Are you interested in mastering the art of granny square crochet? Despite their intricate appearance, granny squares are surprisingly straightforward to create!
In our tutorial, we’ll unveil a granny square crochet pattern that’s not only simple to grasp but also easy to remember, making it ideal for those who are just beginning to gain confidence in their crocheting skills. With an abundance of images and detailed, step-by-step guidance, we’re here to help you learn the secrets to crafting a traditional granny square.
Crocheting granny squares is both enjoyable and straightforward. Especially, the iconic granny square crochet pattern is an excellent choice for beginners looking to dive into crocheting, even for those who have never tried it before.
This granny square guide is crafted with novices in mind, featuring a pattern that’s not only simple to understand but also easy to remember. You’ll be on your way to starting your very first Granny Square project in no time!
Once you’ve gotten the hang of the basic granny square crochet technique, a world of warm and cozy items awaits your creation, including blankets, sweaters, bags, and much more!
So, pick up your preferred crochet hook, and let’s embark on this crocheting journey together! Continue reading for the complete guide. And don’t forget to check out the bottom of this post for a free, printable pattern to keep with you.
What is a granny square?
A granny square is crafted by crocheting in rounds from the center outward, forming a square fabric often characterized by its cluster stitches. This motif is incredibly flexible, serving as the building block for various crochet projects such as blankets, scarves, and bags. It carries a vintage or retro appeal, allowing for customization in size and style. The term “granny square” comes from the craft’s historical ties to grandmothers, who traditionally crocheted these squares from leftover yarn to create blankets and other home essentials.
Method of Construction
The fundamental granny square crochet design is crafted in outward spiraling rounds from the center. Each layer of the granny square consists of a repetitive sequence of granny clusters and chain stitches.
Granny Square Variations
Granny square variations adapt the classic crochet technique with changes in stitches, colors, and shapes. Variations range from the basic Solid Granny Square to the floral Sunburst Granny Square and the geometric Hexagon Granny Square. Others include the vintage-inspired Granny Flower Square and the innovative Offset Circles Granny Square. These examples illustrate the vast potential for creativity and personalization in crochet projects.
In this tutorial, however, I will guide you through the traditional version, which consists of 4 rounds of double crochet clusters, each worked into spaces created by chains.
How to Crochet a Classic Granny Square
2 ways to Start a Granny Square
There are two common ways to start a granny square: the chainless foundation method and the traditional chain-based method. The chainless foundation method involves creating a foundation row using a series of slip stitches, which provides a more stable base for the square. The traditional chain-based method involves starting with a foundation chain and then working into the chain to create the first round of the square. Both methods have their advantages, and the choice between them often depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the project.
In this tutorial, I’ll demonstrate my preferred method for crafting a classic granny square.
Supplies needed
For a classic granny square crochet endeavor, the essential materials typically involve yarn and a crochet hook suitable for the yarn’s weight. The exact requirements might vary depending on individual preferences and the project’s intended final look. Here’s a streamlined overview of the necessary supplies based on common recommendations:
– **Yarn:** The choice of yarn type and weight can greatly influence the texture and appearance of your grandmother square. Options range from acrylic worsted weight yarns, like Mainstays Basic in Green, to Patons Classic Wool Worsted in a variety of colors, and even bulky weight yarns for cozier projects such as a Classic Granny Square Afghan.
**Crochet Hook:** Selecting the right crochet hook for your yarn weight is crucial. For many projects, a 4mm Tulip Etimo crochet hook is often recommended.
While these are the foundational items needed to begin your granny square project, be aware that additional tools or materials may be necessary as dictated by the specific pattern or design you choose to follow.
granny square crochet pattern
Classic Granny Square Crochet Pattern
Materials:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Mainstays Basic in Green, Patons Classic Wool Worsted) or bulky weight yarn for a cozier project.
- Crochet Hook: 4mm Tulip Etimo crochet hook, or a hook size that matches your yarn weight.
Pattern Notes:
- This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
- The granny square is worked in joined rounds, with the right side facing for every round.
- Work into the chain spaces (ch-sp) from the previous round, not into the stitches.
Stitch Abbreviations:
- ch: chain stitch
- ch-sp: chain space
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- Granny cluster: 3 dc cluster
Special Stitches:
- Granny Cluster: 3 double crochet (dc) stitches worked into one stitch or space.
Starting Your Square:
Option 2: Chain Stitch Center Ring
- Make a slip knot on your hook.
- Chain (ch) 4 stitches. Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to form a ring.
Pattern Instructions:
Round 1:
- Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout the pattern).
- Work 2 dc into the center of the ring – this forms your first granny cluster.
- Ch 2, then work 3 dc into the center of the ring. This is the second granny cluster.
- Repeat step 3 twice more, so you have a total of 4 granny clusters and 4 ch-2 spaces.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.
Round 2:
- Sl st in the next 2 dc and into the ch-2 space to start in a corner.
- Ch 3, work 2 dc, ch 2, and 3 dc all in the same ch-2 space – corner made.
