In need of a good DYI project or want to brush up on you crochet knowledge, well my dears, you have come to the right place.
My Grandma isn't Square....!
A granny square is a single square piece created with yarn by using the crochet method. It is done by working in rounds from the center outward. Granny squares are traditionally handmade & resemble coarse lace. There isn't a limit to the maximum size of a granny square, crocheters usually create multiple small squares (called "motifs") and assemble the pieces to make clothing, purses, Afghan blankets, and other household decor.
The Granny Square apparel peaked in the 1970s. & went through the 1980s. Children & Adults alike could be seen wearing Granny Square vest, shorts, hat, & wrapped in the famous style of the afghan.
Although particular color & pattern schemes for Granny Squares change with time, this motif is a staple among us crocheters. Multicolor Granny Squares are an effective way to use up small amounts of yarn left over from other projects and basic granny square motifs do not require advanced skills to make.
Early History
In wikipdia.org I found an early example of a traditional granny square, designed by a Mrs. Phelps, was published in the April 5, 1885 edition of Prairie Farmer.[3] She wrote:
I have been trying a new crocheted pattern for an Afghan, which is on the principle of the crazy work so popular now. It is made in strips of the desired length, and with two of the blocks, which I have brought, forming the width (fig. 2). The long strips are crocheted together with a double chain stitch which is twisted, and of any two desirable colors. The small blocks can be sewn or drawn together, so as to make a perfect square, this joining being done on the wrong side. The idea is to have the blocks appear as one straight strip. Use Germantown wool, the colors of the block being bright and varied to one’s taste, but the outer edge of each is black.
The "crazy work" she refers to is crazy quilting, which was a popular trend at the time. During this era, it was traditional for women to use black ribbon on the borders between crazy quilt squares[4] - much like the black borders of a traditional granny square.
The granny square motif reappeared in the 1930s, and the pattern was featured in publications such as Fleisher's Afghans.
Fly Your Stars & Strips
In honor of our nation's holiday I found several great examples of patriotic Granny Squares. They're a simple and fun to decorate.....attached is an easy peasy pattern just for you! Once you master the pattern try switching up your colors for beautiful pieces like these examples:
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