Grandmother's square: diagram, description and video master class for beginners
The classic crochet granny square, the pattern of which is in front of you, is crocheted in the round, starting from the center. I'll try to make a description step by step, i.e. in rows.
We cast on 6 loops of the chain and close it in a circle with a connecting post.
1st row: 3 chain stitches for lifting, 2 single crochet stitches, 2 ch, 3 single crochet stitches, repeat 2 more times, at the end of 2 ch, connect to the beginning of the row.
2nd row: using connecting posts we stretch the thread to the arch from the VP; 3VP for lifting, 2С1Н, 2 VP and 3 С1Н in the same arch. And so in each next arch there are two groups of 3 double crochets and 2 VPs between them.
3rd and subsequent rows: in the corners we knit similarly to row 2, and on the sides of the square 3 C1H, crocheting between the same groups of columns of the previous row.
In this way, you can knit as many rows as you like to the desired size of the motif. You can also knit a giant granny square.
How to tie a granny square
In the last row, to obtain an even, tight row, you can knit single crochet stitches over all the loops of the previous row or tie the motif with single crochet stitches. Or you may not need to do this, depending on the pattern that we will knit.
Grandmother's Square - video
On my channel I talked about a pillow knitted with this pattern and made a video master class for beginners on how to crochet a granny square step by step:
Very often, multi-colored granny squares are crocheted, changing the color of the yarn when knitting the next row or even in the same row. In this case, it is important to correctly make the transition from knitting one color to another: at the end of the row, when knitting the last column, the last two loops on the hook are knitted in a new color. You can find out more about this here>>.
Compound
Crocheting granny squares can be done as follows: you need to fold two motifs together face inward, and then connect them using a hook with connecting posts. In this case, the hook must be inserted under the back walls of the loops of both motifs.
To obtain a beautiful hem in some models of blankets and pillows, the motifs are connected from the front side. In this case, the hook can be inserted under the back walls of the loop, and under both walls, and connected either with single crochets or connecting stitches.
There is also an openwork method of joining, which produces a knitted fabric without visible seams, as if everything is connected entirely by one pattern.
I found an interesting detailed master class on combining motifs, you can watch it.
Ways to connect knitted squares
An important step in creating textile products from knitted squares is their connection. There are several similar methods, each of which is designed for a specific case and knitting pattern. However, there is one general rule - you should start assembling from largest to smallest.
Experts identify four main methods of connecting squares:
Using single crochets. To do this, take a thread of a different color and make two squares folded with the front part inward (the hook is passed under the back wall and the corners are finished with single crochets).
Using special half-columns. In this case, the seam is as smooth as possible, which makes the product more neat.
You can also connect the parts in an openwork way.
Sewing squares with a needle. This option is the easiest to use and also makes it possible to reproduce various decorative seams.
As you can see, knitting a granny square is not at all difficult. If you know how to make air loops and introduce new threads as you work, then you can easily cope with the knitting pattern of square motifs. A wide variety of variations will allow you to choose the pattern that suits you and bring it to life. A handmade blanket made from squares will be an excellent gift for your family and friends.
Interesting variants of motifs (3 videos)
Various diagrams and examples of finished work (48 photos)
Non-square granny square
I told you how to knit a classic granny square (square). But in this way you can knit a triangular motif, a hexagonal one, a circle, or just a straight fabric, even a shawl using this technique.
Despite the fact that these are no longer square motifs, they still say that they are connected by a grandmother’s square. There is simply one knitting principle here, namely: the stitches are knitted, always inserting a hook into the gap or air loops between the stitches of the previous row.
If you are interested in hexagonal motifs, we have a gorgeous selection of 30 beautiful patterns and photos of various things made from hexagons.
Interesting patterns for granny square blankets
The granny square can be knitted not only from the center, but also from the corner, with a flower in the middle, in a spiral, in Spanish and other ways; such motifs make wonderful blankets.
Flower motif
I think the pattern is clear, from the 3rd row onwards we knit a classic square as usual.
Motif from the corner
You can see how to knit a square from a corner here>>. And I immediately knitted it with a flower.
Grandmother's Square in Spanish
This motif is also called grandmother's square in a new way. It seems to be knitted similarly, but additional broaches are introduced: yarn over, then the hook is inserted a row below and knitted like a double crochet. It turns out such an interesting beautiful effect.
I bring you a diagram and video lesson from Galina Belikova.
Spiral motif
It is very interesting to knit in a spiral, although it is not very simple at first glance. I once knitted a bright rug in a spiral pattern with a popcorn pattern.
Learn to knit better by watching videos from Knitting Lessons Crochet and knitting
Granny square on a pullover sweater made from section-dyed yarn
Size: 38/40.
You will need:
- yarn (53% natural wool, 47% polyacrylic; 300 m/50 g) - 300 g lilac section dyeing;
- hook number 4.
GRANDMOTHER'S SQUARE : perform a chain of 5 ch. and close it into a ring using 1 connection. Art. Continue work according to crochet pattern in circular rows. Start each round row with the initial ch. acc. diagram and complete 1 connection. Art. to the last initial ch. Perform 1-4th circular rows 1 time.
Knitting density : square = 8 x 8 cm; diagonal = 11.5 cm.
DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK : complete 98 squares and, starting from the 2nd square, connect them according to. pattern from the wrong side using the connection. Art. At the same time, also perform side seams, sleeve seams and shoulder seams.
ASSEMBLY : tie the neckline in 1 circular row in a “crawfish step” (= st. b/n, perform in the direction from left to right).
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Options for knitting with a granny square depending on the color and arrangement of motifs
Products with a granny square pattern can be knitted from well-matched color leftover yarn or from new yarn. Different shades of color and arrangement of motifs can create interesting effects.
How to choose well-combined colors
Blankets
Look how different crochet blankets from granny squares look.
I have another interesting idea of using a granny square and a spider pattern together in a beautiful openwork bedspread.
My regular reader and even assistant Yulechka Vyrskaya (who helped me make the correct description of knitting a two-color napkin and shared her amazing knitted bag) knitted a very beautiful, delicate children's blanket with granny squares with charming pompoms. I present it to you.
Very nice, isn't it? Read how to knit such pompoms here>>.
Here is another selection of amazingly beautiful blankets based on the granny square patterns in the video, which I think will be useful for selecting color combinations:
♦ Other simple beautiful crochet blankets - 10 patterns with descriptions and videos
If you don’t have time to knit a whole bedspread, pay attention to how interesting it is to decorate your bed with knitted runners. It’s stylish and doesn’t take long to knit.
Pillows
How do you like these original pillows?
I also knitted an interesting pillow with this pattern and decorated it with knitted flowers. She's here>>.
Baby blanket
Using this knitting technique you can knit an excellent children's blanket. It will be a great option for walking in a stroller, playing on the floor or sleeping in the cold season. This blanket will be a wonderful gift for a newborn baby. However, if the blanket is planned for a child, then the following should be considered:
- thread color. A blanket shouldn't be sad. If it's for a girl, pink pastel colors are perfect. And the boy will like blue, gray and beige shades;
- thread quality. The yarn should not prick and cause irritation to the skin. A good choice would be special acrylic for children, cotton - in the summer season; merino wool threads - in the winter season;
- fantasy. The more interesting and beautiful the finished product is, the more the child will like it.
Related article: Bavarian crochet for beginners: patterns with descriptions and videos
And also do not forget that things associated with soul and love will warm your own baby.
