Spiky Granny Square – Free Crochet Pattern
What Is a Granny Square?
Granny Squares are a staple in the world of crochet. They are versatile, often easy to make, and can be used for a variety of projects. A Granny Square is a small crocheted square with a textured, raised pattern that is made up of multiple rounds. The classic Granny Square is made up of clusters of three double crochet stitches separated by chains, and each round is joined to the previous one to create a seamless square.
When Were the First Granny Squares Made?
The Granny Square has a long and interesting history. While its exact origins are unknown, it is believed to have originated in the 19th century in Europe, where women would create small squares using leftover yarn to use as patches for blankets or clothing. These patches were eventually stitched together to create larger blankets or garments.
In the 1960s and 70s, the Granny Square gained popularity as part of the hippie fashion trend. It was often used to make clothing, such as vests and ponchos, and was a symbol of the counterculture movement.
Today, the Granny Square is still a popular crochet pattern and is used in a variety of projects, including blankets, scarves, bags, and even clothing.
Stash-Busting Mystery Crochet Along
Spiky Granny Square is a part of the 2023 Stash-Busting Mystery Crochet Along by Heather of The Unraveled Mitten.
During the CAL, there will be a total of 20 square patterns, and Heather will also provide instructions on how to join the squares and a pattern for the border. The CAL is completely free and you can join any time.
Spiky Granny Square Free Pattern
SKILL LEVEL
INTERMEDIATE: This square features mostly basic stitches, but also includes front and back post crochet stitches, making this an intermediate level pattern.
MATERIALS
YARN
Yarn Weight: #4 medium worsted weight / aran
Red Heart Super Saver, 100% acrylic; I used these colors: C1: Charcoal 3950, 120 m (130 yds) C2: Icelandic 3952, 20 m (22 yds)
HOOK 5 mm [US H – 8] crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
OTHER stitch markers, yarn needle, scissors, measuring tape, block mat
GAUGE 11.5 sts x 10 rows of sc BLO = 10 cm (4”) square
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
After blocking approximately: 30 x 30 cm / 12 x 12″ square
CONSTRUCTION
The square is worked in joined rounds without turning.
ABBREVIATIONS AND STITCHES USED
The pattern is written using standard US crochet terminology.
ch – chain
ch-sp – chain space
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
sc BLO – single crochet back loop only
BPsc – back post single crochet
SP sc– spike single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
FPdc – double crochet
BPdc – back post double crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
sk – skip
rnd – round
yo – yarn over
C1, C2 – color 1, color 2
( ) – additional explanation or indicates when stitches are worked together, into one stitch or space
[ ] – work as many times as directed ** – work the larger sequence from * to ** as many times as directed
NOTES
- Read carefully through the entire pattern, especially Special Stitches & Notes sections, before making your square.
- The square is worked in joined rounds without turning.
- Ch1 at the beginning of round does not count as a stitch.
- Ch2 at the beginning of round counts as dc.
- Each round starts by working a stitch into the same stitch you slip stitched in to join in the previous round.
- Stitch counts will start with 3 stitches per side in Round 1 and increase by 2 stitches every round (except for Round 13), not counting ch2 corners.
- When slip stitching to join in dc rounds, slip stitch around starting ch2, not in top of it, as it makes the seam line less visible.
- When slip stitching to join sc rounds, slip stitch in both loops and then pull the slip stitch tight.
SPECIAL STITCHES
sc BLO – insert your hook under the back loop only of the indicated st (the loop furthest
from you, not under both loops), and pull up a loop, yo and pull through both loops on hook.
SP sc – single crochet worked in the stitch from 3 rnds below: insert hook in indicated stitch 3 rnds below, pull up loop to height of working rnd, yo, pull through both loops on hook.
BPsc – insert hook from back to front to back around post of indicated stitch, yo and pull up
a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook.
FPdc – yo, insert hook from front to back to front around post of indicated stitch, yo and pull up a loop, [yo, pull through 2 loops on hook] twice.
BPdc – yo, insert hook from back to front to back around post of indicated stitch, yo and pull up a loop [yo, pull through 2 loops on hook] twice.
SPIKY GRANNY SQUARE PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS
WITH C1 create a magic circle or, alternatively, ch 4 and sl st to 1st ch to form the ring.
