Modular crochet, better known as “THE GRANNY SQUARE TECHNIQUE”, is as popular as ever. In fact, the granny square pattern has been around for so many years and yet it’s never gone out of style. It’s a classic.
Crocheting modules in one specific pattern and then sewing them all together to form a larger piece of fabric – like an afghan – is a very practical method of crochet. The modules are portable and the project can be worked on anywhere. There’s no need to carry around the entire project, just a hook and enough yarn to make a module or two at a time. Plus, it’s easier to learn one particular crochet pattern and keep repeating it as many times as needed.
From the design point of view, multiple modules assembled together results in a very striking overall pattern. Color choice is key to creating an exciting modular crochet finished product. While bright color yarns are often used, any of the modular crochet patterns can look stunning when worked in shades of neutrals or earth tones – like beiges, greys, browns – to achieve an elegant, eclectic look that blends well with sofas and other furnishing colors popular today. It’s also possible to crochet the very same patterns in baby colors and in much finer yarn, like sport-weight or baby-weight, to create beautiful and unusual baby gifts.
The square referred to as ” the granny square” is made up of “rounds” , with each round usually done in a different color yarn. A very simple stitch pattern is used, made up of 3-stitch units. When we refer to modular crochet, however, we also mean a great assortment of eye-catching crochet patterns, some having flowers in the centers, some with very intricate multi-dimensional stitches, like the “popcorn”, the “cluster” and the “puff” stitch, or even lacy textures. Some modules are not square at all, but triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or round. Strips crocheted separately and then sewn together into afghans and throws can also be considered modular crochet.
There is a huge variety of modular crochet patterns in existence today, and many books and Internet sites offer instructions. Just enter “granny square” or “patchwork crochet” in an Internet search engine. It’s even more exciting to request an “Image” search within “Google” and view the beautiful, colorful, and inspiring photos of completed projects done in this technique.
To guarantee success with this crochet technique, it’s a good idea to learn modular crochet patterns visually – through illustrations, photos, or videos. This is important because traditional crochet instructions are often hard to follow, since they are written in an abbreviated “crochet shorthand”. Illustrated crochet patterns are definitely great, especially for beginners. Intermediate and experienced crocheters are also helped by step by step stitch diagrams. Complicated stitches are much easier to learn that way.
The technique of modular crocheting has endless possibilities. It can be used for making afghans, baby blankets, baby outfits, scarves, hats, bags, and countless other wearables and home accessories. It’s an exciting crochet method that provides many opportunities for creativity, relaxation, and personal satisfaction.
