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The Granny Square Book: Timeless Techniques and Fresh Ideas for Crocheting Square by Square
Granny squares are to crochet what pieced squares are to quilting. They originated with pioneer women using up precious scraps of yarn to make blankets for their families, and over the years, many recognized, named patterns have been handed down from one generation to the next. Beyond this treasury of 75 different granny square motifs, Margaret Hubert shows the evolution of the granny square, how it can be used and interpreted in different ways with different yarns, and how today's crocheter can design her own projects using the granny squares of her choice with the yarn choices of today. Just as Margaret learned from her grandmother and mother and then passed the skill down to her daughter and granddaughter, each generation finds new uses and artistic ways to interpret granny squares.
176 pages, Spiral-bound
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Margaret Hubert
54 books59 followersFrom her Ravelry Profile: I have been knitting and crocheting forever. I am a mother and grandmother, and a great grandmother. I design, teach, and write books. My first book was published in 1978, and I just completed my 19th book In addition to the books, I have 2 independently produced video’s/dvd’s, and 3 self published entrelac crochet patterns. My flicker name is MHDesigner. I love it all!
I am a member of the CGOA, The Happily Hooked on Crochet chapter in CT, and a member of The Big Apple Knitters in New York City.
I am a member of the CGOA, The Happily Hooked on Crochet chapter in CT, and a member of The Big Apple Knitters in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 19, 2017
The Granny Square Book: Second Edition: Timeless Techniques & Fresh Ideas for Crocheting Square by Square is the revised edition of Margaret Hubert’s 2011 book, The Granny Square Book, which I previously reviewed. Most of the information from my original review still applies, such as my description of the book as “An ode to the granny square…along with tips for construction, design, and finishing touches. Uses U.S. pattern abbreviations for motifs and projects, and international stitch symbols for motifs.” However, the new edition has added 25 motifs, so the book now includes 100 (rather than 75) motif patterns.
The book opens with acknowledgements, a table of contents, and an updated introduction by Margaret. It then moves on to a 10-page Crochet Basics section, which provides an overview of hooks; written instructions with process photos for basic crochet stitches, two decreases, working through the back loop, and six special stitches; information about gauge; and an overview of pattern reading, along with a list of U.S. pattern abbreviations and a chart of international stitch symbols.
The 3-page Granny Square Techniques section provides written and illustrated instructions for 3 different ways to start the center ring and a step-by-step written and photo tutorial for the classic granny square. Details and Finishing is a 4-page section that shares information about the invisible join, picking up border stitches, and four methods for seaming.
The book then moves onto the motif patterns. Each motif pattern includes a flat-lay photo of the square, the skill level, the number of colors used (if more than one), an explanation of any special stitch patterns, and the pattern written both in U.S. abbreviations and in international stitch symbols. The patterns include four non-squares: the classic granny rectangle, and three half-square triangles that coordinate with a square pattern. The rest of the motifs are squares. The book lists the difficultly level for the squares as 9 beginner, 1 advanced beginner, 12 easy, and 8 experienced, with the remaining patterns listed as intermediate. In my opinion, there is not a substantial difference between the beginner, advanced beginner, and easy patterns in this book. Because the patterns in this book are occasionally reprinted from other sources and five are written by guest designers, it seems more likely that there was a lack of consistency in using the pattern difficulty levels.
As I mentioned in my first review, six of the motif patterns are reprinted from The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet. The second edition also includes the 12 floral granny square patterns from Granny Square Flower Garden. Even if you have both of these books, that still leaves you with over 80 additional granny square patterns.
The next section is Designing with Granny Squares. This section is a combination of tips for designing your own projects using granny squares and 25 project patterns. The projects include accessories, garments, baby cloths, and blankets and other home decor items. Graph It Out, two pages with text and illustration, explain how to design your own granny square pullovers in 3 styles, vests, and triangular shawls. The book ends with a thorough index.
