Crochet squares, patterns and descriptions, how to knit Afghan, granny, openwork motifs

Knitted squares conveniently arranged both horizontally and vertically. This provides an opportunity for creativity and artistic embodiment of the needlewoman's idea. Short descriptions and simple schematic drawings are easy to remember and reproduce with a crochet hook many times.

What is a granny square?

This is the easiest and fastest way to knit a square. It consists of 5-8 air loops of the initial chain, connected in a ring and groups of 3 double crochets. These double crochets are knitted in the corners in a special way, which is why a right angle is obtained. Each craftswoman chooses the size of the squares, yarn, color combination, and the way of connecting the motifs together at her own discretion.

It is called "granny square" because in the past, needlewomen did not throw anything away, everything was used. The threads left over from previous works were combined and new items were knitted for the home and family.

Necessary materials and tools

Most often, the model to be knitted determines the materials and tools. But in the case of the "granny square" it often happens the other way around. It is the volume and coloring of the balls left over from previous works that determine what will be knitted from them.

You will need:

• yarn (wool, semi-wool, acrylic, cotton);
• hook of the appropriate size (preferably No. 3 or No. 4);
• needle for sewing knitted elements and products.

Recommendations for knitting squares

The introduction of another color must be done in the last loop of the row, so that the new row begins with a new shade. This is done in all cases when another introduction is not specified. Otherwise, the row will look defective. The ends of the newly introduced threads are either pressed to the product and knitted together with it, or hidden on the back side after making an element in the same color.

It is important to maintain the same yarn material. If some motifs are knitted with wool and others with synthetics, it is possible that the woolen squares may shrink after washing. Adding artificial yarn to the wool thread will help avoid this.

If you choose to knit 3 air loops in the corners, then you need to adhere to this throughout the knitting. Then the corners will be even.

Classic granny square

Abbreviations in the text:

• vp - air loop;
• st.b/n - single crochet;
• st.s/n - double crochet;
• st.v/p - a column with an extended loop;
• connecting loop - connecting loop.

A chain of 5 air loops is closed into a circle with a connecting loop:

1. 3 ch, 2 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc, 2 ch, 1 sl st in the 3rd st from the beginning of the row. You will get 4 groups of double crochets with 3 pieces in each, and 2 air loops between them.
2. 3 ch. To form a corner under the arch from 2 ch of the previous row, knit 2 groups of 3 dc, between which make 2 ch. This must be repeated three times for all corners. At the end 2 dc, 1 sl st.
3. 3 ch for lifting, 2 dc, 2 groups of 3 dc under the corner arch, between which 2 ch. Then 3 dc between the posts of the bottom row. Next, form a corner and repeat twice more, close the row with a slip loop.

In a similar way, you should expand the square to the desired size. In another version of the "granny square", 1 chain stitch is knitted between groups of double crochets (not corner ones). This should be done if the yarn is thick or fluffy.

Crochet squares look beautiful if each row is knitted in a different color, small colorful squares are obtained. On the other hand, the schematic description allows each square to be knitted entirely in one color, but the squares themselves can be knitted in many different shades of one color or color combinations.

Granny Square in Spanish

Based on the "granny square" pattern, an interesting version with elongated loops was invented. It is called "Spanish square". Knitting is especially eye-catching if the color scheme is carefully selected, has smooth transitions from one color to another.

You can start knitting elongated loops from any row, but you need to do this with a new color:

1. First, 3 circles are knitted in the usual way.
2. On the fourth circle, the color of the thread changes. Knit 3 VP, yarn over, pull the loop out from under the arch 2 rows below. Three loops have formed on the hook. They are knitted in pairs like a regular double crochet.
3. The third column is knitted in the usual way.
4. The corner groups of stitches are knitted without changes.
5. In the space between the group of columns of the previous row, 1 dc is knitted, 1 dc in the middle of the previous extended loop and 2 rows below, 1 dc.
   
6. Continue working until the desired size is reached, making sure that the extended loops do not pull the pattern together, but are not knitted too loosely either.

Non-square "granny square"

The knitting principle remains the same - groups of 3 double crochets, between which:

• no loop;
• there is 1 ch.

And to form the corners, 2 more loops are introduced, two groups of double crochets are knitted under the same arch.

Tight square

Step by step process:

1. In a ring of 5 ch, 3 ch are knitted for lifting, 2 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc, 2 ch, 1 slip stitch into the third loop from the beginning.
2. 3 ch, over 2 dc of the lower row, 2 dc are knitted. In the corner under the arch, 2 dc are knitted, 2 ch, 2 dc in the same arch. In each column of the lower row, a double crochet of the new row is knitted. Then the corner is formed. You need to continue knitting like this, at the end 2 dc and 1 sl st in the third lifting loop.
3. 3 ch, 4 dc in each column of the bottom row. Then knit a corner. Go to knitting 7 dc over each column of the second row. Go to knitting a corner. After the fourth corner, knit another 2 dc and connect to the beginning of the row.
4. It turns out that in each new row, 2 dc are added to the existing columns on one side of the square on both sides.
   
