Granny squares are perhaps one of the most iconic crochet patterns, and they’re also a great way to practice your skills. Whether you’ve been crocheting for years or have just started learning, this is a simple design that you can use over and over again on blankets, pillows, and other home decor items.
Granny squares are easy to work up but can be difficult to finish off properly if you don’t know how to put them together.
But fear not! This guide will help with every step from choosing color schemes (and yarns) to edging your finished project so that it looks professional from any angle.
| Key Takeaways |
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| Crochet is a versatile and creative way to add personality to your home decor. |
| Granny squares, in particular, are a classic and timeless crochet technique that can be used to make a variety of home decor projects. |
| Other crochet techniques, such as tapestry crochet and broomstick lace crochet, offer unique textures and designs for home decor projects. |
| Crochet home decor can be used to add color, texture, and personality to any living space. |
| There are many online resources and patterns available for those interested in crocheting their own home decor. |
Define The Color Scheme
The first step in creating a color scheme for your home is to choose three primary colors. These can be used to create an accent wall or furniture pieces that will help accentuate the room’s features and make it feel like an extension of you.
When choosing your main colors, focus on one or two “statement” colors that you want to stand out against the others.
This could include light browns and taupes if you’re looking to make a more traditional statement, or bolder tones like purples and pinks if you want something more modern-looking. In this step, we’re going to focus on creating a cohesive main color scheme using shades of gray as our focal point.
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Use A Single-Stitch Pattern
If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-follow pattern, the single stitch pattern is perfect for beginners. This stitch creates a beautiful, textured effect and can be used to make small or large squares.
It also works well with different color schemes: from bright to pastel shades and everything in between.
Simple Table: Single-Stitch Pattern
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The Single-Stitch Pattern is a versatile and beginner-friendly crochet technique that can be used to create a beautiful and textured effect in home decor projects. It’s a simple stitch pattern that can be worked into small or large squares, making it useful for a variety of projects.
As a beginner stitch, the single stitch pattern is easy to follow, making it a great choice for those new to crochet. With its textured effect and ease of use, the single stitch pattern is a versatile option for crocheting simple and stylish home decor.
Make A Test Swatch
Before you begin, it’s best to make a test swatch. A test swatch is a small sample of the pattern stitch so you can check to see if you like how it looks, if it will work with your yarn and if there are any errors in your work.
Using your chosen yarn and hook size, chain about 20 stitches (or as many as needed for your pattern). Work the pattern stitch until the piece is large enough to measure; this may be three or four rows depending on how easy or hard a pattern is.
You can either count rows as you go or keep track of where each row ends by making small marks on each side of each row with chalk when working back across them later on.
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Practice Chainless Starting Stitches
You don’t need to worry about counting chains when you’re starting your granny square. It’s all done with the magic of Chainless Starting Stitches! This is a wonderful technique that is easy to learn and perfect for beginners, but it can also be used in other types of projects.
To do chainless starting stitches, follow these steps:
- Bring the yarn up as if you are going to make a slip stitch.
- Insert your crochet hook into the same space that your working loop was on before making that slip stitch (this will be behind both loops).
- Wrap the yarn around your hook from back to front and pull through both loops on your hook at once so that they are now pulled through together like one normal stitch would have been made except now there were two loops instead of one.
You’ve just made what we call “chainless starting stitches” or sometimes just “ch-st.”
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Add A Border
Once you’ve completed your project, it’s time to add a border.
The border is an important part of any crochet or knitting project. It gives the overall piece structure and helps define the shape.
You can choose to work in a different stitch pattern from what is used in the rest of your project (club stitch, for example), or you can use same-sized stitches for consistency. Borders come in many sizes, so pick one that suits your personal taste and aesthetic!
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Square Up Your Pillow Top
There are a few different ways to square up your pillow top. One method is to use a seam ripper and carefully cut off the excess fabric from either side of the corner seams.
This method works for any size square, but it’s especially important if you’re working with a large pillow top because it ensures that all of your stitches are even and straight.
