Do I need to know intarsia or tapestry crochet for this square?

No, and that is the whole appeal. Every color is joined and fastened off separately rather than carried behind the work, so you never manage two strands at once. The trade-off is more ends to weave in, but the back stays clean and the color bands stay sharp

Why did my color bands end up mirrored?

You almost certainly joined new yarn to the left stitch of an edge instead of the right one. The pattern specifies joining to the right st every time, and joining on the opposite side mirrors the whole build direction. Lay the piece flat in the orientation you want before each join

Can I use worsted weight instead of DK?

Yes, keep every stitch count exactly the same and move up to a 4.00mm or 4.50mm hook. Your finished square will be closer to 4.5 inches instead of 3.35. Just make sure every square in a project uses the same yarn and hook so they all match

How many squares do I need for a baby blanket?

3.35 inches per square, a 30 by 36 inch baby blanket needs roughly 9 across by 11 down, so about 99 squares. Most people alternate planet squares with plain solid squares, which cuts the motif count to around 50 and gives the design breathing room

What is the sc3tog and how is it different from sc2tog?

An sc2tog draws up loops from two stitches and closes them into one, while sc3tog does the same across three stitches. In this pattern the sc3tog appears twice, in Row 5 and Row 10, where it pulls three stitches into a single point to close each end of the planet. Keep your tension firm so those points close crisply

Can I use this motif on something other than a granny square?

Yes. The planet and rope are worked as a separate appliqué and sewn on afterwards, so the same attaching method works on a plain square, a cushion cover, a hat, or a jacket pocket. Any flat, firm fabric will hold it

Space Granny Square: Free Crochet Pattern for a Saturn-Style Planet Motif

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Nora

Passionate crocheter. Hand-tests every pattern. Pours coffee into yarn.

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