I’m sharing a book review of a Granny Square Chic as part of the Third Edition of Granny Square Month. You can also enter for your chance to win my review copy!
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. Landauer Publishing provided me with a free review copy of Granny Square Chic: 15 Projects–Crochet Your Own Clothes & Accessories with Endless Variations by Cassie Ward (available online at WeCrochet, 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:
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- 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: Granny Square Chic
Granny Square Chic: 15 Projects–Crochet Your Own Clothes & Accessories with Endless Variations by Cassie Ward (available online at WeCrochet, through independent booksellers, or on Amazon) is a collection of fashion-focused granny square patterns. The book opens with a visual table of contents followed by About This Book, which describes it (quite accurately!) as “a wonderful resource of fashion-led, granny square projects” and provides a preview of the next sections in the book. In Meet Cassie, the author shares how crochet has impacted her life and helped her through difficult times. She welcomes you to “make some beautiful, unique crochet items” to spark joy in your own life.
In Chapter One: The Granny Square, Cassie introduces you to the basic motif shapes featured in the book, including the Classic Granny, the Turned Granny (a one-color version), the Half Granny, the Diagonal, and the Quarter Granny Square. These patterns are charted using international stitch symbol charts and include helpful tips. Cassie notes that you should refer to the written instructions within each project as some motifs may include additional rounds or other modifications.
In Chapter Two: The Projects, there are 15 projects. Each includes an introduction, a skill level (one to three dots), a close up of the featured motif highlighting the colors used in the pattern, a list of materials including yarn substitution recommendations, written instructions using US crochet pattern abbreviations for the motifs and pattern pieces, and assembly instructions. Each pattern includes colorful assembly diagrams and detailed gauge information, along with multiple styled photos of the projects “in action” with models against bold and colorful backgrounds. In terms of skill level, there are 2 “1 dot” (easiest) patterns, 6 “2 dots” patterns, and 7 “3 dots” patterns. There are 8 patterns using light (#3/double knitting/DK) weight yarn and 7 patterns using UK 4-ply yarn (equivalent to #1 or #2/super fine or fine weight yarn in the US). There is a variety of project types including:
- 2 bag patterns,
- 2 cardigan patterns,
- 1 cowl pattern,
- 1 dress pattern,
- 3 headwear patterns (for a hat, headscarf, and headband),
- 2 short-sleeve top patterns,
- 2 sweater/pullover patterns,
- 1 waistcoat pattern, and
- 1 wrap pattern.
Chapter Three: Stitches and Techniques opens with Yarns, Hooks, and Materials, which provides an overview of yarn fibers and weights, how to decifer the information contained on yarn ball bands, suggestions for identifying the right hook, and information on additional notions. In Starting and Finishing, Cassie provides written and illustrated instructions for holding yarn, making a slip knot, forming a foundation chain or ring, starting with a magic ring, turning chains, fastening off, finishing the last round, and weaving in ends. In Basic Stitches, there are written and illustrated instructions for basic stitches (chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet), crocheting through the front or back loop or into a chain space, and crocheting around the front or back post. In Special Stitches, there are written and illustrated instructions for decreasing, increasing, and reverse single crochet, and a tip about stay stitching. In Colorwork, there are written and illustrated instructions for using the tie-in method and joining with a slip stitch, along with suggestions for creating a color palette that you enjoy. In Joining, there are written and illustrated instructions for join as you go and whipstitch joins. In Gauge and Blocking there are written and illustrated tips for measuring gauge and using wet blocking or steam blocking. In Crocheting Clothes, Cassie provides tips for washing, storing, and treating stains on clothes, and recommends keeping small bits of yarn with project notes that can be used for care or repair. There is a section on measuring yourself and understanding sizing which includes a numbered illustration indicating where on the body different measurements are to be taken and discusses yarn choice and quantities needed for different sizes. In Reading Patterns and Charts, there is a key to US pattern abbreviations and international stitch symbols, a chart comparing US to UK pattern abbreviations, and tips for chart reading. The Glossary clarifies different terms the reader may be new to, such as blocking, motif, multiple, and turning chain. The book closes with an index and author’s credits.
Granny Square Chic: 15 Projects–Crochet Your Own Clothes & Accessories with Endless Variations by Cassie Ward (available online at WeCrochet, through independent booksellers, or on Amazon) is a visual delight. It’s the type of book that makes you want to grab your hook and crochet. The patterns are straightforward and classic but updated with colors and styling that is on trend today. (You can see photos of most of the featured patterns in the book’s WeCrochet page.) There is more information on measuring, fit, and caring for your projects than is typical in other crochet books, so Granny Square Chic also makes a great beginner’s introduction to crocheting simple and modular garments. The one challenge is that as a paperback, it is challenging to keep your place while crocheting. I recommend this book to folks who enjoy meditative crochet projects using granny squares but would also love to update their wardrobe, venture into crocheting clothes, and/or wear their own makes more frequently. 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 my review copy of Granny Square Chic by Cassie Ward (available online at WeCrochet, through independent booksellers, or on Amazon).