What is a Granny Square
A granny square is a piece of fabric made by crocheting. You start in the center and crochet outward, adding more stitches and rows. Granny squares are traditionally handmade, and machines can't make them. They have a textured look that resembles lace.
Granny squares can be any size but are often small enough to be used as motifs. Motifs are small squares combined to make larger projects, like blankets, bags, and clothes. Granny squares are also great for making home decor items, like pillows and coasters.
History of the Granny Square
The origin of granny squares is unclear; however, as we know it today, crocheting has its roots in Europe in the 19th century. However, crocheting small squares might have been practiced in different forms and places for centuries before that. In the early 20th century, granny squares were popular in making patchwork quilts, which were seen as a practical and affordable way to keep warm.
During the Great Depression, granny squares were again popular, as they were a way to use up scraps of yarn. Crocheters would often trade their granny squares with each other, creating a sense of community and support.
In the 1970s, granny squares experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the hippie movement. Hippies loved the granny square's vibrant colors and easy-going style. They used granny squares to make everything from clothing to home decor.
Today, granny squares are still popular among crocheters of all ages.
Granny Squares Variations
Although technically not squares, other variations of the granny squares are made in other shapes like triangles, rectangles, rounds, and hexagons.
The Granny Square Today
Thousands of granny square patterns are available online and in crochet books in any size or color combination. Granny squares are adaptable for various projects, from blankets and bags to pillows and hats.
The granny square is still a popular crochet motif today. It is a great way to learn how to crochet and can be used to create various projects. It is easy to customize granny squares are also a great way to use yarn scraps.
The granny square is a great option if you are looking for a fun and easy crochet project. With so many different patterns and color combinations available, you will surely find a granny square project you love.
When is the Granny Square Day?
In 2014, Susan Regalia, a crocheter from the United States, had a great idea. She wanted to use Instagram's grid layout to recreate the patchwork pattern of a granny square blanket. She thought it would be a fun way to connect with other crocheters worldwide.
Susan's idea was a hit! Granny Square Day quickly became a popular event, and it's still celebrated every year on August 15. On Granny Square Day, crocheters worldwide post pictures of their granny squares on Instagram. It's a great way to show off your work, get inspired by others, and make new friends.
So if you are a crocheter, celebrate Granny Square Day this year! Post a picture or a video of your granny squares on Instagram and other social media platforms and use the hashtag #grannysquareday2023.
Here are other ways you can celebrate the day
Make some squares and donate to charitable organizations.
Share a pattern of your favorite granny square.
Have a date with your crochet buddies, have coffee and some cakes, and make granny squares.
Granny Square Fun Facts
Stephen Duneier from Santa Barbara, California, United States of America, holds the Guinness Book of Records for the largest crochet square measuring 1,311.21 square feet 121.81 square meters. This work of art took 2 years, 7 months, and 17 days to create.
The person who has made the most granny squares is Suzan Perkins from the United States of America, who in 1974 skillfully crocheted around 19,366 squares measuring 7 inches (17.78cm) each. These squares have been thoughtfully assembled into bedspreads, providing comfort for those in need.
The record for the highest number of granny squares crocheted in a single hour belongs to Mother India's Crochet Queens (MICQ), who expertly crafted 161 granny squares within that time frame. Utilizing an array of yarns and colors, each square they created measured approximately 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm).
The earliest documentation of a classic granny square attributed to Mrs. Phelps was in Prairie Farmer magazine's April 5, 1885 release. The iconic granny square design experienced a resurgence during the 1930s, with its pattern prominently showcased in publications like Fleisher's Afghans.
Why are Granny Squares Popular?
If you are e beginner crocheter, crocheting the granny squares is a great place to start. Here are some compelling reasons why granny squares are popular amongst crocheters.
Simplicity and Versatility
The basic technique of creating a granny square is relatively simple, making it accessible to crafters of various skill levels. This simplicity allows for a wide range of creative interpretations and adaptations, making it an excellent starting point for beginners and a canvas for experienced crocheters to experiment with different stitches, patterns, and color combinations.
Portable and Convenient
Granny squares are like little crochet buddies that fit right in your pocket, making them a super handy project for crafting on the go – whether on the train, exploring new places, or just squeezing in some creativity between chores. The small size of each square also makes it manageable to complete individual pieces in a shorter amount of time, giving a sense of accomplishment.
Instant Gratification
Granny squares are easier to complete than larger crochet projects due to their small size. Because it works relatively quickly, it provides a sense of achievement and satisfaction, especially for those who might not have the time or patience for longer crafting endeavors.
Stash-Busting and Scrap Usage
Granny squares are ideal for using leftover yarn, making them a perfect way to reduce waste and clear a stash. Crocheters can mix and match colors and textures, resulting in unique and visually appealing projects.
Creativity and Customization
Crocheters can personalize granny square projects by selecting their favorite colors, combining different yarn types, and experimenting with various patterns. This creative freedom allows for the production of distinctive and meaningful items.
