This morning I attempted my first granny square. My first go at it was really slow and somehow I dropped a corner. Or atleast I think I did. So I pulled it out and tried again.
And hour and half later my second attempt looked like this. I thought I did really good until I noticed I forgot 2 stitches/rows at the very top {center}.
Maybe I’ll get it right on my third attempt. 😉
Before I take the plunge and buy a bunch of yarn I have a few questions I’m hoping some of you more experienced crocheters can help me with.
Do I want to buy wool or cotton yarn? Is there any reason why I’d want to use acrylic yarn? Would it even be cozy? Wash well? It seems like all the old donated granny square blankets I see in the thrift stores were made with poor quality yarn. PLEASE TELL ME your preference and why you like using it so much.
I think I’m ready to upgrade to a better crochet hook. Do you have a favorite?
How many colors do I want to use?Â
I am currently in love with the two color combinations below and can’t decide which one I want to go with.
This one from pigtails.blogspot.au reminds me of something I’d see in a Sundance catalog. I love the muted tones and I think the granny square blanket would look amazing draped over the back of our grey couch. I know the shape of my squares wouldn’t have the same look, but the colors, they’re amazing. I also like how the border around each square gives them a little more definition.
And then there is this from ptepimprenelle.canalblog.com. The colors are light and girly. But I’m not sure how the white background would wear. Wouldn’t it show every speck of dirt? And the starburst. Don’t you love it? I do. And I think once I get a little more practice in I want to attempt it.
But for now… hey, I’m making progress. And I’d love your input. 🙂 🙂 🙂
~Mavis
Maria says
Acrylic yarn is very cozy and cost effective. It can go through the washing machine and the dryer with not a lot of fuss. It comes in about a million colors and it’s all very pretty.
Wool, even superwash wool, is usually wash in cold water only and lay flat to dry which is ok for a pair of socks but a nightmare for anything big like an afghan.
I learned to crochet when I was six and I’m 59 now. If you find a mistake, especially something small like a granny square, pull it out and do it over because you will see it every time you look at it and if you don’t have time to do it right, when will you find time to do it over? Pulling it out is called frogging because you rip, rip rip it out.
You’ve made a lot of progress, your tension looks even. If your squares all come out the same size-ish, you have done well. You are learning to do something that requires dedication and patience and you already work with your hands so you are doing very well.
Youtube is your friend. There are about a million crochet videos. Look into the join as you go method which will allow you to join the squares on the last row and make it easier and faster to make a completed project.
Remember every time you change colors there will be ends that have to be sewn in. This is my least favorite hated job of any project. There is a way to avoid a lot of it. There’s a video for that!
Marcia says
I hate weaving ends!
Stacey says
I have been crocheting for over 40 years, and I agree with you completely. Just imagine how much work it would be to wash a wool afghan, unless it’s just a small lap afghan. Mavis, please look up some videos about weaving in the ends as you work. I’ve made a number of granny square afghans over the years, and eventually the ends come out no matter how hard I try to tuck them in. I wish I had the web address I used when I finally discovered weave-as-you-go, but I’m sure you can find it. It’s worth it!
Helle Lundgaard says
Wool is wonderful, when you put so much time, love and effort into something, use the best material. The colours in wool is more subtle, it is warmer when you snuggle up with a cup of tea, it has a lovely natural smell, it is no problem washing as most modern washing machines have a wool programme and you can dry it flat in ie. a floor jigsaw (for babies). Wool hardly ever needs cleaning because it has selfcleansing properties. Last, but not least, Wool doesnt spark 🙂
love from a crazy Dane who has been knitting, sewing and crocheting for a lifetime.
Annabel says
Have a look at the blog Attic24. I’m currently crocheting her harmony blanket. I find that 100% cotton yarn seems to get a bit stiff.
Angie says
I agree- I love Lucy at Attic24!!
Nicky says
If you go to Wool Warehouse online they do Attic 24 yarn packs and ship worldwide. They’re acrylic but really nice. I’m a spinner and wool snob, but the blankets were for my kids so needed to be washable. Plus I didn’t have to go through the trauma of picking colours! Also, if you’re on Wool Warehouse but want wool not acrylic the Drops brand is very afordable and fantastic quality. Nice colours too.
Jessica says
I have tried all sorts of crochet hooks. My favorite is sold at JoAnn’s. It’s the “Susan Bates Bamboo Handle/Aluminum Head Crochet Hooks”. It’s like $3 regular price so with your 40% off coupon it’s an outstanding value! I used to get hand cramps with the style of crochet hook you are using, but something about the bamboo handle fixes that.
I think spot cleaning yarn is a hassle so I would avoid the white background.
