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Free Crochet Granny Square Patterns and Tutorials

Use These Grannies to Make Afghans, Blankets, Shawls and Other Projects

By , About.com Guide

Similar Free Crochet Patterns: Granny Square Projects | Afghan Squares | Free Afghan Patterns | Granny Afghans

Use these free patterns to crochet granny square variations. They can be used to create afghans, blankets, shawls, wraps, and other assorted craft projects.

Basic Granny Square - Free Pattern and Photo Tutorial

A Granny Square Crocheted in Two Different Colors of Wool YarnBasic Granny Square - Photo © Amy Solovay

Basic granny squares can be made in many different colors, fibers and sizes. My sample granny square was crocheted using a lovely tonal brown color combination of New Zealand wool yarn, but you can feel free to experiment with materials when you crochet your own grannies.

This granny square is very easy, and it is the perfect beginner's project. However, granny squares aren't only for beginners; crocheters of all skill levels enjoy creating them and using them in innovative ways.  There are limitless possible granny square variations.

 

Granny Square Comparisons

Comparing Different Crocheted Granny SquaresComparing Different Crocheted Granny Squares - Photo © Amy Solovay

One of the simplest ways to create granny square variations: vary the number of chains used, either in the corners or between clusters of stitches. Let's compare several different granny squares, so you can get a better idea of how each simple variation turns out.

Easy Beginner's Crochet Granny Square Pattern

Easy Granny Square PatternEasy Granny Square Pattern -- Photo © Amy Solovay

This small granny square is an easy project that works for crocheters of all skill levels, even total beginners.

Granny Square With Flower Center

Aster Flower Granny SquareAster Flower Granny Square - Photo © Lori Jean Karluk

This pretty granny square features an aster design in the center; French knots and embroidered details add visual interest. This is an original crochet pattern by Lori Jean Karluk. 

Rainbow Outlines Granny Square

Crocheted Granny Square Afghan Block With Rainbow OutlinesCrocheted Granny Square Afghan Block With Rainbow Outlines - Photo © Amy Solovay

If you're looking for a colorful crochet project, this rainbow outlines granny square is a fantastic choice. I've crocheted my sample using cream colored yarn as the main color and a rainbow of other colors as accents. If you'd like to use up scrap yarn, there is no need to stick to this color scheme. You could re-color this design in many different ways.

Summer Bedspread Granny Square in Cotton Crochet Thread

Photo of a Summer Bedspread Granny SquareSummer Bedspread Granny Square - Photo © Amy Solovay, Licensed to About.com, Inc.

This design is well-suited for use in a lighweight summer bedspread. Alternatively, if you crochet it with a baby-friendly yarn, it would make a lovely baby afghan.

At first glance, you might wonder if there's any difference between this square and the basic granny square. There's definitely a difference; this square is more open and airy, even if you use heavier yarn than the cotton crochet thread I've used to make the sample square. You can compare the two designs to see how they are different.

 

V-Stitch Granny Square Variation

Fuzzy Pink Baby Afghan SquareFuzzy Pink Baby Afghan Square - Photo © Amy Solovay

This granny square variation is made using V-stitches. My sample square is worked in fuzzy pink acrylic. As shown, a bunch of these squares joined together would make a lovely baby afghan. The design is versatile and could be made in other colors and fibers as well.

Sun Center Granny Square Pattern

Granny Square With Sun Motif by Sandi MarshallSun Center Granny Square -- Photo © Sandi Marshall

Sandi Marshall designed this charming granny square pattern with a sun in the center.

Tilted Granny Square

Tilted Granny Square by Sandi MarshallTilted Granny Square -- Photo © Sandi Marshall

This is such an intriguing pattern! You might not fully appreciate it until you see the two-color version, which resembles crocheted op-art.

When you put a bunch of these squares together, even the single-color version is lively; it seems to dance to a visual rhythm all its own.

This pattern design is by Sandi Marshall.

Football Granny Square

Photo of a Crocheted Football Granny Square by Sandi MarshallFootball Granny Square - Photo © Sandi Marshall

This granny square features a football motif in the center. This pattern design is by Sandi Marshall.

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