The granny square is one of the most popular patterns in crochet. It is a very simple pattern that lends itself well to practicing your crochet skills while watching tv or chatting over coffee. It is one of those patterns that will stay in your head forever. Almost like riding a bike! If you have not given this timeless pattern a try please keep reading to find out how you can get started with your very first granny square!
So why did it take me so long to make my very first granny square blanket? Up until lately I have always been annoyed with the holes that are created with the basic granny square pattern. I am more drawn to a solid fabric. That was until I was gifted a large amount of Bernat Pipsqueak Stripes. After several attempts at trying to use this yarn with a variety of stitches I decided to turn to the basic granny square. My goal was to create something that would showcase the yarns texture and colors.
About the Blanket
My granny square blanket is made using the basic granny square pattern. If you know how to chain and double crochet then you are well on your way to creating your first granny square. The beauty of using this pattern is it works with almost any yarn and hook size. You can easily buy any yarn regardless of weight and texture to get started. Just make sure you have the hook size recommended for the yarn you choose.
There are many granny square patterns available online for free. There is absolutely no reason to spend money on a granny square pattern. The pattern is really simple. Once you have mastered the pattern you will never need to look at a pattern again. It really is that simple. Most granny square patterns follow the same idea. Below is how I create my granny square. I honestly have no idea where I first learned the pattern as I have watched many youtube videos and read dozens of blogs that look at variations of this simple but effective pattern.
The Pattern
The Yarn……….
As mentioned above you can use any kind of yarn you have on hand and any size crochet hook. I do recommend that you use the hook size recommended for your yarn. If this is one of your first patterns I would consider using a worsted weight yarn and a 5mm crochet hook.
The yarn used in my granny square blanket is Bernat Pipsqueak stripes by Yarnspirations. I used a 6mm crochet hook although the recommended hook size for this particular yarn is a 5.5mm crochet hook. I thought I was pretty close.
Bernat Pipsqueak stripes is a very soft yarn with a beautiful texture. I fell in love with it the moment I picked it up but quickly discovered that trying to find the actual stitches was a lot easier said then done. Perhaps a person that has mastered the art of feeling the stitches could work a nice solid fabric but for me it was a disappointing discovery. That was until I discovered the granny square. Now I am working on my second one! See the photos below to get a taste of this very soft yarn!
Lets gets started…….
The granny square pattern is very repetitive. after the first couple of rounds you have mastered this simply but impressive pattern. So here it goes…..
- Center – Chain 4. Slip stitch into the first chain to create a ring.
- Row 1 – Chain 3 (counts as first Double Crochet), 2 Double Crochet into ring, *chain 3, 3 double crochet into ring (X3), chain 3, slip stitch into top of beginning chain 3.
- Row 2 – Slip stitch over to the next space, Chain 3, 2 Double Crochet into the same space, chain 3, 3 double crochet into same space, chain 1, *3 Double crochet into next space, chain 3, 3 double crochet into same space, chain 1 (X3), Slip stitch into top of beginning chain 3.
- Row 3 – Slip stitch over to next space, Chain 3 2 double crochet in same space, chain 3, 3 double crochet into same space, chain 1, 3 double crochet into next space, chain 1, *3 double crochet in next space, chain 3, 3 double crochet in same space, chain 1, 3 double crochet in next space, chain 1 (X3), join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3.
You will continue to follow this basic pattern until your square reaches your desired size. Basically there are 3 double crochets in each space along the sides of your square. These clusters are separated with a chain 1. Each corner consists of 3 doubles, 3 chains and 3 doubles.
And that is it!
Using the Basic Granny Square Pattern!
This basic pattern can be used to create all kinds of colourful things. Instead of making one big granny square you could easily make a bunch of little granny squares and sew them together to make a blanket of many colours. What a great way to start using up the stash of yarn that collects from each completed project. I have also seen people use granny squares to make shawls, baby blankets, and even slippers. If you find the basic pattern is getting boring you can always check out the endless number of variations of the granny square on the internet. Whatever you choose to make with the basic granny square pattern I hope it brings you as much enjoyment as it has brought me. Now back to my next granny square creation!
Have you created a beautiful blanket using the granny square? Please share them in the comments below!