I prefer the feel of cotton yarn (over wool or acrylic), but I’ve never crocheted a blanket so I am not sure which is best for that.
I know you don’t like Craigslist, but I really do recommend searching for yarn used (Craigslist, Facebook, yard sales, thrift stores, etc.). I’ve seen people sell their whole supply of yarn because they don’t have the time (or whatever). It’s often times very expensive yarn they bought for projects and never even used.
Katrina says
All yarn is NOT created equal. I only use the super soft vibrantly colored acrylics. I’ve used cotton for very small baby booties/hats and for wedding gloves, but it’s hard to work with and stiff. I’ve not had a problem with yarn getting super dirty, but I give my items away;). Use what you like! You have to live with it, so it’s best if you like it.
Deb says
I suggest practicing those granny squares maybe try a small project like a pillow before a lager project. With crocheting I have found the more you practice the easier it gets. I try not to get frustrated if I make a mistake and have to rip it out I just think of it as a do over or a mulligan. Best yarn I have found is Kraemer Yarns made in Nazareth PA it is a joy to work with and finished project will look amazing.
Em says
I agree with Maria about the washability. The only thing I’ll add is to consider warmth and weight. Wool would likely be warmer/heavier, and acrylic lighter. I have used cotton only for wash rags, so I don’t have much experience with it (but it shows pattern texture well, if that is important to you).
Deborah says
Mavis,
I have made several all cotton granny square blankets. I use sugar and cream cotton. All the different variegated colors and I usually edge all squares in black and crochet all together with black. The colors stand out and the black gives it a nice edge. That yarn washes and drys very nicely. But, many knitters and crocheters don’t like working with all cotton. They say it hurts their hands.
A cotton acrylic blend would be a good alternative.
I used to own a yarn shop and have worked with washable wool about 90% of the time. I have made several Afghans for myself and my children with washable wool
( Cascade brand) and we all love them. And as said above, lay flat to dry is the best route to go. I usually hang ours over a drying rack or our railing. Really doesn’t take long to dry.
Wool yarn is wonderful to work with and is very warm and cozy.
Just remember that acrylic yarn is just plastic. Plastic will also melt if caught on fire. Wool is self extinguishing.
Good luck and keep practicing!
Deborah says
I agree with cotton. Although I do make granny square afghans with the acrylic yarn. Don’t like well. It makes me itch. I have a granny square afghan that was my grandmothers. Different solid colors of yarn on each row up until the last couple of rows. Then it’s in a black. It’s beautiful. Acrylic does wash and dry beautifully. I usually use Redheart yarn and a g or h hook. I’m not real brand specific on hooks or needles. The choice is really up to you and what your hands feel using whatever yarn you choose. You can do it! If I can learn to to knit at 54, you can do this!
Leanna says
I have only used acrylic. It wears well. You look like you are doing great! I tend to count when I crochet so each time I do a treble stitch I count and count how many go in that area. It helps me stay on track. Your tension looks good too as Maria said. I have never had good tension but I still have made several blankets. Maybe I’ll email you some pics.
christym says
I like using acrylic. You can search for more natural-looking acrylic yarns. Wool is heavy, and a washing nightmare. Accidentally gets thrown in the dryer and it will end up a blob of felt. Cotton is heavy and tends to stretch out of shape. Great for smaller projects, but blankets can get heavy and out of shape. You can go for an acrylic-wool blended yarn. I like Michael’s Loops and Threads yarn called Woolike. I also like Loops and Threads Impeccable.
Stephanie Hughes says
To answer your question about wool or cotton or arcyllic each has its uses. I have been crocheting for 25 years, I have never used wool (but am about to.)
Wool: pros: warmer than other materials of same weight, is thin enough to make comfortable light weight socks, dyes well
Cons: some people have allergies, cost a little more.
Cotton thread /yarn:
Pros: easy to work with comes in a large variety of weights, colors, holds die well, I’ve used for a variety of projects.
Cons: people can be allergic, variety of choices and weights can overwhelm new crocheted so.
Acrylic: pros: comes in a large variety of styles, fuzzy, shaggy, scrubby,etc.is great for making toys or for adding special effects.
Cons: doesn’t dye well, quality varies greatly, tends to be difficult to work with.
Tulle: awesome to make high quality scrubbers.
I am sure I missed a lot, but you get the idea.
Erica says
Looks to me that you only did one DC in your last space and it should be 3. What does your pattern say? Or is that where you started? In that case, you need to do two dc’s in that stitch and then join. A lot of crochet is reading the pattern, following it and then looking at what that pattern looks like. Then the pattern makes sense to me. So, for instance, on your granny square, you have your center ring, then you have two doubles and chains on each side, then your chains from the previous round are the corners in the next. Then, your chains in that round are the corners and the middles of your next round. Is that confusing or helpful? It’s hard to explain in words without pointing to what I’m talking about.