The Granny Square Book: Second Edition: Timeless Techniques & Fresh Ideas for Crocheting Square by Square is a great resource for advanced beginner or intermediate crocheters who enjoy working with motifs and want to expand their skills. There is a range of granny square patterns including floral, lacy, and structured motifs. There is enough variety in the projects to give a crocheter some great ideas. The instructional information is very helpful for any crocheter who wants to take their skills to the next level. The section edition is a paperback, rather than spiral-bound book, but it does (mostly) lay flat and includes flaps on both covers that you can use to mark your place so you don’t have to stress while crocheting. As with the previous edition, I give this book 5 stars!
Full disclosure: A free review copy of The Granny Square Book was provided to me by The Quarto Group. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
The book opens with acknowledgements, a table of contents, and an updated introduction by Margaret. It then moves on to a 10-page Crochet Basics section, which provides an overview of hooks; written instructions with process photos for basic crochet stitches, two decreases, working through the back loop, and six special stitches; information about gauge; and an overview of pattern reading, along with a list of U.S. pattern abbreviations and a chart of international stitch symbols.
The 3-page Granny Square Techniques section provides written and illustrated instructions for 3 different ways to start the center ring and a step-by-step written and photo tutorial for the classic granny square. Details and Finishing is a 4-page section that shares information about the invisible join, picking up border stitches, and four methods for seaming.
The book then moves onto the motif patterns. Each motif pattern includes a flat-lay photo of the square, the skill level, the number of colors used (if more than one), an explanation of any special stitch patterns, and the pattern written both in U.S. abbreviations and in international stitch symbols. The patterns include four non-squares: the classic granny rectangle, and three half-square triangles that coordinate with a square pattern. The rest of the motifs are squares. The book lists the difficultly level for the squares as 9 beginner, 1 advanced beginner, 12 easy, and 8 experienced, with the remaining patterns listed as intermediate. In my opinion, there is not a substantial difference between the beginner, advanced beginner, and easy patterns in this book. Because the patterns in this book are occasionally reprinted from other sources and five are written by guest designers, it seems more likely that there was a lack of consistency in using the pattern difficulty levels.
As I mentioned in my first review, six of the motif patterns are reprinted from The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet. The second edition also includes the 12 floral granny square patterns from Granny Square Flower Garden. Even if you have both of these books, that still leaves you with over 80 additional granny square patterns.
The next section is Designing with Granny Squares. This section is a combination of tips for designing your own projects using granny squares and 25 project patterns. The projects include accessories, garments, baby cloths, and blankets and other home decor items. Graph It Out, two pages with text and illustration, explain how to design your own granny square pullovers in 3 styles, vests, and triangular shawls. The book ends with a thorough index.
The Granny Square Book: Second Edition: Timeless Techniques & Fresh Ideas for Crocheting Square by Square is a great resource for advanced beginner or intermediate crocheters who enjoy working with motifs and want to expand their skills. There is a range of granny square patterns including floral, lacy, and structured motifs. There is enough variety in the projects to give a crocheter some great ideas. The instructional information is very helpful for any crocheter who wants to take their skills to the next level. The section edition is a paperback, rather than spiral-bound book, but it does (mostly) lay flat and includes flaps on both covers that you can use to mark your place so you don’t have to stress while crocheting. As with the previous edition, I give this book 5 stars!
Full disclosure: A free review copy of The Granny Square Book was provided to me by The Quarto Group. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
July 8, 2012
Thumbs up. I borrowed this one from the library. I found it great for the level that I'm at. Instructions are written and visual (super duper helpful for when the written part is too confusing).
A few patterns that I can see coming back to for bigger projects.
A few patterns that I can see coming back to for bigger projects.
April 19, 2024
Great reference for granny squares
April 12, 2020
Best Granny Square book I’ve found!
I totally recommend this book to beginner and intermediate crochet knitters. I’ve gone through the entire book, it’s really easy to follow the instructions and it helps a lot for those with difficulties reading written or painted patterns because it has both. Great to learn many different granny squares with different degrees of difficulties from beginner to experienced.
