Hex-To-Square Transformation: Crocheting Hexagons Into Squares

Crocheted hexagon motifs are used in patchwork crochet. It takes a little bit of math to turn hexagons into squares, but it's worth the effort if it means you can use up leftover hexagons. Once completed, you can use the squares to make a variety of items such as an afghan, bag, or hat.

The process of turning a hexagon into a square involves working on the corners of the square. You can start by making a slip knot in the yarn and joining with a slip stitch in any corner of the hexagon. Then, count the number of stitches along the hexagon side to the next corner, adding one stitch if the number of stitches is odd. The total number of stitches can be divided by two to determine the number of chain stitches to make. The process is then repeated to make the remaining corners of the square.

How to make a magic ring

To make a magic ring, you will need to form a loop with your yarn. This is the basis for crochet projects worked in the round. The magic ring is an adjustable ring that can be pulled tight, eliminating the central hole.

Step 1: Create a Loop

Place the yarn tail in your open left hand. Wrap the working yarn around your index and middle finger twice. Cross the yarn in front to form an "X," with the working yarn hanging behind your fingers. Pinch the yarn with your thumb to hold it in place, and rotate your hand until your palm faces down. You should now see two parallel strands of yarn. The left strand is the working yarn, and the right strand is the yarn tail.

Step 2: Insert Hook and Yarn Over

Insert your crochet hook from right to left, underneath the right strand of yarn. Grab the left strand of yarn (working yarn) with your hook and pull it under the right strand. Rotate your hook to form a loop. Note: This loop does not count as a chain stitch. Yarn over with the working yarn.

Step 3: Chain Stitches

The number of chain stitches you make depends on the type of stitch used in the first round of your pattern. If your pattern starts with a round of single crochet, make one chain stitch. For a round of half double crochet, make two chain stitches. If your pattern starts with a round of double crochet stitches, make three chain stitches.

Step 4: Work Stitches into the Ring

Insert the hook into the centre of the ring, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops. Repeat this process until you have the required number of stitches for your pattern. When inserting your hook into the centre of the magic ring, work under both strands: the loop itself and the yarn tail. If your stitches are twisting or hard to manage, try making the ring smaller by pulling on the yarn tail.

Step 5: Tighten the Ring

Hold the stitches with your right hand and pull on the yarn tail to close the ring. Keep pulling until the hole is as small as possible. If the ring won't close, try holding the stitches more loosely. As you close the ring, the turning chain and the last stitch of the round will meet.

Step 6: Weave in the Yarn Tail

Use a tapestry needle to weave in the yarn tail securely to prevent the magic ring from coming undone.

You can also try a double magic ring for added durability. This variation involves creating two loops of yarn around your fingers instead of one. The process is very similar to the standard magic ring, but you will need to insert your crochet hook underneath the right two strands of yarn instead of one.

How to crochet a hexagon using the granny stitch

To crochet a hexagon using the granny stitch, start by making a slip knot with your first colour of yarn and chain 4. Join with a slip stitch to form a ring. Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet stitch). Work 1 more double crochet stitch into the ring. You now have a cluster of 2 double crochet stitches.

Chain 2, and work 2 more double crochet stitches into the ring. This creates your first corner. Repeat the previous step four more times, so you have a total of six corners. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain 3 to close the round. Fasten off your first colour and weave in the ends.

Join your second colour of yarn in any corner. Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet stitch) and work 1 more double crochet stitch into the same corner space. Chain 1, and work 2 more double crochet stitches into the same corner space. This creates your first corner of the second round. Work 2 double crochet stitches into the next chain 2 space, chain 1, and work 2 more double crochet stitches into the same space. This is the next corner.

Repeat the previous step four more times, so you have a total of six corners in the second round. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain 3 to close the round. Fasten off your second colour and weave in the ends.

Join your first colour of yarn in any chain 1 space. Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet stitch) and work 1 more double crochet stitch into the same space. Chain 1, and work 2 double crochet stitches into the next chain 1 space. Chain 1, and work 2 more double crochet stitches into the same space. This creates your first corner of the third round.

Repeat the previous step four more times, so you have a total of six corners in the third round. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain 3 to close the round. Fasten off your yarn and weave in the ends.

Repeat the above steps, alternating colours for each round, until your granny hexagon is the desired size.

How to adapt a granny square pattern to create a hexagon

To adapt a granny square pattern to create a hexagon, you will need to adjust the number of sides and corners. A granny square has four sides and four corners, while a hexagon has six sides and six corners. This means that you will need to increase the number of stitches and clusters in each round to accommodate the additional sides and corners.

