Inspired by the classic silent cinema Intertitles (text cards) that provided information and dialogue between the scenes, this is a 10cm (4”) crocheted square motif block that can easily be enlarged by increasing the stitch count in the foundation chain at the start and may be embroidered with a caption to suit any occasion or with actual captions from a favourite silent film.

It uses Tunisian crochet as the centre panel, which creates a lovely dense, firm and low stretch fabric that keeps its shape beautifully and is perfect for embroidering as it has a grid like structure that makes it easy to keep lettering and details in line and similarly sized and holds the yarn nicely in place wherever you stitch compared to regular crochet which can have bigger gaps and fewer secure spots to stitch. You don’t need a Tunisian crochet hook though; just a regular hook with about 5cm/2” of straight neck.

If you haven’t tried Tunisian crochet yet, the centre of this square is about the easiest thing you could start with and then you might like my Tunisian Corset Belt, Mermaid Bow Band or Twisted Tunisian Top, which are simple patterns introducing some new stitches and increases and decreases.

Use it as a coaster or as a patch or pocket to sew on a bag or clothing (dense Tunisian crochet makes great pockets!) or make several and seam them together to form a blanket, bag, cushion, scarf or anything that takes your fancy. If you prefer some variety or want to make a lighter, lacier project, this combines perfectly with my Coupe Granny Square, which is also 4” in DK yarn and available as a free pattern on my blog.

Size: 10cm/4” square

Tension: 68 sts on outer round = 10cm/4” square using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension

Working Method: This square is worked as a small panel of Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) edged with 4 rounds of regular crochet and embroidered with text of your choice.

Requirements

15m DK cotton yarn in MC and 3m of DK or lighter yarn/thread in CC. Sample: Nurturing Fibres Eco-Cotton DK (100% cotton; 125m/137yd 50g) Charcoal (MC), Vanilla (CC).

A straight 4mm hook (Tunisian hook not required for small panel)

Preferred notion, e.g. locking stitch marker, for live loop of MC during CC round

Notes: To enlarge this square or work a rectangle: adjust the number of rows and sts in the centre panel by increasing the length of the foundation chain. The edging instructions will still work (st counts will differ). Edging instructions are provided in both UK and US terms, so check you are using your preferred version.