Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Granny Squares - tips on how to make them

HOW TO CROCHET A GRANNY SQUARE
\(O)/ 2006 Georgiann Eikenbary
(H hook and 8 rows using dc's will make a sq approximately 12")
Gauge with H hook and 4-ply yarn: 3 dc = 7/8" approx.
Granny squares are a basic crochet project and form an essential
part of many crocheted items, e.g. afghans, bedspreads, table
cloths, etc. They can be worked in a variety of colors and materials.
These instructions assume that you know how to do basic crochet
stitches. You can work your square all in one color, or change
colors each round.
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
dc = double crochet
Starting ring: Make loop on hook and ch 6, join with sl st to
form ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 to count as first dc, work 2 more dc in ring.
Ch 2 for corner. Work (3 dc, ch 2) 3 times, join with sl st
to top of starting ch 3.
NOTE for Round 2 and Round 3: If changing color on each round,
break off first color and attach 2nd color in next ch-2 corner.
If using the same color on ea rnd, sl st over the 3 dc into
the next ch-2 corner.
Round 2: Ch 3 for first dc, work 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in the ch-2
space. *Ch 1, in next ch-2 sp work 3 dc, ch 2 and 3 dc.
Repeat from * twice, ch 1, join with sl st to top of starting
ch-3.
Round 3: Join new color or sl st to ch-2 corner if using same
color. Ch 3 for first dc, work 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc as before. Ch 1,
work 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, work another corner as before.
Continue around in same manner, join with sl st to top of
starting ch 3.
Continue making squares until you have enough to complete your
project, then sew them together with appropriately colored
yarn or thread.
A simple edging or border can be added by doing 2-3 rows of dc
all around, remembering to inc on your corners on each rnd so
the piece will lie flat. Or for a more interesting look, you
can alternate 1 row of sc, next row dc, 2 or 3 times,
depending on the size and look you desire.
If you want to make a granny square all in the same color, there
are three ways to do this:
1. One way is after you complete the first
rnd, and join, sl st across to first corner sp, ch 3 and finish
next rnd, and continue this way
2. NOTE: This way is a much neater way to begin and end rounds:
(Your joining of rounds are hardly noticeable when working granny
squares this way.) Work Round 1 as for regular granny square but end
it with ch 1, sc in beg ch 3. Next round of the same color will start
with ch 3, 2 dc in same corner sp below the sc just made, and continue
and end with 3 dc in last corner sp, and begin and end each round this
way except if it's the last round of the same color, then end the round
with 3 dc in last corner space, ch 2 and join to beg ch 3. Attach new
color to any corner sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, shell between next two
shells and so on ending and beginning rounds as above.
3. Or another way is after you complete the first rnd and join, turn
your work and sl st back into the first sp that's directly below where
you joined, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, and proceed and turn after completion
of each.
SEWING GRANNY SQUARES TOGETHER:
If you plan to sew your sq's tog, after fastening off ea sq leave an
ending piece of yarn long enough to sew it to another sq, approximately
14" long.

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