How to Read a Crochet Pattern for a Granny Square
A Granny Square is a crochet pattern that is used in many ways. You can make one huge Granny Square and have an afghan. You can make a whole bunch of tiny Granny Squares out of crochet cotton, and make a doily. You can make several 6" or 15 cm Granny Squares out of a warm yarn, and seam them together to make a scarf. I once had a Granny Square vest. I now have a Granny square cardigan. I have made Granny Square Baby Booties. The options are endless.
Granny Square - Round 7 Done
Because of the options, this particular series of articles is going to focus on a GENERIC Granny Square.
The Header of a Granny Squares Crochet Pattern
Usually, I go into the details of the header portion of a crochet pattern.
But in this case, I'll just mention that you should be making a Granny Square out of a yarn that you enjoy working with, and an appropriate crochet hook.
The suggested hook size is usually given on the yarn's label.
Confession: I tend to crochet tightly, so I usually use a much larger hook than suggested. In the photos that accompany these articles, I am making a dishcloth out of Bernat Handicrafter yarn, whose label suggests a 4.5 mm hook (also known as US size 7). BUT I am using a 5.5 mm hook - because it works better for me, and helps me get the correct drape for the project (in this case, a dishcloth).
You will also need a yarn needle for weaving the ends in (please don't be one of those people who just cuts the ends short - you'll be sorry if you do that!).
Beginning to Crochet a Granny Square
Here is how most Granny Square patterns start:
| Ch 4; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring. |
Here is that sentence spelled out:
| Chain 4; join with a slip stitch in the first chain to form a ring. |
And now, here are some photos and explanations of what the pattern writer is telling you to do.
When it says Chain 4, you should first make that starting slip knot, and THEN work 4 chains. The result will look like this:
Granny Square - Chain 4
Now, it is time to make a ring out of those chains. To do this, work a slip stitch into the first chain (which is actually the original slip knot). This photo shows the hook inserted into the spot where you will work the slip stitch.
Granny Square - Where to Join to Make a Ring
Now, work the slip stitch (after the hook is inserted, draw a loop of yarn through that spot AND through the loop on the hook). This is what it looks like:
Granny Square - Joined Into Ring
Depending on how you crochet, you might have some difficulty actually seeing that you've made a ring. At this stage, I usually stretch out the ring so that I can clearly see the chains moving around the circle.
Granny Square - See the Ring
A hint: in the next round, you are going to be working stitches into the ring, instead of into the chains. I usually keep a finger inserted into the ring while I am working those stitches - it is easier for me to guide the hook that way.
To Be Continued
In the next article in this series, Round 1 of the Granny Square will be explained.
