Afghan Square Knitting Patterns

Rose Cross Afghan Square Free Pattern – Heirloom Lace & Cable Knit Motif

Anonymous • August 18, 2026

Introducing the Rose Cross Afghan Square: A Timeless Heirloom Motif

There are certain knitting patterns that transcend trends and become cherished heirlooms, passed down through generations. The Rose Cross Afghan Square is precisely such a pattern. This intricate square weaves a classic rose motif into a bold, raised cross, all framed by delicate lace and sturdy cables. The result is a stunning piece of textile art that adds a touch of sacred elegance to any blanket collection. Whether you're creating a prayer shawl, a commemorative afghan, or simply want to challenge your skills with a deeply textured and meaningful project, this square is a rewarding journey. The combination of a deep burgundy background with soft ivory accents evokes a classic, timeless aesthetic that feels both cozy and refined.

This pattern is perfect for the knitter who has mastered the basics and is ready to explore the beautiful interplay of cables, texture, and colorwork. The structured ribbed background provides a stable canvas, while the central cross panel and intricate rose motif become the undeniable focal point. Let's dive into the materials and steps you'll need to create this heirloom piece.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience. The quality of your materials will directly impact the final look and feel of your square.

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
- Main Color (MC): Deep burgundy, approximately 120 yards
- Contrast Color (CC): Soft ivory, approximately 60 yards
Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles. A circular needle can be used if you prefer, but straight needles are perfectly fine for this flat-knit square.
Cable Needle: A small cable needle (or a double-pointed needle) for creating the C4F and C4B cable twists.
Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and blocking.
Stitch Markers: At least 4 markers to help delineate the borders, ribbed sections, and center panel.

Gauge: 20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. It is crucial to check your gauge to ensure your finished square measures the intended 12x12 inches. Adjust your needle size if necessary to achieve this gauge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This square is worked flat from the bottom up. The rose motif is created with a combination of knit/purl textures and a central cable, while the cross is formed by a raised stockinette panel against a reverse stockinette background. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll be amazed at the intricate design you create.

Abbreviations

CO: Cast on
K: Knit
P: Purl
K2tog: Knit two together
SSK: Slip slip knit
YO: Yarn over
C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, K2, then K2 from cable needle
C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, K2, then K2 from cable needle
PM: Place marker
SM: Slip marker

Getting Started: The Garter Border and Ribbed Foundation

We begin by casting on and establishing the sturdy garter stitch border that will frame the entire square.

Square Pattern (CO 48 sts with MC):

Rows 1-4 (Garter Border): Knit all stitches. This creates a solid, non-curling border.

Row 5 (Right Side): K4 (border), PM, *K2, P2* repeat from * to * until 4 sts remain, PM, K4 (border). This sets up the 2x2 rib pattern that will form the background texture.

Row 6 (Wrong Side): K4, SM, *K2, P2* repeat from * to * until marker, SM, K4. You are now working the rib pattern, maintaining the garter border on each side.

Repeat Rows 5-6 until the piece measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row. This creates a beautiful, textured foundation for the central design.

Beginning the Center Cross Panel

Now we will isolate the center 20 stitches to begin forming the raised cross panel.

Row 7 (RS): K4, SM, work in rib pattern as established over next 14 sts (keeping K2/P2 rib), PM, K20 (center panel), PM, work rib over next 14 sts, SM, K4.

Row 8 (WS): K4, SM, work rib over 14 sts, SM, P20 (center panel), SM, work rib over 14 sts, SM, K4. The center panel is now in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS), which will make it stand out against the ribbed background.

Repeat Rows 7-8 until the center panel measures 2 inches, ending with a WS row. This establishes the vertical shaft of the cross.

Shaping the Cross with Cables

This is where the magic happens. We introduce the cable twists that give the cross its bold, dimensional arms.

Row 9 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K6, C4F, K6, SM, rib 14, SM, K4. The C4F cable creates a twist that leans to the left.

Row 10 (WS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, P20, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 11 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K20, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 12 (WS): Repeat Row 10.