- Ch 1, then (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 space; repeat from * to * for each side.
- Ch 1 then join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.
Repeat Round 2 for as many rounds as desired, making sure to work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner ch-2 space and a ch-1 between the sets of granny clusters on each side of the square.
Finishing:
- Once you’ve reached your desired size, cut the yarn, leaving a tail.
- Pull the tail through the last loop on your hook and tighten.
- Weave in all ends with a yarn needle.
Feel free to customize your granny square with different colors or yarn types to match your project needs!
Best Yarn for Granny Squares
The best yarn for granny squares depends on the desired outcome of the project. For a warm and water-resistant finished piece, wool is recommended. Cotton is a good option for a cool, summer piece, and alpaca or merino wool can be used for a very soft finished product. Additionally, sparkly yarns can be used for a fun look. Red Heart, a brand of acrylic yarn, is a popular choice for granny squares due to its affordability, availability, and wide range of colors. The brand’s Super Saver yarn is often recommended for granny square projects. Premier Yarns’ MiniKins is a 50% cotton and 50% acrylic yarn that is currently being used by some crocheters for granny square projects. It is known for its softness, stitch definition, and wide range of colors. 2. Natura Just Cotton is recommended for granny square projects in the Vintage Style Crochet Projects book 2. It is a 100% cotton yarn with 170 yards and 1.8 oz per skein. In summary, the best yarn for granny squares depends on the desired outcome of the project, but popular choices include Red Heart Super Saver, Premier Yarns’ MiniKins, and Natura Just Cotton.
Granny Square Variations
Granny squares come in various creative variations, offering a wide range of patterns for crochet enthusiasts. Some popular granny square variations include:
Solid Granny Square: A basic granny square pattern made with double crochets forms a solid square with corner spaces.
Sunburst Granny Square: This variation creates a flower-like design in the center, giving a unique look to the traditional granny square.
Hexagon Granny Square: A modern classic version with a hexagon shape, featuring 6 sides and 6 corners for a different twist on the traditional square.
Solid Granny Square with No Gaps: A variation that uses double crochets in the corners instead of chains, resulting in a truly solid granny square.
Leaf Stitch Granny Square: Incorporates leaf stitches at the sides, creating a cross motif in the center, perfect for projects like blankets resembling stained-glass windows.
Mother’s Heartbeat Granny Square: A larger granny square pattern that can be combined into blankets or pillow covers, offering a unique design with a DK weight yarn.
Granny Stripes Square: Combines the granny stripe into a neat and appealing square design, ideal for pillow covers and blankets, especially in bright rainbow colors.
Granny Square Crochet Project Ideas
Granny square projects are versatile and can be used for various items, including blankets, bags, sweaters, tops, scarves, cowls, wraps, hats, accessories, home and kitchen projects, and pillows. They are beginner-friendly and can be made using leftover yarn or popular yarns such as Lion Brand Basic Stitch, Caron One Pound, and Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton. The size of the granny square depends on the thickness of the yarn used. Essential crochet techniques for granny square projects include understanding crochet terms and abbreviations, working in the round, basic stitches, increasing and decreasing, joining squares, borders, and blocking. Granny squares can be joined to make cardigans, blankets, sweaters, summer tops, bags, shrugs, and even Christmas stockings. Unique crochet granny square ideas include potholders, simple slippers, square pillows, fingerless gloves, and bucket hats. The easiest granny square projects are those that require fewer squares and less seaming, such as a granny square blanket made from one large square or a tote bag or pillow made from two granny squares.Granny square garments include crochet stockings, which are fantastic crochet Christmas decor because they’re practical and nostalgic. To make perfect granny squares, it’s essential to block them, which can transform uneven and frumpy squares into crisp and tidy ones.
Granny Square Crochet Resources
The provided sources offer a wealth of information and inspiration for granny square crochet projects. They include free patterns, tutorials, tips for beginners, advanced techniques, and ideas for various items like blankets, cardigans, baby blankets, and more. Some key points from the sources include:
- Gathered provides over 30 free granny square patterns, a guide for beginners, and exclusive squares designed by Granny Square Day Ambassadors. They also offer resources for converting UK to US crochet terms and recommend The Ultimate Granny Square Collection for more patterns.
- Knitting.com highlights 10+ granny square crochet patterns that challenge skills, emphasizing the versatility and creativity of granny squares. The article discusses the materials needed, such as crochet hooks, yarn, scissors, stitch markers, and yarn needles.
- Make & Do Crew presents 43 granny square projects, including cardigans, blankets, sweaters, tops, bags, and Christmas stockings. The article emphasizes the importance of blocking granny squares for a polished finish and provides additional resources for joining squares and free crochet patterns.
- ReveDreams offers a supplementary page for a crochet class on granny squares, covering variations, joining methods, borders, and project ideas. The page includes links to resources for different granny square techniques and patterns.
These sources collectively provide a comprehensive guide for crocheters interested in exploring granny square projects, from basic patterns for beginners to more challenging designs that test skills and creativity.
