I started teaching students how to crochet this pattern back when I lived in SF and worked at Atelier. I crocheted their shop sample featured in their Ravelry pattern images and I blogged about it here. I started crocheting this shop sample for DWW on December 21, 2023. I used 6 different Berroco Vintage DK colorways and a size G hook. All of the details are in my Ravelry Projects here.
Above is the progress I made in between customers during one day of work.
This is the state of my progress as of December 28. I am not bragging but I crochet extremely fast and if under pressure to meet a deadline, I can crochet a baby blanket in under a week, although at this point in my life, I'd probably prefer not to!
Granny square blankets are frequently crocheted using acrylic yarn and do not require any blocking but it you use 100% wool or any other natural fibers, they must be blocked if you want them to look perfectly symmetrical.
After wet blocking my blanket, it took about 72 hrs to completely dry on foam blocking mats. I only pinned the center of the blanket. It really isn't necessary to pin anything else.
Many fiber artists (particularly snobby knitters) have a low opinion of the might granny square yet I shall always cherish it, rep it and hold it dear to my heart. It is literally the cornerstone of understanding the basics of crochet. When you make a square, you learn how to create a slipknot, chain stitch, count stitches, slip stitches, join new yarn, break yarn and crochet over your tails, double crochet, crochet in clusters, crochet in the round and understand the creative uses of color and contrast. You learn about gauge, tension, yardage and base weights. You learn a tradition of crochet that has been passed on for centuries and if you master it, you can then pass it on to other generations.
Some obnoxious knitters may boast that they crocheted one granny square blanket and thought it was boring or too easy but it actually takes a lot of practice, patience and precision to crochet even, beautiful clusters.
Also, although I am a fast crocheter, there is nothing wrong with going slow, taking your time with the process and not making it a race. However, if you are already an experienced crocheter and you're looking for a challenge, trying doing it with your eyes closed or while walking forward (or even backwards). I'm not joking; it will actually force you to learn how to feel the correctness of your stitches.
These blankets make the best gifts. I have made more than I can even recall and have had countless recipients remind me that their blankets are still being used decades later. You can also fold this specific size of blanket in half diagonally and wear it as a shawl.
Starting this Wednesday, I will teach a 2 session Crochet 101 class. All of my Crochet 101 classes are sold out in January! I'm really looking forward to teaching again. I'm still in the process of finalizing my spring lesson plans but I will continue to offer Crochet 101 and also a brand new Advanced Crochet class. More details coming soon!
