Unleash Your Inner Fashionista: How to Put Together a Granny Square Cardigan

The granny square, a timeless and versatile crochet motif, has captured the hearts of crafters for generations. Its simple yet elegant design lends itself beautifully to a variety of projects, from blankets to bags. But perhaps one of the most satisfying uses for granny squares is crafting a cozy and stylish cardigan.

This blog post will guide you through the process of putting together a granny square cardigan, from choosing your yarn and colors to assembling the squares and finishing the piece. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or a beginner eager to embark on a rewarding project, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to create a unique and cherished garment.

1. Choosing Your Yarn and Colors

The first step in any crochet project is selecting the right yarn. Consider the following factors:

• Fiber: Cotton is a popular choice for granny squares due to its breathability and durability. Acrylic is another good option, offering affordability and a wide range of colors. Wool provides warmth and a luxurious feel, but may be more challenging to work with for beginners.
• Weight: Choose a yarn weight that is appropriate for the hook size you plan to use. A medium-weight yarn (worsted or Aran) is a good general choice for granny square cardigans.
• Color: The color palette is entirely up to your personal preference. You can opt for a single color for a classic look or experiment with multiple colors for a vibrant and playful design.

Once you’ve chosen your yarn, it’s time to decide on your color scheme. Consider the following:

• Monochromatic: Use different shades of the same color for a cohesive and elegant look.
• Analogous: Choose colors that are next to each other on the color wheel for a harmonious and balanced feel.
• Complementary: Select colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel for a high-contrast and eye-catching effect.
• Triadic: Use three colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel for a vibrant and balanced design.

2. Creating Your Granny Squares

With your yarn and color scheme chosen, you’re ready to start crocheting your granny squares. If you’re unfamiliar with the basic granny square pattern, there are countless resources available online and in crochet books.

Here’s a simple granny square pattern to get you started:

Round 1: Make a slip knot and chain 4. Join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as a dc), 2 dc in the ring, ch 2, 3 dc in the same ring, ch 2, *2 dc in the ring, ch 2, 3 dc in the same ring, ch 2* repeat from * to * 3 more times. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.
Round 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in the ch-2 space, ch 2, 3 dc in the same ch-2 space, ch 2, *2 dc in the next ch-2 space, ch 2, 3 dc in the same ch-2 space, ch 2* repeat from * to * 3 more times. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.
Round 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in the ch-2 space, ch 2, 3 dc in the same ch-2 space, ch 2, *2 dc in the next ch-2 space, ch 2, 3 dc in the same ch-2 space, ch 2, *2 dc in the next ch-2 space, ch 2, 3 dc in the same ch-2 space, ch 2* repeat from * to * 3 more times. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.

Continue adding rounds to your granny squares until they reach your desired size. Remember to use a stitch marker to keep track of where you are in the round.

3. Planning Your Cardigan Design

Once you have a good number of granny squares crocheted, it’s time to plan the design of your cardigan. Consider the following:

• Shape: You can choose from a variety of cardigan shapes, including rectangular, square, or even a more intricate design.
• Size: Measure your bust, waist, and hips to determine the size of your cardigan.
• Sleeves: Decide whether you want long, short, or three-quarter sleeves.
• Collar: Choose a collar style that complements your cardigan design, such as a V-neck, crew neck, or shawl collar.

4. Joining the Granny Squares

Now it’s time to join your granny squares together. There are a number of methods you can use, but the most common is the single crochet join. This method creates a seamless and secure connection between the squares.

Here’s how to join granny squares with single crochet:

1. Place two squares right sides together.
2. Single crochet through both loops of the first square and both loops of the second square.
3. Continue single crocheting along the edge of the squares, joining them together.
4. When you reach the corner, single crochet twice in the same stitch.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all of the squares are joined.

5. Shaping Your Cardigan

Once the squares are joined, you’ll need to shape your cardigan. This involves creating the neckline, sleeves, and hem.

• Neckline: To create a neckline, you can single crochet around the top of the cardigan, working in decreasing stitches to create a V-neck, crew neck, or shawl collar.
• Sleeves: For sleeves, you’ll need to join squares vertically to create the length of the sleeve. You can then shape the sleeve by single crocheting around the edge, decreasing stitches to create the sleeve opening.
• Hem: To create a hem, you can single crochet around the bottom of the cardigan, adding a few rows to create a finished edge.

6. Finishing Touches

Once the basic shaping is complete, you can add finishing touches to your cardigan, such as buttons, pockets, or a decorative border.

• Buttons: You can use a variety of buttons, from simple wooden buttons to decorative metal buttons.
• Pockets: Pockets can be crocheted directly onto the cardigan or sewn on afterwards.
• Border: A border can be crocheted around the edges of the cardigan to add a decorative touch.

7. Wearing Your Masterpiece

And there you have it! Your cozy and stylish granny square cardigan is complete. Now it’s time to wear your masterpiece with pride and enjoy the warmth and comfort it provides.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: What is the best yarn weight to use for a granny square cardigan?

A: A medium-weight yarn (worsted or Aran) is a good general choice for granny square cardigans. It provides a good balance of stitch definition and warmth.

Q: How many granny squares do I need for a cardigan?

A: The number of granny squares you need will depend on the size and design of your cardigan. It’s best to create a sample square and then use it to estimate the number of squares you’ll need.

Q: Can I use different colors for each granny square?

A: Absolutely! Using different colors for each granny square can create a unique and vibrant design. Just make sure to choose colors that complement each other.

Q: What if I don’t know how to crochet?

A: Don’t worry! There are many resources available to help you learn how to crochet. You can find online tutorials, books, and even classes at your local craft store.

Q: How can I make my granny square cardigan more unique?

A: There are many ways to personalize your granny square cardigan. You can experiment with different color combinations, add decorative elements like buttons or pockets, or even try using different crochet stitches for the borders.