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Learn how to make a crochet Granny Square and create 10 stunning accessories with my newest book – Crochet Granny Square Tops, Bags, and More!
Ever heard of a granny square?
It’s one of the most iconic crochet motifs, and for good reason!
This timeless design starts from the center and expands outward, using double crochet stitches and chain spaces to create its signature look.
But granny squares aren’t just for blankets—or for grandmas!
They’re a blank canvas for your crochet creativity, ready to be transformed into bags, accessories, stylish garments, and more.
In this collection, I’ll show you how to crochet a granny square with my favorite set of instructions, making it easy to follow every pattern with confidence.
Plus, you’ll learn how to join squares together to create 10 surprisingly modern accessories that prove granny squares are anything but outdated.
Get ready to reinvent this classic motif, because granny squares are here to stay!
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Table of contents
This article may contain some affiliate links.
About This Book – From the Author, Salena Baca
Granny squares are iconic, timeless, and full of possibilities—and this collection shows you just how fun and versatile they are!
In this book, I’ll start by sharing some of my favorite tips to make a granny square, especially if this is your first time crocheting one.
Next, I teach you how to crochet a classic granny square with step-by-step photo tutorials that break down the beginning and ending of the first 4 rounds.
You’ll not only read and follow written instructions and photo tutorials, you’ll also follow a stitch chart!
Then, there is a section that includes the most popular ways to join crochet granny squares together (yes, including photo tutorials to show you how).
Finally you’ll get 10 modern patterns that all use the exact same granny square motif—think bags, wearables, and stylish accessories that will make you see granny squares in a whole new way.
Whether you’re new to crochet or a seasoned pro looking for fresh inspiration, this book is packed with easy-to-follow instructions, step-by-step patterns, and plenty of tips to help you crochet with confidence.
This book isn’t intended to teach you how to crochet from scratch, but if you’re looking to learn, you can find everything you need in How to Crochet: A Step-By-Step Guide for Beginners
So grab your yarn, pick up your hook, and let’s turn the classic crochet granny square into something amazing!
Who is Salena Baca
I picked up my first crochet hook at five years old, learning to make granny squares in school (you can learn more about me right here).
Here’s the thing, though—I had absolutely no clue what I was doing.
Stitches? Counting? Reading patterns? Nope.
I was just making squares and hoping for the best.
As I got older and started teaching friends to crochet, one of them totally blew me away.
She taught herself to read patterns and made things I never even attempted (like baby clothes that actually fit!).
That’s when it hit me: I had a lot more to learn.
So, I dove deep—obsessing over every stitch, technique, and pattern to truly understand crochet instead of just winging it.
The more I learned, the more I wanted to teach it in a way that actually made sense.
In this collection, my mission is to make learning how to crochet a granny square easier, more fun, and frustration-free—and show you that granny squares are good for so much more than just blankets!
What Makes This Book Stand Out?
This isn’t just another book about granny squares.
This is your complete guide to learning the iconic motif and turning it into modern accessories you’ll love.
What sets this book apart?
The step-by-step instructions and detailed photo tutorials that walk you through every stitch, helping you crochet the perfect granny square foundation, no matter your experience level.
Even if you’ve never made a granny square before or struggled through one in the past, I’ve included lots of tips and tricks to help you read and follow the pattern with ease.
The book also includes a stitch chart to give you a visual reference for every round and stitch, making it easier to understand and follow along.
Check out our Crochet Memberships for all skill levels!
From First Stitch to Crochet Career, Unravel Your Complete Journey With The American Crochet Association!
If you want more help in addition to the book, you can also learn how to crochet granny squares with this video tutorial: Granny Square Pattern
You’ll also learn how to measure stitches and rounds accurately—because gauge and size are key when it comes to joining squares together.
And if you want more help with gauge and size, these tips will help: How To Crochet a Swatch
Speaking of joining, this book gives you multiple methods to connect your squares, so you can find the one that suits you (and your project) best.
Whether you prefer a seamless Join As You Go technique, traditional methods like slip stitch or single crochet, or even sewing them together for a flawless finish, you’ll be able to join squares with confidence.
Of course, I have video tutorials for each technique that you can use while you’re flipping through that section: How To Join Granny Squares
Plus, you’ll get 10 unique crochet patterns—each using the same granny square motif but turned into something entirely different.
From hats and cowls to hooded scarves, bags, and wearable items like shrugs, tops, and ponchos, this book shows you how to take your granny squares beyond blankets and into your everyday wardrobe.
If you love the classic granny square but want to create more than just a cozy blanket, this book is a fantastic guide to making accessories you’ll love, and actually wear!