5. Expansion should be continued until the desired size is reached.

Square motifs connected from the corner

Crochet squares, the patterns and descriptions of which are quite diverse, offer a wide range of choice. Interesting and unusual look "granny squares", connected from the corner. There is no difficulty in this work, just the principle of knitting is somewhat different.

Description of the scheme:

1. The first 2 rows are knitted in the usual way.
2. The next 3rd and 4th rows are done only on two sides with the introduction of a new color.
3. The color changes and 2 more rows are knitted on both sides. And so on.

The final row goes around all four sides, turning the square into a finished piece.

Option 2

Here, knitting begins with a chain of air loops, closed into a ring. And then only two sides of the square are knitted with one corner between them. A skillful combination of colors gives an unusual effect.

In a spiral

To implement this option, which seems complicated at first glance, it is important to know in advance how many colors will be used in the pattern.

To make a spiral square, you need an odd number of colors:

1. The chain of 5 VP and the first row are knitted as usual.
2. In the second row, the thread changes. First, 1 VP is formed from the new yarn. Then the hook is inserted under 3 VP of the bottom row. Then 4 sides of the square are knitted, but the last corner is not knitted. The loop is pulled out and left open.
3. In the new row, the next colored thread is inserted under 3 VP of the lower row. It is also tied on all sides without the last corner.
4. Continue to insert all the threads involved in creating the pattern one by one.
5. Now you need to return to the second unfinished row. In the place where the corner should have been, knit a group and 3 dc. Then through one color under the next arch of 3 ch knit 3 dc. Then continue knitting 3 dc along this entire unfinished side, as if finishing it. Knit the corner and go to the second side of the square. So go along three sides.
6. Go to the third row and finish knitting in the same way. If necessary, according to the pattern, then knit one more side.
   
7. Do this with each color, paying attention to the fact that the sides of the square are the same length.

Flower motif

In this pattern the petals are voluminous.

It is recommended to knit them in a contrasting color.

1. 8 dc are knitted into a slip stitch. It is tightened, the row is closed with 1 slip stitch.
2. 1 ch, 1 sc, 2 ch. In total there should be 8 sc and 2 ch between them.
3. Cut the thread and hide the end on the back side.
4. Using the red thread, attach 1 ch under the chain of 2 ch. To do this, insert the hook under the arch, grab the working thread, pull it out, grab the thread from the ball again and knit 2 loops with one.
5. 3 ch for lifting, 4 dc under the same arch. Remove the hook, insert into 3 ch for lifting, grab the remaining loop, throw the working thread and pass through the loops formed on the hook.
6. 2 ch. Under the arch of 2 ch, knit 5 dc, remove the hook, insert it into the first dc, pick up the remaining loop, throw the leading thread and pull it through the loops on the hook.
7. 2 ch. Then repeat step 6. Finish the row with 2 ch, 1 sl st.

Make 1 air loop with green thread, attach it under the arch of 2 air loops:

1. 3 ch for lifting, 2 dc.
2. 3 dc under the arch that goes in the direction of knitting, 3 ch. Knit 3 dc here. This will be the corner.
3. Knit 3 dc into the next arch.
4. Continue with granny square to desired size.

Openwork square

Based on the beloved “pineapple” pattern, squares are knitted for a tablecloth, an openwork blouse, and a shawl.

Crochet squares, the patterns and descriptions of which are always simple, are suitable for beginner needlewomen and very young craftswomen. A version of an openwork square for a bedspread made of yarn of 3 colors. The diagram shows the places where the squares are connected to each other. They are tied in the process of knitting the last row of one motif to a picot of 3 air loops of another motif.

Afghan square

Crochet squares (diagrams and descriptions of some of them are presented below) have national features, for example, the Afghan square. The principle is similar to the "granny square". To knit the element, you need to keep in mind that it contains floral motifs. To form a petal, lush columns or columns with one vertex are often used.

Lush column

The hook is inserted into the loop of the bottom row. The loop is pulled out by 1 cm. Yarn over again and the loop is pulled out. Yarn over again, pull the loop out.

And only after this all the loops on the hook are knitted into one loop.

Columns with one vertex

Knit 1 double crochet, but not to the end, but so that 2 loops remain on the hook. Knit 2-3 more double crochets in the same way. And then knit all the loops on the hook with one loop.

Methods for connecting knitted squares

There are many ways to combine motifs into a single piece: simple, relief, openwork, without breaking the thread, with knitting the last row.

Method 1. Simple stitching with a thread and needle:

1. Place 2 motifs wrong side to wrong side.
2. Starting from the corner, sew the corresponding loops of both squares using an overcast stitch.
3. Sew individual motifs into a ribbon of the desired length.
4. Then sew the ribbons together, paying attention to the front and back sides.