I totally recommend this book to beginner and intermediate crochet knitters. I’ve gone through the entire book, it’s really easy to follow the instructions and it helps a lot for those with difficulties reading written or painted patterns because it has both. Great to learn many different granny squares with different degrees of difficulties from beginner to experienced.
October 30, 2022
Great instructions and wide variety of patterns
This book has a great introduction with very clear photographs detailing every step of how to create a basic granny square and stitches. I’ve been crocheting for 40 years and there were tips and tricks I learned in here. The patterns are well written and easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to put the photo of the granny square at the beginning of the instructions instead of after. It took a while ro figure out which instructions went with which picture. Other than that small thing, it’s a great book!
This book has a great introduction with very clear photographs detailing every step of how to create a basic granny square and stitches. I’ve been crocheting for 40 years and there were tips and tricks I learned in here. The patterns are well written and easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to put the photo of the granny square at the beginning of the instructions instead of after. It took a while ro figure out which instructions went with which picture. Other than that small thing, it’s a great book!
March 27, 2024
A Must-Have!
When I was growing up I was taught how to crochet a traditional granny square, but as an adult I cringed at the thought. However, this book changed that! It's full of downright gorgeous squares that are a far cry from the traditional! With patterns and step by step, creating what you see featured in the photos of the finished squares is easy-peasy! A great book to use far getting a younger generation interested, for rekindling your interest, of for expounding upon what you already know. Also, A great gift for someone who enjoys crochet.
When I was growing up I was taught how to crochet a traditional granny square, but as an adult I cringed at the thought. However, this book changed that! It's full of downright gorgeous squares that are a far cry from the traditional! With patterns and step by step, creating what you see featured in the photos of the finished squares is easy-peasy! A great book to use far getting a younger generation interested, for rekindling your interest, of for expounding upon what you already know. Also, A great gift for someone who enjoys crochet.
July 28, 2022
Creativity Flows
Great idea book! Love the garment patterns and the linked index! I crochet almost everyday and I between big projects, I need a small one. This has me out buying more yarn, excited to play with a few of the designs. Doing a square here and there is a great way to break-up the monotony.
Great idea book! Love the garment patterns and the linked index! I crochet almost everyday and I between big projects, I need a small one. This has me out buying more yarn, excited to play with a few of the designs. Doing a square here and there is a great way to break-up the monotony.
December 13, 2024
Very Informative and Creative
I’m not new to crochet but my mother never taught me how to crochet granny squares. Now that she’s gone it means a lot to me to carry on the craft. This book showed me several things that I was flailing at. Thank you for clear and easy instructions for making granny squares and other projects.
I’m not new to crochet but my mother never taught me how to crochet granny squares. Now that she’s gone it means a lot to me to carry on the craft. This book showed me several things that I was flailing at. Thank you for clear and easy instructions for making granny squares and other projects.
October 27, 2022
Beautiful, easy to follow instructions
I love this book. I want to make nearly every single square shown in here. I have long had an idea of making a sort of crazy quilt but with granny squares and with this books guidance I can finally make it happen.
I love this book. I want to make nearly every single square shown in here. I have long had an idea of making a sort of crazy quilt but with granny squares and with this books guidance I can finally make it happen.
March 15, 2024
Quite Complete for crocheters
Many nice patterns with what looks like easy instructions Goes from beginner to experienced. Patterns include some items that use granny squares to create designed clothing.
Many nice patterns with what looks like easy instructions Goes from beginner to experienced. Patterns include some items that use granny squares to create designed clothing.
March 26, 2024
Very good informative book
This is a wonderful book to get a hold of if you love to crochet and it is jam packed full of great information and charts Easy to read as well as understand
This is a wonderful book to get a hold of if you love to crochet and it is jam packed full of great information and charts Easy to read as well as understand
April 10, 2024
Excellent Granny Square book
A lot of pictures showing step by step crochet stitches. Also has a lot of fun granny square pattern ideas/patterns. If you like granny squares and crocheting granny square projects then you will really like this book.