Scalable and Gradual Progress
The modular nature of granny squares allows crocheters to work on individual pieces, gradually building toward a larger project. This incremental approach can be less overwhelming than tackling a large project simultaneously.
Community and Tradition
For generations, granny squares have been a beloved crochet tradition. This craft connects crafters to a rich history of handmade textiles and creates a sense of community among crocheters who share their passion.
Endless Possibilities
Granny squares can be combined in countless ways to create various items, from blankets and shawls to garments and home decor. This versatility ensures that crocheters can continuously explore new ideas and adapt the granny square technique to different applications.
Granny squares are accessible and flexible, and the sense of accomplishment and creativity they offer to crocheters of all backgrounds contributes to their enduring popularity.
Once you have got the hang of the simple granny square, it's time to play around with funky patterns and mix up those colors! And guess what? These squares aren't just for blankets – they can also become cool stuff like bags, scarves, and pillows.
Three Granny Squares You Should Try
The Anatomy of a Granny Square
There are hundreds of granny square patterns, with new designs created each day, and this may be overwhelming for a beginner crocheter. But before you start a granny square, you need to understand the basic anatomy of a square.
The granny square, irrespective of the shape, always starts from the center with either the magic ring/circle or a few stitches joined using a slip stitch. The first round of stitches worked into the ring. The number of stitches will depend on the design of the square.
Here are some of the granny square stitches you should try.
Abbreviations (US Terminology)
dc - double crochet
ch - chain
ss - slip stitch
tr - treble two stitches together
ch-sp - chain space
st - stitch
[ ] - repeat
* * - work in the same stitch
Classic Granny Square
The classic granny square originated in the late 1800s; this enduring pattern starts at the center.
Start by making a magic ring, ch3
R1: dc2, ch2, *dc2, ch2* x 3, ss on top of ch3
R2: ss2 to next ch-sp, ch3, in the same ch sp *2dc, ch2, 3dc*, [ *in the next ch-sp, 3dc, ch2, 3dc*, ch1] x 3, ss on top of ch3
R3: ss2 to next ch-sp, ch3, in the same ch sp *2dc, ch2, 3dc*, [ch1, 3dc in next ch-sp, ch1, *in the next ch-sp, 3dc, ch2, 3dc*, ch1] x 3, ss on top of ch3,
R4: ss2 to next ch-sp, ch3, in the same ch sp *dc2, ch2, 3dc*, [ch1, 3dc in next ch-sp, ch1, 3dc in the next ch-sp, ch1, *in the next ch-sp, 3dc, ch2, 3dc*, ch1] x 3, ss on top of ch3,
Cut and weave in ends.
Moss Stitch Granny Square
The solid granny square offers a denser and more substantial texture for those seeking a modern twist on tradition. Crocheters can create a sturdy fabric perfect for warm blankets and cozy winter accessories by filling the clusters with double crochet stitches instead of chain spaces.
Check out the solid granny square using the moss stitch.
Lacy Granny Square
Elegant and airy, the lacy granny square combines open stitches and clusters to create a delicate, lacelike appearance. This square type is perfect for lightweight garments, wraps, and summer accessories. Here is a lacy granny square to try.
Ch6, ss
R1: ch4, tr, *tr2tog, ch3* x 7, ss
R2: ch6, dc in the same st, [4dc in ch sp, 4dc in next ch-sp, in the next st *dc,ch3, dc* x 3, ss in 4th ch
R3: ch5, in next ch-sp *dc, ch3, dc* dc in the next st,sk1 ch2, dc in next st, ch2, sk1, dc2, ch2, sk1, dc, ch2, sk1, dc, ch2, [*in the ch-sp, dc, ch2, dc* dc in the next st,sk1 ch2, dc in next st, ch2, sk1, dc2, ch2, sk1, dc, ch2, sk1, dc, ch2] x2, ss
R4: ch2, hdc in same ch-sp [*in the next ch-sp, 3hdc, ch2, 3hdc*, *in next ch-sp, 2hdc*x3, ch1, *in next ch-sp, 2hdc*x3 ] x3, *in the next ch-sp, 3hdc, ch2, 3hdc*, *in next ch-sp, 2hdc*x3, ch1, *in next ch-sp, 2hdc*x2, ss
Cut and weave in ends.
Tips and Tricks When Making Granny Squares
Here are ideas to make you granny squares your granny squares journey easier.
Start with a small square, which will make learning the pattern easier.
Start by using light-colored yarn so that you can easily see your stitches.
Count your stitches carefully to make sure that your square is square.
Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to track where each round starts.
Weave in your ends as you finish your granny squares to avoid more work after completing your project.
Block your squares before joining them; this helps them align better.
Be patient! It takes practice to make perfect granny squares.
Let's Make Some Squares
Granny squares have been around for a long time, but they're still popular today. They are easy to customize and a great way to express your creativity. Granny squares are suitable for making everything from blankets to bags to clothes.
They're also a great way to use up leftover yarn. So next time you're looking for a fun and challenging crochet project, why not try a granny square?
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