August 15 is worldwide Granny Square Day! This day is all about the little – often colorful – square you have almost certainly seen somewhere before. To celebrate, I thought it would be fun to write a blog about all the ins and outs of the granny square. Reading along?
What is a granny square?
The granny square is a crochet technique made up of several rounds of simple stitches. Usually those are double crochets combined with other stitches. You work from the inside out, and in the end a little square appears.
You can make all kinds of things with that square. Think clothing, but also accessories like bags, scarves, blankets, pillowcases and much more. The granny square is really fun to crochet. It is a versatile, creative technique you can vary endlessly. And because a granny square is not hard to make and you have a handful of squares finished quickly, it is a great beginner project too.
A bit of granny square history
In case you wanna know (I always find these facts interesting haha): the first granny square was crocheted back in 1885 (!!) and became hugely popular in the 1970s during the hippie movement. Back then it was a symbol of self-expression and creativity, and it has been a fixture of the crochet world ever since.
Granny squares are loved for their nostalgic charm, but also because you can adapt them so easily to your own taste and style.
Types of granny squares
As with everything in crochet, there is no right or wrong when it comes to granny squares. I always say: as long as you try, it is good! There are all sorts of granny squares, and each one can be crocheted in different ways.
Every granny square has its own look. There is the classic granny square, worked with clusters of 3 double crochets. But if you want something more complex, you can go all out with detailed, intricate designs.
Think of the sunburst granny square, which uses other stitches alongside double crochets for a lovely 3D effect. Or the African flower granny square, which gives you a beautiful modern flower.
African flower granny square
Fancy crocheting the African flower granny square? I recorded a full YouTube tutorial (in Dutch) where you can crochet along step by step.
More of a written pattern person? I got you! Click here to download the written pattern for the African flower granny square.
Why I am crazy about granny squares
I have been obsessed with granny squares ever since I started crocheting, which is why they keep coming back in my patterns. Every type of granny square offers new possibilities and challenges, so I never get tired of them.
Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced crocheter, you can always make something beautiful with granny squares. One of the first projects I made with these lovely little squares is the Granny Square Bag.
Another project I designed is the Granny Square Festival Top:
For both products I wrote a detailed crochet pattern with instructions in text, photo and video. And if you like, you can order the pattern as a ready-made crochet kit with the yarn included.
Granny Squares crochet course
Do you not have much crochet experience yet, and would you rather get the granny square technique under control at your own pace without getting overwhelmed? Then take my Dutch-language Granny Squares crochet course.
In it I explain step by step how to crochet 2 types of grannies, and I also teach you how to join grannies together so you can go on to create the most beautiful projects yourself!
I wish you a happy Granny Square Day, and see you soon in the next blog!
Love,
Paula