A lot of pictures showing step by step crochet stitches. Also has a lot of fun granny square pattern ideas/patterns. If you like granny squares and crocheting granny square projects then you will really like this book.
December 30, 2024
Thus a great little book if you want to try the granny squares
Thus book is great for beginners who want to crochet granny squares and want ro know how to do different stitches for making blackets
Thus book is great for beginners who want to crochet granny squares and want ro know how to do different stitches for making blackets
June 12, 2017
I LOVE this book and cannot wait to own it! The squares are cute and have easy to follow patterns.
October 13, 2020
Excellent book. I wish the back section was more organized by the project type, but this really makes me think I can crochet some granny squares!
Time to go through my yarn.
Time to go through my yarn.
February 17, 2021
If you’re into Granny Squares, this is the only book you’ll ever need
July 2, 2021
Granny square
The patterns are beautiful and there’s great information. I think a beginner would be lost. Can’t wait to make a few.
The patterns are beautiful and there’s great information. I think a beginner would be lost. Can’t wait to make a few.
October 7, 2022
So many gorgeous ideas with simple instructions!
January 5, 2023
This book helped me actually wrap my head around how to do granny squares! I'm still learning crochet beyond the basics, so I'm excited to finally know how to do this basic square!!!
January 19, 2023
good but not great
Half the squares are interesting. Kindle version is confusing with placement of square images vs pattern. Patterns in the end are interesting but slightly cheesy.
Half the squares are interesting. Kindle version is confusing with placement of square images vs pattern. Patterns in the end are interesting but slightly cheesy.
May 10, 2023
Easy
Fun. Cute squares. Easy to follow. A little at a time makes it easier not to allow it to be too tight or loose. Thanks!
Fun. Cute squares. Easy to follow. A little at a time makes it easier not to allow it to be too tight or loose. Thanks!
February 7, 2024
Clear, easy to follow patterns that work up as expected. Definitely haven’t tried all 100, but I’m feeling pretty damn accomplished given the ones I have tried. I expect to refer to this book often.
August 4, 2024
DNF. I had trouble following the instructions in this one. I may read it again as I get more adept at crocheting.
August 28, 2024
Best I've found so far
This book is wonderful. It has both written and graphs. Perfect for more complicated square. Absolutely love it. I'm having so much fun with it.
This book is wonderful. It has both written and graphs. Perfect for more complicated square. Absolutely love it. I'm having so much fun with it.
December 30, 2024
lots of illustrations and easy to read directions for many stitches.
February 9, 2025
Many lovely granny square variations.
Instructions are written out and charted.
Instructions are written out and charted.
June 29, 2022
Speechless
I seldom write a review and this time it would not be fair.
if you crochet, you will love it.
Simply the best.
I seldom write a review and this time it would not be fair.
if you crochet, you will love it.
Simply the best.
February 13, 2017
Wonderful Ideas!
I loved all the instructions and ideas to make beautiful items for my home. It also has great gift ideas for family and friends.
I loved all the instructions and ideas to make beautiful items for my home. It also has great gift ideas for family and friends.
December 28, 2011
(This review is part of a series of reviews of books in my granny square collection. For these reviews, the # of granny squares refers to the number of patterns for squares that are crocheted in the round, not the total number of patterns in the book.)
Summary: An ode to the granny square, with 75 motif patterns and 25 projects using granny squares, along with tips for construction, design, and finishing touches. Uses U.S. pattern abbreviations for motifs and projects, and international stitch symbols for motifs.
# of granny squares: 74
What I like:
The spiral binding allows the book to lay flat so you can read and crochet at the same time.
All motif patterns include both U.S. pattern abbreviations and international stitch symbols.
The introduction includes reflections on the Hubert family's love of grannies, as well as personal quotes from other crochet designers about granny squares.
