The granny square - Look what Granny can do!

Granny squares have come a long way since Grandma's day, but the basic granny is still one of the most recognized pieces in crochet today. We've all seen granny square afghans draped over the back of the couch, often stitched with small bits of colorful yarn left from other projects, with black yarn tying it all together. There are hundreds of more intricate patterns for squares, but even if that same, simple granny square is the only thing you ever learned how to crochet, you can still make fashions and accessories that will be the envy of all your friends.

Beyond the Basics

While there's something comforting about the granny square afghans everyone's great aunt made, don't be afraid to take that basic square and spice it up a bit. Be creative with color combinations and try something other than the traditional brights edged in black. Look for color inspiration in everything around you; cruise the aisles of the fabric store for unique ways to pair color. Clothing designers know what is trending, so while shopping at your favorite department store or baby boutique, pay attention to the colors your eye gravitates to. Find more colorful inspiration here. If pressed for time, make squares with a single color and when joining, alternate two different colored squares for a checkerboard look.

Granny in the Kitchen

A small granny square by itself can be a coaster, a bit larger becomes a trivet, dishcloth or pot holder (Note: Dishcloths and hot pads should be made with kitchen cotton yarn which is more absorbent and won't melt if in contact with hot pans). Sew several grannies together in a rectangle and you have a placemat. Stitch a length of them two or three squares wide for a table runner to pull your shabby chic tablescape together.

Come Out of the Closet

Attach a number of granny squares end to end in one long row and you have a trendy scarf to keep out winter's chill or accessorize a favorite outfit. Want a hat to match? Stitch five granny squares together into a cross as shown here, then fold the four sides down and stitch those together. Here's a similar hat in different color combinations. Scarves and hats are quick to make and don't use much yarn, so crochet a set to wear with your Sunday best as well as your old bang-around coat. While you're at it, make a few to stash in your gift closet and always be ready for that unexpected birthday.

Let granny help stretch your wardrobe even further by whipping up a skirt that will take you back to the '70s with a bit of a Bohemian look. Think beyond winter gear and make a unique fashion statement by adding granny squares to a plain cotton tee. Granny even goes to the dogs with this cute sweater you can make for your pooch. Won't you and Buffy look hip stepping out in matching outfits?

Not Your Granny's Jewelry

It takes only minutes to make funky chunky jewelry from small granny squares. Stitch a square right onto a chain for a one-of-a-kind pendant, or crochet the chain out of the same yarn. Slip ear wires through tiny squares for simple earrings to match. This stunning granny square ring cast in silver is truly unique and you could probably use the same process to create other jewelry pieces.

Granny's in the Bag

Purse, tote bag, cell phone holder, eyeglass case - all can be made with granny squares. A little girl's purse can be made with just two squares stitched together, or add more squares for this larger purse. This tote is made with plastic canvas between the squares and the lining, making for a much sturdier bag which will stand up on its own. Crochet a square just a bit wider than your eyeglasses are long and stitch a piece of soft fabric the same size to one side of it. Fold in half so the fabric is inside and stitch along two sides for a hip eyeglass case.

Granny squares have been around as long as there have been grandmas. Teach your kids how to crochet the timeless and versatile granny square and keep the tradition alive.

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