Granny Square Day 2020

If you have a smart phone you may well have the Instagram app at the end of your fingertips, and you may also find yourself following along with the vibrant, worldwide crochet community that exists there. You can find pretty much every well known crochet designer/blogger over there on the 'gram, sharing yarn, projects, patterns and creative life in general within their little grid of squares. Yarn makers, crochet magazines and yarn shops are also there alongside thousands of crocheters, and there is a huge pile of inspiration to be found by following hashtags too. For example, if you look at the hashtag #grannysquare there are a whopping 699 THOUSAND images. It's truly incredible. Attic24 has it's own hashtags too - #attic24 currently has 48.8 thousand posts....let that sink in for a moment.....forty eight point eight thousand. I have a lot of virtual friends on the 'gram!!

Anyhow....yesterday on Instagram it was Granny Square Day, which happens every year on 15th August. It's a beautiful celebration of the vibrant online crochet community and the love for the traditional granny square. The idea is that you can click on the hashtag #grannysquareday2020 within Instagram and your phone screen will be filled with hundreds of granny squares, creating a virtual community blanket. Hosted by Simply Crochet Magazine, you can find loads of free granny square patterns by designers from all over the globe, as well as top tips and fun photos to make you smile.

The day was epic, with over 5000 granny square images shared under the hashtag. It's such a joyful thing, the very best kind of online creative community spirit.

If you don't have the app on your phone, you can also access images via a web browser on your computer - click on the following link to see some of the #grannysquareday2020 images >>

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/grannysquareday2020/

The above photo is credit to my friend Kathryn of Crafternoon Treats. She created this beautiful mosaic of her favourite granny squares from yesterdays celebration, and I think it is just stunning. It gives you a good idea of the sheer variety of squares that were made and shared this year, from the beautifully simple, classic granny square original, to the most intricate applique and overlay designs.

As I mentioned, Simply Crochet are the hosts of the celebration, and the current issue of the magazine (issue 100) has lots of granny square inspiration in it's pages, as well as a free booklet containing 100 granny square patterns. I was really happy to contribute to an article all about granny squares.....

.....and I have to say it's still a major shock to see my mug shot in print! Even after working with Simply Crochet for 6 years, I still have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming the whole thing.

In the article I chatted about my love for granny squares and the nostalgic feeling they give. I taught myself to crochet in 2007 purely so that I could make a blanket for my Little People (who were then aged 3 and 5). This was my first ever crochet project as an absolute beginner and it took me five months to complete. It lives on the back of my grey sofa, a little bit worn and faded now, but so very, very loved.

The traditional granny square is well known to every crocheter, and there is also a vast number of pattern variations in existence. One of the very first patterns I designed and shared here on my blog was the Summer Garden Granny Square (shown above). It's a simple twist on the original where the first two rounds are made to resemble a flower which then gives way to the traditional 3-treble groups of a basic granny.

For me, the thing that defines a granny square is that the groups of stitches are worked into the spaces between stitches rather than into the top of the stitches themselves. I apologise if you aren't a hooker because this won't make any sense to you at all, but I promise I won't waffle on about stitchy terminology for too long.

Many of the squares I saw on Instagram yesterday weren't actually granny squares - yes they were square in shape, but they weren't constructed in the granny square style (ie groups of stitches worked into spaces), which I found myself feeling a bit bothered about. The humble granny square is just so lovely and to be celebrated in it's simplicity.

Above is another of my granny square variations - this is the Harmony Square which I designed in 2015. Do you know, it's actually quite difficult to come up with new granny squares because the essence of them is their simple construction and there is only so much change and variation you can make. It doesn't stop me wanting to try though!

I designed the above granny square especially for this years Granny Square Day. I started experimenting on Friday morning whilst sat in the park with friends partaking in a very lovely and informal al fresco crochet n natter sesh. I kept coming back to tweak it and re-sample it throughout the day and by the evening I'd settled on the final design. I'm super happy with it! I've named it the Leo Granny Square, in recognition of the zodiac sign for mid August which is when Granny Square Day takes place every year.

I had fun picking out the colours for my squares, dipping into the box of oddments and scraps of Stylecraft Special DK left over from my extensive blanket making. 

The Leo square is made up of 7 rounds / 7 colours, and I thought you might like to see my mini colour palettes.....

♥ Raspberry ♥ Fondant ♥ Powder Pink ♥ Cloud Blue ♥ Sage ♥ Cornish Blue ♥ Violet ♥

♥ Cloud Blue ♥ Turquoise ♥ Lapis ♥ Wisteria ♥ Violet ♥ Fuchsia ♥ Tomato ♥

♥ Buttermilk ♥ Mushroom ♥ Grape ♥ Lincoln ♥ Pistachio ♥ Sage ♥ Lavender ♥

♥ Camel ♥ Buttermilk ♥ Dandelion ♥ Meadow ♥ Pale Rose ♥ Raspberry ♥ Plum ♥

♥ Wisteria ♥ Grape ♥ Raspberry ♥ Meadow ♥ Sage ♥ Duck Egg ♥ Mushroom ♥

I made this last square this afternoon so that I could photograph a step by step tutorial for you, and I think it's my favourite combo of colours. They are so serene and pretty, like a waft of fresh summer air.

