As you may know, I really love granny squares (you can have a look here for all my designs). Some time ago I had the privilege of collaborating on a fun project with the amazing designers Celine Semaan and Sharna Moore.
Together we designed 100 squares and several projects, all with 3D elements. These designs have been put together in a wonderful book called 3D Granny Squares! It seems like the book has been very well received and is a top-ranking crochet book on Amazon. I hope you enjoy the book and all the designs as much as I enjoyed creating them.
3D Granny Squares: 100 crochet patterns for pop-up granny squares
3D Granny Squares takes the humble granny square to the next level with 100 three-dimensional granny square motifs. Each motif features a 3D element that is integral to the granny square design, rather than simply stitched on top of a square.
The book is divided into several themes, including food, animals, flowers, celebrations and more. 3D Granny Squares is filled with a wide variety of designs. You are guaranteed to find a pop up granny square to suit just about any occasion.
Not only are there lots of motifs to choose from, but 3D Granny Squares also includes 10 different granny square projects. From home decor items to baby toys and wearables; these projects are a great opportunity to put your 3D granny squares to use.
Some notes about the book
- The book is written using US terminology. However, UK readers, do not fret! A handy conversion chart is included for reference.
- There are both written instructions and charts*, to cater for your preferred method of following patterns.
- All the squares were designed using Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK. A key for all the shades used is included on each design. Use it to create an exact replica of the squares you see in the book. Although, of course, you are free to let your creativity run wild!
- All the techniques you need to complete the squares are included in both written and graphic form. This includes how to finish off your squares and how to work the different types of stitches needed.
- A wide variety of skill levels are catered for too. Therefore, 3D Granny Squares is suitable for both beginners and experienced crocheters alike.
WHERE TO GET THE BOOK
All in all, 3D Granny Squares is a lovely book and certainly a unique and modern take on the humble granny square. This book would certainly make a lovely gift! (If you are looking for more gift ideas for yarn lovers, then look at this huge list I put together here). If you don’t already own a copy of 3D Granny Squares, you can snag one via the button below***
That’s all for now. Happy stitching, friends!
Yours in craft, Caitie
*There has been some feedback from buyers that the text and charts in some of the designs were a bit small and faint. This feedback has been noted by the publishers and has been resolved in all prints going forward.
**Thank you to David & Charles for the photography used in this article.
***Thoresby Cottage is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
I’m trying to make the cow CRM this book but the muzzle seems to small – is there a tutorial available please?
Could you also recommend a solid square to use with the squares?
Thanks
I don’t have a video tutorial, but I’m more than happy to help over email! (hello [at] thoresbycottage.com].
Here is my pattern for solid granny squares that work with all of my 3D designs. Happy stitching!
I’m going to make a baby blanket. Just finished the ice cream and am going to make the cup cake. I’m a bit confused as to why the change in hook size. I used a 4 mm for the ice cream the cupcake calls for a 2.75. That’s a big difference.
The book is a collaboration between 3 designers, each with their unique pattern requirements. The ice cream pattern was not designed by me. In order to get the correct finished size, I would suggest starting with the hook recommended for each pattern. All of my patterns use a 2.75mm hook. You can use a different hook size, but just be aware that the finished square size will change. Hope that helps!
I’m currently working on the Succulent square (love this book) but I’m super confused on how to actually join to start the succulent leaves and start Rnd 1. I’m not a seasoned crocheter so maybe it’s just me. Thanks
You can join the yarn with a slip stitch into the front loop of a stitch and then continue to work around that way. It does feel a little weird at first!
I did the rainbow pattern, and my granny square was about 7 1/2 – 8 inches in width and length, is there a way I can shrink it down without ruining it?
You can either use a lighter weight (thinner yarn) and smaller hook or simply omit / adjust the last few rounds. For example, you could omit the final round, and in rnd 10, instead of working double crochets, you could do hdc or sc. Hope that helps!
I am having trouble understanding how to make the fish’s fin (from rnd3 on) on page 62/63 of the 3D granny square book. By any chance do you have a video showing how to do that?
I don’t have a video at this stage unfortunately. The fin is worked in rows (back and forth) rather than in rounds. Working into the back loops is what gives the ribbed texture. If you need further help please pop me an email hello[at]thoresbycottage.com