Every Fall, I love seeing plaid designs and all the different color palettes you can use. Halloween and Fall are always about the witchy colors to me though, so my perfect plaid square knitting pattern is black, purple, and yellow. This pattern was a fun and simple one to work up, and it’s a great introduction to color knitting. Also, I thought it would be cool to have a blank space in the middle to write out a little message or a name! I’ll talk a bit more about all the details later, so let’s get into the pattern!
For my square pattern, I used acrylic yarn since that’s what I had on hand but think wool or cotton would be a great option as well, especially since then you can use these squares as festive hot pads throughout Fall! If you’re new to working with color knitting, don’t worry, this is a pretty simple pattern since it only has 2 colors per row. Just be sure to wrap the floats every 2-3 stitches or work the floats loosely so the pattern doesn’t buckle in too much. Once the plaid square is knitted up, just give it a good blocking and you can embroider in any message you like in the center!
Related: All About Blocking Your Crochet & Knits!
Materials:
- 4.50mm (US 7) knitting needles
- #4 medium weight yarn – I used Yarn Bee Soft Secret in Black, White, Purple, and Golden
- tapestry needle*
*denotes affiliate link
Abbreviations:
- k – knit
- p – purl
- YO – yarn over
Pattern Notes:
- Skill level: Intermediate – some colorork experience is helpful but not necessary
- Sizing: 8″ square
- Gauge: 5S X 6R per inch
Spooky Plaid Square Knitting Pattern
This pattern relies mostly on the chart for reference since the stitches are just simple knit and purl stitches. To keep track of where you are in the pattern, it helps it print the chart out and cross off each row as you work.
Keep in mind that all of your odd rows will be worked from right to left on the chart (the knit rows), while the even rows will be worked from left to right (the purl rows).
With black yarn, cast on 40 stitches.
Rows 1-2: Knit all for 2 rows. This garter stitch edge will stop the piece from curling too much.
Row 3 and all odd rows: Knit 2 in black, knit all in chart pattern until the last 2 stitches, K2 in black.
Row 4 and all even rows: Knit 2 in black, purl all in chart pattern until the last 2 stitches, K2 in black.
Rows 50-51: Knit all. Bind off and block to finish.
Remember to wrap the floats (twist the working yarns together) every 2 3 stitches to keep the floats from getting too long or too tight. This helps keeps the piece from puckering too much. Once you’re done. Block the piece well to help it all lay flat.
Finally, use black yarn and a tapestry needle to sew on any message you want for the center yellow block. I just went with the word “Spooky” but you can do anything! If you’re not comfortable embroidering, you can even use stick-on letters or fabric paint pens.
And that’s all there is to it! I love how this plaid square knitting pattern worked up and I think it’s cute on its own, but here are a few other ideas on what to do with this piece once you’re done.
- Make 2 and sew them together leaving one side open (or instal a zipper) for a small treat bag/purse
- Sew all the squares in this KAL together for a Fall patchwork throw
- Make it in cotton or wool for a hotpad – personalize them as gifts!
- Make a bunch of there in different colors and seam them together for a fun blanket!
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