by That’s a fantastic request! Once you’ve mastered the classic granny square, exploring different square motifs opens up a huge world of design possibilities. Changing the stitches, colors, and textures instantly transforms the look of your projects.
Here is a detailed guide on how to crochet three different types of square motifs beyond the basic granny.
1. The Solid Square Motif (Dense & Warm)
This motif is ideal for blankets and washcloths where you want warmth and minimal gaps. It uses double crochet (dc) worked into every stitch instead of chaining between clusters.
Key Features
- Stitches: Primarily Double Crochet (dc).
- Texture: Dense, solid, and less lacy.
- Best Used For: Blankets, potholders, stability.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Round 1 (Center): Make a Magic Ring. ch 3 (counts as dc). Work 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (12 sts).
- Round 2 (Defining Corners):ch 3 (counts as dc). dc in the same stitch. dc in the next stitch.
- First Corner: Work [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] into the next stitch.
- Side: dc in the next 2 stitches.
- Repeat: Repeat the sequence [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in the next st, dc in the next 2 sts] two more times.
- Finish: You’ll have one stitch left. dc in that stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (16 dc stitches between corners).
- Round 3 and Beyond (Expansion):ch 3 (counts as dc). dc in every stitch along the side until you reach a corner space.
- Corner: Work [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] into every ch-2 corner space.
- Continue dc in every stitch along the next side.
- Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Continue this pattern, always working dc into dc, and (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) into the corners, until the square is the size you want.
2. The Sunburst / Starburst Motif (Layered & Textured)
This motif is a popular variation of the granny square, featuring a highly textured center created using Cluster Stitches (CL) or Puff Stitches (PS).
Key Features
- Stitches: Popcorn/Cluster (CL), Double Crochet (dc).
- Texture: High texture, layered, and three-dimensional.
- Best Used For: Throw blankets, bags, decorative pillows.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Using Popcorn/Cluster Stitches)
- Round 1 (Center – Color A): Make a Magic Ring. ch 3 (counts as dc). Work 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of ch 3. (12 sts).
- Round 2 (Inner Petals – Color B): Join Color B into any st. ch 2 (does not count as st). Work a Popcorn Stitch (PC) in the same stitch. ch 1. [PC in the next st, ch 1] 11 times. Join with a sl st to the top of the first PC. (12 PCs).
- Round 3 (Squaring Off – Color C): Join Color C into any ch-1 space between PC stitches.
- Corner: Work [3 tr (treble), ch 2, 3 tr] into the space.
- Side: Work 3 dc into the next space.
- Side: Work 3 hdc (half double crochet) into the next space.
- Side: Work 3 dc into the next space.
- Repeat: Continue the sequence: [Corner (3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr), 3 dc, 3 hdc, 3 dc] three more times.
- Round 4 (Standard Granny Edge): Work the standard granny square pattern: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in every corner, and (3 dc, ch 1) in every space along the sides.
3. The Solid Single Crochet Square (Ribbed & Durable)
This motif provides maximum density, minimal stretch, and a beautiful texture by working into the back loops.
Key Features
- Stitches: Single Crochet (sc) worked in rows/rounds.
- Texture: Subtle horizontal ribbing, very dense.
- Best Used For: Potholders, sturdy mats, small bags.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Starting in Rows for a Flat Center)
- Foundation: ch 16 (or any even number).
- Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and sc in every chain across. ch 1 and turn.
- Row 2 (Ribbing): Working in the Back Loop Only (BLO), sc in every stitch across. ch 1 and turn.
- Repeat Row 2: Continue until your piece forms a square (length equals width). Do not turn after the last row.
- Edging (Turning the Corner): ch 1. Work a round of sc all the way around the perimeter of the square. Work 3 sc into each corner stitch to help the corners lay flat. Join with a sl st.
- Optional Border: Add 1-2 more rounds of sc or sl st to clean up the edges.
Tip: When working sc along the side edges, try to insert your hook evenly (e.g., 1 sc per row) to keep the sides straight.
Final Tips for All Motifs
- Blocking: For any motif where you are joining pieces, blocking is non-negotiable. It ensures all squares are the same size and lay flat, making joining much easier.
- Weaving: If you are changing colors often (as in the Sunburst), weave in the ends as you go, or face hours of threading the needle later!
Which of these new squares—the Solid, the Starburst, or the Ribbed Single Crochet—do you want to try first?
Video tutorial:
