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How to Knit Triangle Lace (BiCrafty Bootcamp…

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It has been so fun to see everyone working on their BiCrafty Bootcamp complementary hat patterns. If you haven't checked out the Marly's Minions Facebook group in awhile, go check it out. There are so many great new knitters in there sharing their Latvian brands, their stranded knitting, and their ups and downs with learning how to knit. In today's lesson, we continue on with the hat by learning how to knit triangle lace.

Also: If you didn't catch it earlier today, there's a blog post or you to get to know more about Marly Bird Team Member Kathryn. And if you never read the Meet Cryssi post, check that out, too. We love collaborating together with you in this bootcamp!

First Knit Hat in the Round knit lace

Your BiCrafty Bootcamp First Knit Hat So Far

Just in case you're not all caught up, here's what we've done so far on this first knit hat:

  • We started the hat on smaller needles, beginning with the brim. In that same lesson, we switched to larger needles to begin the body of the hat.
  • Next, we talked about how to knit braids. Specifically, we learned how to make a Latvian braid. This adds texture and color to your hat. Even advanced knitters don't always know this technique so it was really fun to learn this together!
  • From there, we moved into stranded knitting. This was your first foray into true knitting colorwork. Specifically, we did a stranded knit diamond motif. It's been so awesome to see how great you're all doing with that!!

Remember, the hat is designed to complement your first knit cowl. Alternatively, or additionally, you can also make the matchy-matchy knit hat; instructions here. Hopefully, though, you're joining in on this hat, too. If so, then you've already learned some amazing new skills. And you're about to learn some more!

Next Step: How to Knit Triangle Lace

Next, we are going to learn how to knit triangle lace. This is a lace stitch pattern that should perfectly complement the design of the hat stitch that you just finished. The most important thing to know about knitting lace is that you're going to need to combine increases and decreases to maintain the stitch count in each round.

Crocheter's Edge

Crocheters Tips to Learn Knitting

As just mentioned, you're going to need to combine increases and decreases to maintain your stitch count in each round. As a crocheter, you probably already understand this. Consider, for example, how you might chain one if you're going to skip one in a round or row. The chain serves as a stitch that replaces the one you're skipping. Similarly, if you've ever worked chevron crochet, then you know exactly how you decrease in some areas and increase in others across the row to maintain the total stitch count. Apply this knowledge to your understanding of working the increases and decreases as your learn how to knit triangle lace.

BiCrafty Bootcamp Complementary Knit Hat Instructions Continued

You can work with the following chart to learn how to knit triangle lace. However, the written instructions are below. People learn differently so I like to include both symbol charts and written information whenever possible. And now that you're not brand new knitters anymore, you can start getting pickier about which way you prefer to learn!

how to knit stranded lace chart

How to Knit Stranded Lace: Written Instructions

Remember that you're continuing on from the round you left off of previously on your hat.

The stitch multiple repeat for this part of the hat is 10. Therefore, it is necessary for us to decrease from 102 stitches to 100. Do this by working two p2tog’s  at some point around the following first round

Next Round: Purl around.

Next round: Knit around

Round 1: *k, yo, ssk, k5, (k2tog), yo; repeat from * around.   

Round 2:  *k10; repeat from * around.  

Round 3:  *k2, yo, ssk, k3, (k2tog), yo, k; repeat from * around.  

Round 4:  *k10; repeat from * around.  

Round 5:  *k3, yo, ssk, k, (k2tog), yo, k2; repeat from * around.  

Round 6:  *k10; repeat from * around.  

Round 7:  *k4, yo, cdd, yo, k3; repeat from * around.  

Round 8:  *k10; repeat from * around.

That completes the lesson on how to knit triangle lace.

Next round: Purl around

Then you'll be ready for next week's lesson as we continue working on our first knit hat in the round.

This Week's Live Video Instructions

Additional Videos and Patterns to Try

Here are some additional videos and patterns you're ready to try now:

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm new to lace knitting, is triangle lace super tricky?

Honestly, lace knitting can seem a little intimidating at first, but the triangle lace pattern here is designed to be manageable! The key is remembering that you need to combine increases and decreases to keep your stitch count the same each round. It's like balancing things out… you got this!

What's the difference between the chart and the written instructions for the triangle lace?