Method 2. Connection using half-columns:

1. Fold 2 squares face out.
2. Attach a thread to the corner of one of them, pick it up from below and knit an air loop.
3. Pull the thread from the ball through the corner loop of the first square and the loop on the hook (slip stitch).
4. Now pull the thread from the ball through the corresponding corner loop of the second square and the loop on the hook (second slip stitch).

Continue along the entire length of the side, alternately addressing the loops of one or the other motif. You will get a zigzag stitch. If the threads are thin, you can thread them only through one wall of the loop.

Method 3. Connecting with single crochet stitches:

1. Place 2 motifs with wrong sides together.
2. Starting from the corner, attach the thread, form a chain stitch.
3. Insert the hook under the loops of 2 squares at the same time, pull out the loop.
4. Grab the yarn from the ball and knit it through both loops on the hook (single crochet). Continue to the corner.
5. To the 2 already connected motifs, without tearing the thread, apply the next 2 folded squares. Continue further until all the squares for this width are used. You will get a ribbon of paired squares. There will be several of these ribbons.
6. Connect the strips with their long sides together.
7. Now you need to knit the remaining spaces across the squares. Having reached the seam on the next strip, you should simply move to another pair of motifs across the top.

This method produces a relief pattern of joints on one side and a completely flat surface on the other side of the product.

Method 4. Openwork connection using air loop arches:

1. In the corner of the first square, knit an arch of 7 ch.
2. An arch of 5 ch is knitted between groups of 3 sc.
3. Knit a loop of 7 ch into the corner again.
4. Tie the second side of the square with arches.
5. In the corner, knit 7 ch and move to the next square, knitting 1 sc in the corner.
6. 2 ch, 1 sc along the arch of the first square (not the corner one), 2 ch, 1 sc in the space between the groups of columns of the second square, as if finishing knitting the arch. Continue attaching to the corner. At the end of this row: 3 ch from the second square, 1 sl st under the arch of 7 ch of the first square (attach), 3 ch and return to the arch of the second motif with a column.
7. Then continue knitting arches of 5 VP along the 2nd and 3rd sides of the second square.
8. Repeat steps 3-6 the required number of times.
9. Finish this strip by tying arches of 5 ch along four sides of the squares in a row.
10. Proceed to the 3rd row in the same way.

When knitting a blanket or pillow, this method connects all the squares into a single piece without tearing the thread. Only one side of the product remains unfinished, which is tied with arches along the entire length at once to complete the work.

Method 5. Joining with the last row:

1. Crochet squares, the patterns and descriptions for which differ from each other, also have different options for attaching them one to one. This method is ideal for the "granny square", but not only. It will seamlessly connect all the squares with a common color, and the thread will not need to be torn off during the work.
2. To begin, 1 square is tied on three sides with the last row of groups of double crochets. The connection occurs from the corner.
3. 1 ch, 1 sl st under the corner arch of the next square, 1 ch. 2 dc are added to the corner of the new square. Knitting continues on the new square.
4. 1 sl st is knitted into the space between the groups of columns of the first motif, a group of 3 dc of the last row is knitted into a new square. Then again tie the first square 1 sl st into the space between the columns and make 3 dc into the second square. So get to the corner.
5. In the corner, 3 dc are knitted, 1 ch, 1 slip stitch under the arch of the first square, 1 ch, 3 dc in the corner of the second square. The corner is now tied.
6. Now continue tying the last row around the second and third sides of the attached element.
7. With the third motif, repeat steps 2-4.

The result should be a strip of motifs, tied with the last one row on three sides. To complete the pattern, the fourth side is tied with groups of 3 double crochets on all elements at once. Then proceed to attaching the second row of squares.

When all the motifs are combined, only one side will remain unfinished. It is completed with the last row, which will be common to all the squares on this side.

Knitted Square Ideas

In one piece of fabric, you can combine squares of different sizes, as long as they are united by a single style. You can also knit numbers and letters in a square, or make up names. Then the children won't quarrel over whose blanket or sweater it is. You can use different patterns, but keep the same size of the motifs. Squares are used to trim the edge of a poncho, shawl, or bedspread.

They are sewn as an openwork element into fabric items. The worn places in your favorite things can be decorated with a square motif in the same tone or in a contrasting color. Squares are used to finish knitting the sleeves and hem of a dress that has become too small.

It is easier and simpler to knit a large item using small ready-made squares of the same size. Having a hook and a couple of skeins of thread, you can knit in transport, at the dacha, on vacation, and not only at home. Just 20-30 minutes of time, a pattern - and a medium-sized square is ready. The description of the products does not necessarily require the purchase of new threads, it is quite possible to use the remains of yarn from previous works.

Video about crocheting squares

How to crochet a granny square: