Your Excuse to Stop Putting It Off
You may be like me and have been TALKING about making a granny square blanket since it was cold enough to need more blankets. There's nothing like a swift kick in the pants, or having it all written out for you to get your hands in gear. Below are some of my favorite granny square images on Flickr as well as links to the tutorials I used to learn how to do it myself! Granny above.
Another unusual pattern with a great color combo. I'm really into yellows right now.
Another favorite from my flickr feed. I love the yellow/white, gradiated pinks and purple, and the orange, pink and white ones the best!
Again with the fabulous color combos. Something about these pairings feels fresh without being boring. The cross pattern here is fantastic, too.
I didn't know you could do this with a crochet needle and some yarn!
One of the best flickr feeds for excellent granny square and crochet combos and styles, Sarah London Textiles.
The granny square blanket that charmed me in the first place.
Carina is a talented crafter with more than a few fantastically styled, beautiful images that you might need to peruse if you need a little more encouragement.
Be intimidated NO LONGER, my fellow crafters. If I can teach myself to crochet a granny square using three simple tutorials on YouTube in less than a half an hour, you can too!
First of all, make sure you have a crochet needle that isn't too small or too big. Mine is about six inches long and has the markings USI-9/5.50mm. It's a lion brand needle from Wal-Mart.
I am using yarn I found at a thrift store that isn't too scratchy and acrylic. I think it's a smart move to invest in quality product if it is something you plan to keep or give away to someone you love. As far as practicing, any old yarn will work. HOBBY LOBBY carries a really great brand of yarn, so I hear, if you have one near you. Otherwise, you may check your local quilt shop, look for a designated yarn shop, or try a generic craft store to see what they have. If you still aren't satisfied, try a few online stores such as Purl Soho. (Feel free to share any favorite online yarn shops in the comments section!)
The Purl Bee is a fabulous resource for information, projects, color combo ideas, etc. Click here for a link to common abbreviations you may need to know if you're following a pattern. I've also heard that Ravelry is an excellent online resource for knitters and crocheters.
NOW, for those YouTube links. You may find a few others that are helpful but this is the one I used because it shows you how to change colors, goes at a good pace, and is done by a man. I appreciate a crafty man.
Start Your Granny Square
Granny Square Color Change
Finishing Your Granny Square
Don't be discouraged if your first granny isn't a pretty granny. Mine turned out better than I thought but it's still a little wonky in places. Practice, practice, practice! I don't plan on using my first few in a completed blanket because I want to get the kinks out before setting into a big project. This takes a little pressure off, too.
(you can do it)
(you can do it)
(you can do it)
Share your tips and granny photos with us in the comments section below. We love learning new crafts!
~Rachel