So here's the thing… some people learn best by seeing the symbols in a chart, while others prefer reading the step-by-step instructions. This post gives you both! So pick the method that makes the most sense to you, or even use both to double-check your work. Whatever helps you learn best!

I'm a crocheter trying to learn to knit, how does this lace pattern relate to crochet?

Yes! As a crocheter, you already have a secret weapon for understanding lace… you know about combining increases and decreases! Think about how you might chain a stitch to replace one you're skipping, or how chevron patterns work. It’s the same idea here, just with knitting stitches.

I'm a bit fuzzy on my stitch counts… do I need to do anything special before starting the triangle lace?

Great question! You'll want to make sure you have the correct stitch count before you begin. The pattern says it's necessary to decrease from 102 stitches down to 100 by working two p2tog's somewhere around the first round. Just a little tweak to get you ready!

Can you give me a quick rundown of the pattern repeat for the triangle lace?

Sure thing! The stitch multiple repeat for this triangle lace section is 10 stitches. So, when you're working the pattern rounds, you'll be repeating those 10 stitches over and over again around your project. It makes it pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it!

Team Marly Bird: Meet Kathryn

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There are several different people here on Team Marly Bird. If you've been joining on the BiCrafty Boot Camp live videos then you've probably had a chance to meet Cryssi and/or Kathryn. We introduced you to Cryssi in more depth recently. Today, let's learn more about Kathryn.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get a percentage of sales from those links. Your price doesn't change. I appreciate all of your support.

Kathryn sits on a colorful rug surrounded by various yarns in shades of green and blue, with knitting accessories nearby.

When Kathryn Learned to Crochet

Kathryn is a crocheter who is learning how to knit alongside the BiCrafty Boot Campers. Kathryn first learned to crochet as a young child. However, she only learned the chain stitch. She made a really long yellow yarn chain that she wound round and round a rolling pin. Then she didn't crochet again for years. She enjoyed lots of other crafts – making friendship bracelets, creating mail art.

In her mid-twenties, Kathryn suffered from serious depression. She had struggled with it for years and hit a really low point. She tried desperately to keep herself motivated, although it was hard. Somewhere along the way, she read that it's worth trying to do something you loved as a child. She thought of crochet. So she picked up a couple hooks and some yarn and a children's “learn to crochet” book and gave it a go.

Like so many other people, she was instantly hooked. And she quickly came to realize that crochet offered a lot of mental health benefits.

Psychology and Crafting

This member of team Marly Bird had always had an interest in psychology. She used crochet (along with therapy, etc.) to help herself heal from depression symptoms. She began writing about this experience on a new blog that she launched in 2011. As she shared her story, more and more people began to share that they, too, had healed through knitting and crochet. In 2012, Kathryn wrote a book called Crochet Saved My Life, sharing her story.

Since then, she has gone on to intensively study the mental and physical health benefits of crafting. She got a Masters in Psychological Studies. During her studies, she took any opportunity that she could to research the health benefits of crafting. She created studies, she interviewed hundreds of people, and she learned as much as possible.

Kathryn's Crochet Books

Kathryn Vercillo crochet books

As aforementioned, Kathryn authored Crochet Saved My Life. Then she went on to author Hook to Heal, which is a set of written crochet and journal exercises to help improve different areas of your life through crafting. You've seen some of those exercises here on this blog.

Kathryn also launched a collaborative crochet project called Mandalas for Marinke to raise awareness about depression and suicide. Hundreds of people contributed mandalas along with stories about crafting to heal. She held two art shows and turned that project into a coffee-style book.

What Happened to Kathryn's Crochet Blog?

Kathryn launched Crochet Concupiscence in 2011. She grew it over the years, accruing over 100,000 Pinterest followers and a steady following on Facebook and Instagram. However, over time, she got overwhelmed by the ins and outs of running a blog full-time by herself while also doing other writing for a living. So when someone offered to buy the blog, this team Marly Bird member decided to sell. She sold the blog a few years ago along with all of its associated media. The blog still exists online although sadly the new buyer never kept it up.

