Hey, y’all! Ever since I launched the Vibrant Vintage CAL reboot (May 25, 2018), people have been commenting on the plain granny that we use in the pattern. I mentioned in passing that there are so many ways to Granny! Which is wonderful.. I think of the granny square as the mashed potatoes and gravy of the crochet world. It is comfort crochet at its finest.
If you’re feeling like you’ve lost your crojo, or maybe you have a certain yarn and you have no idea what to do with it, or perhaps you’re totally new to crochet and you want to start with something simple… maybe it’s time for some grannies!! But which pattern to choose? Well I’ve collected 7 patterns, 3 main staples, and 4 that go a little wild.
Here are 7 ways to crochet a granny square that I’ve collected from around the web. Some of your favorite crafters are featured!
1. VVCAL Plain Granny Square
The square that inspired this post is made with five rounds of “granny stitch” and one round of dc then a final round sc. this is what I think of as the “closed granny” because the holes are super small. It’s a granny look, but without the fear of your pinky toe going through the fabric.
Design features
No chains between 3-dc groups, 1 chain in the corners – this creates the more closed holes.
The round of dc makes this square unique, and the sc round lends a sophisticated touch. It really is a special little square!
Pattern
Since I wrote this pattern, I have some insider info that I’ll share. I’ve made this pattern 2 ways.
The first release, I designed it for the 2016 VVCAL with 2dc groups on Rnd 1 to lessen the bulk at the center. So if you find your granny puffs up a little at the center, you can lighten the load a bit.
For this pattern version, click here!
And I also wrote the pattern more recently for the 2018 VVCAL with a normal 3dc group Rnd 1. It didn’t puff out at the center for me, but your mileage may vary. 🙂
To find this version, click here!
Instruction type
Written, chart, and video.
2. Traditional Granny Square
When I started on a search for the absolute most traditional style, old school, straight-forward granny pattern – i.e., the actual square that your granny used to make – I found one by Petals to Picots.
Design features
Chain 1 between 3-dc groups, chain 3 at the corners for a very casual look. I consider this to be the “open” granny design, as opposed to the previous square. Use this pattern when you have a need for speed, as it works up much faster than the closed granny. There’s just less yarn yardage per square inch, since there’s so much open airy space. This granny is also a lot lighter weight.
Pattern
Traditional Granny Square from the super-talented, Petals to Picots.
Instruction type
Written and chart
3. Perfect Granny Square
Have you tried to make a granny and the center is a swirly mess? Well, if this happens to you, you may consider turning your work after every row. In the Perfect Granny, I’ve done this, and the neat little ridges formed by turning work are just an added bonus.
Design features
You will love the neat and tidy look created by turning after each round. As mentioned in the pattern, make sure first and final rounds are both facing up by stopping after an odd round.
Pattern
Perfect Granny Square – woohoo!
Instruction type
Written.
Now it’s time to get a little wild!
4. Reinventing the Granny Square
If you’re ready to have some fun, then dive into this extremely well-written pattern and go crazy! You will love how this square is created, and it just goes beyond the typical granny, while still using the 3dc groups that grannies typically feature.
Design features
Just wow! Clever use of color changes provide endless combinations of granny squares. Make a blanket with several different designs and color combos, and you will have a visual stunner. The pattern is extremely helpful with instruction on how and when to do the color changes, in case you are feeling intimidated.
Pattern
Reinventing the Granny Square by the amazing Crafty CC.
Instruction type
Written and chart.
5. Granny Stripes Squared
Okay, who doesn’t love a granny stripe blanket?? Susan from Felted Button has written a pattern that allows you to make a ton of tiny granny stripe blankets and trim them with granny stitch for an adorable blanket! Use this as a temp blanket, or just as a way to get an instant gratification make. Have a color palette you’ve been dying to test, but don’t want to commit to an entire blanket? Make a bunch of little palette-test squares over time, and you’ve got a blanket before you know it!
Design features
Back-and-forth granny stripes with granny stitch trim, and a neat slip stitch border. Perfect fun for a beginner!
Pattern
Granny Stripe Squared by Susan of Felted Button.
Instruction type
Written
6. Log Cabin Granny Square
I think this square is so cute! What a fun way to granny. I love crochet blocks that mimic quilt blocks, and this one is just perfect. Once you make that center granny round, you build on it just in the way you would a log cabin fabric square. It’s a great way to use different lengths of remnants. You could weight the square after each color to see how much yarn each color addition uses, then weigh your remnants and separate them by weight. Then, you make the absolute most of your scraps – no waste!
Design features
Adorable log cabin quilt square look and endless color possibility. Sp precious! And the instructions are written with a beginner in mind – tons of photos and notes.
Pattern
Log Cabin Granny Square by CrochetAgain.
Instruction type
Written.
7. Mitered Granny Square
Along with the Log Cabin Square above, this is another creative way to use shaping to make a modern and unique granny square. It’s amazing that the little 3-dc group can be manipulated so many ways. There are several free mitered granny squares out there, but I love this one!
Design features
This pattern features a 2-round granny which is then build upon on 2 sides only, creating a mitered square. How clever is this? In Karen’s photo above, you can see she has used shading with her yarn colors to make an ombre look. Then the black background sets it all off. So lovely, and a great way to use the granny stitch with a modern pattern.
Pattern
Mitred Granny Square by Karen Wiederhold.
Instruction type
Written.
Alrighty, y’all! I hope you enjoyed this little round-up of patterns! When you need some comfort crochet, I definitely recommend digging into a granny square pattern, whether you choose a traditional square or a wild, modern one, it will certainly heal your soul.
Happy crafting, y’all!
Rachele C.