Verdant Spring 12-inch Square

Another pretty floral block for your next afghan project! The pattern includes a picture guide so you can see each round as it comes together. ***This crochet pattern is available for free on my website or you can download it here as a print-optimized, ad-free PDF for your convenience.*** **Difficulty:** Intermediate *Techniques used: working in the 3rd loop of a half-double crochet, working in the back bar of a single crochet, Puff stitches, Shell stitches, Picot Single Crochet, back post stitches.* **Materials Needed:** 6mm J hook, or hook needed to obtain gauge 170-180 yds #4 worsted weight yarn in colors "Apple Green Ombré", "Coco Ombré", and Red Heart With Love in “White”, or 4 colors of your choice Yarn needle Scissors  Stitch markers Yarn winder (Optional) **Stitches used:**  ch = chain sl st =slip stitch sc = single crochet hdc = half double crochet dc = double crochet BPsc = back post single crochet BPhdc = back post half double crochet **Additional terms:** Picot single crochet (psc) = insert hook through top of st, yo, pull up a loop, [yo, draw through 1 loop] 3 times making a ch-3 yo, draw through final 2 loops on hook. Pull your ch-3 sp towards row front of your work instead of pushing it toward the back. Small puff stitch = [yo, pull up a loop] 3 times in same st, yo, pull through 6 loops, yo pull through final 2 loops. Puff stitch = [yo, pull up a loop] 4 times in same st, yo, pull through 8 loops, yo pull through final 2 loops. Back bar of sc = look at the back of the stitch and locate the short bar that runs horizontal. Work all designated stitches for the round into this bar. This is a different location than the back loop! BLO = back loop only st/sts = stitch/stitches sp/sps = space/spaces sk = skip prev = previous  **Measurements:** 12x12 inches after blocking **Gauge:** 5” across after round 6 **Additional Notes:** -Ch-1 at beginning of round does not count as a stitch. -See pattern for more notes.