Crochet 101: Granny Squares Learn How to Crochet

So you wanna learn how to crochet granny squares, but have no idea how to crochet? Or maybe you learned how waaaay back at girl scout camp once and need a refresher? I am here to help. Please join me for my new series: Crochet 101. During the month of February, I will be featuring Granny Squares.

 you will learn

• how to read patterns
• the easy to follow traditional granny square motif pattern
• a few variations of the granny square
• ways to use granny squares in home decor, clothing, jewelry and other projects
• helpful tips and tricks like how to weave in your ends as you go, making for easy cutting of those pesky color change strings

I have some really cool patterns scheduled for granny square crochet-alongs. {that's where we all work on the same pattern together at the same time} Make sure to join the Crochet 101 flickr group so you can add photos of your squares to the group pool. I will be publishing a weekly round up from the crochet along pics here on the blog. I can't wait to see what colors you guys choose to work with.

Step one: is obviously getting some yarn and a crochet hook. I learned how to crochet using an I {5.5mm} size hook and some red heart acrylic yarn. I made a rainbow colored pouch as my first project. It was rad.

{and yes... it was in the 90's}

For the first project, I am using five awesome colors from the Vanna collection, and my trusty size I hook. You can use as many different colors as you like. Or just one. You can find these supplies at your local craft supply shop, on Etsy, or sometimes at a thrift store. I like to get my supplies from Small Craft here in Detroit. check it.

psst: the best part of granny squarin' is the opportunity to use up all of your scrap yarn.

So, ok, you have your yarn and hook all ready to go.

next... check out this great video from my friends at Craft. 

You will be a pro at the foundation stitches for granny squares in no time.

 See, what did I tell ya? You're super excited now, aren't you???

{how many washcloths have you made already?}

Practice those stitches so that we can get started on how to read patterns on Wednesday! It really is so easy, as long as you have my handy dandy pattern decoder. {....sorry, too much blue's clues i think} Make sure you grab it, and print it out. I swear it will help immensely.

~see ya Wednesday!