99 Granny Squares – Crochet Pattern Book Review
I have received a sample copy of this book for review from Leisure Arts. I am not financially compensated for my blog post and am under no obligation to give a favorable review. Any conclusions and statements about the book are my own. If you do choose to purchase the book, I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you), and you are helping support Goddess Crochet, allowing me to create more free crochet patterns for you. It’s a win-win!
99 Granny Squares – Crochet Pattern Book Review
“99 Granny Squares” includes a wide variety of size and color square patterns from 25 different talented designers. Not just squares, either! You’ll find patterns for triangles, rectangles, hexagons and octagons. The rectangles I am particularly excited about, because they are awesome for making blankets from the inside/center outward, and are great scrap buster projects.
Traditionally, granny squares have been used for a long time to make afghans/blankets. Beautiful, heirloom gifts, to be sure. Granny squares don’t have to be just for blankets though! Scarves, ponchos, bags (you will probably want to line it, unless it’s a “market” bag), shawls, shrugs…gosh just anything you mind can think of, really.
Why not have fun making squares for small projects, and get a feel for your favorite squares before you commit to a big project? That was my thought, so, I decided on making a few pairs of wrist warmers/fingerless gloves. After a test run with the traditional granny square I figured out a 4″ square will work well for fitting my small hand. I stuck to worsted weight and the recommended G size hook and that worked out perfectly. One square I really wanted to turn into wrist warmers was just slightly too big (4-1/5″), but going down to an F (3.75mm) hook fixed that. That was #94, looking just like a sunflower. Isn’t it pretty?!
Blocking is always a good idea. Get your squares/shapes good and wet (squeeze out excess water), and then pin to size on a foam mat. Leave to dry (overnight if possible) and then your stitches will look nicer, more defined, and the shape will be more the “shape” you want it, not curling. It’s now ready to be worked into whatever project you are using it for.
This square is #82 in the book, and with some neon it’s a real eye catcher.
As per usual, Leisure Arts has a “General Instructions” section in the back of the book as a reference. It includes the meaning of all abbreviations used in the book, as well as information and diagrams for special stitches or techniques you might encounter, and how to change colors.
If you are looking for some unique and easy to make motifs for your next crochet project, “99 Granny Squares” is sure to hit the spot! It is available in both paperback and digital download PDF, so you can get started right now. Happy hooking!
