Words written by Judy Darley
We love a granny square. Thrifty, speedy and primed for experimentation, they tick all our boxes for wind-down crochet time.
For most of us, it will be one of the first projects we turn to once we’ve mastered the basics, and for those with design aspirations, it’s the perfect medium to try out a few ideas.
Attic 24 blogger and yarn shop owner Lucy tackled her first granny square just days after getting to grips with crochet. “I learnt the basics of crochet from a friend one afternoon, and attempted my first granny square a day later,” she says. “I made just one wobbly square before deciding to go for it – every square from then on went into my first blanket.”
Getting that seventies look
The 1970s were a massive moment in granny square’s fashion history when they were seen on runways in everything from trousers and matching waistcoats to floor-length gowns.
The practicality of these small squares gained popularity in America around 200 years earlier. With yarn scarce, early settlers used their oddments and unpicked old knits, hooking them into squares to sew together.
Designer Sharna Moore says, “I think they were known as patchwork squares. Mishmash scraps and fibres unravelled from old sweaters and socks were worked into squares and stitched together to make blankets and rugs.”
It’s likely they became dubbed ‘granny squares’ due to the division of chores within families. As grandmothers were less physically strong, they would have taken on craftier tasks.
This century, Henry Holland, Paul Smith and Christian Dior have all created collections paying homage to the granny square, while designer Ashish Gupta’s 2019 A/W collection showcased a sequin version of the trend, adding a shot of sparkle to the runway.
Today they’re works of art, with skilful variations on colours and textures allowing you to create beautiful blankets, accessories and garments you’ll want to show off.
Endless variations
Once you’ve got the hang of basic crochet stitches, you’re set to give your first granny square a go. Choosing your yarn is an important part of the process.
“Any cotton weight is smooth, strong and shows the texture of each stitch clearly,” says Sharna. “It also washes well and is great for clothing pieces because it’s not itchy and remains soft.”
Stitch choices impact the appearance of motifs too. “I’ve used every imaginable stitch in my grannies, but I love to use textures, such as puffs and popcorns,” says designer Margaret Hubert.
“It’s the dimension that a textured stitch gives a piece. Some of them are too heavy for garments, but are great for most other projects.”
Sharna loves the variety these stitches provide. “Puff stitch, bobbles and popcorn are some of my favourites,” she says. “They create very interesting surfaces.”
For Lucy, the tranquillity of crocheting granny squares is central to the enjoyment, which influences her stitch preferences. “I adore a traditional motif that uses just the basics of trebles and chains – there’s a rhythm to making them which is extremely therapeutic,” she comments.
“I’ve been working with a new design, the Aria Granny Square, which uses simple groups of two trebles. The repetitive ease of crocheting it allows me to focus on the colour aspect of a project, which brings me joy.”
It’s all part of why Margaret can’t resist granny squares. “Since I learned to crochet at age 19, I’ve been fascinated by granny squares,” she says. “I love the versatility, and I even love the process of sewing them all together. There’s something very calming about it all.”
Timeless style
Variety and versatility are key to our granny square devotion. “I love the way they can be big and bulky, fun and quirky, modern and elegant,” enthuses Sharna.
“I love the way you can whip one up in an evening. The granny square can be used alone or in sets to create anything from beautiful bunting to blankets and clothing, bags and accessories. They have the ability to be old-fashioned and modern at the same time."
Lucy’s gateway to granny squares was nostalgia. “I have clear memories of a blanket that was always there throughout my childhood,” she says.
“My mum told me that when my brother and I were babies she knitted baby clothes for us. Once we’d outgrown them, she unravelled the clothes and used the wool to crochet the granny square blanket. It was this memory that inspired me to learn to crochet once I became a mum, so I could create cosy, colourful blankets for my own children.”
She adds: “Granny squares are so portable and fit in perfectly with family life. When I made my first granny squares blanket I was a full-time mum to two small children. I loved that I could squeeze in a few rounds here and there during even the most hectic days. Crocheting granny squares brought creativity back into my life at a time when I really needed it, and I’m forever grateful for that.”
Top granny square tips
1. Lucy says: “Make sure you’re confident with the basics of making chains and treble crochets before you begin, then find a good online resource to help you visually learn how a granny square is formed. You will learn more easily this way than from the traditional written pattern.”
2. Lucy warns: “Make sure you understand the difference between US and UK crochet terms. I learnt the basic stitches from a UK resource, but the pattern I found online used US terms and I had no idea there was a difference. It took me ages to work out where I was going wrong.”
3. Margaret says: “I suggest that a newbie uses a worsted weight, solid colour, plain yarn in a wool and acrylic blend.”
4. Weave in the ends when sewing up your granny square blanket so it doesn’t come apart! Learning how to fasten off and weave in ends is especially important as you get closer to the centre of the blanket. This area receives more stress, so put some extra effort into weaving in the ends in these areas, using a sharp needle.
5. Choose your colour palette. This is where granny squares offer the chance to get creative and have some fun! Line up favourite garments in your wardrobe and see how the colours sit together – sometimes subtle gradations may be what you want, while at other times, you might be seeking contrasting combinations that zing!
How to read a stitch diagram
This is an example of a stitch diagram where the stitches are worked in the round to create a flat motif (you can learn more about this in our how to read crochet charts guide). You’ll find that many crochet motifs and granny squares include a diagram like this, to help guide you visually on where to place your stitches.
The key things to remember are that the position of each stitch shows you which stitch to work into from the round below, and a new round is often shown in a contrasting colour, with numbers to match the round you’re working on. A stitch diagram worked in the round starts at the centre and moves outwards, completing each round in turn.
Most diagrams like this will be drawn for right-handed crocheters, so stitches will be worked in an anti-clockwise direction. If you’re left-handed, simply work the same stitches in a clockwise direction instead.
Occasionally, a flat motif worked in the round will include instructions to ‘turn’ and work stitches in the other direction, then turn again. This sort of change should be marked on the stitch diagram or noted next to it.
Many crocheters don’t like to use stitch diagrams and just follow a pattern’s text instructions. Other crocheters prefer to use stitch diagrams rather than text. Whichever method you prefer, we recommend that you use both sets of information to understand a pattern.
It’s always a good idea to read a pattern’s text instructions, because there may be notes about how to use the stitch diagram. Similarly, a stitch diagram can help you to understand exactly what a set of text instructions are asking you to do.
Lucy: attic24.typepad.com
Sharna Moore: Instagram @sweet_sharna
Margaret Hubert: on Ravelry as margaret-hubert
Try your hand at Granny Squares
Granny Squares are a fantastic place to start if you're new to crochet. Here's a whole blanket load of free granny square patterns!