Joining Team Marly Bird

Kathryn has never stopped enjoying writing about crochet. She's written the Crochet Heals monthly column for Happily Hooked digital magazine for over six years and also contributes feature articles and book reviews to that publication. She's also written for Interweave Crochet, Crochet Today, Crochet!, Knit Edge, and By Hand magazines. For a few years she was the crochet blogger over at The Spruce Crafts (formerly About.com Crochet). She's also contributed posts to a range of different crochet and craft sites including Red Heart, Lion Brand, Plymouth Yarns, and Craftsy.

She has worked off and on over the years with Salena Baca of American Crochet Association. When Salena saw that I was seeking assistance for team Marly Bird, she put the two of us in touch. It was a wonderful match. So, in October 2020, Kathryn joined team Marly Bird. She's the blog content director, providing a lot of the blog content, overseeing the editorial calendar, and sprucing up the SEO-type of stuff the blog requires. She loves doing the blogging as part of a team rather than when she did it all solo.

Kathryn's Craft Goals

Kathryn Vercillo, knit and crochet blogger for Marly Bird team

Kathryn's learned the very basics of knitting from BiCrafty Bootcamp. She's behind the team but knows it's not a race. So she's excited to keep working on advancing her knitting skills.

She knows a little bit of Tunisian crochet. However, she hasn't worked on it in a long time, so she would like to brush up on that in the near future as well. She has similar experience and goals with broomstick lace, macrame, and frame loom weaving.

One of her personal goals is to turn her Hook to Heal book into a book series filled with projects. Right now they're written exercises, but she wants to create patterns that show how to put those exercises to use. But for now, she's really just enjoying being a part of team Marly Bird. She loves putting together crafty information for you. Reach out if you have any questions about the blog!

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Frequently Asked Questions

So, who is Kathryn from Team Marly Bird?

Honestly… Kathryn is the blog content director for Team Marly Bird! She helps create a lot of the content you see here, keeps our editorial calendar in order, and makes sure everything is super findable online. She also happens to be a fantastic crocheter and has learned to knit with us!

I heard Kathryn wrote a book called Crochet Saved My Life… what's that about?

Yes! So here's the thing… Kathryn wrote that book because she found so much healing from depression through crochet. It's her personal story and how crafting helped her journey… and it inspired so many others!

Does Kathryn do other crafts besides crochet and knitting?

Oh, absolutely! She's dabbled in Tunisian crochet, broomstick lace, macrame, and frame loom weaving. She's always looking to try new things and expand her crafty horizons!

What happened to Kathryn's old crochet blog, Crochet Concupiscence?

Well, she poured so much energy into that blog for years, and it was amazing! But running it solo became a bit overwhelming… so she eventually sold it a few years back. Now she's much happier being part of a team here!

Does Kathryn have any crafty goals for the future?

You bet! She's working on improving her knitting skills, wants to brush up on her Tunisian crochet, and her big dream is to turn her Hook to Heal book into a whole series of pattern books. How fun would that be?

Your Next Must-Make: Super Simple Crochet Shawl Free Pattern

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If you're looking for your next summer make then look no further. You've found it. This Super Simple Crochet Shawl free pattern has everything you might want in a next new design. The yarn choice does all of the colorwork for you. The stitch pattern is easy without being boring. And the openwork design gives you an accessory you can make now and wear all summer.

easy crochet shawl pattern

The Right Yarn for The Job

Good yarn inspires me. Sometimes it's the feel of the yarn. More often it's the colorway. I'll hold the yarn in my hands, mull it over, and let it speak to me. “Yarn, what do you want to be?” You might be surprised how often the yarn will answer you if you give it the chance! That's precisely what happened with this project. This Super Simple Crochet Shawl free pattern emerged from the yarn itself.

I did have a project in mind – kind of. I wanted to create an accessory that I could wear to my son's foot ball game. I also had in mind that I'd like to create a crochet shawl that I could easily turn into a cowl … or what ended up being a “shawlkerchief”. I had one ball of Red Heart's Colorscapes Yarn in the colors that match my son's team colors. So it all came together from there.

The Perfect Stitches for a Super Simple Crochet Shawl

When designing something super simple, it's important to stick with basic stitches. And yet, you don't want to be boring. After all, there are a million crochet shawl patterns out there. You don't just want to replicate what's already been done. So what I did here was took the most basic stitches – chains, single crochet, and double crochet. However, I combined them in such a way as to create small filet mesh. This is a form of mesh crochet in which you combine chains and double crochet stitches to create a beautiful, but simple, openwork design.

