Overview

Granny Squares are for more than just blankets! With a little ingenuity, they can be adapted to make cute tops, bags, hats, and more! Though often thought of as a beginner pattern, Granny Squares can be tricky to learn, so Salena Baca walks you through your first square row by row to ensure success. She addresses the common pitfalls head-on with helpful tips and will have you crocheting beautiful squares with just a little practice. Joining techniques are also explained and illustrated, so you’ll be ready to complete any of the 10 patterns with ease. Once you’ve learned or refreshed your Granny Square technique, the patterns will show you how truly versatile this stitch can be. Joined-together squares can make a lightweight top, cowl, market tote, newsboy cap, poncho, shrug, and more. It’s such a fast and addicting stitch to work, you’ll be showing off your new Granny Square crochet fashions in no time!

Full Product Details

9780811775328

Table of Contents

Reviews

The granny square is a delightfully versatile crochet motif, as proved by Baca's (Crochet in a Weekend) most recent book. With 10 projects--a hat, a cowl, a hooded scarf, three bags, a shrug, two tops, and a poncho--there is something for everyone. Most garments range from small to XXL, with measurements for each size noted with patterns. Most of the projects will work up quickly as six use bulky yarn. The book ends with a listing of online resources as well as the YouTube channel handle of the American Crochet Association (founded by Baca). This book assumes basic knowledge of stitches and techniques, so it is not for absolute beginners and those eager to try these patterns will need to know how to do post stitches. On the other hand, the garment patterns are loose-fitting styles and do not require shaping. Specific granny-square techniques, such as join-as-you-go and joining the completed squares, are included with both written and pictorial instructions. The patterns are written rather than using charts. Helpfully, end-of-row stitch counts are listed. VERDICT A great purchase for libraries where Baca's work or crochet books are popular.--Sarah Sieg ""Library Journal"" (3/28/2025 12:00:00 AM)

If you love granny squares but want to make more than blankets—this is your book! In Crochet Granny Square Tops, Bags & More, designer Salena Baca reimagines this classic motif into stylish tops, cowls, bags, and even hats. There are 10 projects in total, all written in clear US terms, and most are beginner-friendly or just a small step beyond. The Concept Salena brings a fresh eye to this timeless technique, offering a collection of 10 projects that use granny squares in creative ways. Think trendy tops, chic bags, hats, shrugs, and more—each designed with an eye for wearability and modern appeal. Granny squares are the perfect starting point for these projects: modular, portable, and easy to learn. Salena takes the classic motifs and shows how they can be stitched into something that feels current and polished, without losing their handmade charm. The Projects This book is full of vibrant, head-turning designs that are as fun to wear as they are to make. Highlights include: The Button Front Top – a lightweight, lacy garment that layers beautifully The Market Tote Bag – modern, bold, and practical The Side-Split Top – colourful and fun to wear, perfect for summer The Newsboy Hat – so cute! Each pattern includes clear written instructions in US crochet terms, a materials list, detailed assembly guidance, and colour suggestions. Many designs are beginner-friendly, but there’s enough variation in shape and construction to keep intermediate crocheters interested too. Style and Construction Salena’s patterns strike a great balance between structure and drape. She’s also brilliant at turning flat squares into shaped garments through clever construction and easy joining techniques. Most projects are made with worsted or DK weight yarns, making them quick to work up and satisfying to finish. The book includes a whole introductory session on creating the perfect granny square, with full written instructions as well as an accompanying chart. When joining squares together not only does Salena give three options with full instructions (Join As You Go, Slip Stitch Join and Sewn Join), she also has step by step images for each technique from beginning to end. My Favourite... I had no problems with this one - The Button Front Top just jumped out at me and as I already have a selection of the yarn used, all I need to do is decide on the colour. Fantastic! My Observations This book is a real treat if you love granny squares but want to take them beyond the usual blanket. It’s playful, practical, and full of wearable inspiration. Here’s what I especially loved: A variety of project types—not just clothing, but accessories too Modular construction makes many projects highly portable and beginner-friendly How to get the best fit for each wearable - either for a fitted style or oversize style Clear and accessible instructions with a clean, attractive layout All projects feel modern and wearable—not at all dated or overly “retro” Summary Crochet Granny Square Tops, Bags & More is a stylish and creative exploration of how versatile the humble granny square can be. With Salena Baca’s guidance, you’ll learn to turn these classic motifs into gorgeous garments and accessories you’ll be proud to wear. Whether you're a newer crocheter looking for your first wearable project or a seasoned stitcher looking to freshen up your wardrobe, this book offers plenty of colour, comfort, and creativity. * Carol Ibbetson *

Author Information

Salena Baca is the author of Crochet in a Weekend,Two Simple Shapes = 26 Crocheted Cardigans, Tops & Sweaters; How to Crochet in 10 Easy Lessons; My Crocheted Closet; Crochet in a Day; Build Your Skills: Crochet Tops; and Crochet for Christmas, among others. She resides in Bend, Oregon, happily spreading the joy of crochet far and wide.

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