Round 4 Moda Block Heads Block 9: Free Easy Crochet Guide
This block sits firmly on a flat surface and features a dense, clean finish that feels solid to the touch. It appeals to those who enjoy seeing a finished item come together quickly, making it a great pick for hobbyists who want to clear out scraps of yarn or practice shaping techniques. You will work with consistent stitches that create a balanced weight and a tidy, professional look without unnecessary bulk. Mastering the transition between flat base rows and vertical sides allows you to gain confidence with amigurumi concepts while producing a piece that adds character to any small shelf space.
Why Crocheters Love It
This beginner-friendly project works up in under two hours, making it an ideal choice for last-minute gifts or stash-busting sessions. The consistent, repetitive single crochet stitches provide a meditative rhythm that helps maintain even tension while building muscle memory. Because the pattern relies on basic shaping through increases and decreases, it serves as a foundational exercise for those looking to transition from flat crochet to three-dimensional amigurumi. The final result is a charming, durable piece that stands firmly on its own, perfect for holiday decor or shelf display.
I finished this project in a single afternoon and the instructions were incredibly easy to follow, especially for a beginner like me who usually struggles with closing rounds.
— Sarah, hobbyist crafter
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Approximate Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Construction: Continuous rounds (amigurumi style) starting with a magic ring
- Finished Dimensions: 4 inches tall by 3 inches wide
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), 100% cotton, approximately 30 yards in green and 5 yards in brown. Cotton provides the necessary stiffness to keep the structure upright.
- Hook Size: 3.5 mm (E-4) hook. Using a hook smaller than recommended for the yarn weight ensures tight stitches so the stuffing does not show through.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, fiberfill stuffing, and scissors.
- Safe Yarn Substitutions: Acrylic worsted weight is a suitable alternative to cotton, though the finished item will be slightly softer and may require firmer stuffing to maintain its shape.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: Magic Ring
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single crochet
- inc: Increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: Invisible decrease (insert hook into the front loop of the next two stitches, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops)
- sl st: Slip stitch
- st(s): Stitch(es)
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Tree Body
Work in continuous rounds without joining at the end of each round. Move the stitch marker to the first stitch of each new round to track your progress.
- Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR (6 sts)
- Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts)
- Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc in next st] 6 times (18 sts)
- Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st] 6 times (24 sts)
- Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st] 6 times (30 sts)
- Rnds 6-10: Sc in each st around (30 sts)
- Rnd 11: [Sc in next 3 sts, dec] 6 times (24 sts)
- Rnd 12: [Sc in next 2 sts, dec] 6 times (18 sts)
- Rnd 13: [Sc in next st, dec] 6 times (12 sts). Start stuffing the body firmly with fiberfill.
- Rnd 14: Dec 6 times (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tree Trunk
- Rnd 1: With brown yarn, 6 sc in a MR (6 sts)
- Rnd 2-4: Sc in each st around (6 sts). Fasten off and leave a tail for attaching to the bottom of the tree.
Assembly
Use the tapestry needle to sew the trunk to the center of the bottom base of the tree. Ensure the stitches catch both the edge of the trunk and the base of the tree body to provide a stable foundation. Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely inside the body before closing the final gaps with your tapestry needle.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Hand wash in cold water using a mild detergent to prevent the fibers from stretching or fraying.
- Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel, then reshape the item while damp.
- Lay flat on a clean surface in a shaded area to air dry completely, away from direct sunlight.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Maintaining Tension: Keep your yarn tension slightly tighter than usual. If you see gaps between stitches where the stuffing is visible, go down one hook size.
- Stitch Tracking: Always keep a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round. Losing count of your rounds is the most common error in continuous spiral construction.
- Invisible Weaving: When finishing, thread your tail through the front loops of the final round and pull tight to close the circle naturally without a bulky knot.
- Sizing Adjustments: To make a larger tree, continue the increase sequence (e.g., [Sc in next 4 sts, inc] 6 times for 36 stitches) before working even rounds. Note that this will increase the total yardage required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a larger hook size for this pattern?
Using a larger hook will result in a larger finished size, but the stitches will be looser and allow the fiberfill stuffing to show through. Stick to the recommended hook size for the best structural integrity.
How do I keep the tree from tipping over?
Ensure you pack the base of the tree firmly with fiberfill. If you want extra weight, you can place a small plastic coin or a flat washer inside the trunk before sewing it shut.
Is it okay to sell items made from this pattern?
You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern in small quantities. Please provide credit to the designer in your shop listing or product description.
Why does my circle look like a hexagon?
A hexagonal appearance is common when increasing every round in the same place. To prevent this, rotate where your increases fall in subsequent rounds by staggering the sequence, though for this small pattern, it is usually negligible once the item is stuffed.
You now have a finished piece that serves as a satisfying addition to your home decor collection. Consider swapping the green and brown yarn for shades of blue and white if you want a winter version of this block design. Posting a photo of your work on social media helps other makers see how different color choices change the final look of the project. Please browse the rest of our blog archives to find more free patterns that build on these basic construction skills during your next crafting session.