Martha DeJesus says
I agree with Maria on yarn choice. Cotton and wool have to be blocked (stretched back into shape and allowed to dry in that position) every time you wash it. Also, do not use acrylic if you make potholders, they will melt…this is when you have to use cotton or wool. Usually the pattern you choose will give plenty of information about what yarn you need to use. The super nice thing about granny squares is that the individual squares are a small, portable project. The real work begins when you have to put them all together. I recommend crocheting over the ends as much as possible (youtube videos will show you how) to keep from having the tedious job of weaving them in. It is always a great feeling when you finish a project. Enjoy!
Deborah says
The cotton granny square blankets and the washable wool afghans I have made were never blocked and wash up beautifully.
Erica says
What I’m trying to say, is that once you’ve done it right a few times, you’ll be able to look at your square and figure out what you need to do next without relying so heavily on the pattern.
Erica says
One more thing, holy yarn changing! I hate changing my yarn colors because it means I’m going to have to hide the little tails. Those blankets are going to have SO MANY little yarn ends to tuck in. But, they are both beautiful. I like the first one best. Has anyone found an amazing trick to take care of the yarn ends? I haven’t found one that works.
Reta Russell-Houghton says
I crochet the tail in, and avoid that weaving process. I pull the tail over the next stitches and crochet over them. I do about 3 stitches, the trim the excess. When I finish the square the will be just one tail left. The thought of waiting until the end to take care of the tails makes me cringle.
Erica says
I do that too, but they always seem to pop out.
Sarah says
Hey Mavis! You New Years resolution has made me pick up a blanket I have putting of for a long time (Granny Squares as well). I’m not professional, but I do made baby blanket for all nieces, nephews, and good friends kids. I used to crochet with acrylic, but it beat up my hands and after a few years became stiff (plastic like, wonder why!) I have since turned to 100% cotton yarn, which I get from Michael’s when they have their 20-40% off sales (or Walmart, or Joann’s or online), though they do come in limited colors (expanding more lately). Before you start though, I would recommend knowing how you are going to stitch all the squares together as you might make many circles and then stitch them as you made the last round/squaring it off, or stitch it together at the end. A last note, I have found granny squares to be the most difficult thing I have crocheted as I have to keep stopping, add a new color and then start again (hence why this particular blanket has been made slowly in between my other {faster} blankets). Please don’t get frustrated at the end of this and give up crocheting all together!
Gina says
Acrylic is great for blankets. It’s machine washable, and it’s warm. It’s great for your first projects. Cotton is not warm. It’s better for summer items and dish cloths or spa wash rags. Wool felts and has to handled differently. You only want 100% wool, if you have the time to care for it properly.
I love the G size hook, but that is mostly because it was the first hook I learned to use. My grandma taught me to crochet with I was 6, and we used the G hook for Gina. lol But seriously, when I pick a hook for a project, I might try a few sample rows, to see if I like how the piece feels for what I want. Knowing what you want and how to decide will come with practice.
Your second square looks nice. Be patient with yourself, because you are learning a new skill, and that takes time. Before you know it, you will be able to watch tv, and have your hands happily working away without the need to constantly look.
Jennifer says
I like to knit. If I am going to spend that kind of time to make a blanket what ever yarn I use must MUST feel good in my hands.
I personally like wool yarn. It feels good in my hands and I enjoy the look of it. The way I look at the cost of yarn is I will pay what ever the cost as the per hour enjoyment I get out of it (I knit very slow) is very high. I rather spend $30+ on a ball of locally made wool yarn than something else.
Marcia says
I like the top one. You will have a lot of tails to weave in. The granny square blanket I’m working on right now has up to 4 colors per square, so I am feeling this pain.
I use acrylic, but it’s not all equal. I prefer the softer ones. I’ve had good experience with Vanna’s choice, and the blanket I’m making right now uses Loops & Threads Impeccable brand.
Tammy says
Acrylic is fine for an afghan. Just make sure not to buy the super cheap yarn. If it’s scratchy in the skein, it’s going to be scratchy to work with and not make a nice afghan. I just made two baby afghans for my two sisters who just had babies out of a very soft, squishy acrylic, and they came out very nice. I wanted to make something for them that they could throw in the washer as needed and not worry about it.
