This granny square may look a little more difficult, but it is easy to crochet. The aster is crocheted in one piece and simply sewn to the square. Feel free to use any colors of your choice. You may even decide to crochet squares and asters in various colors to make a true one-of-a-kind lapghan or afghan. Have fun!
Pattern Updates: This pattern was updated Sept 4, 2011 to include an optional 7th round. If you have a copy older than that, don't worry, it is still viable as originally published; the update was made to accommodate a new pattern based on this design, the aster granny square tote bag. If you want to work the granny square as pictured here on this page, omit round 7.
Skill Level: Easy
Materials Used in This Example:
Worsted weight yarn -- I used Red Heart Classic yarn colors dark sage No. 633 (A), copper No. 289 (B), bronze No. 286 (C), yellow No. 230 (D) and light seafoam No. 683 (E). You can also use a similar yarn in the colors of your choice.
Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, sewing and embroidery
US Size I hook
Finished Size: 8 inches by 8 inches
Gauge: 8 dc = 2 inches; 3 dc rows = 2 inches
Abbreviations:
ea = each
Special Stitches:
Back Loop Only - Instructions link, with photos
Directions:
Granny Square:
To Begin: With color A , chain 4, slip stitch in first chain to form a ring
Round 1: ch 3, 2 dc in loop, ch 3, * 3 dc in loop, ch 3; repeat from * 2 times; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3.
Round 2: sl st in ea of next 2 dc. sl st in next space, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in space, ch 1, * (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next space, ch 1; repeat from * 2 times; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3.
Round 3: sl st in ea of next 2 dc, sl st in next space, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in space; ch 1, 3 dc in next space, ch 1, * (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next space, ch 1, 3 dc in next space, ch 1; repeat from * 2 times; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3.
Round 4:sl st in ea of next 2 dc, sl st in next ch, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in space; (ch 1, * 3 dc in next space) 2 times, ch 1, * (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next space, ch 1, (3 dc in next space, ch 1) 2 times; repeat from * 2 times; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3.
Round 5: sl st in ea of next 2 dc, sl st in next ch, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in space; (ch 1, * 3 dc in next space) 3 times, ch 1, * (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next space, ch 1, (3 dc in next space, ch 1) 3 times; repeat from * 2 times; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3.
Round 6: sl st in ea of next 2 dc, sl st in next ch, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in space; (ch 1, * 3 dc in next space) 4 times, ch 1 * (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next space, ch 1, (3 dc in next space, ch 1) 4 times; repeat from * 2 times; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3.
If you are making this square as pictured above, end off and weave in the ends.
We also offer a free crochet pattern for a granny square tote bag, which is based on this design. If you are crocheting the tote bag, work round 7 as follows:
Round 7: ch 3, dc in ea of next 2 dc, * 5 dc in ch-3 space, (dc in ea of next 3 dc, dc in next ch-1 space) 5 times; repeat from * 3 times; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3. Fasten off. Weave ends in.
Fasten off. Weave ends in.
Aster:
With color B, ch 2.
Round 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Round 2: * sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc; repeat from * around (9 sc).
Round 3: change to color C, * sc in ea of next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc; repeat from * around (12 sc).
You will now work on the petals of the aster.
Round 4: change to color D, * ch 13, sc in 2nd< ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in ea of next 2 chs, dc in ea of next 6 chs, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch; sc in back loop of next sc of round 3, ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in ea of next 3 chs, dc in ea of next 4 chs, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sc in back loop of next sc or round 3; repeat from * 5 times.
You were working in the back loops of round 3 for the back petals. Now you will work the front petals in the front loops of round 3.
Round 5: * ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in ea of next 2 chs, sc in next ch, sl st in front loop of Round 3, repeat from * 11 times. Fasten off leaving 12" yarn tail for sewing the aster to the square. Thread tapestry needle with yarn tail. Sew aster to center of square by stitching through round 5 at base of petals. Fasten off. Weave end in.
Finishing:
Thread the tapestry needle with a 15" single strand of yarn in color indicated in photo. Embroider bud details in straight stitches and french knots in colors A, D and E.
Photos:
- Visit the following link to see a close-up photo of the embroidery placement: Aster Granny Square Embroidery Photo
- See a larger picture of the aster granny square
Learn How to Do the Embroidery:
French Knots - How to Make a French Knot
Follow this link to learn how to secure the yarn length while embroidering.
