In the picture (clockwise from top left): Coupe Square, Soapstone Square, Granny's Captivated Square, Granny's Yarn Square
Do you love making granny squares? I do! It’s such a classic design, first documented in Victorian times and by the 1970s becoming the archetypal crochet design. In recent years the 15th August has been celebrated as Granny Square Day, starting on Instagram and gaining popularity in both online platforms and in-person craft events. The classic granny square has been joined by many simple and fancy square designs, with many new patterns being released to celebrate the event. Many knitters love to create granny style squares too and I recently contributed, along with many other, very skilled, designers to an amazing book of 100 square knitting motifs. But what exactly can you do with them? Let’s look at some ways crocheted or knitted squares can be transformed into items you’ll love to use or gift to others.
In the picture: 100 Knitted Tiles
And if you love creating granny square projects, have you tried out the free pattern I released to celebrate Granny Square Day 2024: Intertitle. It's a fun square, inspired by Silent cinema text cards which combines Tunisian and regular crochet and has space for text of your choice.
In the picture: Intertitle Granny Square.
What to make with Crocheted Granny Squares or Knitted Squares
If you made granny squares you love in celebration of Granny Square Day last month, here are some ideas of what to do with them.
Blankets
The cornerstone of granny square craftsmanship — the crocheted or knitted blanket, throw or afghan, draped over a sofa or bed,exudes warmth and comfort and can feature an elegant design repeating the same block throughout or combine many designs into a cosy gallery of yarncraft artworks. With endless colour combinations and patterns, they can become a cherished heirloom for generations to come and a memento of the maker for younger generations. Tip: if you're unsure about your choice of or layout for your squares in such a big project, you can make one of each and photograph it, like I did with my Glimpse of the Moon garter stitch square and play about creating collages from the photos like the one above. It's a great way to feel confident that you're going to like what you're making.
Fashion Clothing
In recent years, fashionistas everywhere have been incorporating these timeless motifs into their wardrobe. From winter cardigans to tiny summer shorts, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination. A granny square strappy top or skirt adds flair to your outfit, turning heads wherever you go. Consider whether you want the bold look of a garment entirely based on squares or whether you'd prefer them to be a feature forming part of a garment with a simpler look overall.
Home Décor
In the picture: Windowsill Herb Planter
Granny squares are perfect to accentuate your home, lending themselves to a wide variety of home décor projects. Imagine vibrant granny square scatter cushions trimmed with pom pom edgings or tasselled corners adorning your armchairs, cheerful coasters protecting your table, or how about colourful bunting around your veranda in summer? Delicate lace squares in the finest cotton thread can be used as a doily or arranged to form a table runner or lace curtains for an elegant vintage look.
Accessories
You can really go to town on creating granny square accessories. Consider statement-making bold scarves and shawls, stylish hats and balaclavas, or even playful earrings that showcase your unique style. Socks and mittens can feature small granny squares with a simpler stitch then used for the shaping these items need. These eye-catching accents to your outfit will always be conversation starters whenever you’re out and about.
Bags
In the picture: Soapstone Mini Tote
These are some of my favourite items to make and I confess they're the first thing I think of creating with granny squares. From roomy totes to dainty evening clutches, a pencil case or tiny coin purse, it can be as as easy as joining two squares along three sides and adding an i-cord, crocheted or ribbon strap or you could choose more intricate arrangements with multiple squares set diagonally or formed into a complex 3d geometric shape or just paired with a side and base gusset, fabric lining or fancy hardware like buckles. Either way you'll have a handy bag that'll always be in use.
Practical Pieces
In a world conscious of sustainability, granny squares offer a perfect opportunity to repurpose yarn scraps and discarded items. Upcycling these leftovers helps you reduce waste and create unique pieces with character. Use granny squares to cover containers such as glass jars, plastic tubs or cartons that would otherwise be thrown away to create stylish storage containers, planters, vases and so on. Try it, you’ll be amazed at what you can create! Wash cloths, scrubbies and pot-holders are other long standing favourite makes for knitters and crocheters who adore making squares.
Few knitting or crochet techniques have both the timeless appeal and creative possibilities of granny squares and they're perfect to work on wherever you are, so much easier to carry around than bulkier projects. So, pick up your crochet hook or needles and enjoy creating some projects of your own to make the most of these mini-masterpieces!
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