This week I am “Keeping it Simple Sweetheart’ with the basic granny square pattern.
This is the first granny I learned how to make and I had some of these in my stash of ‘Lost Granny Squares’. It seems only right to take the time to explain the basics.
I love this pattern, because making it can feel quite ‘Zen’…like a meditation in yarn. The repetition in the pattern is very soothing. And of course, because it is the basic granny of all grannies, it is beautifully square when completed. (As all good squares should be.)
On the instructions (which you can download as a PDF below) I’ve included some helpful notes which should make it easy even if you just learned how to make a double crochet and haven’t tried a granny before.
Above is a nice big picture to give you a close-up view of the basic granny square.
I’m including a couple of helpful links for those who might like to look at them before they begin. They are:
All directions are given in US terms. While I always suggest that one should use 4 ply yarn and a US G or H crochet hook, use whatever you have that is handy and comfortable for you.
Thank you so much for the refresher coarse of Granny Squares and the new “Lost Granny Squares” that I’ve never seen before. This gets me excited to start crocheting again. I quilt all the time and this will be a nice change. Thanks again. Bonnie
Thank you for providing the instructions to make this style, i have been looking for this for the back of a GS cushion i’m making, there seem to be many many lovely photos that come from sources such as Flickr and Etsy where you can buy or admire but no pattern, i look forward to cracking on now and getting it finished 🙂
I just found and registered for your site. I just have one question/comment. Is there a reason that patterns are not in symbol form?? I have tried over an over to follow patterns in the written version and loose my place every time. I even “draw out” patterns myself but, now it is harder with age.
Hi Charlette, I have not yet learned how to do the symbol form for crochet patterns, I know that there are fonts and programs out there specifically for this kind of visual shorthand for crochet. I admit that I am more of a ‘mad inventor’ than expert crochet artrist and I am still figuring out how to write down my patterns correctly. I’m hoping to try the symbol form in the future. 🙂
Using the basic granny square pattern do you have any idea how much yarn I would need for a double bed sized blanket. Thank you for sharing the patterns!
Thank you so much for the refresher coarse of Granny Squares and the new “Lost Granny Squares” that I’ve never seen before. This gets me excited to start crocheting again. I quilt all the time and this will be a nice change. Thanks again. Bonnie
Thank you Bonnie!
Thank you for providing the instructions to make this style, i have been looking for this for the back of a GS cushion i’m making, there seem to be many many lovely photos that come from sources such as Flickr and Etsy where you can buy or admire but no pattern, i look forward to cracking on now and getting it finished 🙂
Thank you. So glad to know you can use it!
I want to learn crochet at home since I am working and don’t have time now for joining a class. Thank you
Welcome! And best wishes for happy crocheting.
I just found and registered for your site. I just have one question/comment. Is there a reason that patterns are not in symbol form?? I have tried over an over to follow patterns in the written version and loose my place every time. I even “draw out” patterns myself but, now it is harder with age.
Hi Charlette, I have not yet learned how to do the symbol form for crochet patterns, I know that there are fonts and programs out there specifically for this kind of visual shorthand for crochet. I admit that I am more of a ‘mad inventor’ than expert crochet artrist and I am still figuring out how to write down my patterns correctly. I’m hoping to try the symbol form in the future. 🙂
Hi, I’m new too the site and the download for the basic granny square doesn’t seem to be working.
Hi Jessica! Please sign in as a member before downloading. If it still isn’t working for you please write me: helpdesk@bakingoutsidethebox.com
Using the basic granny square pattern do you have any idea how much yarn I would need for a double bed sized blanket. Thank you for sharing the patterns!
Here is a yardage chart on the Lion’s brand site that might be helpful: http://www.lionbrand.com/learn