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.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

[beatrice rowden]

I look forward to get started making your granny squares. Your colors are beautiful . I appreciate your instructions very much. Thank you.

[lh]

hi fyi i went to the bobble stitch video link and it took me to a porn site, may want to update that

[Sarah D'Alessio]

Hi Lucy,
Could you let me know which colours you used for these as they are gorgeous.

Thankyou

[Delia Turnbull]

GREAT THANK YOU

[Peggy]

How do you connect the squares to complete the blanket?

[wendy]

Thank you so much. You have inspired a complete beginner to start crocheting. I've tried many times and have been frustrated that I can't seem to be able to do it, but realising I can crochet left-handed together with your brilliant instructions have meant I have now completed my first ever crochet project, the Cosy Stripe blanket. I'm thrilled with it. I'm now starting some Summer garden Granny squares. I love the Summer garden granny square blanket you made, and I'm wondering if there is a pattern anywhere for it? I can't seem to find it. Keep up the fantastic work. I live in Skipton, and I'm loving your blog too and everything you do.

[Kate]

Hello!
I recently made your beautiful Harmony blanket, thanks to your clear directions and photos! Now my daughter would love for me to make one for her using this Summer Garden square. As a newcomer to crochet, I am not sure how to join these squares into a blanket. Would you recommend I make round 5 from your Harmony pattern and then join from that pattern?…Or do you have a different method for this square that you could share?

Thank you for any advice you can offer to help a newbie!
Many thanks, Kate

[Ms Pauline Komninos]

Dear Lucy,

I have been sent a 'photo of a blanket and would really like to make it. Can you help me please?

[Melody]

Brilliant clear instructions
Thank you.

[Olive]

I am very new to crochet and I can't really get the first bobble thingy :(
Do I do all the 7 bobbles into the center or into the chain? Pls help lol

[Ann]

Hi
Many thanks for this inspirational summer garden pattern. I recently learnt to crochet during lockdown and have completed my blanket. I may add a couple of butterfly buttons.
Your tutorials are so helpful
Thankyou

[Joan Sample]

Love this granny square pattern!!! Thanks for posting it. Ive got a lap blanket going. Wish you well, Joan

[Josephine Firth]

I love these circles/squares Lucy. Are these the ones that might become a bag?
Love Jo.

[Nicola]

One of your recent commenters seems not to realise you are working with UK crochet terms (UK tr = US double).

Pretty square.

[Pat]

The tc instructions are wrong that is a double crochet !

[Jn]

The to instructions for this pattern are wrong that is a double crochet.!

[Barbara douglas]

Hi I am just Half way through the hydrangea blanket and then going to start the summer garden. Really enjoying your patterns and learning to crochet again I had forgotten most things but all coming back thank you

[Annie from France]

Hello Lucy !

I have found your free pattern and I'm using it to make a blanket for my daughter who lives in England.
I have choosen three shades of blue-green for the round and white wool for the middle.
Your explanations are very easy to understand. Thank you very much !

[Mona Hendricks]

Lucy, is there a way I could get this pattern with the color combination for the squares? I ordered the yarn tha was listed from Arric 24. Please contact me as to what I can do. Thanks!
Mona
[email protected]

[Susie]

Hi Lucy--what beautiful squares! I'd love to recreate the jewel tone blanket that is done in squares of 4 blocks each. Alas, I struggle with color combos. Do you have directions along with colors for this blanket? It's one of the most beautiful I've very seen. Thanks so much!

[BARBARA KENDRY]

Hi Lucy, just wondered roughly how much wool you would need for a 48 x 60 inch blanket?

[Monica Brown]

Hi!!

My name is Monica and I live in Waldorf, Maryland, USA. I am currently making your hexagon afghan for a wedding gift. I got an email today from Pinterest about afghans, clicked on one I really liked, and I should have guessed...it was one of yours!!! You and I must have kindred souls because we seem to like the same thing...Bright colors!! Unfortunately, I do not have your ability to design!!

Thank you putting some brightness in my life!
Sincerely,
Monica Brown

[Muna Yasine]

It is very nice desighen

[Kathleen Blout]

how could I put the pieces together? please let me know and I hope there would be the video tutorial and it would be very much helpful. Thank you.

[florence]

Hi Lucy.
just watched your tutorial on this granny square. i must say that it thought me a lesson on where to start and join colours.
I am doing an 8" square for a double bed size throw and have over 60 squares ready. note that I sl stitch to join and I turned my work to access my next 3 trebles on my project. By doing only one set of trebles on the first corner has made such a difference, and i can run my loose ends into the bottom of these clusters which i try to do after a couple of my squares are complete. Thanks so much a late beginner. O A P age 72.