It's Technique Day here on the blog so that means that I'm going to highlight something you can do with your crochet hook. Maybe it's new to you, or maybe it's your favourite stitch either way we're going to be learning (or relearning) together.
Today I'm going to highlight the Granny Square. It's not as bad as you may remember, or may have seen. I'm picturing the orange and brown blankets of the 1970's, maybe throw some green in there for good measure. I can seeing you cringing with recognition as you read that last line. Fear not though, we're going to debunk the "granny" myth of the Granny Square.
Apparently, when someone begins to crochet, the granny square is one of the first things they learn. I'm guessing that happens when someone else is teaching you because in my case, that's not how it went. I taught myself through you tube and thought granny squares were... well... granny! I learned how to do a Granny Triangle (the title picture) and didn't even realize that it was a type of "granny" anything when I was making it. There are so many variations on a granny square that it's hard to keep up with them, let alone pick one out! I'm going to do be doing a post shortly with some great free patterns that are available for you to try. For now, we're just going to stick to the basic granny square.
Here is the pattern that I'm using to make my 2015 Mood Blanket. (Psst! Come back soon to find out what that is!) You can use any weight of yarn and the recommended hook size to make this.
Today I'm going to highlight the Granny Square. It's not as bad as you may remember, or may have seen. I'm picturing the orange and brown blankets of the 1970's, maybe throw some green in there for good measure. I can seeing you cringing with recognition as you read that last line. Fear not though, we're going to debunk the "granny" myth of the Granny Square.
Apparently, when someone begins to crochet, the granny square is one of the first things they learn. I'm guessing that happens when someone else is teaching you because in my case, that's not how it went. I taught myself through you tube and thought granny squares were... well... granny! I learned how to do a Granny Triangle (the title picture) and didn't even realize that it was a type of "granny" anything when I was making it. There are so many variations on a granny square that it's hard to keep up with them, let alone pick one out! I'm going to do be doing a post shortly with some great free patterns that are available for you to try. For now, we're just going to stick to the basic granny square.
Here is the pattern that I'm using to make my 2015 Mood Blanket. (Psst! Come back soon to find out what that is!) You can use any weight of yarn and the recommended hook size to make this.
Basic Granny Square
Abbreviations
ch - chain
st(s) - stitch
sl st - slip stitch
dc - double crochet
ch4, sl st into first ch to make a ring
Round 1 - ch3, complete 2 dc into the ring, *ch2, 3dc into ring, rep from * 2 more times, sl st into the top of ch3, sl st into next 2 sts. You should now be at the ch2 sp. (12 dc)
Round 2 - ch3, complete 2 dc into the ch2 sp, ch2, 3dc into the same ch2 sp, ch2, *3dc into the next ch2 sp, ch2, 3dc into the same ch2 sp, ch2 rep from * 2 more times, sl st into the top of ch3 st and into the next 2 sts. (24 dc)
If you're like me, then just thinking about doing a granny square has turned you away. I'll be the first to admit it wasn't something that I was interested in. But I fell in love with the granny because it teaches you two things:
1. how to group stitches together to make a different pattern, and
2. how to use of chains to add texture to your work.
Just in case you're interested you can click here for my free pattern for the Granny Scarf. You will need a Ravelry account. While you're there you can search for some more granny squares if you like.
Your turn
I'd love to hear how you feel about the Granny Square. Do you love it or hate it?
Share patterns that you have come across that changed your mind.
Abbreviations
ch - chain
st(s) - stitch
sl st - slip stitch
dc - double crochet
ch4, sl st into first ch to make a ring
Round 1 - ch3, complete 2 dc into the ring, *ch2, 3dc into ring, rep from * 2 more times, sl st into the top of ch3, sl st into next 2 sts. You should now be at the ch2 sp. (12 dc)
Round 2 - ch3, complete 2 dc into the ch2 sp, ch2, 3dc into the same ch2 sp, ch2, *3dc into the next ch2 sp, ch2, 3dc into the same ch2 sp, ch2 rep from * 2 more times, sl st into the top of ch3 st and into the next 2 sts. (24 dc)
If you're like me, then just thinking about doing a granny square has turned you away. I'll be the first to admit it wasn't something that I was interested in. But I fell in love with the granny because it teaches you two things:
1. how to group stitches together to make a different pattern, and
2. how to use of chains to add texture to your work.
Just in case you're interested you can click here for my free pattern for the Granny Scarf. You will need a Ravelry account. While you're there you can search for some more granny squares if you like.
Your turn
I'd love to hear how you feel about the Granny Square. Do you love it or hate it?
Share patterns that you have come across that changed your mind.