Sunday 22 April 2018

The Granny Stripe - Crochet Tutorial

Who doesn't love a granny stripe?  The granny stripe blanket is in my opinion, the most quintessential crochet blanket of them all...  They have been around for decades and the basic pattern is so easy to master.  You only need to know a few basic stitches and in no time at all, you can create a gorgeous, squishy, stripy, colourful blanket, perfect for snuggles on the sofa.




The Granny Stripe


US terms are used throughout.

Abbreviations
 sc Single crochet  
dc Double crochet 
 sl st Slip stitch  
ch Chain  
sp Space  
 sk skip 


Notes:  You can use any yarn weight you like with this stitch, just use the hook size recommended on your yarn ball band.

Foundation Chain   a multiple of 3 + 1 (keep chaining until you reach the required width of your blanket).


Row 1 dc in the 4th chain from hook, *sk 2 chains, 3 dc in the next chain* repeat from * to * until the last 3 chains, sk 2 chains and 2 dc in the last chain. Turn. We will now be working in the spaces between each group of stitches 


Row 2 chain 3, 3 dc in the next sp (in between the first 2 dc and the next 3 dc) and in each sp along the row.  End with 1 dc in the last stitch (top of chain 3 from previous row).  Turn. 


Row 3 chain 3, dc in the first sp, 3 dc in the next space and every space along finishing with 2 dc in the last sp.  Turn 


Rows 2 and 3 form the pattern, continue in this way changing colours when ever you like...





...until your blanket is the desired length.  Fasten off and weave in ends. 

You could end up with something like this...


The full detailed pattern for this blanket is available in both my Etsy and Ravelry stores.




The granny stripe is one of my favourite go to patterns for blankets.  The easy repetition makes it perfect TV crochet and you have so many options when it comes to colour.  The pattern will also work with any gauge yarn, just use the recommended hook from the yarn ball band.

Here are a few I have made in the past...





I will be back with more patterns to share with you soon.
Take care
Catherine
x


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Sunday 15 April 2018

How to Make the Perfect Granny Square (without twisty corners) - Crochet Tutorial

Everyone loves a granny square and there are many different ways to make them and many tutorials available on the web.  This tutorial particularly focuses on avoiding that "twist" you get after working a few rounds in the traditional method.  This is particularly helpful when making large granny squares or a giant granny square blanket.



The Perfect Granny Square


Abbreviations  (US terms)
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet
sl st - slip stitch
 ch - chain
 sp - space


Other notes: I used a 5mm (H) hook with Aran weight cotton yarn to make my squares, but you can use any yarn you like, just use a hook recommended on your yarn ball band.  I like to start my rounds with a chainless dc, you can do this too if you wish, or just stick to the traditional ch3.  Join new colours with a sl st, if you wish to make your squares a single colour, sl st into the corner sp to start next round.

 Foundation Chain 4 and join with  sl st to form  ring

Round 1 (right side) ch3, 2dc into ring, ch2, [ 3dc into the ring, ch2] 3 times, join with  sl st to top  ch3 and fasten off.  Turn.


Round 2  join new colour in any corner sp, ch3, 2dc into same sp, ch2, 3dc into same sp (corner formed), [ 3dc into next sp, ch2, 3dc into same sp] 3 times, join with sl st to top ch3 and fasten off.  Turn.


Round 3  join new colour in any corner sp, ch3, 2dc in same sp, ch2, 3dc in same sp, [3dc in next sp, 3dc in next sp, ch2, 3dc in same sp] 3 times, 3dc in next sp, join with sl st to the top ch3 and fasten off.  Turn.


Continue in this way...


...round after round...


...in the same manner...



...changing colours and turning your work over after each round (this keeps your squares nice and straight with no twisty corners and adds a lovely texture).  Oh and don't forget to weave in all those pesky ends...


This tutorial is available in an ad free pdf format in my Etsy Store...

Pin it for later...


Now you have mastered the basic granny square you can use this for the base of many projects.  Make lots of squares and join them together to make a blanket or throw.  For a super easy baby blanket project just keep adding more and more rounds to your square until you get to the size you want and you can make a pretty blanket like this one...

The Beginners Blanket



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Enjoy!
Catherine
x






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