Granny Squares, Not Just for Granny’s Anymore…

Since Teresa posted the link to the Craftgawker sight I have been busy browsing and finding crafts I would like to try. I saw this one and thought it looked like something I could do. However, the link didn’t have any instructions attached. It is pretty much just granny squares stitched together to form a bracelet using crochet thread. 

Once I found out it required crochet thread and a really small hook I began to doubt my abilities. I tend to avoid working with tiny hooks and thin yarn…it usually does not end well. However, I gathered my courage and decided to give it a try. I figure that eventually I will be unable to do crafts like this because I will have bad eye sight and arthritis, so I better do it while I am still young!

So I went to Joann’s and bought the size 10 crochet thread and the size 8 (1.8mm) hook. I think that might have been the first time I spent less than $5 in that store. I was very proud. Now I had the supplies, but I had to figure out how to make a granny square. Odd as it may seem with all my crocheting I have never actually made a granny square. I think I have avoided it because to me if I wanted to take the time to actually attach multiple blocks together to form something I would just stick to quilting. Also, it is a pretty horrible name for a crochet pattern…Why would I want to make a granny square when clearly that is something old people make. I on the other hand am too young and cool for that.

However, I decided to ignore my fears and prejudices and give the pattern a chance since I liked the end result pictures I had seen. So I googled ‘granny square’ for a basic pattern and I proceeded to make my first granny square. After the first block I found the process was going pretty well. I was happy to find that the thin thread and the small hook weren’t as bad as I feared they might be! 

So I created four more blocks and then started slip stitching them together. Once I had them all together I went around the bracelet once with a single crochet for the border. I started in the middle of one of the ends so that once I got back around I could chain 8 and then slip stitch it back into the border to form a button holder. I raided my small button stash to find an appropriate button and I sewed it to the middle of the other end.

   

Ta Da! I successfully created a stylish bracelet! I made my first one near the end of last week and have already made several more! I am getting used to the crochet thread and have even made a few ornaments, which turned out pretty good too. I’m very excited for the possibilities this opens up and I can’t wait to see what else I can find to make! I’ll be sure and keep you posted on my future creations. Until then, happy crafting!