I’ve always been a better knitter than crocheter. I can’t explain why — logically, it seems like it should be much easier to handle one crochet hook than two needles. But I picked up knitting pretty quickly and crocheting has always been a challenge.
One day, I finally sat down with a giant skein of yarn, a hook, and YouTube, and I didn’t get up until I’d figured it out. I printed out a pattern, and every time I came to a stitch I didn’t understand, I YouTube’d it. And then I was hooked (HAH! Little crochet humor for you there…).
Granny squares are my favorite. I love ’em because you can make them up pretty quickly and then try out a new pattern. You can make an entire blanket with all different granny squares, just to keep things interesting. And I find it easier to switch colors when I’m crocheting than when I’m knitting.
I found 10 beautiful (free!) granny square patterns that I want to try this summer…maybe I can make enough to get a whole blanket together in time for the cold weather. Here’s hoping…(also, keep reading for a chance to win a granny square pattern book!)
–Classic Granny Square Pattern from Purl Soho
–Flower Granny Square Pattern from The Spruce
–African Flower Square Pattern from Made in K-Town
-Daisy Granny Square Pattern from Crochet Mary Ellen
-Strong Tower Granny Square from Spinny Thingy
-Log Cabin Granny Square from Crochet Again
-Lilypad Granny Square from Pasta and Patchwork
–Loopy Granny Square from Crochet Patty
–That One Sister from Melinda Miller (this is a free pattern, but you download it straight from Ravelry, so you do need an account. You can sign up here for one if you’re interested)
–Granny Square Afghan from All Free Crafts — this is actually five different granny square patterns. You can make each one and crochet an afghan, or you could just take the patterns and do whatever you’d like with them!
Now for the fun part! I have a giveaway! If these 10 patterns just whet your appetite and you need more…or if you need some suggestions for projects to do with your granny squares now that you made them, I’ve got a book for you.
The Granny Square Book has 100 granny square patterns, plus advice on designing projects that use granny squares. It also has 25 projects to make — everything from scarves and headbands to a cute retro sweater with granny sleeves, and a toddler sweater and hat set that’s just adorable. You can buy the book now on Amazon, but I have one to give away as well! All you need to do to enter is sign up for my yarny email letter (I send it once a week with tips and patterns to knit or crochet, and I never share this email list with anyone else!) I’ll pick a winner at random and send you your book.
Happy crocheting, everyone!

Yes, I’ve been knitting for years, but have never mastered crochet. How I would love too be able to crochet just like other people, they make it look so easy. I certainly will have another try. Please help me. Shirley