I need simple in my life and I need simple in my creative life to really enjoy myself. So here is my approach to the simple, granny square. Firstly the granny square -at least my simple one, breaks down into corners, edges and spaces.
The corners of the square are made up of 2 clusters of double crochet with a space between them. The spaces are the spaces between clusters consisting of 1 chain. The sides are the sides of the square consisting on 1 chain. Simple?
So here is my approach to not looking at a pattern while crocheting these granny squares.
To start:
Make a ring -chain 5 and slip stitch into the first chain (this is the ring in the middle of the square that you then crochet into)
Corners
Now make 4 corners into your ring
Corners are made up of 2 clusters with a space of 2 chains between each.
The 1st cluster in a new round:
Chain 3 into the ring (this creates the first double crochet)
Create 2 double crochet (completes your first cluster of 3 double crochet)
Chain 2 (corner space)
2nd cluster and all others:
Double crochet 3 times
You have now completed 1 corner!!
Now create your side
Chain 1 (i know it seems small, but it works -trust me)
So that is basically it. Now you have 1 corner and a side here. Repeat creating another corner (cluster, space, cluster) and then your side (single chain), corner, side -> and you have a square.
Ending your round:
Slip stitch into the 3rd chain (top of the double crochet to the left) and tie off.
Start Next round and all others:
You now have 4 spaces at each corner to crochet into and you will also have spaces available on the sides (more on the sides as your square grows). Put a corner into the corner spaces (2 clusters with a space of 2 chains between them) and work a single crochet between each cluster you work into a side space.
Summary:
1 –make a ring
2 –make a corner, 1 side chain, a corner, 1 side chain, a corner, 1 side chain, a corner, 1 side chain
3 –slip stitch and tie off
4 –work corners into the corner spaces, clusters into the side spaces with 1 side chain between clusters on sides.
That’s the formula I use!
I really like your granny squares…makes me want to take up knitting and crocheting. I like your use of colours!
I love your website, very informative and helpfull. I love the simplicity of the site and how easy is to get the idea of the pattern. Keep up the good work. Silvia Carias