It's a Great Summer Shawl

If you took a look at our summer craft tips, then you know that there are a few key traits you want in a summer crochet project. This is an openwork design so it lets the breeze in while you craft as well as while you wear it. Moreover, it's a relatively small project so you won't overheat while working on it. It's a one-ball crochet project, so you don't have to carry a lot with you if you want to take it traveling. Finally, this shawl is really versatile in terms of how you can wear it. Drape it over your shoulders. Or tie it into a kerchief. Use it in whatever way feels most comfortable to you depending on the summer weather.

Get The Super Simple Crochet Shawl Free Pattern

Are you ready to make your next great accessory? You can find this shawl pattern free here on the blog. Or on that page you'll find a link to the Ravelry page.

super simple crochet shawl free pattern

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Here are some of my other beginner, easy, super simple crochet shawl patterns you might like:

Frequently Asked Questions

What yarn did you use for this super simple crochet shawl?

So here's the thing… I used one ball of Red Heart's Colorscapes Yarn for this project. The colors of the yarn actually inspired the whole design, which is pretty neat! It makes the colorwork completely effortless for you.

Is this shawl really beginner-friendly?

Honestly… yes! I designed it using the most basic stitches like chains, single crochet, and double crochet. I just combined them in a way that creates a lovely openwork design, sometimes called filet mesh, without being complicated.

Can this be worn as a cowl too?

That's a great question! I actually had the idea of making it easily transformable into a cowl, or what I ended up calling a “shawlkerchief.” It's super versatile, so you can wear it draped over your shoulders or tied up in different ways.

Why is this a good summer crochet project?

Yes! It's perfect for summer because it has an openwork design that lets the breeze flow through while you work on it and while you wear it. Plus, it's a relatively small, one-ball project, so it's easy to take with you traveling and you won't overheat while crafting.

Where can I find the free pattern for this shawl?

You're in luck! You can grab the free pattern right here on the blog… just click the link that says “free here on the blog.” There's also a link on that page to the Ravelry version if you prefer.

If You’re Not Part of the Marly Bird Spring KAL…

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Have you seen the most recent Marly Bird / Yarnspirations Spring Kal – the steeked cardigan that we're working on right now? If not, then check it out, because it's not too late to join. Plus, today I wanted to take a look back at all of the Spring KALs we did in past years. Once the knit-alongs are finished, the full pattern becomes available. Therefore, all of these are great patterns that you might enjoy giving a try.

Marly Bird spring kals

2021 Steeked Cardigan Spring KAL

Marly Bird Steeked Cardigan KAL

This year's spring KAL has already started. However, it's not too late to join in on the fun. Learn all about the Steeked Cardigan KAL here. You'll see that we're working on a knit cardi sweater with thumbholes, pockets, and steeking. These are great techniques for all knitters to work on. Some of the BiCrafty Bootcampers are even working on this Spring KAL – and they've only been knitters for a couple of months now!

Join the Marly Bird KAL Facebook group to see how everyone's doing on this one.

Join this Spring KAL over on the Yarnspirations Sign-Up Page.

2020 Spring Knit Vest Pattern

Marly Bird Spring KAL Vest

Last spring we worked on the Spring Knit Vest. The yarn does all of the colorwork for you to create the beautiful effect of this vest pattern. We implemented a lot of summer craft tips to make this a great project to knit now and wear over the next few months. This knit vest is available in seven sizes. It includes instructions for figuring out your sizing.

Bonus: You can add sleeves to make it a knit sweater vest.

2019 Spring KAL: My First Knit Sweater

spring kal sweater

The Spring KAL event offers a terrific opportunity to learn how to knit new things. Therefore, we went with the “first knit sweater” in 2019. Spring gives us that energy and bounce to attempt new techniques and tackle big projects. Plus, with extra hours of daylight, we have more time for crafting. This is a comfy, cozy sweater that can easily become your go-to pullover.

2018 Spring KAL: My First Socks

first knit socks spring kal

Whether or not you've knit socks before, this is a great pattern to play around with this summer. After all, socks are the item that most people have in mind when learning to knit. Many of the BiCrafty Bootcampers might take an interest in this pattern. And socks are a perfect summer project because they're lightweight and small so they aren't too hot to work with during the warmest days of the year.

