Lately, I have become quite obsessed enamored with Granny squares. Here is a chart for a basic traditional Granny square (pdf download).
For clarity, each round is illustrated in a different color although the square can easily be made in a single color. This basic pattern shows the Granny Square being constructed with one continuous length of yarn.
After the circular start (ch 5 and join with a slip stitch); each round in this pattern starts with a ch5 which represents one dc and one ch-2 sp.
Teaching the crochet class has made me appreciate the additional information that somebody with knowledge of the basic stitches needs in order to work the pattern as charted. To accurately execute this pattern, you have to know that the work continually spirals as illustrated in this diagram:
One face of the work is always facing the crocheter. Conventionally, this side is referred to as the right side (RS) or the public side. But, please note that this designation is not pejorative. RS doesn’t imply that this is the better side, the side that is displayed in the final piece. The face of the fabric that is used is your aesthetic entirely. You might decide you prefer the look of the alternate side, or you may decide that for a flat piece like a scarf, you want to take care to make something that looks equally good on both sides.
This is just the start of the world of Granny Squares and I hope to document some other construction techniques in other posts. Meanwhile, read my original post on Granny Squares and check out these photos for inspiration.
Cate Blanchett in August 2010. Warning, one probably has to be as beautiful as Cate Blanchett to carry off this look; let’s call it the exclusive Granny Square look.
Personally, I would go with a more subtle Granny square styling such as this look from Anna Sui Fall 2011.
I too appreciate your charted granny square, it’s very visual and easy to read. The only problem is that I’m a lefty and I have to work it backwards! Makes it a little tricky.
Hi,
I very much appreciate your charted granny square.
I am attending a spirituality and creativity retreat in a few weeks and I have volunteered to teach the basics of crochet to anyone who wants to learn.
I would like permission to use your chart with attribution and with the understanding that it will not be reproduced again or sold.
Thank you very much for considering this.
The answer is yes you can! My policy is listed on the “About” page.
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Thanks for this permission.
It’s too late for this year but we have this workshop once a year so it will be very helpful in future workshops.
[...] the way, if you need a basic Granny Square pattern, please check out my previous post on this topic. Like this:LikeBe the first to like this [...]