Classic Crochet Granny Squares

 

I was brought up in a thrifty family, and I hate waste.

Whenever I have oddments of yarn – I save them. Even short lengths.

As long as a length will fit between my 2 outstretched hands ….. I can use it for the first round of a granny square.

Anything smaller goes into a zip-lock bag to be used for teddy or doll’s faces. No waste here  !!!

 

Once you have mastered how to crochet a Granny Square – then the fun begins.

There are loads of pretty variations available – you might enjoy trying out a few different ideas. A search of the Internet will bring you lots of ideas.

But – for me – I often keep things simple – plain classic Granny Squares are a great way to use up all my oddments. Mostly they will be used to make blankets – doll’s blankets, lap blankets for the elderly, bed blankets for the homeless, shelters or hospitals ….

So, I make use of my oddments, and donate then either unjoined – or joined if I have time. Some charities have dedicated ‘square joiners’, and I know many crafters who are happy to make squares but hate joining them, so this works out really well.

I like variety – and every blanket (or set of squares) I make is different – not in method – but in style or use of colour.

If you are making a throw, afghan or blanket for yourself – you may wish to use 6 or 8 colours that complement each other, in your favourite colours or shades.

But, as my squares are usually donated, and anything goes. I use what I have.

Sometimes charities ask for a particular size – so please check what is required.

I like to play – sometimes I make the first 4 rounds using different colours of oddments, then use bigger half-balls for subsequent rounds as I don’t want to have endless ends to darn away for each square. This works well - it is a practical and pleasing method, and always looks good.

Continue until your square is the size needed.

I use DK yarn and a 3.5mm hook. I work 7 rounds to give me a 6” square.

If you use a 4mm hook you will probably find that 6 rounds will measure around 6”

 

For a 12” square I make 14 rounds.

However you choose to make them, I know that your squares will be appreciated.

If you can find somewhere local to you – then that saves on the cost and effort of getting your squares to where they are needed.

There are many charities in the UK who would welcome your squares.

Or if you are willing to send squares, or live in the Nottingham area, I can recommend Operation Orphan – they have collected squares for many years and their mission is …. "Keeping orphans & vulnerable children safe, warm, healthy & learning."

 

My latest squares will soon be making their way to PUMA Plymouth Ukraine Medical Aid 

I recently joined their fb craft group PUMA 🇺🇦 knit & crochet group – and the need is great. I can’t change the world, but I can do something…. And together, with others, we can bring joy and comfort to someone in desperate need.

If you are local to the Plymouth area – you might like to join me in supporting this group. This is what is needed ~

At the moment we are looking for bed size blankets 5' x 4' or 6'x 4'. They can be knitted or crocheted in whichever weight wool and pattern you are comfortable using.

We ask for squares to be 6"X6" or 12"x12" preferably crocheted (we are very low on these) but knitted are fine as well. Again, any weight wool and pattern of your choice. Please don't worry if your squares are not those sizes as we will use all the squares you send in to us thank you 

If you would like to sew up your squares into blankets that is fine as well. I would ask that you put a little note with how many squares are in your blanket, to save us counting. Thank you  .

We have 2 stitchup groups at the moment with more planned, and also, ladies out in the community who stitch/crochet the squares together.

Thank you to everyone who is a member or who does this in their own home. You are very much appreciated.

If anyone is interested in helping, I can deliver and collect from you locally (in and around Plymouth) or you would be welcome at either group at any time.

We have a café meetup on Wednesday from 12 till 3pm, and also on Thursday from 12 till 3pm

Our friends in Ukraine absolutely love our handmade blankets. Not only for warmth and the fact they are made with love, but also as a sign of protection, and it reminds them they are not forgotten. PUMA February 2026.

 

Happy Hooking ......... 

I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.  

However, please do not copy my patterns

Copyright © 2026      ‘made by marianna’       All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied, shared, reproduced

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