That said – wool makes a lovely, lovely afghan. I have a wool afghan I made that is just so soft and heavy and wonderful to cuddle up with. It cost a small fortune though. 😉 I made another wool afghan using less expensive yarn, for my sister’s wedding gift. She now has 3 boys and it is one of their favorite things. That makes me happy. 🙂 Check out knitpicks.com for a great source of wool yarn. If you make an afghan out of wool, it will usually need to be hand washed. Even if the wool is machine washable, wool eventually gets to the point where it felts after so many washes. So if you don’t mind the idea of hand washing an afghan, then I highly recommend wool.
You can join Ravelry and look around at finished projects for inspiration.
E in Upstate NY says
Regarding your yarn, each material has it’s pluses and minuses. It doesn’t matter which, cheap yarn is exactly that, cheap. I’ve knitted with all and with blends. Learned the hard way the cheap lesson.
Suggest you mosey into a local yarn shop [not a chain store] to talk to them about your choices. Color range within a kind of yarn, I would think would be important to your project.
Cotton and Cotton blends have very little give or stretch. The strand is easily split, so how tightly the yarn is twisted as its made is important.
Wools have stretch, and some are described at “sticky.” That means there is fiber sticking out of the strand, available to stick to other strands. With sticky wool, you do not get stitch definition. For some projects this is a plus, for your granny square blanket, don’t think you will like the final look.
Acrylics are often used for baby items so there will be many pastel color choices. They retain their yarn color and usually wash and dry nicely.
Hope this helps clarify which you decide upon.
Sandy says
Mavis, you are doing great! It’s a skill set that takes practice and muscle memory. You’ll get it.
Hooks: Buy a couple and try them out. Some people like wood hooks, some plastic, some metal. It’s preference. The size of the hook will depend on the size/type of the yarn you use.
Yarn. Hoo boy. Benefits and downsides to all of it:
Acrylic: Your “better” quality of acrylic is good for blankets. It’s cheap(er), washes up great, and is soft. If you are making a blanket for a baby you do NOT want to use acrylic. It’s plastic and it it catches fire, well, it’s not good. (clip a small amount and light it over a sink. Imagine that on a baby.) Use something else for baby.
Wool: Good wool is expensive! Unless it’s superwash it has to be hand washed and hung to dry. If you are making a heirloom this is great stuff. If you are making something that will be heavily used by the family and Lucy and is going to be washed often…wool is not your friend. Unless, of course, you have oodles of money and staff to clean up after you. Then by all means, go for it.
Superwash wool: This is wool that can be thrown in the washer on a “handwash” cycle. Still treat it gently, but nothing like straight up wool. This is great for baby blankets and baby clothes. It is reasonably priced and feels great on the hands.
Cotton: Cotton is hard on the hands. It doesn’t have much give and it is mostly for summer use. However, I have seen some delightful summer throws crocheted with cotton. It is heavy heavy heavy when you wash it. (Did I mention it’s heavy? Think denim.) Can be a bit challenging to wash for this reason.
https://www.thespruce.com/best-yarn-for-crochet-979065
The above looks to be a good link for you.
Go to a yarn store — you have a local knitting store somewhere near you. Go in and look around. Knitters/crocheters are some of the nicest people you will ever meet … they will LOVE to help you. Get some ideas. You don’t have to buy anything, but check out the different hooks, the different types of yarn, and then go home and think about it. If you go to Michaels or Joanne’s they will have nice acrylic and some wool available. Check that out too. Then make a purchasing choice!
Hang in there!
suzanne says
No a crocheter but my second hand store is loaded with yarn. Maybe you can practice on different fibers for pennies to see what you like best.
Zoe says
You should probably check out Lancaster creative reuse for yarn!
I have no recommendations for what type of yarn except to say that I’m always trying to use natural fibers….then it can be used for mulch in the garden when the item is worn out or rot away in the landfill if someone throws it out 🙂
Mavis Butterfield says
I’ll have to check it out when I’m there to see you again. I really want to make a braided rug too. 🙂
Marilyn says
Mavis, I have found a metal hook, no matter the size, to be much easier to use than a plastic or wood hook. One year (long, long ago), I made every woman in our family an afghan for Christmas. Oh, my, yarn is expensive but postage is prohibitive! Why not make a baby afghan first; crib size. There is great baby yarn out there and the project would be completed quicker. Looking forward to your finished project. You are doing great! Love your blog. Marilyn in SW Missouri
Mavis Butterfield says
I like the idea of making a baby afghan first. Thanks Marilyn.
Laura Dietrick says
I finished my first granny square blanket this January. It took me a VERY long time. Im working on another one but not frantically. I would love to show you pictures but Im not sure how to send them to you. I have ALOT of granny squares made for 2 different blankets.
