Book Review and Giveaway: Crocheted Granny Squares (Twenty to Make)
Today I’m reviewing Crocheted Granny Squares (Twenty to Make), the latest book by Val Pierce in the Twenty to Make series. I recently received a review copy from Search Press. (I previously interviewed Val and reviewed four of her other books in this series: Mini Christmas Crochet
Like the other books in this series, Crocheted Granny Squares is a book focused on projects, not techniques. The small size and light weight make it portable for crocheting on the go. Beginners will be terrified by the intro, which mistakenly says that “Each square takes only a few hours to make…” (!) Not to fear, granny squares like the ones in this book (most of which are 4 round patterns) usually take just a few minutes each.
After the intro, the book has a short Hints & Tips section, which explains the difference in terminology between US and UK abbreviations. The patterns in this book are written with the US terms first and the UK terms in parenthesis (e.g., “31 dc (UK tr) into ring”). The motifs were crocheted with DMC Petra cotton thread, but suggestions for both US and UK hooks sizes to use with different weights of yarn are included. Val also wisely recommends weaving in the ends as you go, rather than at the end of large projects, to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
The book defines granny square broadly, and includes 15 square motif patterns, 1 triangle motif pattern, and 2 patterns each for hexagon and circle motifs. The patterns don’t indicate a difficulty level, but most use simple stitch combinations so should be within the reach of any beginner crocheter who can crochet in the round.
In addition to the motif patterns, the book includes instructions for 9 projects made with motifs: a vase cover, a cushion, a baby blanket, hand warmers, a pincushion, the Daisy Loop Scarf (my favorite project, made with the lacy Daisy Loop square), a shoulder bag, and a table mat.
This book is ideal for a crochet or granny square newbie, or for a commuter crocheter since it can easily fit in a purse or other small bag. The vibrant colors, fun backgrounds, and cute projects make this book visually appealing.
The down sides: Unfortunately, the patterns aren’t listed on Ravelry yet, but you can see many of the motifs on the book cover. Some newer pattern readers may find it confusing to see both US and UK terms in the same pattern. The book uses only pattern abbreviations and no stitch diagrams. The use of yrh (yarn round hook) instead of yo (yarn over) may be confusing to some American crocheters.
Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for new crocheter or a granny square pattern collector who would like some patterns for crocheting on the go. If you are more interested in techniques or have crocheted oodles of grannies already, this book may not be the right fit.
Giveaway
I’m giving away my review copy of Crocheted Granny Squares (Twenty to Make) by Val Pierce, courtesy of Search Press. This giveaway is open to all readers. Enter by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, December 16, 2012.
To enter:
Leave a comment telling me about your granny square experience: are you a granny pro or a newbie? What projects do you usually make with grannies?For additional entries, like Underground Crafter on Facebook, follow Underground Crafter on Twitter, join the Underground Crafter group on Ravelry, and/or share a link to this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog. (And then, leave a comment here, on Facebook, on Twitter, or in the Ravelry group letting me know what you did!)One winner will be chosen at random.
Good luck!
I am a newbie to Grannies. Making an afghan inspired by stain glass, about half way there.
What an excellent review!! Thank you
I love the way the turned out!! I’d be very interested in broadening my granny square horizons!
I’d consider myself a granny square newbie! I’ve only made a few, and they were about 18″ across and then I put an amigurumi animal head in the middle to make it a baby’s granny square lovey blanket
aww these wee books are so good i have a few but not this one. So nice to hear what it is like before buying. As for granny squares i have been making them since my youngest was born, now have made the blankets for my grand daughter
WoolyTanis on Rav
I’m not a pro but I’m not a newbie either. I would love to make a granny square blanket at some point. I should probably finish my hexipuff blanket first though, no?
I guess? But I’m a fan of multiple projects going at once, Vanessa, so I may not be the right person to ask
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I’m not a granny square newbie, but I’m not a pro either. I can’t even say that I’m an intermediate since I’ve only really done the Sunburst square and the traditional granny square. I’ve used the traditional to make fingerless mittens and the Sunburst square to make a cushion.
It would be lovely to see what other motifs there are so I could expand my granny square experience.
As always, thanks for these giveaways Marie!