To square up your pillow top using this method:
1 – Unpick one of the corner seams on one side of your work (or both sides, if desired).
2 – Using scissors or a seam ripper (if you want), cut along each side of each stitch (this will ensure that they’re nice and straight).
3 – Repeat steps 1-2 on all four corners until you have reached an even edge with straight edges on all sides
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Choose An Appropriate Filling
Once you know that your granny square is the right shape and size for your project, it’s time to choose a filling.
Choose a filling that is comfortable. You want to make sure your granny square feels good on your skin and won’t shift or bunch up when worn or used in other ways (such as cushioning). If your squares are intended for use around the home, consider using natural fibers like cotton or wool to ensure they’re comfortable enough to sit on.
Choose a filling of appropriate size for the space available in each granny square: If you have large squares with lots of open space between them, consider using something thicker than a small thread;
likewise, if they’re close together and won’t be exposed much at all (for example, if they make up part of an armrest), then go ahead and use something thinner than thread but just as soft.
Consider whether it will show through during either weaving/crocheting or edging if so, choose accordingly.
Use A Continuous Joining Method
If you’re a beginner, there are a number of ways to join your squares.
The most common way is to use the traditional method of crocheting in the back loops only (blo) and then slip stitching together on the wrong side.
That said, this can be tedious and time consuming if you have many granny squares to make. A faster option is joining as you go by working into both loops or using circular joins.
Edging Is Everything
Edging is the finishing touch to any project, and the easier it is to do, the more likely you’ll finish your project. A simple single crochet stitch is all that’s needed for most projects.
If you want something fancier, or if you are creating a complicated pattern with different stitches and techniques, edging may be more involved. You can use edging as an opportunity to practice new stitches or techniques; just make sure not to add too many details or make it too complicated.
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Conclusion
Our hope is that these tips will help you create a beautiful pillow top. If you’ve tried any of them before in your own projects, please let us know how it went! It would be great to hear from you and maybe even share some photos with us on social media. Happy crocheting.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for those interested in exploring more about crocheting home decor:
Granny Squares & Doilies on Pinterest: A collection of inspiring granny squares and doilies to crochet for your home decor needs.
Lovely Home Decor Crochet Patterns Crochet Roundup by Joy of Motion Crochet: Explore unique and stylish crochet patterns for home decoration in this roundup by Joy of Motion Crochet.
Granny Square Patterns by Sarah Maker: Discover a variety of free granny square patterns and projects that you can use to spruce up your living space.
FAQs
What are some good patterns for crocheting home decor?
There are many patterns that are great for crocheting home decor. Some popular examples include granny squares, doilies, pillows, and rugs.
How do I choose the right colors for my crochet home decor projects?
Choosing colors for your home decor crochet projects depends on your personal preferences and the overall color scheme of your living space. You may want to choose colors that complement or contrast with your existing decor, or select colors that evoke a certain mood or atmosphere.
Can I use different types of yarn for crochet home decor projects?
Absolutely! Depending on the project, you may want to use a specific type of yarn, such as cotton for a lightweight and breathable home accessory, or wool for a cozy and warm blanket. However, you can certainly experiment with different types of yarn to achieve a unique look and texture.
What tools do I need for crocheting home decor?
The basic tools for crochet home decor include crochet hooks, yarn, scissors, and a tapestry needle. Depending on the project, you may also need a measuring tool, stitch markers, and other notions.
Are there any tips for successful crocheting home decor projects?
Some tips for successful crocheting home decor include choosing the right pattern for your skill level, selecting high-quality yarns, taking accurate measurements, and practicing good tension control. Additionally, browsing online resources and getting inspiration from others can also help you achieve your desired results.
My name is Hellen James, and I’m a crochet and knitting expert. I’ve been crocheting since I was just a kid, but I started taking it seriously when I realized that it was a great way to de-stress and relax. Now that I have kids of my own, I love teaching them how to do it too!