Nancy says
I like a blend of wool and acrylic, like Lion Brand’s Wool Ease (http://www.lionbrand.com/wool-ease-yarn.html) because it has a better feel than 100% acrylic, and it doesn’t felt or shrink. But 100% acrylic is great because it comes in so many colors, and is relatively inexpensive. Great for beginners. Cotton isn’t great for blankets, because it’s so heavy and doesn’t have the insular properties that wool and acrylic do. But if you love it, try it!
I like the aluminum crochet hooks by Susan Bates because of the rounded head (Boye hooks are ok but not my favorite – Susan Bates hooks have a better hook for my style). They’re comfortable and easy to work with – plastic hooks are too “sticky” for me. Size will be determined by your yarn/pattern.
I’ve been crocheting since I was in grade school – and my advice is to start small for the first project. I always started king-size afghans that took a year or more to complete and it got to be tiresome and/or frustrating. I like Ravelry.com for inspiration, and they have great filters to sort patterns.
Vy says
Crocheting is my yarn art of choice. The acrylic stuff is great for long term super durability, like on a kid’s bed, if you know it’ll be washed a lot. The colors will never fade. I still prefer the natural fibers though.
I’ve used thread to crochet snowflakes and giant yarn to crochet rugs, and everything in between.
Granny square afghans are crazy warm, much more than you’d think with a blanket full of holes, but it traps air that acts as an insulator. Also they’re great for using up your yarn bits and bobs. Don’t give up, it’s totally worth it!
Anna says
I completely agree with the folks that have suggested you use the fiber/yarn that feels good to YOUR touch. Our family has been gifted upwards of 40 afghans from a close family member. Unfortunately, they are rarely used, as all of us think they feel scratchy! I have gently suggested color combinations, and have even purchased the buttery soft skeins to be used, but have never received said blankets. (I believe cost is a factor for this family member.) Such a shame, all that time spent. I hate to get rid of them, though, as they were given with love.
Anne M-C says
I was in a similar situation and found that in some cities and states the fireman and police will accept blanket donations as they will use them when dealing with people rescued from fires and small children that are removed from their families. I live on the east coast and found several places in the Midwest where I sent my blankets. Also, childrens’ hospitals will sometimes take them for their seriously ill kids and then there are senior centers. But it depends where you live and I had to do a lot of google-ing to come up with the right words that would lead me to the right organizations. They are especially happy to get them when they haven’t been used so your blankets could make a lot of people happy which is what you want when the objects are hand made and given with the love you mention.
Practical Parsimony says
Anna,
Use them for warmth by putting them in between two blankets or sheets where you don’t feel them. Or, just to honor the person and thought, hang one over the back of a sofa or railing.
Em says
Great idea. Or hang some up on the wall. Lots of great ideas here, including the suggestions to practice by making dish cloths. I’m a knitter more than a crocheter, but I am still motivated by the pretty pictures Mavis has posted.
Teckla says
Looking good! Your practice is paying off. I would not recommend 100% cotton. It is harder to work with, a lot stiffer, a lot heavier and tends to stretch out of shape and not as cozy warm. It does wash well and gets softer with use. Possibly a 50/50 cotton/acrylic blend would work fine. It would be worth the extra cost to buy a skein and make a couple practice squares to get a feel, though. Ditto, on 100% wool. Too many problems, such as hand washing, laying flat to dry, shrinkage/felting, etc. But a blend of acrylic/washable wool might work well. Again, it’s worth making a couple sample squares, then running them through the wash to see how they perform. If you go with acrylic, be sure you get a good quality brand. As someone else stated, cheap acrylic is rough to the touch, to work with, will likely pill after a few washes and will feel rough in use. I know swatches and samples are a pain, but you want a finished product that will last and that you will enjoy for many years. It’s far better to invest more $ to achieve that result. I’d recommend a “touchy/feely” trip to a couple different types of yarn stores while you’re practicing your skills to see what appeals to you.
As for the 2 patterns you showed, I’d go with the darker one because it won’t show soil as much. That could be important with Lucy and 2 guys around. You could use the second pattern but choose yarn colors that you like and get the best of both worlds. As for choice of hook, I’d recommend trying as many different hooks as you can get your hands on. How you hold your hook would make a difference in the type of hook that feels most comfortable to you and that is critical. Each of us holds our hooks slightly differently and have different hand strength/flexibility so it’s very personal. If you hold your hook like a fork you might find an ergo handle more comfortable. Bamboo and acrylic are lighter in weight than steel. Personal choice when all is said and done.
You are progressing very well and I’m really looking forward to seeing your finished blanket.
