CROCHING GRANNY SQUARES

With today’s new fashion yarns in a host of fibers and a little guidance on how to crochet granny squares, it can still be part of a fashionable garment or an afghan or throw.

There are many reasons to choose to make granny squares when you are learning to crochet. They use a relatively small number of stitches, which makes them ideal for a beginner. They’re also very portable. You can tout around your yarn and crochet hook almost anywhere you will be spending time, such as waiting at the doctor’s or dentist’s office.

Once you have decided to crochet a granny square afghan, you need enough worsted weight yarn to complete the size you choose, either in one color or as the total of several colors. Choose a yarn that feels good to your hands. If your project is for a baby, find a yarn that is machine washable. You will also need to purchase your pattern before buying the yarn. The pattern will tell you how much yarn it takes to make that particular pattern. Otherwise you may end up with too much yarn, or maybe not enough yarn.

You will also need a crochet hook in a size I or J. If you choose a bulkier yarn, you will need a larger hook. Finer weight yarn like a baby or sport yarn will require a smaller hook. Crochet hooks are made from metal, plastic, wood or bamboo, so handle several different types and choose the one you are most comfortable with. Plastic may be the least expensive, but if it doesn’t feel right in your hands, it is a waste of money. A six or seven-inch hook is perfect for crocheting granny squares. You will also need a bag for your work and a small pair of scissors.

Finally, you need to understand gauge, which is the number of stitches per inch. You must sometimes understand the number of rows per inch as well. Simple easy crochet patterns will specify the gauge. Make a test swatch, using 20 stitches and 20 rows, and check to see if your finished gauge is the same as what’s specified. If it is not, try using a larger or smaller hook or tightening or loosening your tension (how tightly you make your stitches).

The main difference between granny squares and other forms of crocheting is that granny squares are crocheted in the round rather than in rows. Simple easy crochet patterns may use single crochets or bobbies for interest, but most basic granny squares are mostly double crochet (DC) stitches. All squares begin with a chain and then joined end to end to make a ring, then continue with rounds of single crochet (SC) stitches or (DC) stitches with a chain stitch to form each corner. You can make all rounds the same color, or use different colors to use up that leftover yarn.

You can find simple easy crochet patterns online that sometimes include photos with the pattern or scheme. One online source to get easy simple crochet patterns is www.amazon.com. The addition of photos allows you to follow along with a visual representation of what each symbol should look like in the finished form. You will need to purchase your pattern before you purchase the yarn.

When you have completed your granny square, dampen it slightly and pin it into shape on a padded surface or a blocking board that you have made. Weave in any loose yarn ends from joining. Now make the rest of your squares and join them together to make a granny square afghan.

Love your project of Granny Squares..