Summer Garden Granny Square

  

  I love making Granny Squares. There's just something about creating little stacks of them that is hugely satisfying. They are versatile, and easy for beginners to learn because the basic stitches and method of working "in the round" are simple to get to grips with. It's how I first learnt to crochet 18 months ago, and I still get a huge amount of pleasure from making granny squares.

This particular square, which I am calling my Summer Garden Granny Square, is my own pattern. It came about after I had an idea of making squares for a blanket, which when all assembled together would resemble a garden blooming with summer flowers. I couldn't find a pattern which was simple enough to make, or produced the effect I was after, so I experimented and created my own. And to be perfectly honest with you all, I am thrilled with how it turned out.

So :: For my blanket squares (pictured above) I'm using a DK weight pure wool, with a 4mm hook. I've also made them with Rowan DK cotton and they are equally lovely, they come out slightly larger when made with the cotton yarn.

I'm going to write the pattern in UK crochet terms where the main stitch is a UK Treble. For those in the US, this is the same as a dc stitch.

Stitches used are as follows:

 

 

sl st (slip stitch) :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch, then through the loop on your hook.

Bobble :: yarn over, insert hook through next stitch, yarn over, hook back through stitch (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops left on hook). Then yarn over and insert hook through SAME STITCH, yarn over, hook back through stitch (4 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (3 loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Bobble Stitch  is not a difficult stitch even though it may sound complicated. Try watching the little Bobble Stitch video I've linked to above, it might help if you see the stitch being made.

Tr :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops. (NB this is equivalent to US dc stitch)

To Start ::

chain 4 and join to form a ring. The ring will be small, so wiggle it with your fingers to make sure you know where the centre of the ring is, because for the first round you will be working out of this hole.

ROUND 1 ::

chain 3 , then work 1 tr into the ring (this effectively counts as your first "bobble"), chain 1.

*Work 1 bobble stitch (as described above) into the ring, chain 1*

Repeat between ** 6 more times, until you have 8 "bobble spokes" in total.

It may feel as if you can't quite fit them all in towards the end because the hole in the central ring is small, but you want it to be tight so the hole almost disappears.

Make a sl st into the 3rd chain of your initial chain-3 to join, finish off (picture below)

ROUND 2 ::

You will be working out of the chain-1 spaces between the bobbles for this round.

Join in your new colour by making a secure knot close to the stitches. Insert hook through nearest chain-1 space of the previous round and draw the new colour yarn through to the front (picture below).

Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), 2tr into the same space, chain 1. This forms a "tr cluster" (picture below).

 

Into the next space between bobbles, *work 3tr, chain 1*.

Repeat between ** 6 more times, working your way round the circle, making a total of 8 "tr clusters".

Make a sl st into the 3rd chain of your initial chain-3 to join, finish off (picture below)
 

And thats your flowery circle made! Was that fun and easy?

You can stitch a pretty button in the centre, attach them to whatever tickles your fancy.

Or you can carry on and turn the circles into squares....

ROUND 3 ::

You will be working out of the chain-1 spaces between the tr clusters of the previous round.

Join in new colour by knotting close to the work. Insert hook into the nearest space between clusters and pull the new colour yarn through to the front.

chain 4 (counts as 1 tr + chain-1 space)

Into the same space, work 3tr, chain-1 (picture below). This forms part of a corner cluster :: you will come back round to complete this corner at the end of the round.

Into the next space, work 3 tr, chain-1. This forms a side cluster.

Into the next space work 3 tr, chain-2, 3 tr, chain-1. This forms your second corner cluster.

Into the next space work 3 tr, chain-1. this forms your second side cluster.

Continue working your way round as follows ::

Into the next space work 3 tr, chain-2, 3 tr, chain-1. This forms your third corner cluster.

Into the next space work 3 tr, chain-1. this forms your third side cluster.

Into the next space work 3 tr, chain-2, 3 tr, chain-.1 This forms your fourth corner cluster.

Into the next space work 3 tr, chain-1. this forms your fourth side cluster.

Lastly, work 2 tr into the very first space you started out in.This effectively joins with your initial chain-3 to complete that part of the first corner cluster (picture below)

Make a sl st into the 3rd chain of your initial chain-3, finish off (picture below)

ROUND 4 ::

You will be working out of the chain-1 spaces between the tr clusters of the previous round.