Marilla says
Since you’re just learning, (way to go!) I think you want a yarn that has good stitch definition. By that I mean you can clearly see where each stitch is. The “hairier” the yarn, the harder to count and see where to place your stiches. I love Caron Simply Soft for afghans. I wait til it goes on sale at Jo-Ann Fabrics or use a coupon. Another thing about granny square afghans…the bigger the square, the less you’ll have to make, the less time you’ll spend stitching squares together, the less tail ends to weave in. All good, good things! I like this pattern, it makes a large square with a circle inside
signedwithanowl.blogspot.com/2011/06/squaring-big-circle-tutorial.html
Kate K says
Good for you for learning something new! I taught myself about 3 1/2 years ago from a book and YouTube. Now I have a small business making crocheted toys, especially play food.
For a blanket, especially for a pet household, acrylic is the most washable. My favorite brand is “I love this yarn” from Hobby Lobby. For my granny square blanket, I used 4 colors for the squares and then edged and crocheted together with black. The black really makes the colors “pop”, however, it is harder to see what you’re doing with darker yarns.
You can make a polymer clay grip/handle for your existing hook. Though a new hook might cost less than the clay.
Vy says
Oh yeah, I check thrift stores for afghans made out of wool yarn, then I unravel them and use the yarn for my own projects. Just a thought!
Angie says
YouTube is great for tutorial videos. I also go to attic24 like another reader mentioned. I almost always use acrylic for blankets and cotton for washcloths/bath kitchen items.
Anne M-C says
I make blankets out of acrylic but only because I make them for other people and for some reason Americans seem to think they cannot wash wool. If I was making anything for myself I would never use acrylic. It’s scratchy and and piles easily and weaving in the ends is not as easy or dependable as with wool. For myself I’d only use a wool or a wool blend. Cotton is OK for spring clothes but it is not as flexible and doesn’t wrap around the body like you would want for a blanket. Wool doesn’t have to be pricey either though it will be more than acrylic. Check out http://www.knitpicks.com I’ve used their wools and find them a nice alternative to American wools that can be more expensive. Yarns from Knitpicks comes mostly from South America, I believe. But if you use wool wash alone on a delicate cycle with cold water and DO NOT put it into the dryer ever. The spin cycle will dry it enough so you can throw it over a clothesline or bed and let it sit over night. If you start to make clothes you are going to find thatcrochet uses more yarn than knitted items. So anything crocheted, even blankets, I suppose, are bulkier then items made with wool which are lighter but warmer.
Anne M-C says
P.S. – If you choose to use acrylic leave more than the usually recommended 1-2″ tail for weaving in. That works well with wool but I find acrylic will not cling to the pother yarns as wool does and so slips out more easily over time as the blanket is used. I suggest at least 4″ but when my OCD hits I’ll even use 6″.
Emily E. says
Mavis, you are doing great with your crocheting! I think one of the most important things to keep in mind when crocheting a blanket is comfort and washability. (I don’t think that’s a real word but oh well). Acrylics have a ton of variety and hold up well. I like soft yarns like Caron Simply Soft. There are plenty of others too. I don’t care for cotton. I haven’t used wool yet. I have a lovely little yarn/fiber store in an adjoining town that has some beautiful variety, but the skeins can cost $40 and up easily. Most are between $10 and $30. For many people that can get too expensive. Best of luck and I can’t wait to see what you decide to use and your progress!
Rosaleen says
Straying from the run of comments so far: Consider making up several “squares” of whatever pattern you want to use for our afghan in cotton, and don’t worry about mistakes. Use the cotton practice squares for dishcloths or mats. That way you get practice and don’t have to waste time starting over again and again. My sisters are quite good with several fiber arts, but I haven’t really picked it up. One did give me a hook and some cotton yarn to take to hubby’s tournaments so I’d have something to keep my hands busy. The imperfect dishcloths do a great job, mistakes and all.
Cass says
Mavis, please consider how the project is going to be used when choosing the yarn. Others have outlined the good and bad of various yarns, so I won’t repeat their advice. But if you are making an afghan for me remember I am allergic to wool and if you are making one for my mom remember her hands hurt so lifting a heavy cotton one from the washer to the dryer will irritate her hands. You see where I am going with this?
