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

Comments

[katie]

this is wonderful! and perfect! it's exactly what i needed! thank you!!!!!

<3katie

[Tams]

this is so funny because i just started a granny square blanket last night! i hadn't even read this yet.

i tried learning online but the videos i found went waaaaay too fast. i used to know how to crochet when i was real little so i just basically messed around with it until it looked ok. (i am probably doing it wrong, but as long as i am consistent in my wrong-doing it will look ok, right? right!)

i buy a lot of yarn from my local yarn shop (http://threebagsfull.ca/), but when i buy online i tend to just buy from ebay. i have an addiction to malabrigo so that is what i usually buy, but it is not at all practical for baby stuff because you can't machine wash it unless you're into felt! i also spin my own yarn.

http://www.knitpicks.com/Knitting.cfm is supposed to be pretty good, and i've also checked out yarn on http://www.yarn.com/

[Carina]

Thank you for mentioning my blog. I am glad you like the granny square blanket I made. Everyone needs atleast one granny square blanket! ;-)

[Nicole]

Nope.... not granny at all.. .I love the granny blankies!

[Sandy]

I've wanted to make one of these ever since seeing this one on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/girlie_in_sydney/1831174618/in/set-72157594551369798/

gorgeous colour combos are the key here, i think.

[elizabeth]

oh thank you, thank you, thank you. i've been wanting to make one like on roseanne's (ya know the tv show?) couch since forever.

i've been a lil intimidated.
off to check out the links.

[Kat]

I bought a kids craft kit to learn granny squares. It is made by Alex brand and comes with 6 colors of yarn, directions and a (crappy) hook. The directions are written for kids so it wasn't too hard to follow! Plus it is a cute kit!

[Nicole]

As soon as I read your post, I went out and bought a needle and pink yarn. Im going to learn to crochet tonight! thanks for the inspiration.

[jennie]

oohhh...i really want to know how to make that flower one! so sweet! i crochet often, but only know one stitch - the double crochet. maybe it is time to branch out?

[Jessica at Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping!]

you think i can do it? i so want to! i'm pregnant with my third baby- and it would make a nice gift for him or her. :)

[misti]

I made granny octagons! http://www.flickr.com/photos/mistilittle/2552542428/in/pool-awesomeoctagons

I even have a group! Ok, so there are like 4 people...: http://www.flickr.com/groups/awesomeoctagons/pool/

I love looking at granny's!

[Craftyminx]

I crochet quite a bit, and I have a crazy obsession with granny squares, especially baby blankets in bright colors. My favorite go to yarns are Hobby Lobby's I love this yarn and I love this cotton. They are sooo soft and have a great springy feel.

[Jen Gough]

For great patterns and step by steps check out attic24.typepad.com/weblog/! Love Lucy's color choices.

[irasema]

i get side tracked after crocheting 2 squares... but knitpicks.com has great yarn.

[Sara-Jane Griffin]

I have been crocheting since Christmas. I am making baby blankets for friens. Is there a pattern for the Granny flower? I looked and can't find it. It looks kinda easy which I need. Thanks for anyone's help.

[Mia]

I mainly a crocheter, and started crafting again after I had little kiddos, my first crochet projects were a huge granny square baby blanket for each of them :) I love the ones you chose to showcase!

[Mia]

Meant I'm...
*slinking away, blushing at my grammar mistake*

[Brooke]

Thanks for sharing all this info! I've been wanting to learn how to make a granny square.

[Milly Brown]

Hi, thanks for this post. I have been looking at crocheting granny squares for quite a while but its seemed a bit daunting....must give it a go.

I am in the Uk and the yarn store I buy from is www.wightcatwools.com

Thanks again

[Anne]

Holy cannoli, Rachel! The video links are AWESOME! I've tried countless times to pick up crochet with "teach yourself" books, but have always gotten frustrated and given up. Well no more of that. The videos are just what my visually learning mind needed. Thank you so much for sharing!!!!

[Joanne]

So cool! Such pretty patterns! I really like the floral ones! I really like those youtube tutorials! :)

[Lacey]

Thanks so much for this tutorial!! I've been trying to teach myself from a book but seeing it done is so much easier!!!