2017 Textured Triangle Shawl Knit-Along

triangle shawl spring kal

This is a knit lace shawl, which is another perfect spring / summer make. It is light enough to craft comfortably in warmer weather. Plus it's a good layering piece for summertime when the temperatures can change dramatically once the sun goes down.

Summer Challenge: Knit All 5 Spring KAL Pieces

Looking for a good way to challenge yourself this summer? Work your way through all five of these patterns. At the end of the summer you'll have a shawl, a vest, a cardigan, a sweater, and a great pair of socks. Don't forget to take photos of Flat Marly with you as you craft, especially if you're crafting on the go!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the latest Spring KAL project?

So here's the thing… the latest Spring KAL is the 2021 Steeked Cardigan! It's a knit cardi with thumbholes and pockets, and it's a great way to learn steeking.

Can I still join the 2021 Steeked Cardigan KAL?

Yes! Honestly… it's not too late to join the fun even though it's already started. You can find all the details on the Steeked Cardigan KAL page.

What were the past Spring KAL projects?

Oh, we've done some fun ones… In 2020, it was a Spring Knit Vest, 2019 was “My First Knit Sweater,” 2018 was “My First Socks,” and 2017 was a Textured Triangle Shawl.

Is there a way to challenge myself this summer with these KALs?

Yes! You can totally do a Summer Challenge and work through all five of the past Spring KAL patterns. Imagine… a shawl, a vest, a cardigan, a sweater, and socks!

Where can I find the patterns for these KALs?

Honestly… most of the full patterns become available once the knit-alongs are finished. You can find links to each specific KAL's details within the blog post, like for the 2021 Steeked Cardigan KAL or the 2020 Spring Knit Vest.

17 Summer Craft Tips to Boost Your Knit and Crochet Joy

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It's fun to craft at any time of year. However, many people find it uncomfortable to work with yarn during the hottest months of summer. High temperatures don't mean that you need to put your yarn down, though. These 17 summer craft tips will help improve your knitting and crochet joy despite the warmer weather.

knit and crochet summer tips

1. Select Summer Yarns

The most important of all the summer craft tips is to choose your fiber carefully. Wool is a winter yarn; cotton is a summer yarn. Other summer yarns include linen, hemp, bamboo, and silk.

Likewise, bulky yarns are usually better in winter (with some exceptions). In contrast, it feels cooler to work with thread, lightweight yarn or DK weight yarn during the summer. See our recommended yarns for each yarn weight here.

2. Look for Small, Quick Projects

You probably don't want to have a big heavy blanket growing on your lap as you craft this summer. Therefore, you'll want to look for small, quick projects. Knit or crochet dishcloths, amigurumi, pillow covers, scrubbies, and thin scarves.

3. Or Work With Motifs

If you do have a large project that you want to complete, then try to do so in pieces. In other words, one of our top summer craft tips is to look for motif-based projects. Choose projects that you can work in small bits and batches. Perhaps you might wait until the weather is cooler to stitch them all together at the end.

4. Learn A New Craft

Sometimes all that it takes to get over the “it's too hot to craft” hump is to get so excited about your project that you don't care about the heat. Therefore, you might want to take the opportunity to learn a new craft this summer. You'll be so busy enjoying tackling those new skills that you won't worry about the heat.

5. Or Learn A New Technique

You don't have to try an entirely new craft in order to get excited about your work again. Learn a new knitting or crochet technique to boost the joy of summer crafting.

Bonus tip: take a class. Meeting people in an air-conditioned classroom while learning new crafting skills is a great way to enjoy the summer.

6. Set Up Your Space for Cool Crafting

The better your set-up, the more you'll enjoy crafting. In summertime, this might mean setting up a fan or air conditioner in your craft space. Alternatively, you might move your craft chair away from windows with direct sunlight. Or simply pull the drapes and set up great indoor lighting.

7. Knit and Crochet in the Wee Hours

Do your crafting first thing in the morning. Alternatively, take out your knitting needles or crochet hooks after the sun has gone down. You can enjoy some wonderful summer crafting in those cooler hours of the day.