Join in new colour by knotting close to the work. Insert hook into the  space between the corner clusters of the previous round  and pull the new colour yarn through to the front (picture below)

chain 4 (counts as 1 tr + chain-1 space)

Into the same space, work 3 tr, chain-1. This forms part of a corner cluster :: you will come back round to complete this corner at the end of the round.

*Into the next space, work 3 tr, chain-1. This forms a side cluster.

Into the next space, work 3 tr, chain-1. This forms an additional side cluster.

Into the next space work 3 tr, chain-2, 3 tr, chain-1. This forms your second corner cluster.*

Repeat between ** twice more.

Into the next space, work 3 tr, chain-1. This forms a side cluster.

Into the next space, work 3 tr, chain-1. This forms an additional side cluster.

Lastly, work 2t r into the very first space you started out in.This effectively joins with your initial chain-3 to complete that part of the first corner cluster.

Make a sl st into the 3rd chain of your initial chain-3, finish off (picture below)

 

And there you have it :: one Summer Garden Granny Square.

I always think that crochet patterns can sometimes come across as quite daunting and slightly off putting. My hope is that by using plenty of photos and by being more wordy than usual patterns, that you will be able to follow it successfully, even if you are relatively new to crochet.

Incidentally, you don't have to make 4 rounds if you don't want to (you can stick with 3 as in the top photo), or you can carry on making more rounds to produce bigger squares, it is up to you.

If you carry on adding more rounds, just keep an eye on the pattern and on where you're at as you work round. Remember that with each extra round you do, you will be increasing the number of tr clusters round each side. Each side cluster of 3tr's should be separated by a chain-1 space. And make sure that when you get to the corner space you make two lots of tr-clusters in the same hole, separated by a chain-2 space. Once you get going it'll be easy to get this and you'll find that very quickly you won't be needing to read the pattern at all, you'll just get what to do. Yes, honestly, it'll happen!

I tell you, these little squares are super-addictive. You will be treble-clustering in every spare moment of your day, sneaking them in, building little piles of them.

I know. Because I do it. And I love it.

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All my tutorials are created for you to use and enjoy for free. However, if you would like to make a donation you can do so using the button below (all donations are gratefully received and will be used to fund future projects).

 

xx Thank you xx

Comments

[Jen Gough]

Thank you for sharing! I just love this granny square!

[luanne]

hi lucy, thank you for sharing this. you've done a remarkable job here and i can't wait to try it. love the circular flower within the granny square.

wondered what your thoughts are on using the rowan dk wool for this blanket vs. the dk cottons you've used previously? the rowan dk wool offers so many gorgeous colors but i'd have to order it online (my local shops are not so cooperative as yours!) and i'm trying to summon the courage.

thanks again for all the colorful fun you share, always a treat!

[cathleen]

Thank you, Lucy...your yarn colors look so deliciously pretty up close. I will be printing this out...think I will practice this weekend and I will let you know how I do!!

c xxxxxx

[Mairzie]

Lucy! Thank you so much for putting this up so quickly! This is a simply lovely pattern that can be used in so many ways. My head is swimming with ideas. Thank you, again. Enjoy your weekend.

[jeane]

luce, i remembered i did asked u about granny square before, i get lost from 2nd round onwards. but now no more worries, i've got ur tutorial to guide me and also i've learned the crochet languages.

ya, i remembered the bobble stich u taught us, in the hexagon. i am happy to have met ur blog and its my pleasure reading it everyday.

a big THANK YOU to u :)

[Jeanne]

You are so sweet to share. Lately, because of your blog mind you....I have been back to crocheting and loving it. I love your blog Lucy!! Your attic brings back memories of an old Shirly Temple movie...(what was its name ?)...where her father is in the service and puts her up in a boarding school..word gets out he has died and there is no money left so she must be put up in the attic as a servant...but what wonderful things happen to her up there. Her dad eventually comes back.

[Kar]

Thanks again for sharing with everyone Luce! Oh the possibilities with this so wonderful little pattern. I know I've probably said it before, but thanks for sparking my interest in crochet blankies again. You are FANTABULOUS!!!!! :D

kar xxxxx

[Anne]

Thanks a million - what a perfectly written tutorial. You are such an inspiration to all your readers!!!

