Granny square part 1 - Pattern and keeping order

I’m still stuck at home, still feeling ill and very sorry for myself, but the one positive thing as a result of this is…..it gives me a chance to catch up on some of my projects. 

One project that I was very excited to start was the one made out of the huge bunch of Anchor tapestry threads, which I brought a while back at a bargain price of 10p each at John Lewis!

The first idea was to make something for the home, like a cushion, small blanket, but then I realised I have huge amount of cushions and probably not enough threads for a blanket. As the threads are pure wool I thought an accessory for winter will be perfect, so a cowl or a wrap or, my favourite idea, a triangular shawl. with tassels on each corner and one colour for edging and joining the squares. I want the shawl to have an ombré effects, which is ideal with such an amazing array of colours. However I decided to wait when all squares are made before I make my final decisions on the final item they will become.

I separated the threads into a colour order, four hanks of same hues in each bundle and got started. My idea was to have the squares starting from the lightest colour to the darkest, but I very quickly realised that the hanks are just too short to get enough squares out of four hanks, I only have one hank of each colour and each one is 10m long, not to mention all the ends I will have to weave in!

Then I decided to make a lot smaller squares in one colour, which will be easier, quicker and a lot less ends to weave in! It’s gotta be a winner.

I’m loving the little squares! They are dinky and super cute. I can make three out of each hank of thread, which is a lot better.

If you would like to make some as well, the pattern is as follows:

The pattern is written using UK terminology with US conversions in brackets in abbreviation list.

Abbreviations

[] – work instructions within brackets as many times as directed

Ch – chain

Ch-sp – chain space

Dc (US sc) – double crochet (US single crochet)

Tr (US dc) – treble (US double crochet)

Ss – slip stitch 

I have used 3.50 mm (US E/4) crochet hook to achieve the size of 4 cm (1.5 in) square.

Foundation ring: Ch 4, join with ss to first ch to form a ring.

Enclose the tail inside the stitches as you work the first round, you can just cut off whatever is left, so much quicker than weaving it in.

Round 1: ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 2 tr into ring, ch 2, [3 tr into ring, ch 2] 3 times, ss to top of ch 3.

Round 2: ch 1, 1 dc into next 3 sts, 3 dc into next ch-2 sp, [1 dc into next 3 sts, 3 dc into next ch-2 sp] 3 times, ss to first dc.

Fasten off

I have made quite few already but still have lots to go. To keep some order I am keeping all the finished little squares on spare bobby pins, six per pin. Large safety pins will work a treat as well, but I don’t have any available.

I want to keep all the threads bands in order so I know the shade number of each colour (will write out a full list later), I decided to staple the remaining thread to the band and keep the four colour from the bundle together with paper clip.

I also decided to take this projects over three parts with part two coming soon.
Part 1: Pattern and keeping order
Part 2: Joining together and deciding on the finished accessory.
Part 3: Finishing - edging and finishing touches.

Happy crocheting,

Anna x