Tag: afghan

Granny Square Update… Diagonal Granny Square

The Diagonal Granny Square:

Here’s another addition the ever popular Granny Square for those of you who would like to work with 2 colours on the diagonal ~ I came up with this method after searching high & low for easy to read diagonal granny square patterns, I’m sure there are more patterns out there, I just couldn’t find them…

The written pattern for this Diagonal Granny Square is quite wordy ~ hopefully the stitch diagrams will help guide you through – the pattern is given in both UK & US terminology, with colour diagrams (chart), photos & abbreviations

This one is for you, Peggy…… enjoy!

The Humble Granny Square revisited…

The Humble Granny Square is back… most people who crochet will know The Granny Square, it’s been around forever, or so it seems & perhaps this alone may be why it is so often overlooked, or relegated to the boring basket.

However, recently I’ve been noticing a resurgence of the Granny Square in all its shapes & sizes & it’s made me think…. although I’ve gained reams of experience & moved on to more challenging projects over the years, I can’t help but be mindful of how much I owe to the good ol’ Granny Square… they are how I learnt to crochet & where my crochet journey really began so many moons ago &, I suspect, this applies to almost everyone who loves to crochet – after all, we all had to start somewhere & the humble Granny Square made with loving care is a beautiful thing.

Who hasn’t dug out that old granny square rug on a chilly winter’s evening, wrapped themselves in its wooly warmth for a night in front of TV? Have a look behind the scenes while watching your favorite sitcom, there’s most probably a brightly coloured rug thrown randomly over a chair to add that homely touch.

So, what’s so great about this little gem?

 

  • they are super easy to make
  • they are a great way to use up all those odds & ends in your yarn stash
  • you can use any yarn you like & work with any size hook you’re comfortable with
  • you can make your squares using a single colour, harmonies, contrasts, mono tones or be as random as your heart desires
  • you can make your square any size you want & join them as you wish to make a blanket, bunny rug, vest, scarf, jacket, slippers, handbag… gosh, the list is far too long to name them all
  • or you can just keep going around & around adding new colours (or not) at will
  • they are possibly the best way for learners to gain speed & understanding, with the bonus of having a lovely handmade item at the end of it
  • &, once you’ve mastered this easy one it may lead you on to try others… there are hundreds

If you are new to crochet (or perhaps just want a refresher) & would like to give the Granny Square a go you’ll find, what I hope are easy to follow instructions on, ‘The Humble Granny Square’ page of Crochet tips & Tricks – enjoy

Gran’s Garden – 25 Flower patterns

This rug (afghan) is made up of 25 flower patterns. Each flower pattern has a base round from which the main square is worked – I’ve used the humble granny square simply because it’s an easy start for the less experienced but there is no reason why you can’t used a favourite (square) of your own.

I used 8 ply Bendigo Woollen Mills yarn but here again use what you have or favour

the 4.50 hook is my preference but if you’re more comfortable with a 4.00/5.00 then go for it –

Patterns are in written (both UK & US terminology) & diagram form & include abbreviations, special stitch drawings & instructions.

Grans Garden: rug (afghan) size: approx 135 cm x 135 cm (53″ x 53″), available in my online shop

  • Total Yarn requirements:Assorted colours for flowers (see individual patterns)
  • 400 grm x Cream – (Classic Raffia 603) – Bendigo Woollen Mills   
  • 300 grm x Lt green – (Classic Moss 662) – Bendigo Woollen Mills
  • 300 grm x Lt green – (Classic Lichen 740) – Bendigo Woollen Mills
  • 250 grm x Mid green – (Classic Spinifex 605) – Bendigo Woollen Mills

  • Requirements:
  •  Hook:         4.50
  • Yarn:       100 grm x Dk green – (Classic Kelp 610) – Bendigo Woollen Mills

Placement Chart:

Use the Placement Chart as a guide only. When different colours have been used you may have to move the squares around to achieve the most pleasing colour arrangement.

Joining Squares:

  • Layout squares according to placement chart or as desired
  • pin squares together – for easier handling work with rows of 2 squares at a time – take care to always join from the same end for each row being joined
  • working right to left, with right sides of both square facing outward, work back loop (centre loops) of both squares, join Col-G in first st using one of the following joining techniques:-

1. Invisible Join: using darning needle sew each corresponding st together to end.

2. SS Join: join with ss in first st and ss each corresponding st together to end.

3. Dc (US sc) Join: join with dc (US sc) in first st, dc (US sc)  each corresponding st together to end.

All-round border: when all squares are joined, join Col-G with dc (US sc) in back loop of any corner st, 2 dc (US sc) in same st, * dc (US sc) in each st across to next corner st, 3 dc (US sc) in corner st, repeat from * around, ending with ss in first dc (US sc)  – do not finish off

Subsequent Rows (optional): work in both loops, 1 ch, dc (US sc) in same st, * dc (US sc) in each st to corner st, 3 dc (US sc) in corner st, repeat from * around, ending with ss in first st, repeat this row as many times as desired.

Last Round: work Crab st around  – finish off – weave in all tail ends

 

 

A peek at what’s inside Crochet Techniques

here’s a little peek at what’s inside Crochet Techniques

here’s a little peek at what’s inside Crochet Techniques