Diagonal Square pattern

Here's pattern for blanket square to knit, based on classic Red Cross pattern. The square produced is easy to join together. To increase, just knit into the front and back of the stitch.

 The pattern doesn't really require a gauge since you just keep knitting garter stitch rows with one-stitch increases per row till the side reaches five inches, then start decreasing.

INSTRUCTIONS
Cast on 1 stitch.
Row 1: k1, increase 1 in next stitch, knit to end of row.
Repeat Row 1 until side edge measures 5 inches (around 20 ridges using Red Heart high bulk acrylic on 4.0mm/US 6 needles).
Next Row: k1, k2 together, knit to end of row. Repeat this row until 1 stitches remain, cast off.


 Note: Increases may be done on the last stitch of every row, until reaching desired size, then decreases done on last two stitches per row. Gauge is 6 sts/inch, so for a regular square, cast on 30 stitches with 4.0mm (US6) needle.

Thinking out loud: starting a hobby group that'll knit, crochet and/or sew acrylic squares to be assembled as blankets/mats for donation during times like these. We stockpile during sunny days and distribute when needed. Something to manifest soon...

 A square should be 5x5 inches or 10x10 inches made of high bulk/worsted weight acrylic.
I chose this size since one 15-gram acrylic ball, Red Heart, yields a five-inch square with extra yarn for joining together. Let's avoid white and pale colors but variegated ones with some white/pale colors are OK.

 We'll also eventually need volunteers who can sew/crochet these squares , after we collect enough squares.