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Let’s talk about crochet granny squares. Oh, how I love granny squares. So vintage, so versatile. The granny square has been around for a couple of centuries now, so the variations are nearly limitless. From what I have seen and read, the peak of the granny square was in the 1970s. Not to say they aren’t popular today, though. I think the granny square is making a comeback.
Throughout this blog you will find links to various products. If you were to purchase any of these products, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Granny Squares are Good For Crochet Beginners
The crochet granny square is arguably one of the most recognized crochet patterns. Even those who don’t crochet are likely to be able to recognize a granny square. I think this is one of the reasons that most people who start learning to crochet want to learn how to make the granny square.. Some people learn the pattern quickly, while others struggle to understand the process. For me, they were easy; I learned as a child.
The appeal for me is that a crochet granny square screams vintage! The vintage appeal is the main thing I love about crochet. Some granny square variations are more modern, but they can still have the vintage appeal depending on how they get assembled.
It is important to note that aside from the granny square, some of these projects can be completed with other “shapes”. For example, there are hexagons and circles. I consider them all granny squares. That may or may not be the norm, but it is my opinion.
Granny square construction
So, let’s talk about how a granny square is made. A typical granny square is crocheted from the center outward, which means there are no edges to line up. Learning to count stitches and keep your edges straight is one of the most difficult parts of learning to crochet so I think this is why so many people start learning to crochet with the granny square.
You start by forming a circle. Then on the next “round” of crochet, you transition it to a square by giving it four corners. From there, you follow the square shape by adding to each side and corner evenly. There are no stitches to count or rows to end. You are just adding to all four sides instead of crocheting back and forth in rows. See this post for step by step instructions.
Versatility
You can make almost anything out of crochet Granny squares, depending on how you arrange them. I have seen blankets, purses, shirts, stuffed animals, and all sorts of items. The day I wrote this, there were 1,059,531 posts on Instagram with the hashtag “Grannysquare”, not to mention what you can find on Pinterest!
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Granny Square Purses or Bags
Creating a purse or bag from crochet granny squares is not as difficult as it might seem. All you have to do is crochet the desired number of granny squares for the design you like and then sew them together in the proper arrangement. Change the arrangement, and you have an entirely different purse!
Granny square purses can range in size from small to large depending on the number of granny squares you make and sew together and, don’t forget, the endless variations on the granny squares themselves. You can make a sunflower purse from sunflower granny squares, or you could make a paw print purse from paw print granny squares. You could even make a purse with just two large granny squares!
Crochet Granny Square Blankets
Like most other granny square items, there are a couple of ways you can create granny square blankets. One of the most common ways is to crochet a ton of individual granny squares and sew them together to create the desired blanket size.
The other most common way is to simply create one giant crochet granny square as the blanket. This is called a continuous granny square and is my typical go-to method of blanket making.
I love the continuous granny square blankets, but that doesn’t have the same vintage appeal as the granny square blankets that are made up of individual granny squares all sewn together. To me, these are the most vintage of nearly all crochet blankets. (Only beaten out in my mind by the ripple afghan!) They are put together almost like quilting. There is no limit to what you can create, it’s all in how you put it together.
Easy to Make
The giant continuous granny square blankets are by far the easiest for me. Let me tell you why. When making them, you do not have to count your stitches. This means I can crochet it while I am watching tv, or anything really, without messing it up.
It is a series of 3 stitches so the most you are counting is…3. Best of all, you only have to know 1 stitch, after your initial chain and slip stitch, to make the entire blanket, the “double crochet,” or “dc.” You also have nothing to assemble. Simply continue the granny square until it reaches your desired size and you are done. Even the border is not that necessary with the continuous granny square.
This, however, was my downfall. For years I have done only the continuous granny square because I could make an entire blanket without learning more stitches or improving my skill set. No more! Do not let yourself stop here. Master it, then move to a new skill, stitch, or pattern.
Crochet Granny Square Tops
As is true with everything else made from Granny squares, crop tops, halter tops, or tank tops are not hard to do from granny squares. Any of these can be crocheted the typical one of two ways: multiple squares sewn together, or one granny square could be the shirt if you are looking at a backless type shit.
I have seen a lot of people making vests or cardigans with granny squares. I have yet to try this yet, but overall it doesn’t seem like it would be too hard. I think it all comes down to how difficult the assembly process is.
Crochet Granny Square Stuffed Animals
Believe it or not, you can create some of the cutest stuffed animals from granny squares. Depending on which type of granny square you do, and the color combinations you choose. Some of the cutest ones to me are the hippo and the turtle.
Love Crochet Granny Squares but Don’t Crochet?
I love crocheted items so much, just the antique or vintage vibe to them. This being said, if I didn’t crochet, I would still have to have crochet items like blankets or Afghans. So, if this is you, listen up! Oftentimes, you can find already crocheted items, at good prices, and thrive stores or consignment shops.
In the city where I live, we have an estate sale store. It is within walking distance from my house, and I visit as often as I am able. When I do get to go, I look for two things: oil lamps and crochet blankets. The uglier, the better! I don’t always get to buy them when I find them, they are usually out of my price range, but I did get to purchase one.
The one I bought is black and white and is a continuous granny square blanket. It is very similar to the first blanket I made myself and I think that is why I love it so much. There’s no way to know how old it is, and whoever made it made it as I do. It is crocheted with a smaller hook than the one I made which makes it even heavier. The one I made is close to queen size and the one I bought is close to a king size! I think I paid $10 for it.
Crochet Granny Squares are for Everyone
In closing, the granny square truly is a very versatile and easy-to-learn crochet project. Start learning today, if you haven’t already, and see what you can create. And remember, if you don’t know how to crochet you can learn or you can buy something that someone else already made!
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