The "Crochet Basics" section includes descriptions with photos of crochet stitches (including basics and special stitches), so the book is very beginner friendly. This section also includes an overview of crochet pattern reading, multiple techniques for starting a motif (adjustable loop, slip knot, and chain ring), joining and seaming working with multiple colors, and edgings. This section includes plenty of text and also some step-by-step photos. This chapter is something you can skip over and just dive into the patterns, but it includes the types of tips and tricks that can make your work look more polished.
There are many really pretty floral themed grannies.
Three of the motif patterns include matching half square (triangle) patterns.
Each motif pattern includes a difficulty rating.
The project section includes some design tips and suggestions for "graphing out" project ideas.
What I didn't like or what's missing:
Six motif (5 granny) patterns were already included in The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet, another book by Hubert published by Creative Publishing International.
There is a fair amount of overlap in content in the Crochet Basics section of this book and the Crochet Motif Workshop section of Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs. The motif patterns are different enough to make it worthwhile to own both books, though.
Most of the swatches are made with mercerized cotton, and there is a lot of "shine" visible in the pictures.
The project patterns don't include international stitch symbols.
Type: Spiral-bound hardcover book.
Overall rating (out of 5 stars): 5 (If you already own Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs, remember that you will already have a lot of the same content, but different motif patterns.)
Summary: An ode to the granny square, with 75 motif patterns and 25 projects using granny squares, along with tips for construction, design, and finishing touches. Uses U.S. pattern abbreviations for motifs and projects, and international stitch symbols for motifs.
# of granny squares: 74
What I like:
The spiral binding allows the book to lay flat so you can read and crochet at the same time.
All motif patterns include both U.S. pattern abbreviations and international stitch symbols.
The introduction includes reflections on the Hubert family's love of grannies, as well as personal quotes from other crochet designers about granny squares.
The "Crochet Basics" section includes descriptions with photos of crochet stitches (including basics and special stitches), so the book is very beginner friendly. This section also includes an overview of crochet pattern reading, multiple techniques for starting a motif (adjustable loop, slip knot, and chain ring), joining and seaming working with multiple colors, and edgings. This section includes plenty of text and also some step-by-step photos. This chapter is something you can skip over and just dive into the patterns, but it includes the types of tips and tricks that can make your work look more polished.
There are many really pretty floral themed grannies.
Three of the motif patterns include matching half square (triangle) patterns.
Each motif pattern includes a difficulty rating.
The project section includes some design tips and suggestions for "graphing out" project ideas.
What I didn't like or what's missing:
Six motif (5 granny) patterns were already included in The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet, another book by Hubert published by Creative Publishing International.
There is a fair amount of overlap in content in the Crochet Basics section of this book and the Crochet Motif Workshop section of Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs. The motif patterns are different enough to make it worthwhile to own both books, though.
Most of the swatches are made with mercerized cotton, and there is a lot of "shine" visible in the pictures.
The project patterns don't include international stitch symbols.
Type: Spiral-bound hardcover book.
Overall rating (out of 5 stars): 5 (If you already own Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs, remember that you will already have a lot of the same content, but different motif patterns.)
July 17, 2013
A well-organized, beautifully written and photographed compendium of granny square designs, with lots of possible options for making up your own variations, different sorts of yarns to try, etc. The instructions are both charted and given inside each pattern, which is my favorite way of doing this. There are 75 different squares shown, and then the last third of the book has patterns in which to use some of those squares. All easy to follow, all written as though the reader/crocheter actually has some brains, kwim?
Highly recommended, five stars. In fact, I loved it so much, I bought a copy of my own and returned this copy to the library. It's available on Kindle, not too expensive there, and although on my old kindle (Generation 1) It's only black-and-white, it's good enough for my use. I make far, far too many afghans ANYway (siggggh) and this ain't gonna help.....! Beautiful stuff, truly.
Highly recommended, five stars. In fact, I loved it so much, I bought a copy of my own and returned this copy to the library. It's available on Kindle, not too expensive there, and although on my old kindle (Generation 1) It's only black-and-white, it's good enough for my use. I make far, far too many afghans ANYway (siggggh) and this ain't gonna help.....! Beautiful stuff, truly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews