Hello, I'm trying to design squares for a large crocheted bed covering, and as my brief web searches didn't find any advice specific to designing squares, I'm asking if the friendly knit-wits here had any general advice. :)

I've looked at a number of patterns for squares and borders, tried some out, and am making practice squares to test colors, patterns, and yarns (I've attached a couple 'sketches', but I'm still experimenting with the details). I'm thinking of having four squares that are crocheted into a larger square, and these large squares are joined with a simple border into the finished blanket.

My basic concern is am I making or likely to make some fundamental mistake in my approach? If I make a practice four-square, and it still looks fine after being washed, should I consider myself good to go?

Your plan sounds reasonable. Will the size of the finished cover made from the squates be the correct dimensions for the bed?
More squares lengthwise than across the width? I like the idea of joining into larger squares which are then seamed.
Your crocheted squares are lovely and will make a beautiful finished cover.

Since I'm still experimenting with the squares, I don't know the finished size yet, but I can always add extra border rows if I need them to be larger.
I may have the flower-patterned squares only on the top of the bed, and do a simple granny square or something similar for the sides, for better draping.

I would recommend measuring your squares (the small ones that will be combined to make a larger square) periodically to make sure you're still at the proper gauge. It's much easier to fix a small square that's not to gauge than one that has four parts!

There are lots of granny square motifs out there (including triangles and rectangles and a myriad of flowers), so if you think you'll want other types of motifs, you can do a search for "granny square motifs" to see what comes up.

Lovely swatches so far. I hope you'll get to use them in the finished project!

In case anyone's curious, I've settled on a design, and started making squares.
Here's hoping I don't get hit with designer's remorse along the way:

Love your design and colors! :thumbsup:

Those are lovely squares with a wonderfull, spring-like feel to the design. It'll be fun to see the whole cover.