Crochet Corner

October 26th was the second in the three-part series of Handmade Holiday workshops at Tranquil Space Arlington. We had a great time exploring the art of crocheting with a mix of new to experienced crocheters. We made granny squares and shared knitting and crocheting experiences.

Here's the basic pattern for these granny squares (it is heavily inspired by other general granny square patterns using double crochet clusters and chain stitches):

Pattern notes: The granny square is really a technique in crochet of working in the round. Granny squares can be made a variety of sizes and can encompass a myriad of stitch patterns. This pattern is for a very basic granny square that I learned when I took a class at my LYS. When working in the round in this pattern, you will not be turning your work the same way that you do when working back and forth (or "flat"). Join squares end to end with a whip stitch or single crochet together to make a scarf. Change the configurations of the squares and the possibilities of what you can make are endless.

Size:             6x6 inches (or desired size)

Yarn:            Any worsted weight yarn (or any size yarn and coordinating hook size)

Hook:           H/5.0 mm or I/5.5 mm (or other preferred hook size)

Gauge:          For this pattern, gauge isn't important. Find the hook that gives you the texture and stitch size that you prefer.

Abbreviations:

ch                     chain

sl st                   slip stitch

dc                     double crochet

Ch-4 and join with a sl st OR start with magic loop

Round 1        ch-3 (counts as dc), 2 dc, *ch-2, 3 dc*, repeat from * to * three times, ch-2, sl st to join at the top of the first ch-3, sl st until reach first ch-2 space.

Round 2        ch-3 (counts as dc), (2dc, ch-2, 3 dc) in the same ch-2 space, *ch-1, in the next ch-2 space (3dc, ch-2, 3 dc)*, repeat * to * three times, ch-1, sl st to join at the top of the first ch-3, sl st until reach first ch-2 space. (You have created corners)

Round 3        ch-3 (counts as dc), (2dc, ch-2, 3 dc) in the same ch-2 space, *ch-1, 3dc in next ch-1 space, ch-1, in the next ch-2 space (3dc, ch-2, 3 dc)*, repeat * to * three times, ch-1, 3dc in next ch-1 space, sl st to join at the top of the first ch-3, sl st until reach first ch-2 space. (You have created corners and sides)

Round 4        ch-3 (counts as dc), (2dc, ch-2, 3 dc) in the same ch-2 space, *ch-1, 3dc in next ch-1 space, ch-1, 3dc in next ch-1 space, ch-1, in the next ch-2 space (3dc, ch-2, 3 dc)*, repeat * to * three times, ch-1, 3dc in next ch-1 space, ch-1, 3dc in next ch-1 space, sl st to join at the top of the first ch-3, sl st until reach first ch-2 space.

Continue this pattern, (3dc, ch-2, 3dc) in each ch-2 space and (3dc) in each ch-1 space. At the end of each round, join with a slip stitch and slip stitch to the ch-2 space to begin the next round. The ch-3 at the beginning of every round counts as the first dc. Repeat these rounds until square is desired size.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.