We are huge admirers of Granny Squares here at Red Ted Art HQ, since Granny Squares were how we first learned to crochet. From the simple Granny Square, you can naturally create lots of wonderful Granny Square Bags, along with plenty of other enjoyable Granny Square Projects, from Christmas stockings to slippers! Once you have become confident with the Granny Square, you are just a small step away from learning Amigurumis!
Mindful Crochet Book
Mindfulness in Crochet is a delightful book written by the exceptionally gifted Emma Friedlander-Collins, whom you may also recognize on Instagram as Stitch and Steel. However, she is more than a social media expert; she is also the author of SEVERAL crochet books. Her Crochet Hacking Book is one of my particular favourites, although that is a story for another time! Today, we are focusing on her latest book, Mindfulness in Crochet!
Those familiar with us at Red Ted Art HQ will know that we don’t simply LOVE crochet; crochet has also always played an important role in our mindfulness practice. The children learned to crochet during the pandemic, when mindfulness was especially valuable… and do you know what we began with? The classic Granny Square, which we discuss below. I am thrilled that Emma has created a book dedicated to Mindfulness in Crochet, because crochet offers far more than the finished craft alone. I particularly enjoy the way the book is divided into these sections:
- Connect with the practise of mindfulness
- Bring this craft into the busy rhythm of contemporary life,
- Discover the origins of the practise in ancestral civilisations
- Find grounding by crafting outdoors,
- Create community and discover ‘craftivism’
Each of these chapters resonates with me in an often chaotic and demanding life, and I am especially drawn to the ideas surrounding community and craftivism.
So… today, we are sharing a small extract from her book, as we always enjoy a quick project: the traditional Granny Square. Rather than simply MAKING this granny square, use it as a concious choice to pause and give yourself a moment today.
Now, let’s hand things over to Emma!
MAKE A CLASSIC GRANNY SQUARE
by Emma Friedlander-Collins
Here’s a traditional granny pattern that you can adapt and use in any way you choose.
What makes this pattern so versatile is that it works with any hook size and any kind of yarn. However, if you plan to join these squares together for a future project, keeping them consistent is essential.
Working with the same hook size and yarn weight will make arranging and joining the squares considerably simpler.
Rnd 1: Ch3 (counts as 1 st tr). Working into the ring, 2tr, *ch2, 3tr*, rpt twice more, ch2, ss to top starting ch3. (four 3tr clusters and four ch2 sp).
Rnd 2: Ss to ch2 space. Ch3, 2tr, ch2, 3tr (1 st corner made), *ch1, [3tr, ch2, 3tr] in next ch2 sp*, rpt 2 more times, ch1. Join with a ss to the top of starting ch3.
Rnd 3: Ss to next ch2 sp, [ch3, 2tr, ch2, 3tr]
in sp for corner, *ch1,3tr in next sp, ch1, [3tr, ch2, 3tr] in next corner*, rpt two more times, ch1, 3tr, ch1, join with ss to top of starting ch3.
To crochet further rounds, ss to the next space. Continue following the Rnd 3 instructions: ss to the next corner, work [3tr, ch2, 3tr] in the corners and [ch1, 3tr] along the sides
Granny squares can be used in countless ways – there are truly endless possibilities! Single squares can serve as pot protectors, dishcloths, coasters, mug rugs or ornamental patches. If you accumulate a substantial pile of squares, join them together to make a blanket, cardigan or even a granny square tote bag; these also make excellent long-term projects. For projects like these, I suggest choosing a foundation colour for the beginning and end of every granny square, then adding any colour combination you prefer in between. Matching the colours at the centre and outer edge of each square will give your finished project a unified appearance.
Sooo, if you had fun with today’s project, why not pick up a copy of this beautiful book, Mindfulness in Crochet: