This border pattern is suitable for projects with a count of 59 stitches in the last round and where the squares are connected with a slim join. It does not work for joins that increase the stitch count by more than one stitch between squares.
The stitch that is made above the join is called the ‘transitioning stitch’. This stitch marks the first st of the next part.
The pattern instructions are separated in three parts for each round:
Part 1: The starting corner square – the corner square in which you start the new round (with a (sc, ch2, sc) into the ch2 corner space) up until the last stitch before the ‘transitioning stitch’. It starts with the second chain, respectively the stitch count starts with the second sc worked into the ch2 corner space.
This part increases by 1 st per round, starting from 60 stitches in Round 1.
Part 2: The middle square(s) – the square(s) that join to another square on each side (left and right) with a slim join that adds only 1 extra stitch. It starts at the transitioning stitch above the join and finishes at the last stitch before the next transitioning stitch.
This part does not increase in stitch count and stays at 60 stitches throughout each round.
Part 3: The finishing corner square – the last square on this side, starting with the transitioning stitch and ending with a sc and ch1 (= half of the (sc, ch2, sc) that is made) in the ch2 corner space.
This part starts with 61 stitches in Round 1 and increases by 1 stitch in each round.
Stitch Count (in Round 1 / Foundation Round):
Your final stitch count per side will be:
1 x st count part 1 + n x st count part 2 + 1 x st count part 3,
where n = the number of middle squares.
Stitch Count for Round 1 with 3 squares on 1 side:
1 x 60 sts (part 1) + 1 x 60 sts (part 2 + 1 x 61 sts (part 3) = 181 sts on this side
Stitch Count for Round 1 with 4 squares on 1 side:
1 x 60 sts (part 2) + 2 x 60 sts (2 x part 2) + 1 x 61 sts (part 3) = 241 sts on this side
Starting Rounds With or Without Colour Change:
If you change colours between rounds, you may want to consider finishing the previous round with an invisible join and starting the new round with a standing sc.
In case you continue with the same colour, begin each round with a ch1 before working the (sc, ch2, sc) into the ch2 corner space.
Choose your preferred method for each round or follow the suggestions.