The Willow Granny Square
The Willow Granny Square is where traditional granny square charm meets delicate, lace-like texture. This beautiful motif features graceful arches and shells that create an airy, romantic look reminiscent of willow branches swaying in the breeze.
What makes this square special is its scaffolding technique—you'll create chains in one round that become the foundation for groups of stitches in the next. It's like building a beautiful lattice that blossoms into full shells. The result? A square with gorgeous drape and visual interest that works beautifully in blankets, shawls, or anywhere you want to add a touch of elegance.
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Skill Level
Intermediate — The willow granny square involves basic stitches but a slightly more advanced crochet technique where you create a "scaffold" of chains on one row and then work stitches around them on the following row. It's a great introduction into this fancy crochet skill.
Stitch Abbreviations Used in the Pattern (U.S. Terms)
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sp | space |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd | round |
| prev | previous |
What You’ll Need
- Yarn: Any weight yarn that you love. I used a wool blend 3 (sport) weight yarn for the more delicate square you see pictures, and I used good o'll Red Heart Supersaver and a 5.5mm hook for the photo tutorial.
- Hook: Use the hook size recommended on your yarn label, go down a hook size for smaller "holes" or up a hook size for added drape.
- Notions: Scissors, optional yarn needle, and a fun project idea to use this square in.
Gauge & Size
Gauge isn’t crucial here. The Willow Granny Square tends to be slightly larger than comparable granny squares in the same yarn weight because of the number of rounds needed. A 3-weight yarn with a 3.5mm (E) hook yields a square about 5 and a half inches across after eight rounds. While a 4 worsted weight yarn and 5.5mm hook yields about an 8 inch square!
Pattern Notes
- Worked in the round, joining each round with a slip stitch.
- We will turn the work at the beginning of each round except for round 5.
- Starting chains count as stitches.
Willow Granny Square Instructions
To begin, ch4 and sl st to the first chain to form a ch4 ring.
Round 1
Ch3 (counts as 1dc) and make 15 more dcs into the center of the ch4 ring. Sl st to the top of your starting ch3 to complete the rnd. (16dcs total)
Round 2
Ch4, turn (counts as 1dc, ch1). *Make 1dc in the next st, ch1.* Repeat between ** to the end of the rnd. Sl st to the 3rd ch of your starting ch4 to complete the rnd. (16dcs, 16chs)
Round 3
Ch 3, turn (counts as 1dc). *Make 2dcs in the next ch sp, 1dc in the next st.* Repeat between ** to the last stitch. Make 2dc in the last ch sp, sl st to the top of the starting ch3 to complete the rnd. (48 dcs)
Round 4
Ch6, turn (counts as 1sc, ch5). *~Skip 2 sts, 1sc in the 3rd st from prev row. Ch3, skip 2, 1sc in 3rd st. Ch4, skip 2, 1sc in 3rd st. Ch3~, skip 2, 1sc in 3rd sc. Ch5* Rep between ** two more times, then repeat between ~~ once and sl st into the first ch of your starting ch6 to complete the rnd.
Round 5
Ch3 (do not turn work, ch3 counts as 1dc). Make 4 more dcs into the ch 5 space, ch2, 5 more dc in ch 5 space. *1sc into the next ch 3 space. 7dc in the next ch4 space. 1sc in the next ch3 space. 5dc, ch2, 5dc in next ch5 space.* Repeat between ** two more times. Then, 1sc in ch3 sp, 7dc in ch4 sp, 1sc in ch 3 sp. Sl st to 2nd ch of starting ch3 to complete the rnd.
Round 6
Ch1, turn, sl st into the first sc. Ch6, *1sc in the 4th dc of the 7dc shell from the prev row. Ch 3, 1dc in next sc. Ch4, 1sc in ch2 corner space. Ch2, 1sc in the same corner space. Ch4, 1dc in next sc. Ch3* Rep between ** Until you've worked your last corner and ch4, then sl st to the 2nd ch of your starting ch6 to complete the rnd.
Round 7
Ch3, turn (counts as 1dc) 4 more dcs in the ch4 space. *3dc, ch2, 3dc into the little corner ch2 space. 5dc in next ch 4 space. 3dc in next ch3 space, 3dc in next ch3 space. 5dc in next ch4 space.* Repeat between ** until you've worked your last set of 3dcs. Sl st to top of starting ch3 to complete the rnd.
Round 8
Finally, ch1, turn, and work 1sc in each stitch from the previous row and 2sc, ch1, 2sc in each corner chain space.
And there you have it!
Your very own Willow Granny Square! This elegant motif is proof that with a little patience and practice, you can create something truly special. The lacey texture and extra large square makes it perfect for lightweight blankets, breezy summer wraps, or even some drapey cardigans.
Add the Willow Granny Square to your repertoire and watch your projects take on a whole new level of sophistication. Happy hooking! 🧶
