From a blanket of hundreds of squares to a charming floral cardigan—4 crocheters share their stunning creations
Granny squares and similar patchwork crochet projects have become hugely popular. Take a peek at the creations and tips from a first-timer as well as experienced crocheters!
A beginner’s first steps—306 squares!
“I had been wanting to find a distinctive feature for our bedroom for quite a while. I finally got inspired by the Instagram account @erkkumummo, where I saw a throw blanket made in similar colors. Initially, I thought I wouldn’t be able to make something like that myself, but I started planning the blanket anyway. I drew every square in a notebook because I wanted a symmetrical result.
The project has 34 different kinds of squares, nine of each. I was a beginner in crafts, and after planning, I went to buy a crochet hook and yarn. I wanted the blanket to have many different colors, so I chose the Seitsemän veljestä yarns by Novita, which had the shades I was looking for.
I could easily take the project with me and finish squares wherever I went.
I searched YouTube for a simple tutorial to get started. I added a couple of extra rounds to make the granny squares a bit bigger. I crocheted a few squares a day, often more. I could easily take the project with me and finish squares wherever I went. At first, the biggest challenge was my own doubt about whether I’d have the skill or patience to finish the project. But things turned out differently, and the work progressed surprisingly fast. In the end, all 306 squares were completed.
As a tip for others who’ve taken on a granny square blanket, I’d recommend attaching the squares row by row to each other from the start, when making a larger blanket. I’ve received lots of wonderful comments from friends and family. The sweetest one came from my mother, who insisted on having an identical one. The moment I started crocheting, I fell in love with crafting, and I’ve now made other, smaller projects. Next, I want to crochet a small checkered rug.”- Sini Sukari
A summer flower frenzy in a jacket
“I’ve done quite a lot of crafts as an adult. Crafting has been downright therapeutic for me, amid the busy everyday life of a family with children. I love creating something beautiful with my own hands. However, everyday life sets its limitations on my crafting, and I’ve mostly done pretty quick and simple projects. Crochet is exactly that for me. You can do it anywhere, and once you get going, it’s actually difficult to stop, because you always want to make just one more square.
In the summer, I was inspired by crocheted clothing and a bit over-the-top knitwear I saw on social media. I started scrolling through Pinterest image archives and fell in love with jackets made from crocheted flowers. They felt so very me! Cute and feminine, but at the same time stylish and fashionable.
For a working mom of small children, the project took just over a month. The biggest challenge came when I was putting the jacket together and realized it would be too small. Luckily, I was able to fix it by adding extra squares.
Spontaneous compliments from strangers felt the best!
I made a tutorial for the floral jacket on my Instagram account and YouTube channel @by_tiia. I hope it helps others who get inspired to make their own. It’s worth carefully thinking about the right size for the jacket and perhaps drawing a good plan on graph paper. And like I did, you can adjust the size by adding or removing squares, or by making the squares bigger or smaller.
I got a lot of wonderful comments about my floral jacket, which was overwhelming. Spontaneous compliments from strangers felt the best! Next, I’m working on a crocheted crossbody bag. The bag is already coming along well, but I’ll have to pull out my sewing machine, which makes me a bit nervous. As a side project, I’m also making wool socks for my godchildren as Christmas gifts.”- Tiia Raitanen
Canvas work and colorful nights
“I’ve always enjoyed doing crafts. I came up with the idea for this bedspread on a whim, when I received my mother’s needlepoint pieces after her passing. I wondered how I could put them to good use, and that’s how the idea was born. I first crocheted a variety of different squares in many colors from the yarn I had at home. I might have bought a few new colors. I chose the colors purely based on what I liked.
A few squares are done in colors from the Åland flag, since I live in Åland and wanted to incorporate our flag’s colors. The entire project took maybe three months, as I only crocheted a couple of hours a day. The most difficult part was figuring out how to fit all the needlepoint pieces in and make the end result look good in every way.
If someone wants to make something similar, I’d suggest boldly combining colors you think will go together. Then just assemble it like a puzzle!
I posted pictures of the finished piece in many Facebook groups. I’ve received a lot of comments, but a delightful one written in a regional dialect of Finnish especially stood out.
My next plan is to transform a shirt by adding crocheted lace to its sides and hem.”- Jaana Rask
Crocheted light
“I found 20 small lampshades in very poor condition at a flea market for just three euros. After looking at them for a moment, I had an idea: I would crochet squares for them and make a string of lights.
I’ve been crafting since I was five years old, and now I’m 57. In 2006, I had a stroke and completely forgot how to knit, for example. I had no clue what to do with yarn and needles anymore. So I’ve had to relearn all my needlecraft, and I still can’t follow written instructions.
I order yarn online from various places, and usually, whenever I go to a shop selling yarn, I come home with a few new skeins in my bag. I love strong, earthy colors. It’s also important to me that the colors I’ve chosen harmonize with each other.
After my stroke, I had to relearn my needlecraft skills.
If something feels difficult, I don’t get discouraged. Instead, I take a break and maybe paint some cards or pictures. Making this string of lights was easy and fun. I crocheted for three days and it was done. The kindest comment I received was when someone asked me, 'Do you realize, Maarit, that you’re talented and capable of creating amazing crafts? You’re awesome.’
My next project is already underway, and it will be a cotton yarn bedspread. I only recently finished a bedspread made of wool yarn.”- Maarit Rouhemaa
Hooked on crochet? Check out these patterns:
Granny squares reimagined—let’s crochet three-dimensional popcorn squares!
Crocheted vest from granny squares—you’ll only need 8 squares for this cozy vest
Granny square pillow—crochet a giant granny square from leftover yarn and sew it onto a ready-made pillow cover
