Granny Square Flower Garden: Instructions for Blanket with Choice of 12 Squares

by Margaret Hubert

A granny square is a piece of square fabric produced in crochet by working in rounds from the center outward. Granny squares are made separately and then assembled to create a blanket. Since you work on small pieces one at a time, this technique is perfect for those who are new to crocheting.

A crocheting basics section provides techniques, abbreviations, and the instructions needed to make the 12 granny square projects included in this step-by-step booklet.

Genres: Crochet, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

From her Ravelry Profile: I have been knitting and crocheting forever. I am a mother and grandmother, and a great grandmother. I design, teach, and write books. My first book was published in 1978, and I just completed my 19th book In addition to the books, I have 2 independently produced video’s/dvd’s, and 3 self published entrelac crochet patterns. My flicker name is MHDesigner. I love it all!

I am a member of the CGOA, The Happily Hooked on Crochet chapter in CT, and a member of The Big Apple Knitters in New York City.

Reviews

[Marie Segares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Granny Square Flower Garden: Instructions for Blanket with Choice of 12 Squares is a pattern booklet by Margaret Hubert. (I’m a long-time fan of Margaret’s work, so you can also find an interview with her and reviews of some of her previously published books on the Underground Crafter blog.)

The booklet opens with Crochet Basics. General Techniques includes 6 pages of written instructions with process photos for basic crochet stitches, working in the back loop, and special stitches used in the patterns. Crochet Instructions is a 3-page section that provides helpful tips for reading patterns and understanding gauge, along with a key to U.S. crochet pattern abbreviations and a guide to international stitch symbols. The 3-page Granny Square Techniques section includes written instructions and process photos for different methods for starting granny squares (i.e., chain ring, slip knot, or adjustable loop), as well as a pattern for the traditional granny square.

The booklet moves onto the instructions for 12 floral granny square patterns. Each pattern includes a large, color “flat lay” photo of the square against a white background and pattern instructions with U.S. pattern abbreviations and an international stitch symbol chart. The squares are made with vibrant colors and the photos are vibrant. Each pattern is rated intermediate. However, a dedicated beginner with the patience to refer back to the Crochet Basics section frequently for the special stitches can likely complete these squares.

The booklet ends with a stylized, full page photo of a blanket made with the squares. It then includes instructions for making the blanket with a list of materials and supplies, a border pattern, an assembly diagram, and written instructions with process photos of the chain join.

Granny Square Flower Garden: Instructions for Blanket with Choice of 12 Squares is an affordably priced booklet with several tutorials, so it would be a great gift for a patient beginner crocheter, or for a crocheter that is a bit rusty and would like a skills review. The inclusion of both pattern abbreviation and stitch symbols should please crocheters who prefer written patterns and those who like symbol charts. (Note that the border pattern for the blanket is not charted.)

Most of the square patterns are lacy. Like most pattern booklets, your enjoyment will be increased if you are interested in making the specific patterns included in the booklet. All of the squares are shown on the front cover, but the completed throw is only visible on the back cover (which you can see when you use the “Look Inside” feature on the Amazon listing, here.) The booklet lays flat so you can crochet and read the pattern at the same time. You check out the pattern writing style on my blog, where I've shared the Flower Garden Square X pattern with permission from the publisher.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Granny Square Flower Garden: Instructions for Blanket with Choice of 12 Squares was provided to me by The Quarto Group. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes patterns for a few different floral-themed granny squares and ideas for granny square projects. I admit that I was a little disappointed to find that most of the granny squares are the same pattern with only a slight variation in the flower. It's a good enough pattern if you're looking for a few different florals surrounded by a consistent lacy design. I admit I was hoping for more unique backgrounds and more variation in the flowers themselves. I also found the instructions for starting each round obtuse and hard to follow. Conveniently, there are plenty of photos and charts to help me figure out what the written pattern is trying to say, and I'm happy with my resulting squares.