You can find the tutorial for the Leo Granny Square over in my left hand sidebar, or click on the following link >>

❤️ LEO GRANNY SQUARE TUTORIAL ❤️

There is also a PDF version of the pattern for you to download/print free of charge, click on the following link >>

❤️ DOWNLOAD LEO GRANNY SQUARE PATTERN ❤️

It's been a lot of fun designing and playing with colours the past few days and I've really enjoyed myself inside my little creative bubble. I was away for a few days earlier in the week down in Dorset with the family, gosh it did me the world of good. I hadn't realised quite how much I needed the break away to completely rest and recharge my batteries. We came home on Wednesday and I feel completely re-energised and full of good spirit. I'll show you some photos from our time away very soon, a little bit of sea air and lots of glorious sunshine. It was quite marvellous!

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Comments

[flagle]

The scarf she made is so beautiful

[globle game]

This information is really appreciated. What you have to say on your blog is fascinating. You've provided readers with a blog piece that serves as both informative and enjoyable reading.

[Brigitte]

Hello, I crocheted Dune, Dahlia, Moorland and Woodland with your yarns.
Do you think I can use the leftover yarn for an Aria blanket ? I'm a bit bad at mixing colors.
Merci Brigitte de Belgique.

[sarawanspices]

The colourful Rainbow Granny Square Blanket is the perfect pattern to learn how to crochet

[Gopal]

Nice, classic crochet blanket pattern. This large granny square crochet pattern is perfect to make a as a gift or to keep for yourself!

[Angela-southern USA]

Love the new design, granny squares are a favorite of mine too. It's like visiting with an old friend, whether it's been awhile or just yesterday you fall back in rhythm as if no time has past at all. It's my go for scrap busting or a quick need to give a gift pattern. I'm not thrilled either when everything in a square form is called a granny, but it's still crochet so I love seeing all the squares. Have a lovely day!xxxxxxxxxxxx

[Annette Frater]

Your last two posts were wonderful to read, pleased you are back again, great hearing from you, many thanks for EVERYTHING you have done to help me and so many others on our crochet journey. Take care. Annette

[Sara]

Such a bounty of yarn beauties. I learnt to crochet by reading your blog, and then knit socks following your venture in to sock land! During this lock down I have said a quite thank you many times for this blog that gave me a gift of making that lifts the gloom and doom of the news. I also made a harmony blanket for a friends baby girl. ( I hope you got the “coffee” I sent in lieu of the pattern as Wool Warehouse did not have any packs so I bought the individual colours but knew you wouldn’t get the commission) Finally just wanted to say well done to your young people during what must have been the most stressful summer on record. X

[ray]

Hiya, I've been a lurker for a few years and its lovely to see you back - taking time off is a must, not a nice-to-have - and I thank you for your delightful, uplifting blog. I found you on News360app when I was consulting for months at a factory far from home - reading and looking at your pictures, usually late at night, reminded me there was more to life than a business hotel and work. I've taken time during this endless lockdown to go back and read from the beginning - your honesty and positivity, even on your down days, is such a tonic.

FOR ATTIC24 READERS: I see Lucy is nominated in the British knitting & crochet 2020 awards! If you have the time before 28th August (I think its 28th august, can't remember this second) please go ahead and vote here https://www.letsknit.co.uk/awards

[PatriciaA]

I do two versions of a granny square, one with a circular centre and one that is all square. Made a blanket a couple of years ago in these alternating centres. It made up so fast.
The correct name for a crocheted small piece that is sewn or crocheted to other small pieces is MOTIF. :-)

[Charlotte]

Beautiful new pattern from you. All squares are not granny squares but granny squares are timeless. The choice of yarn colors makes them suitable for any decorating theme.

[Sue]

Another brilliant pattern. Thankyou so much

[Holly]

Thank you for posting this! I read that you taught yourself to crochet in 2007. Can you recommend a tutorial or guide?

Thank you!