Round 1:

• Chain 4 and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. Alternatively, you can use a magic ring.
• Chain 3 (this counts as 1 treble crochet).
• Treble crochet into the ring, chain 1.
• Repeat the following sequence in the remaining spaces: 2 treble crochet, chain 1.
• Slip stitch into the top of the starting chain 3 to close the round.
• Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Round 2:

• Pull up a loop in any chain 1 (corner) space.
• Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble crochet), treble crochet into the same space.
• Work 2 treble crochet, chain 1, 2 treble crochet in the next chain 1 (corner) space.
• Repeat the sequence in the remaining chain 1 (corner) spaces.
• Work 2 treble crochet in the chain 1 corner space where the round was started, chain 1, slip stitch into the top of the starting chain 3.
• Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Round 3:

• Pull up a loop in any chain 1 corner space.
• Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble crochet), treble crochet into the same space.
• Work the following sequence in each chain 1 corner space: 2 treble crochet, chain 1, 2 treble crochet.
• Repeat the sequence in the remaining chain 1 corner spaces.
• Work 2 treble crochet in the chain 1 corner space where the round was started, chain 1, slip stitch into the top of the starting chain 3.
• Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Round 4:

• Pull up a loop in any chain 1 corner space.
• Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble crochet), treble crochet into the same space.
• Treble crochet in each of the next two spaces along the side.
• Work the following sequence in each chain 1 corner space: 2 treble crochet, chain 1, 2 treble crochet.
• Repeat the sequence in the remaining chain 1 corner spaces.
• Work 2 treble crochet in the chain 1 corner space where the round was started, chain 1, slip stitch into the top of the starting chain 3.
• Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Round 5:

• Pull up a loop in any chain 1 corner space.
• Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble crochet), treble crochet into the same space.
• Treble crochet in each space along the side.
• Work the following sequence in each chain 1 corner space: 2 treble crochet, chain 1, 2 treble crochet.
• Repeat the sequence in the remaining chain 1 corner spaces.
• Work 2 treble crochet in the chain 1 corner space where the round was started, chain 1, slip stitch into the top of the starting chain 3.
• Fasten off and weave in the ends.

You can continue to add rounds to your hexagon, following the same pattern of increasing the number of stitches and clusters in each round to accommodate the six sides and corners. To create a larger hexagon, simply add more rounds.

How to crochet a hexagon with straight edges

To crochet a hexagon with straight edges, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, you'll need to gather your supplies. For crocheting a hexagon, you'll need yarn, a crochet hook, a tapestry needle, scissors, and optionally stitch markers. The yarn weight and hook size will depend on the size hexagon you want to make. A worsted weight yarn and an H/8 or I/9 hook are good options for beginners.

Now, you can start crocheting your hexagon. Begin with a centre ring, which can be created using a magic ring or chain-4 loop technique. Each side of the hexagon will start with a set of 2 double crochet stitches, and each side will be separated by a corner. You can form the corner by chaining 2. In each subsequent round, you'll double crochet in each double crochet around and crochet (dc, ch-2, dc) in each corner space.

To ensure straight edges, it's important to maintain even tension throughout your work. If the edges start ruffling, you may need to adjust your tension or check for any accidentally added stitches. Remember that the ch-3 at the start of each round counts as a double crochet. Additionally, pay attention to your stitch placement, especially in the chain spaces, to ensure accurate counting.

By following these tips and the basic hexagon pattern, you can create a hexagon with straight edges. You can then join multiple hexagons together to create blankets, pillows, bags, and more.

How to join crochet hexagons

Joining crochet hexagons is a great way to create a variety of items, such as blankets, afghans, bags, slippers, and hats. There are several methods to join crochet hexagons, and here are some detailed instructions on how to do so:

The Join-as-You-Go (JAYGO) Method:

This method involves crocheting the final round of each hexagon while joining them together. This creates a seamless and smooth finish without the need for heavy seams. It is a great way to save time and avoid the tedious task of sewing multiple pieces together.

The Slip Stitch Join Method:

Another approach is to crochet the final round of each hexagon individually and then join them using a slip stitch. This provides a secure and discrete way of connecting the hexagons.

Straightening the Edges:

If you want to create a project with straight edges, such as a blanket, you will need to incorporate half and quarter hexagons into your design. This technique ensures that the edges of your project are aligned and creates a neat finish.

Crocheting the First Corner:

To begin joining your hexagons, make a slip knot in the yarn and join with a slip stitch at any corner of the hexagon. Count the number of stitches along the hexagon side to the next corner, excluding any chain stitches in the corner. If you have an odd number, add one stitch. Divide this total by two to determine the number of chain stitches to make. For example, if you have seven stitches, the total will be eight, and you will make four chain stitches.

Completing the Remaining Corners:

Continue crocheting the corners by repeating the process. Make two double crochet stitches, followed by a half double crochet stitch in the next two stitches. Then, work a single crochet in the next two stitches. Finally, slip stitch into the next point on the hexagon. Repeat this sequence for each corner, ensuring that you keep track of the number of stitches for consistency.

Joining the Remaining Hexagons:

After completing the first hexagon, move on to the next one and repeat the process. Join the yarn with a slip stitch at the upper right corner of the hexagon. Work on the remaining corners, ensuring not to fasten off until you have completed all the corners.

Finishing the Square:

To finish the square, chain one and work single crochet stitches evenly around. Maintain the same number of stitches on each side of the square. In the corners of the square, make three single crochet stitches. Join with a slip stitch in the first stitch and fasten off. Hide the end of the yarn to secure the square.

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