr into the ring once more, without completing the last part of the stitch, leaving the last loop on the hook. You should now have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 5: Tr into the ring once more, without completing the last part of the stitch, leaving the last loop on the hook. You should now have 4 loops on your hook.
Step 6: Tr into the ring one last time, without completing the last part of the stitch, leaving the last loop on the hook. You should now have 5 loops on your hook.
Step 7: Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on your hook.
Step 8: Ch 5
Step 9: Sc into the ring.
Step 10: Repeat steps 2-9, three more times. Join in beginning sc.
Step 11: Ch 1, sc in the same st (sc from previous round.), ch 2.
Step 12: We are now going to work into the top of the 4-tr cluster. You will see there is a little “eye.” That’s where you will crochet into.
Step 13: 4 tr into the top of the 4-tr cluster from previous round. (ch 1, 4 tr) twice into the top of the 4-tr cluster.
Step 14: Ch 2.
Step 15: Sc into the the sc from previous round.
Step 16: Repeat steps 13-15, three more times. Fasten off.
Step 17: Join the next color in any ch 1 space from previous round. Ch 1, sc into ch-1 space.
Step 18: Ch 5.
Step 19: We are going to bptr 4 together. Bptr around the tr from previous round, leaving the last loop on the hook. You should have 2 loops on your hook.
Step 20: Bptr around the next tr from previous round, leaving the last loop on the hook. You should now have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 21: Bptr around the next tr from previous round, leaving the last loop on the hook. You should now have 4 loops on your hook. Bptr around the next tr from previous round, leaving the last loop on the hook. You should now have 5 loops on your hook.
Step 22: Yarn over, pull through all 5 loops on hook.
Step 23: Ch 5
Step 24: Sc into the ch-1 space from previous round.
Step 25: Ch 5. Bptr 8 sts together (see photo). Ch 5.
Step 26: Sc into the next ch-1 space.
Step 27: Repeat steps 18-25, all the way around. Join in the beginning sc.
Step 28: Ch 1, sc into the same st (sc from previous round.)
Step 29: 4 tr into the top of the 4-tr cluster from previous round. (ch 1, 4 tr) twice into the top of the 4-tr cluster. Sc into the sc from previous round.
Step 30: 4 tr, ch 1, 4 tr into the top of the 8-tr cluster. Sc into the sc from previous round.
Step 31: Repeat steps 29-30 around.
To make a larger square, follow steps 17-30, making sure to add a set 8-tr clusters to each side of the square as you go along. To make an 8×8 square, you would need to crochet 6 rounds (in DK yarn, less for worsted weight). You can add an edging to square it off but I didn’t since I’m making this into a larger afghan.
There are a lot of steps but don’t let them intimidate you. It’s an easy stitch pattern once you get the hang of it. Enjoy!

Thank you for the picture and word tutorial. I’ve been trying to follow the videos but get lost.
Glad my tutorial was able to help! 🙂
This is beautiful. If you made this an Afghan is there a pattern to do that? Or how would make an Afghan just sew these together like granny square blankets? Or would join as you go? Thank you for the pattern I can’t wait to make some of these.
Hi Mary! You can either keep the pattern going to make a larger square or you can stop where I stopped in the tutorial and join the squares as you go or sc or whip stitch them together.
You did an excellent job explaining this! I tried following another tutorial but I got lost. You’re right, once you get the hang of it it’s easy. Thank you so much!
Hi Amy,
Congratulations! Happy birthday to your new son.
I love this beautiful stitch and this is a great tutorial. But I have to be a little thick headed sometimes and I am confused about step #29. Is this all done in the same/ first tr crochet?
Hi Gwen! You will work the 4 tr into the cluster from the previous round. It is the bptr 8 sts together.
All the patterns are set out so easy to follow thank you
This is a great tutorial. Can’t wait to get started on this awesome stitch. Thanks so much for sharing your amazing talent.
Thank you so much Leanne! I am so glad you enjoyed my Bavarian Square tutorial!
Hi Amy,
Just wanted to say you’ve done an awesome job with this tutorial by combining detailed instructions with accompanying pictures for each step. Very easy to follow. Thanks for taking the time and sharing.
Thank you so much for your kind words Robin! I am so glad that you enjoyed the tutorial 🙂
Hi Amy! Love this stitch! I would like to know if treble is english or american? Thank you!!
Hi Julie! This is written in US terms 🙂
I have seen books for BavarianCrochet at the craft stores. I have been wanting to try the pattern, but didn’t want to spend so much money to buy one without first trying the basic stitch. Thank you so much for your tutorial. I am looking forward to trying the pattern!
The step by step pictures are great. Thankyou for posting this. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference.
