Why Granny Squares Never Go Out of Style

This post features a free pattern for creating your own Granny Squares.

If crochet had a greatest hits album, the Granny Square would be track #1. Timeless, versatile, and endlessly customizable, these little beauties have been around since the 1880s (yep, older than Netflix and your grandma’s favorite soap opera).

What do I love most? You can whip up a single square while sipping sweet tea—or make a hundred and stitch ‘em together into a blanket that could cover half of Texas.

The Loopy Lamb Granny Square (Remix Edition 🪄)

What You’ll Need:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (I like mixing colors for sass).
• Hook: Size H/8 (5.0mm).
• Extras: Scissors, yarn needle, and maybe a cookie for energy.

Pattern (U.S. Terms)

Round 1:
Ch 4, join with a sl st to form a ring.
Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, 3 dc in ring; repeat from * to * 2 more times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3. (4 clusters)

Granny squares can be made using a variety of yarn types, including cotton for summer projects or acrylic for cozy winter blankets. Choosing the right yarn can make all the difference in the final look and feel of your project. For instance, cotton yarn tends to hold its shape well, making it ideal for coasters or dishcloths, while acrylic yarn is budget-friendly and comes in a vast array of colors.

Round 2:
Sl st in next 2 dc and into ch-2 space, ch 3, 2 dc in same space, ch 2, 3 dc in same space (corner made), ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 space; repeat from * to * 2 more times, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch 3.

As you progress through the rounds, consider incorporating different textures. You can achieve this by using yarns with varied thicknesses or by introducing stitches like puff stitches or bobbles into your squares. These little details can add depth and interest to your project, making it truly unique.

Round 3:
Sl st in next 2 dc and into ch-2 space, ch 3, 2 dc in same space, ch 2, 3 dc in same space, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1; repeat around, join with sl st.

Round 4 (Optional):
Repeat Round 3 pattern, adding 1 extra 3-dc cluster between each corner as you go. Keep building rounds until your square is big enough to be a pillow cover, blanket panel, or just a coaster for your sweet tea glass.

Another fun twist is to experiment with the traditional granny square shape. While squares are classic, you can modify the pattern to create hexagons, triangles, or even circles. This opens up a world of possibilities for your crochet projects, allowing for intricate designs that stand out.

Loopy Lamb’s Tips & Twists 🧶✨

When you’re comfortable with the basic granny square, challenge yourself by trying out different stitch patterns. For example, consider using a shell stitch or a cluster stitch as you work your rounds. Incorporating new stitches will enhance your skills and give your granny squares a unique flair.

• Color Party: Change colors every round for a rainbow look—or go monochrome chic with shades of one color.
• Join-as-You-Go: If you’re making a blanket, use the last round to connect squares instead of sewing them later (because ain’t nobody got time for weaving in a million ends).
• Charity Option: Granny squares are perfect for donation projects—stitch up a few and join local drives for shelters or hospitals.

Why This Pattern Rocks for Beginners (and Beyond)

Explore This Free Pattern for Beginners

The granny square is the gateway drug to crochet—it’s simple enough for newbies but versatile enough for pros. Plus, it gives you that instant I made this! gratification after just one round.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, think about how you can personalize your granny squares. You might add embellishments like buttons or appliqués or even use fabric scraps to create a mixed-media effect. This approach not only showcases your creativity but also contributes to a more sustainable crafting practice.

So go ahead—make one. Or fifty. Before you know it, you’ll be drowning in cozy blankets, funky bags, and maybe even a granny-square jacket that’ll make your neighbors jealous.

As your collection of granny squares grows, think about different ways to join them. The whip stitch is a common method, but you can also try slip stitching or even using a yarn needle for a more seamless look. Each joining technique will affect the overall appearance of your finished piece, so experiment to find the one that works best for your project.

Granny squares also offer a great opportunity for social crafting. Consider inviting friends over for a crochet night, where everyone can work on their squares together. It’s a wonderful way to share ideas, learn from each other, and enjoy a fun social atmosphere. Plus, you might just inspire someone new to pick up a hook!

Pin It, Stitch It, Share It

Loved this Loopy Lamb Remix? Pin it for later and share your creations with me—I’d love to see your spin on the classic granny square!

Don’t forget to showcase your finished products. Social media platforms are perfect for sharing your crochet creations. Use hashtags like #GrannySquareChallenge or #CrochetCommunity to connect with fellow crafters and gain inspiration. You never know, your work might encourage someone else to dive into the world of crochet!

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Remember, whether it’s yarn or life—it’s all about connecting the squares.

Finally, always remember to enjoy the process of creating. Crochet can be meditative, offering a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. So whether you’re making a single granny square or a whole blanket, take your time and appreciate each stitch.

Other related content: Conquer 5 Common Crochet Mistakes with These Simple Fixes

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