8. Make Things You Can Wear Immediately

free crochet sun hats patterns

This is another of our favorite summer craft tips. Craft summer wearables and accessories that you can enjoy using as soon as you've finished making them. For example, check out our 50 Free Summer Crochet Tops Patterns or 20 Free Knit Summer Tops Patterns. And to match, check out our roundup of the best crochet shorts patterns.

9. Make Projects With Kids

Kids can begin to learn knitting and crochet from a very early age. Therefore, these are great crafts to keep the whole family busy together in the summer. Come up with a project that you can work on together. This will add to the fun of the experience for everyone. Plus, you'll save time and money trying to come up with family activities every day.

10. Do Crafts With Yarn Ends

Do you save your yarn ends? You know, the ones you snip off at the end of a project or the tiny bits leftover when you've won the yarn chicken game? If not, then you should start. And once you do, you'll find that there are a lot of creative ways to use yarn ends. These projects are low-heat and fun for summer.

11. Take Yarn Traveling

You can take yarn project traveling with you on the road or in a plane. While there are a few exceptions about knitting needles on international flights, most plane travel allows both hooks and needles with no problems. This is a great way to pass the time on your summer travels. And don't forget to take Flat Marly with you for a chance to win some prizes!

12. Join the BiCrafty Games

bicrafty games stitchalong

Celebrate the 2021 Summer Olympics with your fellow crafters. The BiCrafty Games are a knit and crochet mystery make-along. Learn all about it here.

13. Reconsider Your Hooks and Needles

If you love metal crochet hooks and knitting needles, then you're definitely not alone. However, these sometimes get hot and sweaty during summer crafting. Consider switching over to bamboo for the summer months. Your hands will thank you.

14. Prep Project Bags

The summer can get really busy. Make crafting easier on yourself by getting your project bags ready in advance. Each bag should include the pattern, the yarn, the needles or hooks and any other additional notions necessary to complete that project. Place these in easy-to-grab places so that you can work on them when you're ready. Then get the rest of your yarn out of the way this summer.

15. Set Up a Craft Table

Many of us work with our knitting and crochet in our laps. That's normally fine. However, if you find that too hot during the summer months, then the solution is simple: set up a craft table. If you put your work on the table instead of your lap, you instantly cool off. This is one of those obvious-but-oft-forgotten craft tips.

Bonus tip: A portable laptop table is a great solution for on the go summer crafting.

16. Try Openwork Knit and Crochet Designs

These allow the breeze to come through as you craft. Moreover, they're comfortable to wear / use during the warmer months of the year. If you haven't done a lot of big open lacework in the past, then this summer could be a great time to give it a try.

17. Check Out Summer Craft Magazines

There are a lot of great craft magazines out there from both past and present. Plus there are tons of great knitting books and crochet books. Look for the ones that emphasize summer projects. They're filled with summer craft tips that will help you enjoy yourself more this season.

What are your favorite summer craft tips? What's your biggest gripe about summer crafting and what's your biggest joy?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of yarn should I use in the summer?

Honestly… you'll want to choose your fiber carefully for summer crafting! Think cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, or silk instead of wool. Lightweight yarns or thread also feel much cooler to work with when it's warm out.

I don't want to work on a big, heavy project in the heat. What can I do?

So here's the thing… look for small, quick projects instead! Things like dishcloths, amigurumi, or thin scarves are perfect for summer. You could also work on projects in pieces, like motifs, and stitch them all together later when it's cooler.

It's just too hot to craft! Any ideas?

Yes! Sometimes all it takes is getting super excited about something new… try learning a new craft or a new technique this summer. You'll be so absorbed in the fun of learning, you might not even notice the heat!

My hands get all sweaty with my usual hooks and needles. Help!

Oh, I totally get that! Many people switch to bamboo crochet hooks and knitting needles for the summer months. They just don't get as hot and sticky as metal ones, and your hands will totally thank you!

How can I make my crafting space cooler?

Well… a few things can make a big difference! Set up a fan or air conditioner in your craft area, or maybe move your comfy chair away from any sunny windows. You can also just pull the drapes and rely on good indoor lighting.

44 Free Crochet and Knit Squares Projects

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Many projects are made of squares. They're among the most common projects out there. However, crochet and knit squares don't have to be boring! Find new ways to make projects with squares with these free patterns from Yarnspirations. Naturally there are a lot of blankets in the bunch. But you might be surprised at how many other types of patterns use squares as well. Of course, you can start by learning how to crochet the basic granny square. But there are tons of other choices, too.