Amy – I stumbled on your website via a friends FB page. I just love the variety of patterns and tutorials you’ve listed! I can’t wait to try them. BTW – I just saw the comment above on the ‘print-friendly’ format. I’ve been copying into Word…..LOL…anyway. Live and learn :-/
Thank you so very much for this pattern!!! I’ve recently ordered an afghan kit using this stitch…..I’m saving your directions in case I have trouble….Can’t wait to get started…..Thank you again!! ( so glad you are a stay at home mom, right choice!!)
Hi Linda! You’re welcome! I hope the tutorial helps you out! And thank you. I love being at home with my babies 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial! Theeps are so clear and well written and the matching photos are fantastic : ) This is too good not to share, so I posted your link to Google+ and pinned it on Pinterest. Great job!!!
Thank you so much for the feedback Kelly! 🙂
Is 13 14 & 15 out of order? Mine is puckering & not laying flat. Or am I just doing it too tight?
Hi Debbie! It sounds like a tension issue. When I started mine, it was puckering as well so I had to loosen up on my tension and it worked out.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pattern, though it looks tricky, once you start doing it is easy to continue.
You’re welcome! It does look tricky but once you get into the rhythm of the pattern, it’s pretty easy 🙂
nicely elaborated, thanks for sharing
Thank you Maria!
Have you made the blanket pattern yet?
thank you, Anna
Hi Anna! I have not but I am dying to. I have the square sitting and calling my name. I am hoping to start it soon.
I have been looking for weeks for a unique stitch to use for a gift I want to make. I’ve seen this around and really was interested but without decent instructions I decided to keep looking..
This is amazing – – you have a real gift for illustrating the process. I’ve actually pinned it for my friends to benefit from as well.
My utmost thanks for allowing me to finally make the decision – – I can now go plan the colors!!!
Thank you so much Judy! I am so glad my tutorial is helpful and that you are able to follow along and create your gift 🙂
This is a beautiful tutorial! I’m just getting in to crochet & I really like the photos and clear instructions. Also the colors are gorgeous as well! I can’t wait to give this stitch a try!
Thank you so much Joy!
This is my favourite post because have never tried the Bavarian Square and it looks amazing!
So with the help of your detailed tutorial, I think I might give it a go 😀 Thank You!
That’s so great to know! I hope you do try the tutorial! I bet your will love the Bavarian square when you’re all done 🙂
Is the first eye triple a long stitch? I can not seem to make a shorter stitch from the center of the previous stitch all the way up to the eye.
Hi Helen, the stitches used in this pattern are treble crochets. It’s a taller stitch than a double crochet or single crochet. What “eye” are you referring to and why do you want to make a shorter stitch?
Thank you. This is the best tutorial ever. Thank you
Thanks Janet!! Enjoy!
I love your work and tutorial , please how can I purchase your videos for this lessons please?
Hi Jennifer! I currently don’t have any video tutorials but I will be working on some soon 🙂
Hi,
Absolutely love this Bavarian Square! On one of your posts in Janaury you replied to another post saying you had a blanket pattern in the works. Would love to have that pattern! Never done this but would love to try.
Thanks,
Teresa
Hi Teresa! I actually had to put the blanket project aside for now since my baby boy is due to arrive any time now. I will be working on the blanket in the future when I have some more time and posting the pattern.
I love that! Next afghan I make for sure it will use this design! Thanks much for the lesson!
Thank you Glory! I have a blanket pattern in the works with this same stitch pattern 🙂
Hi! Beautiful pattern and the photos explain it better than just words. I read the “How to Print” section but don’t see a “printer friendly” tag any where on this tutorial. Or am I missing something? thanks!
Hi Donna! You can click on the light green circle at the top or bottom of the post. That is the print friendly button 🙂
good morning Amy, thank you for sharing the Bavarian Square Stitch, do you have a pattern for a blanket /poncho using the Bavarian Square Stitch?
Thank you
Hi Towanda! Unfortunately I do not have a pattern for a poncho using this stitch but I am working on a blanket pattern that I hope to release soon.
There is a problem with step 21 to step 22. It says to pull through 4 loops on hook, yet if you do the 4 trebles as indicated you will be pulling through 5 loops. It shows this in the picture. Confused?
Hi Ulrika. There was a typo that has been corrected. The instructions above are now correct.
Love this!! I’m working on a chevron crochet blanket right now, but I want to try this for my next project!! pinned.
I love chevrons! They are one of my favorite blankets to make 🙂 Thanks for pinning!
I’m just curious about the Bavarian square stitch. If you wanted to make it into an afghan, would you just keep repeating steps 17-30 till you got the size you wanted?
Hi Penny, yes you would just follow steps 17-30, making sure to add a set 8-tr clusters to each side of the square as you go along.
Would love to have those 2 patterns but can’t figure out how this is all new to me
Hi Barbara. I am unsure of what you mean. Are you trying to print this tutorial or download it to a PDF?
I would like to print. I didn’t see where I could do that. I love the squares.
Hi Betty! At the top of the post you will see a green printfriendly button. You can click on that to print the tutorial or File -> Print from your browser.