What’s Included In This Book
This crochet book isn’t just a collection of patterns—it’s a comprehensive guide designed to teach you everything you need to know to crochet a granny square and turn it into gorgeous, wearable pieces.
Listed on Ravelry, you can explore more about each pattern, the yarns used, and even see lots of finished projects for inspiration.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll find inside:
Introduction
I share my motivation behind this book, giving you insight into how to approach the patterns and make the most out of your crochet experience.
Plus, you’ll find a list of abbreviations to guide you through each stitch and technique.
Crochet a Granny Square
This section is all about setting you up for success! I offer practical tips like:
- Practice first to build your confidence and technique.
- Follow the instructions step-by-step—small, manageable chunks make a huge difference.
- Use the pattern chart for a visual reference.
- Good practice makes great progress, so take your time and enjoy the process.
- Learn how to measure granny square rows and stitches to ensure your squares come out just right.
Granny Square Pattern
I break down the process of creating a classic granny square with written instructions and a photo tutorial for the first few rounds.
The included stitch chart will help you understand the steps visually.
This page serves as a reference for all the patterns in the book, because the exact same granny square is used throughout!
Amazing, right?
Granny Square Joins
I show you three different ways to join your granny squares:
- Join As You Go (JAYGO): Learn this seamless technique that keeps your project flowing.
- Slip Stitch Join: A classic method that’s both simple and effective.
- Sewing Join: For a flawless, almost invisible finish, especially if you want a more polished look.
10 Crochet Patterns Included
Each of these patterns uses the same classic granny square motif, but with different variations in yarn, hook size, and styling.
- Newsboy Hat: A chunky accessory with a vintage flair, worked entirely in one piece.
- Cowl: Granny squares joined together into a tube, with tapered ribbing on either end.
- Hooded Scarf: Multiple granny squares joined together to create a scarf, and a hood.
- Scrap Bag: Use up your yarn scraps to create a trendy bag that start out with just one granny square.
- Tote: Two granny squares joined together, with simple handles added at the end.
- Market Tote: With just three granny squares folded diagonally, you can create a really clever bag. This pattern is also free to view on our website: Granny Square Bag: Easy Crochet Tote Pattern
- Shrug: A lightweight piece that begins with one large granny square, with sleeves added on two sides out of the same granny-stitch motif.
- Button Front Top: A breezy top with a relaxed fit, made out of a single granny square in the back, and simple fabric that creates arm holes and a v-neck closure.
- Basic Stitch Poncho: Two granny squares are held diagonally, and easily joined together across two sides, to create a simple pull-over style.
- Side-Split Top: Again, just two granny squares are seamed together with sleeves, leaving the sides open for a modern and comfortable style.
By the end of this book, I hope you’ll have a collection of beautiful projects you’ll love, and a love for all things granny square!
Where to Get Your Copy
You can find Crochet Granny Square Tops, Bags, and More! just about anywhere books are sold—craft stores, bookstores, and even your local library!
If you don’t see it on the shelf, just ask them to order a copy for you.
Prefer to shop online?
You can grab your copy right here: [Amazon link] Crochet Granny Square Tops, Bags, and More
Giveaway – March 2025
Win a copy of Crochet Granny Square Tops, Bags, and More signed by the Author (me, Salena Baca)! To enter for a chance to win this prize, just follow these two simple steps:
- Review all 10 of the patterns in this crochet book (outlined above, or on Ravelry).
- Leave a comment on this post with the reason you’re most interested in this book (you can leave 1 comment per day for a chance to win).
3 winners will be chosen from the comments after 7 April 2025. Giveaway available for winners who have continental US mailing addresses only.
I will reply to the winning comment, update this post with the name of the winner, and send an email with instructions to claim their prize.
Once contacted, winner will have 5 days to reply.
Winner #1: Courtney
Winner #2: Rachel Weiss
Winner #3: Debra Ellensohn
Share your finished project in our free online community!
Peace + Love + Crochet
Salena
So excited for your new book! From one author to another: congratulations! It’s a huge achievement to write a book.
Cowls are probably my weakness. I always make too many. I love the granny square design.
Congratulations – you’re winner 1 of 3 for this giveaway! You have 5 days to claim this prize, by following these instructions:
1) Email to claim: [email protected]
2) Email Subject Line: Crochet Granny Square Book Winner
3) Include your mailing address.
really would like to work up the Button Front Top!💜🦋
The Granny Square Button-Front Top is so cute and stylish. It looks like it could be formal or casual.
If I had to pick a favorite, mine might be the Granny Square Side-Split Top. I have always wanted to make a granny square top like this.
