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.
What do you need for knitting?
If you are just planning to learn how to crochet a granny square, then first of all you need to decide on the materials and tools that may be needed for this work:
- The basic element is knitting threads. These can be special threads for crocheting or half-wool and acrylic options.
Related article: Creating modular paintings: master class for beginners (+48 photos)
- To knit such a motif you need a hook. Tool number 3 or 3.5 is ideal. It is best to buy not a set, but a separate hook.
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.
Products made from knitted squares
You can make many different things from knitted squares that will keep you warm during the cold season. Blouses, coats, dresses, skirts, beautiful cuffs on the sleeves, scarves, yokes on children's clothing and much more. Crocheted boots and slippers look incredibly beautiful. These clothes are warm, beautiful and cozy. These knitted items are very bright and stylish. The photo shows how interesting such clothes look.
Crocheted squares are used to make blankets, tablecloths, rugs, and pillowcases. They will perfectly decorate the interior of the house.
Chic square motifs knitted in a circle are made with a rose inside the square. Such squares look very beautiful and elegant in finished products.
They can be used to decorate the edges of blankets and tablecloths. Square pillowcases with roses on decorative pillows will look gorgeous.
To knit such squares, you can use these patterns.
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
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>>.