My personal favorite yarn is acrylic because it feels nicer in my hands than the other choices, but I never considered the flammability of it when making my choice. (I will in the future now that I am making baby projects again, but I suspect that folks don’t put their baby near open flames all that often)
April says
I love wool yarn for warmth and comfort (as long as you’re not allergic). Do you use wool when you make your rugs? Even half wool/half acrylic is nicer to work with than acrylic. And if the nylon or other fiber is more than 20% of the fiber, then the wool should not shrink. When I find a wool afghan at the thrift store, I love to buy it. I wash them when they need it and use the hand wash setting on my washing machine with some lavender soap on the rinse cycle and cool water. Then dry it on my drying rack. Probably similarly to how you prepare your wool for your rugs, unless you try to felt them. And I think the wool colors are comforting, unless you are looking for really bright colors. So cozy.
che says
I like to work with caron simply soft yarn, but I have to watch how I use my hook or the yarn splits. I also use lot of red heart supersaver. For hooks I use Susan Bates with a wood handle. As many others have stated, youtube is very helpful. You might also try Ravelry. It is a wonderful online site, free to join and a very helpful tool for crocheting. Facebook also has a number of helpful crochet groups. There are tons of resources and as you have seen, helpful hookers online. Before you know it, you’ll be answering questions too. Looking forward to seeing what pattern and colors you decide on. Be sure to keep us all updated.
Pam says
I like the cotton yarn. It just has a better finished look. I love the examples of color you posted. I crochet faster with the metal. I would say just do a stack of squares for practice then look back at them and look at the mistakes. I think it gives you a little perspective on what you’re doing. It might keep you from having to go back and keep ripping them out down the road. Have fun!
Shari says
Mavis, for blankets I have only ever used acrylic yarns. I agree with others that changing colors can be tedious. I like using a variegated yarn with a solid complimentary border and/or joining color. I avoid white as a solid, but have used it in a variegated yarn. My advice is not to focus on perfection, but enjoy the practice. Most people will not notice the imperfections and will focus instead on the fact that the item is handmade. I suppose it depends if the project is for you, being given away or sold. I consider crocheting a form of meditation because it is difficult to focus on anything else with the repetition of stitches.
A great small project is washcloths. for those I use cotton.
When you are ready for a real challenge tackle a doily with the finer cotton thread!
Happy hooking, Mavis!!
Reta Russell-Houghton says
Since you are a beginner, I would recommend acrylic. They are relatively inexpensive and come in extremely large variety of colors. To quote a comedian, “There are some colors that only exist in yarn.”
I do not recommend making a big investment at first. While you may learn to crochet, you may not enjoy it or certain types of projects. I like to make doilies but hate the thought of an afghan. It is too long a project and then the bulk of it. I can carry the doily project with me everywhere. Of course you can carry the squares as you make them. And, to be honest–starting all those squares would kill my hands.
About color choices, if you are going to make a 2 colored afghan, be sure to buy enough yarn for the whole project. Even subtle differences in color lots can be glaring. You can do a 2 color with a each color coming from different dye lots or manufacturers. It could be interesting.
Personally, I would do the multicolor project. I would make a bunch of the first row circles in a multitude of colors, throw an a bag and shake really hard to mix them up. Select a 2nd row color, pull 5-10 rounds from the bag and crochet away. Change to a new color, pull out the next to 5-10 rounds. This gives you variety. Repeat for rows 3-4. You decide how big you want you squares. Some of the most interesting squares come from the combinations of yarns you would never think to put together.
If you decide you don’t like this project, make enough for a dog blanket. Your dog will appreciate it.
Lisa Millar says
What a great lot of advice and experiences/opinions shared here! I have only been crocheting a short time but really enjoy it.
Mavis – I think your first go at doing the granny square is fabulous! After a while it will just become so easy, and you will know what to look for if you muff a stitch or two.
At the moment I am doing the starburst granny squares – all with black edge which I think looks pretty cool.
The thing for me about doing lots of different colours – I am NOT a fan of weaving in edges BUT I also have a short attention span, and doing an entire rug using limited colours would get boring for me. I love finishing one set of colours then looking forward to choosing a new set. Keeps the interest going.
I just use acrylic for my rugs. I don’t need to be super precious about them… they get used a lot – by us and the cat – and I really don’t have the budget to buy wool for such a large project.
Maybe one day in the future
Emily says
I use mostly acrylic or acrylic/wool blends in my knitting. Not all acrylic yarn is created equal. Make sure it feels soft to the touch and you are happy with the color. Acrylic is easier care and easier on the wallet. Especially since you’re just starting out I’d lean toward that direction. Less fear of messing up the less expensive yarn than if you bought the more expensive wool right away.
Karin C says
I have been a knitter for many years, I never use acrylic yarn , I put my time and effort into what I make and feel it is worth nice wool or wool blends, use the colours that you love as it is something you have made. Nice wool is easier to work with, produces a nicer finished product and can be almost the same price as acrylic . If I am going to put my time and effort into it I want it to be the best that I can make .
Amy says
Acrylic yarn does not wash and last well. Cotton yarn is my personal favorite while my 20 year old loves wool yarn best. The wool and cotton seem to hold up best to the test of time, though I think the cotton is softer and nicer for snuggling up with.