5 image collage of items using crochet and knit squares as a base. Shade of blues knit blanket, mitered squares knit scarf (in red, orange, turquoise, and 2 shades of grey), simple scrubbies in various colors, squares shoulder bag in red with leather strap, Granny square blanket (crocheted in yellow, green, & white).

Crochet and Knit Squares Blankets

There are so many different ways to make crochet and knit squares into blankets. You can start in the middle, work in the round and end up with a square. The classic large granny square blanket would be the most obvious example of this. However, there are much more interesting designs as well.

Alternatively, you might make a bunch of different crochet and knit squares. Then you'd stitch them together for a patchwork throw, Sometimes they're all the same size but make them in different sizes for a more unique design.

These blanket, afghan and throw patterns will all make you excited about using squares:

Diagonal Squares Throw - Free Knitting Pattern (Garter Stitch knitting in shades of blue with hints ofyellow, green, and grey). Squares worked corner to corner and joined to show Xs and diamonds.

Other Home Decor Made of Squares

Of course, blankets are a form of home decor. However, there are so many other things you can make to use around the house. Baskets, scrubbies, floor cushions and more can be square or made of squares. Some of the most fun pieces in this roundup are the stuffed animals that use crochet and knit squares.

Chic Carry All Bag - Free Crochet Pattern. Textured shoulder bag in red yarn. 2 large motifs worked from the center outward, joined with gusset to give bag depth. Leather shoulder strap joined to bag with large metal circles and tabs.

Crochet and Knit Squares To Wear

Squares are perfect to make scarves, sweaters, and shawls! You could string together a set of squares to make a simple scarf. A large crochet or knit square can be a shawl in and of itself. Two squares together form the basic foundation of a sweater. Plus, of course, you can combine squares of different shapes and sizes to make flattering, fitting clothing.

Miter Me This Chic Scarf - Free Knitting Pattern. Knit mitered squares in 3 sizes. Modular construction.

More Shapes to Make

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are squares such popular knit and crochet projects?

Squares are the ultimate modular crafting unit! They're small enough to finish quickly (instant gratification!), portable for on-the-go crafting, and they combine into almost any finished project size. You can make one square as a test of a new stitch pattern, or make 100 and join them into a blanket. They use up stash yarn beautifully. And there's something deeply satisfying about making a stack of identical (or wildly different!) squares and watching them accumulate into something bigger.

What's the most popular type of crochet square?

The granny square is the undisputed queen of crochet squares… it's been around for over a century and it never goes out of style. Classic granny squares, solid granny squares, floral grannies, star grannies, C2C blocks… the variations are endless. But this collection goes well beyond granny squares into mosaic designs, textured patterns, colorwork blocks, and more. If you can make a square, you can make anything in this collection.

How do I join crochet or knit squares neatly?

There are several joining methods! The join-as-you-go (JAYG) technique attaches each new square as you finish it… no separate seaming step. The slip stitch join creates a visible ridge that can be a decorative feature. The flat slip stitch join or mattress stitch seam creates an invisible join. The whipstitch is quick and casual. The “right sides together single crochet join” is very clean and sturdy. The method you choose affects the look and drape of the finished project… experiment with a few before committing to hundreds of squares.

What can I make with knit and crochet squares?

Blankets and throws are the classic, but squares are incredibly versatile! Bags and totes made from joined squares are beautiful and sturdy. Square pillows, pot holders, coasters, and table mats are quick projects. Garments built from squares… ponchos, cardigans, vest panels… have a fun patchwork quality. Wall hangings and decorative banners. Sampler projects where each square explores a different stitch. The square is the launching pad… where you go from there is limited only by your imagination.

How do I make sure all my squares are the same size?

Gauge… and counting. Work all squares to the same stitch count, the same number of rounds, and the same yarn weight and hook or needle size. Even tiny variations in your tension can add up across a blanket's worth of squares. Blocking individual squares before joining is incredibly helpful… lay them all out flat, wet block or steam block to the same dimensions, and let them dry pinned in place. Squares that look slightly different in the pile can become surprisingly uniform after blocking.