Granny squares! Those iconic, colorful squares are more than just a nostalgic craft; they're a versatile building block for blankets, throws, bags, and so much more. This guide will walk you through the basics, making granny square crochet accessible to even the newest crocheters.
Getting Started: Materials and Terminology
Before diving into the stitches, let's gather our materials and familiarize ourselves with some key terms.
You will need:
- Yarn: Choose your favorite! Acrylic yarn is a great beginner option because it's affordable and easy to work with. Experiment with different colors and textures to create unique squares.
- Crochet Hook: Select a hook size appropriate for your yarn weight. The yarn label usually provides this information.
- Scissors: For snipping your yarn.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in the ends.
Essential Crochet Terms:
- Chain (ch): Creating a loop of yarn on your hook.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Joining two stitches together.
- Double Crochet (dc): A common crochet stitch that creates a raised texture. (If you are unfamiliar with the double crochet, please find a separate tutorial - many videos are available online).
The Magic of the Granny Square: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let's create our first granny square! This tutorial uses the most common method.
Round 1: The Foundation
- Make a magic ring: (If you’re unfamiliar with this, a quick search for “how to make a magic ring crochet” will provide many video tutorials).
- Chain 3: (This counts as your first double crochet)
- Double crochet 2 in the ring: This means you will make two double crochet stitches into the magic ring.
- Chain 2: This creates the space for the next cluster of stitches.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 three more times: You should now have four clusters of double crochet stitches.
- Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain-3: This joins the round.
Round 2: Expanding the Square
- Chain 3 (counts as a dc): This starts the next round.
- 2 dc in the same stitch:
- Chain 2:
- 3 dc in the next chain-2 space: This is the key to expanding your square.
- Chain 2:
- Repeat steps 2-5 around the entire square: You’ll be working into each chain-2 space from the previous round.
- Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain-3: This closes the round.
Round 3 and Beyond:
Continue adding rounds by following the same pattern. Each round increases the size of the square. For each chain-2 space, you'll add a cluster of 3 dc, separated by chain 2 spaces.
Customizing Your Granny Squares: Colors and Sizes
The beauty of granny squares lies in their customizability. Experiment with different yarn colors to create unique and vibrant designs. Change the number of rounds to adjust the size of your square to fit your project.
From Square to Stunning: Project Ideas
Once you've mastered the granny square, the possibilities are endless. Use your squares to create:
- Blankets and Throws: Join multiple squares to create cozy, colorful blankets.
- Bags and Tote Bags: Sew or crochet your squares together to make a stylish bag.
- Pillow Covers: Add a pop of color and texture to your home decor.
- And so much more!
Happy crocheting! Let your creativity shine!
