Creative Crochet Granny Square Pattern To Mix Colors

Step-by-Step Guide to Crochet a Popcorn Granny Square

Learn to create this beautiful and textured granny square, a variation of the traditional design that uses the Popcorn Stitch (or cluster stitch) to build up texture. This easy-to-follow tutorial uses a simple sequence of two-chain and three-chain spaces to shape the square.

Uses

• Construct Afghans or Blankets (the textured pattern is great for warmth).

• Make Cushion Covers or Pillows.

• Create a Decorative Placemat or table runner.

Materials

• Yarn: Acrylic yarn (Acryllic 4/7 recommended). The pattern uses both a variegated and a solid color yarn for demonstration.

• Hook: 4 mm crochet hook.

• Notions: Tapestry needle and scissors.

Special Features

• Popcorn/Cluster Stitch: The main feature is the use of a closed 3-DC cluster (sometimes called a Popcorn or Puff stitch) for high texture and visual interest.

• Alternating Chain Spacing: The square's shape and tension rely on alternating between Chain 3 and Chain 2 spaces between the Popcorn clusters in Round 1.

• Square Shaping in R.2: The corners are formally established in the second round by working two Popcorn clusters, separated by Chain 3, into the corner spaces.

Level of Difficulty

This project is Easy. While it uses the Popcorn/Cluster stitch, the stitch placement is simple, making it accessible for those familiar with basic crochet techniques.

Tutor's Suggestions

• Secure the Cluster: When closing the 3-DC cluster, insert your hook completely through the first stitch of the cluster, take the loop, and pull it through all loops to secure the closed stitch.

• Count Carefully: Pay close attention to the alternating chain spaces in Round 1 (Chain 3, Chain 2, Chain 3, Chain 2, etc.) to ensure the tension and shape are correct before Round 2.

• Finish Neatly: When closing the final round, cut the yarn and use a tapestry needle to seamlessly join the last stitch to the first stitch of the round, hiding the tail on the back for a professional finish.

Step-by-Step Details

Stitch abbreviation: DC = Double Crochet, Popcorn = 3-DC Closed Cluster

Part 1: Round 1 (Creating the Ring and Clusters)

1. Foundation: Chain 4. Join the first and last chain with a Slip Stitch (Sl St) to form a ring.

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2. R.1.1 (Base): Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 8 Single Crochet (SC) stitches into the ring. Close the round by slipping the loop through the first SC.

3. R.1.2 (First Cluster): Chain 2 (counts as 1 DC). Work 2 DC into the same stitch (Total of 3 DC).

4. Close Cluster: Pull up the loop, drop the hook, insert the hook into the 2nd chain of the starting chain 2, grab the dropped loop, and pull it through.

5. Chain 3.

6. Next Cluster: Skip one stitch. Work 3 DC into the next stitch. Close the cluster.

7. Chain 2.

8. Repeat Pattern: Continue the sequence around the ring, alternating chain spaces:

   • (3 DC Cluster, Chain 3).

   • (3 DC Cluster, Chain 2).

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9. Finish R.1: Close the round by working a Sl St into the top of the first Popcorn cluster. You should have 8 clusters total.

Part 2: Round 2 (Establishing Corners)

1. Move to Corner: Sl St into the nearest Chain-3 space (corner space).

2. First Corner: Chain 2 (counts as 1 DC). Work 2 DC into the corner space. Close the cluster. Chain 3.

3. Second Corner Cluster: Work 3 DC into the same corner space. Close the cluster.

4. Side Separation: Chain 1.

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5. Side Cluster: Work 4 DC into the next Chain-2 space (Side Space). This side uses 4 DC, not a Popcorn .

6. Side Separation: Chain 1.

7. Next Corner: Work a corner cluster: (3 DC, close, Chain 3, 3 DC, close) into the next Chain-3 space.

8. Repeat Pattern: Continue the sequence: (Chain 1, 4 DC in next space, Chain 1, Corner Cluster in next space) around.

9. Finish R.2: Close the round by working a Sl St into the top of the first corner Popcorn cluster. You should have 4 corners (two clusters each) and 4 sides (one 4-DC group each).

Part 3: Round 3 (Expanding the Sides)

1. Move to Corner: Sl St into the Chain-3 corner space.

2. Corner Cluster: Work a corner cluster: (3 DC, close, Chain 3, 3 DC, close) into the corner space.

3. Side Expansion: Chain 1.

4. Work 2 DC into the next Chain-1 space.

5. Work 1 DC into each of the next 4 DC stitches from the previous round.

6. Work 2 DC into the next Chain-1 space.

7. Transition to Corner: Chain 1.

8. Next Corner: Work the corner cluster: (3 DC, close, Chain 3, 3 DC, close).

9. Repeat Pattern: Continue the side expansion and corner cluster sequence around the square.

10. Finish R.3: Close the round by working a Sl St into the top of the first Popcorn cluster.

Part 4: Optional Final Round (R.4 - Plain Border)

This round simplifies the corner structure and eliminates the Popcorn stitch for a solid border.

1. Move to Corner: Sl St into the Chain-3 corner space.

2. Corner: Chain 2 (counts as 1 DC). Work 2 DC into the corner space. Chain 2.

3. Work 3 DC into the same corner space.

4. Side: Work 2 DC into the next Chain-1 space.

5. Work 1 DC into every DC stitch along the side until the next corner.

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6. Work 2 DC into the next Chain-1 space.

7. Next Corner: Work (3 DC, Chain 2, 3 DC) into the Chain-3 corner space.

8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 around the square.

9. Finish R.4: Seamlessly join by cutting the yarn and using a tapestry needle to weave the end into the top of the initial Chain 2.