Row 13 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K4, C4B, C4F, K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K4. This row creates two opposing twists, forming the horizontal arms of the cross.

Row 14 (WS): Repeat Row 10.

Row 15 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K20, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 16 (WS): Repeat Row 10.

Repeat Rows 9-16 until the cross panel measures 4 inches from the start of the cross, ending with a WS row. You have now created a beautiful, symmetrical cross with cabled arms.

Adding the Rose Motif

Now for the centerpiece! We will switch to the Contrast Color (CC) to knit the dimensional rose in the very center of the cross. Keep the cross panel as established, working the rose over the center 20 stitches.

Row 17 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: K4, P2, K8, P2, K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K4. The purl bumps begin to outline the rose petals.

Row 18 (WS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: P4, K2, P8, K2, P4, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 19 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: K3, P2, K10, P2, K3, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 20 (WS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: P3, K2, P10, K2, P3, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 21 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: K2, P2, K12, P2, K2, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 22 (WS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: P2, K2, P12, K2, P2, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 23 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: K1, P2, K14, P2, K1, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 24 (WS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: P1, K2, P14, K2, P1, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 25 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: P2, K16, P2, SM, rib 14, SM, K4. The center of the rose is now fully formed.

Row 26 (WS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: K2, P16, K2, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 27 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: P2, K16, P2, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 28 (WS): Repeat Row 26.

Row 29 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: K1, P2, K14, P2, K1, SM, rib 14, SM, K4. We now begin to decrease the rose back down, mirroring the increases.

Row 30 (WS): Repeat Row 24.

Row 31 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: K2, P2, K12, P2, K2, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 32 (WS): Repeat Row 22.

Row 33 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: K3, P2, K10, P2, K3, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 34 (WS): Repeat Row 20.

Row 35 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, with CC: K4, P2, K8, P2, K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 36 (WS): Repeat Row 18.

Cut CC and continue with MC only. The beautiful ivory rose is now complete, nestled perfectly in the center of the cross.

Finishing the Cross Panel and Top Arm

We will now return to the main color to finish the cross and create its top arm.

Row 37 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K20, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 38 (WS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, P20, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Repeat Rows 37-38 until the cross panel measures 4 inches from the end of the rose motif, ending with a WS row.

Shape the Cross (Top Arm):

Row 39 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K6, C4F, K6, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 40 (WS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, P20, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 41 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K20, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 42 (WS): Repeat Row 40.

Row 43 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K4, C4B, C4F, K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 44 (WS): Repeat Row 40.

Row 45 (RS): K4, SM, rib 14, SM, K20, SM, rib 14, SM, K4.

Row 46 (WS): Repeat Row 40.

Repeat Rows 39-46 until the cross panel measures 2 inches from the start of the top arm, ending with a WS row. The cross is now fully formed.

Final Border and Binding Off

We will now close the square with the same ribbed texture and garter border we started with.

Row 47 (RS): K4, SM, *K2, P2* repeat from * to * until marker, SM, K4.

Row 48 (WS): K4, SM, *K2, P2* repeat from * to * until marker, SM, K4.

Repeat Rows 47-48 until the piece measures 2 inches from the end of the cross panel, ending with a WS row.

Rows 49-52 (Garter Border): Knit all stitches.

Bind off loosely in knit. A loose bind-off is essential to prevent the edge from pulling in and distorting the square's shape.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all ends carefully with your tapestry needle, ensuring they are secure and invisible. The final and most crucial step is blocking. Block the square to 12x12 inches for a perfect finish. Wet blocking or steam blocking will help open up the cables, define the rose motif, and ensure your square lies perfectly flat with crisp edges. This step truly transforms the piece from a knitted fabric into a polished, heirloom-quality work of art.

Congratulations! You've created a stunning Rose Cross Afghan Square. This pattern is a true labor of love, and the result is a textured, elegant piece that will be treasured for years to come. Whether it's a single showcase piece or part of a larger blanket, you can be proud of the intricate beauty you've knitted by hand.

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