How to Crochet a Granny Quilt

Crochet several granny squares and join them to make a granny quilt.

Crocheting a large quilt is a daunting task, but the outcome is very rewarding. Making a granny quilt is considerably easier because it is created in small sections of crocheted squares. These decoratively colored, crocheted squares, called granny squares, are then stitched together. By creating several rows of granny squares, the granny quilt can be customized to the desired length and width. Use different colors for each granny square to create a pattern or keep the squares identical, creating a colored theme.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn, assorted colors
• Crochet hook, any size
• Scissors
• Large sewing needle

Instructions

Crocheting a Granny Square

1. Tie a slip knot on the end of the yarn and loop it around the crochet hook. Any size of crochet hook can be used, but larger hooks will create larger holes and a looser square. Chain four and join the beginning and end with a slip knot, creating a circle.

2. Chain three to begin the second round. This counts as the first double crochet throughout the pattern. Create two double crochets within the circle. Chain two.

3. Crochet three double crochets within the circle. Chain two. Repeat this process three times, creating four clusters. Tie a slip stitch in the beginning to finish the middle of the granny square. Tie off the yarn and choose a second color of yarn, if desired.

4. Chain three and turn the square to work in the opposite direction. Crochet two double crochets in the first chain-two space. Chain two. Add three double crochets to the same chain-two space. Chain two to finish the first set of clusters on the second round.

5. Create three double crochets in the second chain-two space. Chain two. Add three double crochets to the same chain-two space. Chain two to finish the second set of clusters. Repeat this process three times around the middle of the granny square, creating clusters in each open chain-space. Tie a slip stitch in the beginning, joining the beginning and end. Switch the yarn color, if desired.

6. Chain three and turn the square to work in the opposite direction. Crochet two double crochets in the first chain-two space.

7. Chain two and make three double crochets in the second chain-three space. Chain two and add three more double crochets to the same chain-three space. Chain two and crochet three double crochets in the next chain-three space. Repeat this process three times, creating a fourth round of clusters.

8. Chain two and make three double crochets in the next chain-two space to continue the fourth round. Chain two and add three more double crochets to the same chain-two space. Chain two. Join the beginning and end with a slip stitch to finish the granny square.

9. Continue this process to create several granny squares to create the rows of the granny quilt. Estimate the desired width and length using the granny square you created to determine how many more squares you will need to finish the quilt.

Assembling the Granny Quilt

1. Place two granny squares together, right-sides facing. Thread a large sewing needle with yarn. Insert the needle through the first outside bottom chain on any corner. Line up the same chain on the granny squares and push the needle down through both, joining them together.

2. Pull the yarn almost all the way through the hole, only leaving about a 4-inch tail. Tie a small knot with the tail, securing the yarn to the bottom of the granny squares. Cut off the end of the tail near the knot.

3. Insert the needle into the second chain on the granny square, down through the top as done with the first stitch. For example, instead of creating a sewn stitch, with alternating stitches starting in the front and back, start each stitch pushing the needle down through the top. The yarn will wrap around the outside of the two granny squares.

4. Work along the edge of the granny square, creating a stitch in each chain. Only stitch together one side of the granny squares. Tie a knot at the top corner and cut the yarn.

5. Open the granny squares. Lay a third granny square on top of one of the attached granny squares, right-sides facing. Attach the new square to the other two, using the same method. Create one row of granny squares, measuring the desired width of the quilt.

6. Start the second row by attaching a new granny square to the bottom of the first granny square. Attach a second granny square to the bottom of the second granny square in the first row and to the side of the first granny square in the second row.

7. Finish the quilt by attaching all of the granny squares together, working row by row.

References

• Crochet Spot; How to Crochet a Granny Square; February 2009