Granny squares are a crochet classic for a reason! These simple motifs add a touch of vintage charm and can be combined to create countless projects. Today, we’re turning our focus to the beloved granny square cardigan. This pattern is beginner-friendly, infinitely customizable, and the perfect way to add a cozy, handmade piece to your wardrobe. Whether you’re heading out for a casual day or layering up for warmth, this cardigan is sure to become a favorite.
Project Overview:
- Difficulty: Beginner+ (Simple stitches, may require some experience joining squares)
- Finished Project: A cozy and stylish open cardigan.
- Potential Uses: Everyday wear, layering piece, gift-making.
Materials
- Yarn: Medium-weight yarn (#4) in your colors of choice. I used an acrylic blend for its softness and affordability.
- Hook: 6.0mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain the correct gauge in your chosen yarn)
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and finishing touches.
- Stitch Markers: (Optional, but highly recommended!)
Granny Square Basics: Mastering the Essential Crochet Stitch
The heart of this project lies in the classic granny square. Here’s a quick refresher (or beginner’s guide) to the basic stitch pattern:
- Chain (ch): The foundation of many crochet projects.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining rounds or creating a closed ring.
- Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch, often used in patterns like this one.
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): A slightly shorter stitch for a tighter fabric.
Choosing Your Colors: Personalizing Your Granny Square Cardigan
Here’s where you get to let your creativity shine! Granny square projects are perfect for using up leftover yarn or coordinating a specific color palette. Consider solid colors, variegated yarns, or a mix of both for a unique look. The possibilities are endless!
Assembling Your Squares: Joining Techniques for a Seamless Look
Once you have a collection of granny squares, it’s time to join them. There are several methods, but we’ll use a simple slip stitch join for a clean and sturdy finish.
Crafting the Perfect Fit: Shaping Your Granny Square Cardigan
While the granny square cardigan has a naturally relaxed fit, some shaping is involved. We’ll create sleeves and a body with easy increases and decreases to ensure it drapes beautifully.
Finishing Touches: Adding Flair to Your Granny Square Cardigan
Make it truly your own! Add a border, try different edgings, or even incorporate pockets or a hood. The options to customize your cardigan truly are limitless.
Written Pattern: Cozy Granny Square Cardigan
This written pattern details the creation of a cozy granny square cardigan for women. Difficulty level is considered beginner+, assuming familiarity with basic crochet stitches like chain (ch), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), and slip stitch (sl st).
Remember, this is just an overview! Here’s a full written breakdown, inspired by the wonderful tutorial created by @BrennysCrochet1111 on YouTube ([https://www.youtube.com/@BrennysCrochet1111]). I highly recommend her video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LZMr2OrMfY&t=1s) for a more visual guide.
Gauge:
- Make a 4″ x 4″ granny square using your chosen yarn and hook to check gauge. Adjust hook size if needed.
Granny Square:
- Round 1: Ch 4, join with a sl st to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in the ring, ch 2, 3 dc in the ring, ch 2, 3 dc in the ring, ch 2, 3 dc in the ring, sl st to join (corner made).
- Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in the corner ch-space, ch 2, 3 dc in the next ch-space, ch 2, 3 dc in the next ch-space, ch 2, 3 dc in the next ch-space, ch 2, 3 dc in the corner ch-space, sl st to join. (Corner made).
- Rounds 3- desired size: Repeat Round 2, increasing corner spaces by 2 ch at the beginning of each corner section.
- Finishing: Fasten off and weave in ends.
Making the Granny Squares:
- Crochet the desired number of granny squares, considering the size you want for your finished cardigan.
- You can make all the squares the same color, or create a fun, multicolored design!
Joining the Squares:
- Lay the squares out in the desired layout for your cardigan back and front.
- Using a yarn needle and yarn in a contrasting color (optional), join the squares together with a simple slip stitch join.
- Sew the squares together along the sides that will form the seams of the cardigan.
Shaping the Body:
Sleeves:
- Leave out a designated number of squares on each side for the sleeves (typically 3-4 squares).
- On the armhole edge, join the top squares together using a decreasing technique. Here’s an option: Skip the last two stitches of one square, then sl st through the top two stitches of the next square. Repeat for all armhole squares.
Shoulders:
- Once the armholes are shaped, join the remaining squares across the top of the back using a slip stitch join.
Body Shaping (Optional):
For a more fitted silhouette, you can add a slight decrease at the waist. Here’s a suggestion:
- On a designated row across the desired waistline, skip the last stitch of each granny square before joining them together.
Finishing Touches:
- Edging: Crochet a border around the entire cardigan for a polished look. Choose your favorite edging stitch, like single crochet or a decorative pattern.
- Buttons & Buttonholes: Add buttons and buttonholes for closure (optional).
- Weave in Ends: Neaten your project by weaving in all loose yarn ends.
Congratulations! You’ve crocheted a beautiful and cozy granny square cardigan.
Tips:
- Use stitch markers to keep track of your corners and joining points.
- Block your finished cardigan to even out the stitches and achieve a professional look (optional).
Remember, this pattern is a guideline. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, square sizes, and additional embellishments to make your cardigan truly unique!
Community and Inspiration
Don’t forget to share your finished cardigans on Instagram (@tubacrochet_) and TikTok (@tiktok.com/@tubacrochet)! We’d love to see your creations. Let’s inspire each other and spread the joy of crochet!
Other Crochet Projects You’ll Love
I hope you’re excited to embark on your granny square cardigan journey! This project is a satisfying blend of creativity and skill-building. Happy crocheting!
