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
Hi I’ve just bought the 3d granny squares book. Could you please tell me what size foam cube I need for the toy cube as I can’t find it anywhere. Thanks
I used a block that was 12cm x 12cm x 12cm. However, I would suggest first working up a few squares in case your tension differs slightly – if your squares turn out a bit larger, then a 12cm square will be too small. I bought my piece of foam from a scrap foam shop and trimmed it to size once I had finished making all my squares.
Can I make all the squares with a size C crochet hook? Or do I really need the other sizes. I want keep the sizes uniform. I’d like to make a baby blanket
Hello! All the squares that were designed by me can be made with the same hook and will match in terms of finished size and the number of stitches. The other squares will be close in size, however I would suggest stitching up one just to check. You can always adjust your tension if your squares are not quite matching up. Blocking your squares to size also really helps!
Thank you for your help. If I still cant master it I will definitely email you with pictures.
Hi Caitie,
I’m quite new to crochet but have been working my way through the 3d granny square book and have got stuck on the turtle pg64. I’ve started the shell but can’t seem to get long bits going back in to round 2 right. I’ve tried to have a Google and YouTube but no luck can you please help as I belive the spike pg105 has a smiliar pattern. I hope you can help and understand where I’m stuck!
Thank you
Sandra
Hi Sandra, have you worked past round 7? There are front post stitches from rnd 7 onwards that give those ridges. You are also welcome to email me a pic of where you are stuck and I can see if I can help from there!
Hello,
Can you tell me what you used to stuff the play cube on pg. 47? Is it stuffing or perhaps a foam or wooden insert?
Thanks
Thanks for the question. I would recommend getting a piece of foam that fits inside the cube, and then adding a little stuffing on each side (between the foam and the crochet) to pad it a bit. Otherwise you can just use stuffing, but the shape may not stay as nicely in a cube shape. Hope that helps!
Hi there, is the book in colour or are the squares black and white? Thanks
The book is in color.
Yes, thanks so much!
I just received my book today-it is adorable! My big question that I can’t seem to find the answer to-maybe be of the small, faint text in places-is—-what size are the blocks when created with the cotton dk? Are they all the same? The directions tell you to block to size-but not what it should be.
Thanks
Kristen
Hi Kristen,
The squares are designed to be around 15cm (6″) square. Hope that helps!
Can this book be purchased in a downloadable format?
It is only available in hard copy at this time. The Ultimate Granny Square Sourcebook, however, is available as a PDF
Buen día! Está disponible en PDF?
There is a Kindle version which can be read on any device using the Kindle App. I hope that helps!
I bought the book and am having a bit of trouble with the 3D heart. don’t quite understand
how to start the square after the heart is finished. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.. Thank You
Hello, the heart designs were made by another designer, but I’ll help as best I can! I’m assuming you are referring to the Dainty Heart on page 95? If that is the case, to begin the square, you work into the back loops (the heart was worked into the front loops only and so the back loops are left to do the rest of the square). Hope that makes sense, let me know if you have other questions.