[mamalion]

Thanks so much for the pics- it makes converting it to US much easier. I was inspired by your Rowan wool last week, to go off to my local shop and spend an unreasonable amount of money on brightly colored wool. It makes the February blahs so much better! Now I'm peeking in the bag, and imagining what I can do...

[Christy]

Yeah, yeah, yeah! Love them!!!

[alisonb2]

Thank you Lucy. They look great and I can't believe you have only been crocheting for 18 months!! Well done you for being so creative!!

[kathy]

Thank you Lucy, you are a star. Guess what I will be doing tonight?!!! Kathyx

[Annie]

Perfect! I wish I had a chunk of change to go out and purchase all the yarn needed to make these.

[Esther]

Thank you for a pattern I shall certainly be trying it when I have a moment or two. I do like the circles on their own too.

[debra cooper]

Oh, these are so wonderful! I'm ever so glad you like to share because I love your patterns! I'm working on my 2nd striped tote now--just for fun--and have plans to make one for just about everyone I know. Thank you for your generosity and inspiration! ;-)

[Vicki]

Oh! You're such a doll! I came back to your blog this morning, seeing that sweet little circle at the top but no mention of the pattern...then kept scrolling thru the lovlies and saw the pattern posted comment!!! How happy am I??? Printed out your instructions so I may relax in comfort this evening. Thank you ever so much,
Vicki

[Bolmara De Marco]

It´s wonderfull and the colours are grate, I love this kind of work. Thanks for so much beauty.

[sherri mertens]

I so love visiting your cozy crochet-y corner!
I have always been an avid crocheter, but it has taken on a new meaning for me since I discovered your work.
I have been hexing and squaring like crazy!
Therapeutically, also, it is a Godsend for me, as my beloved hubby passed away just this last May, sadly just shy of his fortieth birthday.
Crocheting cheers me and carries me through the days, ( and especially the evenings,) and I can even feel my darling peeking over my shoulder saying how pretty my work is.
He was such a dear, and even would buy me hooks and yarn for Christmas and Birthdays.
Thank you once again for providing a place for me to come and smile and be happy and enjoy one of my passions.

xoxoxooxoxoxoxox

Scout :)

[Tien]

Hi Lucy, I came across yr blog today and it really brightened up my day. The colors of your granny squares are simply inspiring. Thank you for these cheerful colors.

I want to get started on GRanny squares and your instructions w photos look really simple... but it's been donkey years since I last did a crochet and I'm really a bit lost for a start. Can you be so kind to provide a video or advise a video link where I can see demos? I'm sorry for the trouble.

THANK YOU again for the lovely creation. You are an inspiration! :)

[Tracey]

Hi Lucy,

Just love this.. I have started to make the summer garden granny square blanket. My first project ever. I taught myself to crochet through your excellent instructions. I am loving it. I have quite a collection of squares now. Using squares made from three colours of Rowan DK wool. Can you explain how you do the white border.. and block together. Just love your blog. I am going to work my way through all of your projects. Never mind the housework. Thank you soooo much.....

[Mary Ann]

Great tutorial!! I love your easy-to-follow pics and directions! Thanks so much!
Mary Ann

[yvonne]

Thank you so much for sharing these instructions. I've started my own version of your garden, and am looking forward to finishing it! :-D

[Ashley]

Lucy, thank you ever so much for giving instructions in plain English! I have tried to crochet granny squares before but always without success. I printed out your instructions and have already made 3! I'm on my way to having my own Summer Garden Granny Square blanket! Thank you, thank you!

[Y]

Thanks for the tutorial. I just started making my first granny squares. Question though: do you weave the hanging yarns in and out or do you cut them? Or is there something else to do with them? Thanks for the help!

[Sarah]

Hi Lucy, Thank you so much for inspiring me so much. I now have a blog that I just started yesterday. Quite exciting really. I really love all the things you buy and the photos you take. Thank you also for teaching me to crochet - wish I enjoyed it as much as you, but I think I'll stick to my sewing. Keep up the fabulous work and enjoy your holiday. Sarah