Fancy Nancy

Last updated on May 14, 2026

While revising my blog page, I realised that I had forgotten to show my Fancy Nancy square. Shame! So I thought I would write a quick post to put that right!

Fancy Nancy is another beautiful Afghan square design by Pam Knighton-Haener from a Yarn of Serendipity. I tested this pattern already in October 2021.

Pam usually designs her squares with Aran (#4) cotton yarn. I must admit that this is not my favourite type of yarn. I haven’t found one that I like working with yet. So this time, I decided to try using my standard acrylic DK (#3) yarn. Just to see how it works!

I used Stylecraft Special DK in Copper, Parchment and Gold, my favourite autumnal colours. I followed Pam’s colour scheme number 2, only switching the colour for the final round.

With Aran yarn, the squares should measure either 28 cm (11 inches) or 30 cm (12 inches), depending on the hook size used. Using DK yarn, my Fancy Nancy was 25 x 25 cm (about 10 inches) tall.

I’m really pleased with the result!

I suspect, however, that cotton yarn would show off the stitches better. The pattern includes lots of treble crochets and double treble crochets. These stitches simply look better when they’re blocked as blocking always opens up the stitches a bit. tight. Unfortunately, I still find it difficult to pull acrylic yarn tight properly. Unfortunately, I still find it difficult to block acrylic yarn properly. The results are usually not as good or as long-lasting as with cotton yarn.

I started testing for Pam in September 2020, and since then I’ve had the chance to test four of her lovely squares. Well, actually five, to be precise! I’ve just finished testing her latest design. The pattern hasn’t been published yet, so I can’t show it to you just yet. But what I can show you again are the squares I’ve made so far.

Perhaps I should get some suitable cotton yarn after all and crochet a few more? One day, they’d make a beautiful blanket.

All of Pam’s designs are so richly textured that they would look great even in a single colour.

If you would like to try one of Pam’s designs just pop over to her Ravelry store. She also offers some of her patterns for free – do have a look!

Fancy Nancy Square on Ravelry