For the record, I do not hate granny squares. I really don’t. I find them just as addictive to crochet as many other crocheters, besides they hold a special place in my heart.
Like many crochet lovers, granny squares were my first projects in yarn. I was eight when I made my first lopsided granny square. It was red and bright purple, and I missed a corner chain so it kinda looked more like a trapezoid. No matter how lumpy or garish that first square was, it was also a gift to my great-grandma and she hung it up prominently in her bedroom as an ornament. So, before you say I am a granny square hater, know that I am not.
But, I need to speak out about these symbols of crochet.
Granny Squares are a traditional motif, often full of holes, which to my mind mean unless you’re gonna line a garment use squares without holes. (At least for winter wear!)
These are quick, easy to make and make up great blankies on the fly. However, not all squares are grannies. It
This is a Bonnie Pierce pattern that I love!!
just really bugs me that people refer to every square as a granny square, they aren’t! We lose the richness of our crochet culture when we lump these fiber building blocks into just one name. We lose our history, we lose the nomenclature that helps us define and discuss our hobby and yes, our trade.
So, for the next week or so, I want to discuss granny squares AND motifs with you! I know from our awesome poll that most of us have a fondness for these little fuzzy bits of creative crochet goodness. I think some of you may have the same problem I do, which is that publications and yarn companies don’t always use great artistic judgement in color choices (especially for garments). I don’t mean red versus purple, I mean, some of the more outlandish schemes that might make for great home decor, but not fashion.
I also think that maybe we love the squares, but not love all of the garments made from squares that we see in publications. I know that motifs make FABULOUS fabric for garments, but it’s HOW you do it. So, let’s chat about this!
Share your pics with me! Share your thoughts! I want to know what you think!
Not all squares are grannies