Rnd 1: ch2 (counts as dc here and throughout), 2 dc, ch 2, [3 dc, ch 2] 3 times, sl st around ch2 to join the rnd – 12 sts, 4 ch-2 sps
Rnd 2: ch2, dc in next 2 sts, (dc, ch2, dc) in next ch-2 sp, [dc in next 3 sts, (dc, ch2, dc) in next ch-2 sp] 3 times, sl st around ch2 to join the rnd – 20 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
Rnd 3: ch1 (does not count as st here and throughout), BPsc around same st, BPsc around next 3 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp, [BPsc around next 5 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp] 3 times, BPsc around next st, sl st in 1st sc to join the rnd – 28 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
Rnd 4: ch1, sc BLO in same st, sc BLO in next 4 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp, [sc BLO in next 7 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp] 3 times, sc BLO in next 2 sts, sl st in 1st sc to join the rnd – 36 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
Rnd 5: ch1, sc BLO in same st, sc BLO in next 5 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp, [sc BLO in next 9 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp] 3 times, sc BLO in next 3 sts, sl st in 1st sc to join the rnd – 44 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
WITH C2
Rnd 6: ch1, sc in same st, [SP sc in next st, sc in next st] 3 times, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp, *[sc in next st, SP sc in next st] 5 times, sc in next st, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp** 3 times, [sc in next st, SP sc in next st] twice, sl st in 1st sc to join the rnd – 52 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
WITH C1
Rnd 7: ch2, dc in next 7 sts, (dc, ch2, dc) in next ch-2 sp, [dc in next 13 sts, (dc, ch2, dc) in next ch-2 sp] 3 times, dc in next 5 sts, sl st around ch2 to join the rnd – 60 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
Rnd 8: ch2, dc in next 8 sts, (dc, ch2, dc) in next ch-2 sp, [dc in next 15 sts, (dc, ch2, dc) in next ch-2 sp] 3 times, dc in next 6 sts, sl st around ch2 to join the rnd – 68 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
Rnd 9: ch1, BPsc around same st, BPsc around next 9 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp, [BPsc around next 17 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp] 3 times, BPsc around next 7 sts, sl st in 1st sc to join the rnd – 76 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
Rnd 10: ch1, sc BLO in same st, sc BLO in next 10 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp, [sc BLO in next 19 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp] 3 times, sc BLO in next 8 sts, sl st in 1st sc to join the rnd – 84 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
WITH C2
Rnd 11: ch1, sc BLO in same st, sc BLO in next 11 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp, [sc BLO in next 21 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp] 3 times, sc BLO in next 9 sts, sl st in 1st sc to join the rnd – 92 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
WITH C1
Rnd 12: ch2, dc in next 12 sts, (dc, ch2, dc) in next ch-2 sp, [dc in next 23 sts, (dc, ch2, dc) in next ch-2 sp] 3 times, dc in next 10 sts, sl st around ch2 to join the rnd – 100 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
Rnd 13: ch2, BPdc around next st, [FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st] 6 times, (5 dc in next ch-2 sp), *BPdc around next st, [FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st] 12 times, (5 dc in next ch-2 sp)** 3 times, [BPdc around next st, FPdc around next st] 5 times, BPdc around next st, sl st around ch2 to join the rnd – 120 sts
Rnd 14: ch1, sc BLO in same st, sc BLO in next 14 sts, sk1, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next st, sk1, [sc BLO in next 27 sts, sk1, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next st, sk1] 3 times, sc BLO in next 12 sts, sl st in 1st sc to join the rnd – 116 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
Rnd 15: ch1, sc BLO in same st, sc BLO in next 15 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp, [sc BLO in next 29 sts, (hdc, ch2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp] 3 times, sc BLO in next 13 sts, sl st in 1st sc to join
the rnd – 124 sts, 4 ch-2 sp
Fasten off.
FINISHING
Weave in all the ends and block the square.
Variations of Granny Squares
While the classic Granny Square is still, and probably will always be popular, there are many variations that add a unique twist to the traditional pattern. Here are a few examples:
- Solid Granny Square – This variation uses single crochet stitches instead of double crochet, which creates a denser, more solid square.
- Popcorn Granny Square – This variation adds texture to the square by using popcorn stitches, which are clusters of stitches that are worked together and then secured with a single crochet stitch.
- Circle Granny Square – This variation uses a circular shape instead of a square, and can be made with a variety of stitches, including double crochet, half double crochet, and single crochet.
- Granny Hexagon – This variation uses six sides instead of four, and creates a hexagonal shape instead of a square.
- Flower Granny Square – This variation adds a floral motif to the square by using different colored petals and a center circle.
Tips and Tricks for Making Great Granny Square Projects
Making Granny Squares is relatively easy, but there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure a successful project.
- Use the right size hook – The size of the hook will affect the size and tension of the square. Make sure to use the recommended hook size for the yarn you are using.
- Check your gauge – Crochet tension can vary from person to person, so it is important to check your gauge before starting your project to make sure your square will be the correct size.
- Join rounds carefully – To create a seamless square, it is important to join each round carefully. Make sure to slip stitch into the correct space and chain the correct number of stitches between clusters.
- Weave in ends as you go – To avoid a tangled mess of yarn at the end of your project, weave in your ends as you go.
- Don’t pull too tightly – When working the clusters, make sure not to pull too tightly, as this can cause the square to pucker and become misshapen.
- Avoid twisting the square – When joining multiple squares together, it is important to make sure they are all facing the same direction and not twisted, or your finished project will be lopsided.
By keeping these tips and tricks in mind, you can create beautiful Granny Squares and use them in a variety of projects. You can also check out my Aster Granny Square or my Granny on the Beach Bag crochet patterns.