I had never realized how versatile the granny square can be. I’m so glad designers like you have the imagination to create more than just blankets with it!
I want to learn how to make granny without all the holes.
love all the patterns..
like to make the newsboy
Love the patterns. Would love the book. Granny is my best stitch I use alot
Please teach me how to make granny squares. They tell me it’s for beginners but I haven’t figured it out yet. First project would be the square tote then the hat. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.
An amazing book. The split side top looks so flattering. There are so many practical projects, but I think the hooded scarf would be a favorite in the winter. There are even three different bags to choose – or make all three. You can do the Granny scrap bag last to use the leftovers of the first two. This is definitely not a book that would collect dust. (Not in MY house).
I have done so many projects with Granny’s. Traditional granny squares and many variations for different projects. I really like the Side Split Top and the Shrug but all of the patterns are awesome. Thank you so much for the opportunity for the giveaway!
I love the projects, especially the side split top. I would love to win the book.
Love the patterns. Granny is my favorite stitch and I like to try different patterns
I like the Granny Square Scrap Bag Pattern; Thank you for providing this opportunity to see all these beautiful crochet patterns. I am interested in learning to crochet, currently. Thank you once again. I need to be resourceful, while meeting needs in folks that i meet, locally, at the Senior Center of Owensboro, KY, since that location is offering classes usually from 4 to 6 PM on Tuesdays, again.
I love how the designs can be both formal and casual. Granny squares are so versatile!
I do not know why, but the Granny Square has a flair of its own. It is very easy to become addicted to these Granny Squares. I am so glad there is a book available of patterns to be used with these squares. There are many books with a variety of granny squares, but not so many with project patterns. Thank you, Salena.
This book looks fantastic. Would love to make many of these patterns.
I love the bags. The designs are all so different even though they use the same base stitches.
Love the variety of patterns from granny squares!
there is so many of these patterns I want, I’ve already bought 2 out 10 that’s in this book. if I don’t win I will most likely be buying it.
Hi, congratulations on the book it has beautiful patterns, I love Granny Square, my mum though me, I would like to win a book, but I live in Australia
I like so many of the patterns. The tops and bags are my favorite. It will also be great to have different ways to join squares so handy.
Congratulations – you’re winner 3 of 3 for this giveaway! You have 5 days to claim this prize, by following these instructions:
1) Email to claim: [email protected]
2) Email Subject Line: Crochet Granny Square Book Winner
3) Include your mailing address.
I love the granny square top. It is so unique.
I’m most interested in learning more about tops and joining them together
Great patterns. Would love to make many of the patterns.
I have had a kind-a “love/hate” relationship with granny squares. Now that they have made a “comeback”, I am learning to appreciate the technique and like them again.
Your designs are refreshing a staple in crochet.
Granny squares are great for someone of any experience level. I love the idea of using this simple pattern for so many different garments.
Granny squares are so fun to make because they are so versatile as shown in this book! I need this!
I have grown to love granny square crochet, I have always loved Salena’s patterns. This book is the best of both worlds!
I had a look at the content of the book, as well as on Amazon. It confirms that this book is going to be a star seller. Well done, Salena.
Amazing how many different things can be made with granny squares!
Granny squares are timeless and classic. I love the new ways to use the classics.
awesome crocheting
The Granny Square is so versatile and always looks so great. I would love a copy of the book as I think I would make every single pattern in it. Great to belong to the ACA. Salena is a treasure.
I have not done much with granny squares, but would love to learn. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of your book.
I’ve communicated with Selena a couple times. She’s knowledgeable and a class act. Deep knowledge and no question too silly. I still love the split side top because of the slit (lays nicely as I sit(!!!)! But I love the granny stitch statement on the front. I can choose colors in my favorite colors that look best on me. Collene VN
i love granny squares. it is one of the first things my grandmother taught me to do when I was twelve. They are versatile and there are so many different patterns. If used properly you can make anything with them.
The timeless Granny Square brings the past and the present together in an ageless stitch. I have lived the full span, and I regard the Granny Square as an icon in the crochet world. I would cherish this book to the full. Thank you, Salena, for this book and also the opportunity to take part in this giveaway.
I love making granny squares but I never have an idea with what to do with them once finished.
this book is an amazing to show what to do next!
I’m looking forward to ordering myself a copy.
I love the look of granny squares and just the old fashioned feeling I get when I see them…the newer granny squares are so pretty but quite intimidating to me so I’ve not tried anything beyond the sunburst granny square. I have made a shrug with 1 huge granny square so far and in love with the way it looks. would be so very excited to win a copy of this book.