Love the granny square blankets! I’m learning to make one as well – slowly! 🙂
Linda says
You are enough of a perfectionist that spending all that time making an afghan with cheap yarn just to practice would frustrate you from ever making another. Why spend hours on something that will be scratchy? Being from Maine originally, where the winters give you a long time indoors, I’ve crocheted and knit all my life, and love all the choices of yarn that are available now. I like Vanna’s Choice, as some have said. It will result in a washable, warm but not oppressively warm afghan and there are many color choices. It is on sale at craftsy.com right now for $2.86 a skein – a GOOD price. In addition to color and type of yarn you’ll want to consider weight. Most of the afghans you see use DK or worsted weight but my daughter made one for Christmas of a bulkier homespun yarn. I’ve also used a sport weight, and have a friend currently using a chenille yarn. The choices are endless. For myself, though I love cotton, I wouldn’t use it. WHATEVER you use make sure the label says colorfast. I made some cute cottony boleros one year and the bright, beautiful colors ran on the first wash, even though they were hand-washed. Oh, and BTW, your early granny looks good. You’re getting this!
Julie says
I too am just learning to crochet, so not a lot of experience here, but DO go look at Attic 24 (she is from England, :)) I LOVE and am working on the Granny Stripe afgan, …..all that to say I ordered my yarn from the Wool Warehouse on her site, and it is acrylic, but it is LOVELY!! Not scratchy at all. 🙂 🙂 So fun to watch your progress!
Sheila says
The internet has instructions for softening acrylic yarn, some instructions have you do it to the skeins before you begin crocheting and some instruct you do it after you finish the project. Here is a link with instructions to do both: https://feltmagnet.com/textiles-sewing/Soften-Up-That-Stiff-Scratchy-Acrylic-Yarn
Your granny square is impressive for a beginner. I taught myself to knit and crochet 45 years ago. My first project was a huge blanket knit on circular needles with wool yarn. I was 3/4 finished knitting it and one day I came home and my work-in-progress blanket was lying out in the back yard with much of it pulled out and the unraveled, yarn strewn all about. Someone left the back door open and the 2 dogs seemed to think they needed to pull the blanket out into the back yard and drag around for bit. I was able to salvage it, but had to pull twigs and stems out of it and I had re-knit much of it. I was a bit peeved at those dogs. Keep practicing and you’ll find you will be able to crochet the easier patterns by feel without having to look at your project much.
Paula says
Why don’t you buy some cotton peaches and cream yarn and granny square until you get to the size of a small dish cloth, that way you won’t be wasting anything and you get the feel of the cotton yarn.. or just single or double crochet dish cloths until you get really confident on your stitches. I also agree on the color changing…those tails are a pain to weave in…and I have made many granny square afghans. It’s not where I would start as a new crocheter! Also the thrift store idea to buy yarn is great for you to practice on, or Michael’s or Joann fabric 40% off yarn. After practicing it becomes easy to do while watching tv! Good Luck!
Practical Parsimony says
I learned to crochet when I was eight-years-old. I learned to increase and decrease. However, I was about 30 when I learned to make a granny square. THAT was boring. So, I just used two colors and made a baby-blanket sized infant blanket. There is only one center. I crocheted about four rounds in one color and then two rounds in white, skipping back to the original color and then back to white. It is soooo painless. They are about 30′ square. I don’t remember exactly.
As my daughter was invited to birthday parties starting in kindergarten, I sat down and crocheted baby blankets for dolls, about 18″ square. I have made them for niece, daughters, and grandchildren. Boy grandchildren get a boy looking one for a teddy bear to sleep under. Each girl’s doll blanket uses only two colors, a solid pink with white stripes.
To finish my type of crocheted blanket, finish the edge with a shell stitch. It is sooo easy, Mavis. As for the tails, I just lay them down and crochet over them as I go onto the next color. I rarely cut any off. Just stretch the blanket a little and the tail disappears. They never pop out. If they did, I would tack down lightly with needle and thread.
Acrylic hurts my hand to crochet. I have some polyester yarn I bought years ago at TG&Y. The finished product is soft and still looks nice after washing. I have never used wool because I could not afford it.
If your stitches become tighter, put your work down and rest your hands. Watch as you crochet to make sure you maintain the same tension. You can shake out your hands and continue.
I taught my friend, Sandy, to crochet a granny square large for a blanket. When she died just before I gave birth, her husband presented me the blanket she had crocheted for me. It is a treasure.
A baby blanket is the largest square I have made, but I am sure anyone can make one a larger one.