[Lynn Dee Butler]

I enjoy your exuberance about granny squares! Such a happy read and the comments are wonderful to read too. Earlier this year I purchased a wool granny square throw at an Estate sale. I just couldn’t pass it up and as it was the end of the sale, very inexpensive. It has beautiful colorful squares put together with black. So striking! Very IN now but I think it is very old. It was kept safe from moths and has 1-2 repairs with acrylic yarn which I find interesting. Lucy your blog introduced me to the beautiful colors of crochet. My treasured blankets, etc from my Grandma Nell were all in the harvest gold, orange, brown & avocado green palette. Not my colors. In fact, the photos in crochet books/patterns at that time were all in those 70s colors too. Your blog was the first to show me how pretty crochet can be. I had always associated crochet with the 70s colors until your blog. I’m proud to say I have made several of your blankets and am happily wrapped up in bright colors! Thank you Lucy for all that you share. You are a delightful treat!

[Jen]

I think that, as with most things, granny squares have simply evolved and moved on. The non traditional ones are still granny squares (worked from the centre outwards, and forming a square), but just look a bit more modern. All of them have their place, and deserve to be celebrated on granny square day.

[Selina]

i also love the simplicity of the granny square & it was with a granny square blanket that i first learned to crochet too; though i haven't learned much more crochet (i prefer to knit) i am currently crocheting a Bavarian blanket, it's quite a few years in the making (in it's 3rd) have watched you design & make all your blankets over the last few years & absolutely love them, again you have generously shared your knowledge with us.
beautiful
thanx for sharing

[Katie Coupe]

Hi Lucy, your site is new to me, but not the content. How refreshing to see so many people with like minded ideas on crochet. I am very involved in charity work for cats and crochet is always a good way to raise money so thank you for all the inspiring designs on an old and loved favourite.

[Jane]

I don't normally comment but I felt that I had just had to say that I agree with you entirely about Granny Squares and the fact that any crochet square design seems to be called a Granny square these days which seems to make the term pointless. I love the fluidity of Granny style blankets square or stripes and the thermal quality of all those holes. The first crochet blanket I made used your granny style hexagon and all my own blanket designs have been granny style.

[Dawn]

I never fail to be amazed by your energy, skills and creativity Lucy! Love the granny square and will always be indebted to you and your wonderful posts that started me on my crochet journey. I’m about to join my Summer Harmony squares, the making of which has kept me sane during lockdown! Thank you! How great that you’re in the magazine - big congratulations!!

[Susan]

A lovely post Lucy & it's just what I need to use up all the scraps from the three Attic 24 bundles I've used over the years. I really like your Leo Granny Square. I don't do Instagram or FB, so thanks for telling us about this & I'll be on the lookout for the magazine when it eventually arrives in Australia in a few months time. Take care, stay safe & huggles.

[Karen Dodgson]

Hi Lucy
I’m glad you feel like me that a granny square should be a granny square and not an equally lovely but not granny appliqué square! My Grandma taught me to crochet and the humble Granny square was my first project. They were then joined to make jumpers for my teddy bears and ponchos for my dollies. I remember those times with my Grandma with such love.
I'm so happy you’ve been to the seaside....it’s so good for the soul isn’t it. I don’t know if you remember, but it’s me who loves St Anne’s and I taught my sister to crochet, then we both crocheted your beautiful Dune blanket and worked on them at the beach huts in St Anne’s. Well, big life event.....me and my hubby have just bought a flat in St Anne’s! We’re both 60 this year and beyond excited that our lives have taken such a wonderful turn. So we’re packing up our Yorkshire home ready to downsize and you can be sure my Dune blanket will be coming with us on our new adventure and taking pride of place. Thank you for all your inspiration, and next time you come to St Anne’s the kettle will be on if you fancy saying hi! xx

[Ida]

My husband’s granny was an extraordinary lady with many handcraft skills. Among them crocheting. She had made a blanket with traditional granny squares (same pattern you use) but after she had passed away the blanket was put in a box and forgotten about until it was discovered again many years later. It was not in a good shape but I began to think that it could be worth saving as a memory of her. I took the blanket apart and tossed away the tattered squares, and rearranged all the worth-saving-squares on the floor. All this while listening to (and laughing to) The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Strangely, (she was very thorough) the squares were in different sizes and not easy to crochet together again into a blanket, but in the end it worked. Finally the blanket ended up in the washing machine (while holding my breath) and a miracle happened. All the squares were the same size. She had used wool yarn so that might be the reason that the granny squares got the same size in the washing machine. So when I read about your granny squares (and others) I think of her blanket and how it was restored. Her name was Kristina and lived 1898-1978.

[Pippa Sherval]

So good to see you back here, but also in the wonderful world of crochet Lucy. What better moment than this celebration of the Granny Square.
I’ve been knitting recently but I’m off to get my hook out - these squares are absolutely darling! Pippa

[CJ]

Love the Leo square, very pretty. Also just back from a much-needed break (in the Lake District) and feeling energised. It's amazing how you don't realise how much you need a change of scenery and a stepping-away from the everyday work until you actually do it! CJ xx

[Miss Daisy]

Should have been Good Morning Lucy , hate it when it adds or changes words.