I make granny square loveys and donate them to my local sheriff’s dept to give to kids they come across at accident scenes and other situations.
I love the Granny Square it is my favorite to crochet
I love the designs. They are subtle so it doesn’t immediately scream granny square!
I am a beginner and I do much better with physical patterns in front of me. My grandmother crocheted. She would make everything from garments to Victorian style dolls. I really just want to get good and make her proud.
I love granny square patterns! I’d love to make the bags, which are both functional and cute!
You just can’t beat a granny design. Even the most beginner of beginners can make them, and so so many things to be made with them. Thanks for the opportunity to win a book.
I would love to make the side split top – looks like a perfect layering item. Thank you!
Thank you! I enjoy using this stitch for blankets to donate.
awesome crocheting
I would love to make the bags and tops in this book. What a wonderful collection of projects, Salena!
Love your books! Thank you kindly for your project(s) direction.
I have made a couple of things from Salena’s patterns now & would love to have this book to make some more!
I would love nothing more than to finally learn how to join as u go granny squares and crochet no twist grannies
I love all things granny stitch and granny squares! it’s such a comfort stitch and the first thing my mother taught me. ❤️
I have only been crocheting for a couple years and have much to learn. I am amazed how many things can be made with a variety of granny squares. I like them because the patterns are usually easy to follow and I can complete a project in a reasonable amount of time. I am still slow and would love a book in which I can follow along to complete a project. I am most interested in the market bag and hooded scarf. I have never tried a garment, but maybe now I will. Thank you.
I’m mostly interested in this book because who doesn’t love a good granny square? I also have all of your other books so I’d love to add this one to my collection as well.
Wow! I like you have been crocheting since pre-teen days. I still struggle with connecting and all those ends. I see hope in your book. The book is fabulous. I want the vest and the market bag for me and the poncho for my sister’s birthday! I like the way the market bag closes with no gap, but no drawstring to struggle with either.
My grandparents gave me the 4 prong loom it was a little doll and I made her hair grow. my mom taught me crochet but I didn’t have the patience for it as a teen and I taught myself as an adult and I started with the granny square and toys. Anytime i need a distraction i make granny squares. I love the granny square small and large and theirs always something new to learn.
I just started my love for granny squares. I need these patterns in my life! cute, practical, yet fun – looks amazing.
This books looks fabulous! I’m really interested in the Market Bag!!
I would love to have a copy of this book because I am interested in how to crochet bags using granny squares.
I love the patterns in this book! I got hooked (pun intended) on Salena’s pattern when I picked up her “crochet in a weekend” book, and I’d love to add this to my collection! Especially the shirts!
The granny square patterns in this book are so creative. I have only been crocheting since the pandemic and have made several granny square throws. I would really like to try creating something other than a throw with granny squares.
Crocheting and joining granny squares are skills I want to master, and this book would be the perfect guide!
I would love to get an autographed copy of your book. I pattern tested half of the items and would love to make the rest using this book! 💜🦋
I have already made a few of these patterns and I’m excited to work on more granny square patterns.
I am most interested in this book because I just love everything Salena Baca. I started following Salena at a time in my life when I had found a love for crochet. Not long after I lost my son and had knee surgery. You helped me through those tough times. I love your designs! Thank you, Salena!
I did not know that. Love and light to you <3
Congratulations on the new book! Granny Squares are my favorite! I’ve definitely made some of these patterns and the others are on my very long to-crochet list. I’m excited to browse all of the projects from these beautiful patterns. Seeing all the different colors that people use to make the same project is fun and inspiring.
I have all Salena Baca books and this one would be a wonderful addition to my collection. I love to crochet cowls, shawls, bags and tops, this book has all of them in it.
Love love the granny square poncho and bag. So glad the granny stitch made a huge comeback l have been grannying everything since I first learned to crochet.
I’m amazed at the variety of items that can be made with granny squares!
I can’t wait for this book! I’ve had the pleasure of making a few of these patterns, and they are some of my favorite pieces. I’m most excited for this book, because there is such a variety of looks and items made from a granny square.
Congratulations – you’re winner 2 of 3 for this giveaway! You have 5 days to claim this prize, by following these instructions:
1) Email to claim: [email protected]
2) Email Subject Line: Crochet Granny Square Book Winner
3) Include your mailing address.
I love the Granny Square patterns. Knowledge I would love to pass on to my 6yr old Granddaughter who is learning to crochet. She just learned to make her chain
I can’t wait for this book! I’ve had the pleasure of making a few of these patterns, and they are some of my favorite pieces. I’m most excited for this book, because there is such a variety of looks and items made from a granny square.