I love granny squares… I usually just make them for afghans or scarves… but I have been seeing them being used for wallets, etc… so I really want to try that out
I taught myself to crochet in the past year and have made a few granny squares. I contributed three granny squares and one granny star to a group-effort afghan. I enjoyed making them and would love to win this book. It sounds like a great way to expand my granny square making abilities.
I am not a newbie/not a pro. I have made slippers hats scarfs and a blanket with Grannies. My fave is a sunflower square.I would love to have this in my shelf. Thank You. Have a good day from a fan in Alabama.
I’d say I’m intermediate. I’ve made a few projects with grannies, including a shoulder bag, and just finished up an 80 square sunburst granny blanket for my baby girl…due the 22nd! There’s a lot more I’d like to do with grannies, like a full size blanket, pillow covers, etc, but I HATE joining the squares. So I’ve procrastinated. Haha!
I love making granny squares. They’re a great stress-relief project for me because I can really get into a rhythm working around the starting stitches and repetitively working the same pattern. My problem is that sometimes I fizzle out in joining the squares for my intended afghan. I have several motifs simply laying around and others that I use as coasters.
I like you on Facebook and am in your Ravelry group (Rav name: MeanderingHome)
I am a granny square newbie. The only thing I have created with granny squares is a baby blanket I made for my daughter before she was born.
already a fan of your facebook page.
already following you on twitter
Grannies newbie here. I’d love to learn more.
I’m in the rav group and liked and shared on Facebook
I’m squiggi on rav
I have made a few throws over the years, following my mother’s footsteps as that was always her favourite thing to crochet. Since I have not done any for many years now though, I think I may need a fast refresher course. There are some lovely things I have seen completed with Granny squares on Ravelry! Good luck everyone and happy crafting!
Already a member of the Ravelry group and also have liked on Facebook, which is now going to be a handy reminder too!
I am a granny square newbie, however, I won a granny square scarf at a silent auction and it is one of my favorites. I would love to learn how to make them, plus I have lots of stash since I am primarily a knitter.
strawberrykid on ravelry
I love working with grannies!! I made an oversized granny pillow in Caron Simply Soft a few years ago, and I made my first granny square blanket this past summer!!
I’m already a member of the Rav group, and I’ve liked your FB page
I have some a few basic granny squares…so not quite a beginner; but not too experienced. Love the way they look.
A long time since I have made granny squares! Lovely pics!
I would be a newbie! I have crocheted in the past but have never really used granny squares. I would love to learn! In fact, a friend and I have decided that for 2013 we will learn/try 13 new things. I could make a Granny Square project one of them!
I’ve started crocheting granny squares in 2009 and got addicted! lol there are so many possible combinations, you can never have enough
I design patterns for baby blankets and I love bold colours and interesting textures… 
Thank you for this giveaway!
I just learned how to do granny squares – they’re addictive! I’m planning to make enough this year to make blankets for Christmas next year.
I’m a Newbie….very new. I went to my first crochet group at my library with a Granny Square pattern…..I did 4 levels…tiers..rounds…? Well long story short I loved the Granny Square….But I think I will get a little more practice before I make something to wear,,,LMBBO!!
I’ve been making granny squares since I was in kindergarten ( learned to crochet when I was 4 years old)… I’ve made afghans, pillows, scarves, bags and most recently, an apron from granny squares. I heve 2 new granny projects in mind…the stained glass afghan and also an afghan made with the owl granny squares ( for my son who is obsessed with owls lately:) I love to crochet as well as knit! Heading over to join the group on ravelry & follow on twitter!
Alicia ( lishknits on ravelry)
Hi. I love granny squares. I have made over 1,000 lacy granny squares into afghans. I have been crocheting for 41 years. I mostly do afghans, but I have made a few scarves. I would love to be entered in your giveaway. I am always looking for new granny squares.
Thanks, Linda
i like you on FB
I am in the u.c. group on rav (jcarter462)
My first project was a giant granny square blanket, it took me forever, but it was well worth it, i have made quite a few granny square blankets and i am loving all the ‘new’ granny motifs that are popping up all the time, i consider myself a pro at grannies!
I’m new to crochet. I have done a few projects but would love to do granny squares!