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

[Ribbon]

Awesome!

best wishes Ribbon

[Mammamia]

Your blog and your beautiful colors have inspired me to pick up my crochet hook! Thank you. Just beautiful!

[nadine renaux]

Hi, Lucy !
I just discovered your blog a few days ago, and can't help but coming back, and back again. I absolutely LOVE your works, and especially this summer garden blanket project. I usd to crochet maaaaany years ago, and now feel the urge coming back to it. I guess that, with the help of your clever and clear guidelines + photos, I'll then be able to make it... cross my fingers and toes ! TeeHee !..... ;>)
May I ask one question about quantities, pleeeeeeaze, Lucy ?
I understand you will need MORE white + green and blues, than the other random colors, but I can't figure how many ???
Could you be so kind, as to tell how many balls of these constant colors you bought, among the 30 in total ?
I'd be sooo grateful ;>) THANKS, dear !

(((HUGS))) & smiles from my little corner of the world ! (Belgium)
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
NADINE

[corry]

Hello Lucy, Thanks for this wonderful tutorial. I love these squares. I never could figure out how to make them but thanks to your clear pictures and discription I made two squares..jippie!!
So thanks again for sharing.

[Carole Garnett]

Gorgeous ! Would love info from your point of view on how to join it all together ! I'm new at this type of crochet ! Thanks
Carole Garnett

Johannesburg
South Africa

[Heather]

Hiya Lucy,
thank you so much for this tutorial, I've had a go at this today and I have loved it. I've only reached 9 so far, but I've been joining as I go as well and I'm ever so proud. :) want to see?
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/dappymuffin/DSCF0374.jpg

[Kate Wells]

I'm half finished with my wonderful, colorful ripple blanket!
I smile sometimes when I'm working on it and remember that a girl in England has inspired me... a country girl, living on a ranch in Texas...to crochet this delightful addition to my home. The next thing I want to do is the colorful flowery granny square throw. I'm just a tad anxious, though, about what to do with the end pieces when I change colors. Granny squares have always intimidated me because no matter how hard I try to weave in the ends, they always are popping out and looking fuzzy and unattractive. Could you do a tutorial on how you weave in your end pieces, Lucy? Thanks, Kate~

[Guro]

Thank you so much for the tutorial - I've just blogged about my first squares (which were my first crocheting as well):
http://regnbuedalen.blogspot.com/2009/06/granny-square-flowers.html

[Sharon Nisson]

Hi Lucy, I've nearly finished my hexagon blanket and am wondering what surface you use to block a large blanket that has been crocheted together-as-you-go. My beautiful striped purse is also nearly finished, but my daughter saw it and claimed it. She LOVED IT!
So I'll have to go buy some more yarn and make another for myself. Yeah!!! Love everything you do! Thanks so much for sharing it.

[Polarized Sunglasses]

Wow, this tutorial is very explanatory and it has made me thinking that i must start a crochet project.

[Victoria]

Thank you for this tutorial! I've made my first granny squares and they look terrific! :)

[shaz]

Love the pattern for the granny squares and cant wait ot get started,but I havent any idea how to join them together, could you help me on this one please
Shaz

[Angela Rueb]

I love your blog and the tutorials....and I'm re-learning how to crochet because of your inspiration! Please....about how many balls of the Rowan yarns (Pure Wool DK and the Cotton) did you use for your summer square and hexagon blankets?

Thank you!

alrueb@yahoo.com

[Paloma]

I'm in love with yor tutorial. I've been looking all over the web for granny squares I can understand and make. Thanks for sharing it!

[Gea]

waw,i love your crochet blankets

i make 1 block :)

but how came the blocks together??

i hope you understand my englisch

i'm dutch

[Janet]

Lucy, I just came across your blog and love the granny square blanket; do you recall the colors that you used? Your color choice is fabulous and I would love to make it in those exact colors.
Thanks so much,
Janet in NY

[Carole Williamson]

Hi, i log onto your blogs two or three times a week and i`m inspired to do more crocheting.Unfortunately i`m supposed to be knitting a jumper for my son( aged 29) for his birthday TODAY !!!! And keep getting distacted into crocheting! Agh well never mind. Keep up the good work and more ideas. Thanx Carole

[julia hackett]

Hi there
A little note to say a BIG THANK YOU for inspiring me to start to crochet. l have just completed my first granny square. l love your site as it is full of inspiration and the colours you use are truly stunning.
Thank you so much
julia x

[Jenny]

Hallo Lucy,
Thank you or sharing!
My Englisch is not so good but I hope you can understand it.
I love your blog and I come back.
The colors that you use are beautifull.
Greetings from Holland,
Jenny

[Erica K]

Thank you so much for the tutorial! I love the ones with the buttons in the center!

[Trudy]

Hi Lucy,
Love your website! Do you have crocheted sweater,cardigan patterns for infants?

[Bonnie]

Thanks for sharing! I always have trouble following crochet patterns and this is one that I think I will actually make!

[SparklePetal]

Thank you for this tutorial Lucy! I have only just started trying to teach myself crochet and was a bit bored and frustrated by rows! After looking at your clear instructions and pictures I thought I could probably manage one of these squares... and I could! All I need now is some more colours of wool.

[emily]

Oh goodness... I've "known how to crochet" for three whole days and have spent them practicing swatches of different stitches but had no idea where to start with my first "thing"... this is it! Thank you :)

[sharon]

Hi Lucy,
This is a great tutorial - finally one that i have understood enough to start to make a blanket for my daughter. But I just want to ask if you do the 'blocking thing' that some sites talk about, is this necessary?
Your work is so beautiful and inspirational.