I’m sharing a book review of a collection of retro granny square project patterns along with a giveaway for my review copy. The free excerpted crochet beach bag pattern was available through June 12, 2026.
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. GMC Publications provided me with a free review copy of Vintage Granny Squares: 20 Crochet Projects with a Retro Vibe by Emma Varnam (available online through independent booksellers or on Amazon). Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
This post is part of the Third Edition of Granny Square Month, a 30-day celebration of crochet motifs, granny stripes, and granny stitches. To follow along with Granny Square Month:
- Sign up for Crochet Along updates and the Underground Crafter newsletter to get regular updates, including an email as each post goes live. When you sign up, you’ll also get access to my subscriber vault which includes exclusive free PDF patterns, a coupon code for your choice of any crochet or knitting pattern or ebook from my Ravelry shop, and coupon codes from other indie designers and crafts businesses.
- Chat with other crocheters in the Underground Crafters Facebook group or the Underground Crafter Ravelry group.
- Tag your Granny Square Month projects with #grannysquaremonth on social media. Tag me on Bluesky as @UndergroundCrafter, Facebook as @Underground Crafter, or Instagram as @ucrafter.
- Enter the giveaway HERE by July 6, 2025 for your chance to win one of eight fabulous prizes from David & Charles, GMC Publications, Krause Publications, Landauer Publishing, and Quarto.
Book Review: Vintage Granny Squares
Vintage Granny Squares: 20 Crochet Projects with a Retro Vibe by Emma Varnam (available online through independent booksellers or on Amazon) is a collection of retro-inspired granny square project patterns. Long-time readers of my blog know that I’m a fan of Emma’s work, and I have previously reviewed several of her books including:
- 10,000 Crocheted Hats: Discover Your Own Unique Design Combinations (reviewed here),
- Crocheted Succulents (reviewed here),
- Cute Crocheted Animals (reviewed here),
- Granny Square Weekend (reviewed here),
- Granny Squares Home (reviewed here), and
- Cute Crocheted Woodland Creatures (reviewed here).
Vintage Granny Squares opens with an introduction from Emma where she shares her love of vintage crochet and how a beautiful project can both distract and sooth you. The book continues with a visual gallery featuring all 20 projects with large photographs. The Getting Started section begins with What You’ll Need, which provides information on crochet hooks, yarn, and tapestry and beading needles, as well as a crochet hook size conversion chart. In Crochet Techniques, you’ll find written and illustrated instructions for holding your hook and your yarn; making a slip knot; basic crochet stitches in UK terms (chain, slip stitch, double crochet, half treble, treble crochet, and double treble); working in rows and spirals; starting with a joined ring or a magic ring; increasing; decreasing with dc2tog; crocheting in the back loop; making a classic granny square; and raised treble front and back stitches (also known as post stitches in the US); as well as information about the differences between US and UK pattern abbreviations and yarn weights, a UK pattern abbreviation glossary, and tips for crocheting into chain spaces. Finishing Touches shares written and illustrated instructions for seaming with the whipstitch, slip stitch, or double crochet; weaving in ends; and using a pom pom maker; and written tips for counting stitches and rows, managing ends, blocking, and making tassels.
The next section is The Projects. Each pattern opens with an introduction, several full-page photos of the project or its details, and the written pattern. Each pattern includes the finished size; a list of yarns (including brand and colors), hook, and other notions used; the tension (gauge); and detailed written instructions using UK crochet abbreviations. All patterns start with the basic square used in that project. There is a good variety of projects including 3 bags, a basket, 6 blankets, bunting and a garland, a cushion, a hat, mittens, a potholder, a scarf, a shrug and a top, and a tea cozy. Most of the projects (12 in total) are made with light (#3/double knitting/DK) weight yarn, but there are also 4 patterns made with medium (#4/worsted/aran) weight yarn, 3 patterns made with fine (#2/sport/4ply) weight yarns, and one project made with bulky (#5/chunky) weight yarn. The book ends with resources for buying yarns, acknowledgements from the author, and an index.
Vintage Granny Squares: 20 Crochet Projects with a Retro Vibe by Emma Varnam (available online through independent booksellers or on Amazon) is a vibrant collection of colorful motif projects starting with granny squares. As Emma notes in the introduction, you can use the same colors she does or get creative, working through stash yarn or upcycling yarn from older projects. The book has plenty of pictures — including those with the home decor projects “in action” within the home — to inspire you. The patterns use basic crochet skills and are accessible to newer crocheters with basic skills, or enjoyable for more experienced crocheters looking for either mindless or mindful projects requiring less focus. The book is a paperback but includes front and back flaps, so it’s easy to keep your place while crocheting. If you love crochet motifs but are looking for something different to make, or if you love the cozy vibe of retro crochet, this may be the book for you! Don’t forget to stop by the main Granny Square Month blog post by July 6, 2025 to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Vintage Granny Squares: 20 Crochet Projects with a Retro Vibe by Emma Varnam (available online through independent booksellers or on Amazon)!