Creating a Classic Daisy Granny Square and Joining with Zigzag Stitch

Introduction:

In this crochet tutorial, we'll guide you through creating a timeless Classic Daisy Granny Square and joining the squares using a charming Zigzag Stitch. Granny squares are a beloved crochet tradition, and this pattern adds a touch of vintage flair to your projects. The zigzag join provides a unique and decorative way to assemble your squares into a beautifully finished piece. Let's get started!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the tutorial, make sure you have the following materials on hand:

Worsted-weight cotton yarn in your desired colors
4mm crochet hook
Scissors
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

I've already completed the crochet chain to form a magic ring. I'll now count that and add two more chains. This helps achieve the desired height for my work, which I prefer over adding an extra chain. Moving on, I'll make 11 double crochets into the magic ring. Here's how: yarn over, insert the hook into the ring, pull the yarn through, yarn over again, pull through two loops, and once more for the next two loops. Make sure you have a total of 12 double crochets for this round. To finish the round, perform a slip stitch into the top of the initial chain three stitches: one, two, three.

Alternatively, you can opt for an invisible join. To execute this, clip your yarn and pull the strand out. Then, insert your hook into the top of the first visible double crochet (not the chain three) that's clearly visible. Now, move back to the last double crochet you made, insert your hook into the back loop, creating a secure invisible join. To weave in the yarn end, insert your hook into the back, going through a couple of stitches to conceal it within the stitches. This prevents it from unraveling.

Moving in the opposite direction, this technique ensures that the stitch remains secure. Now, for crafting the petals, we'll be utilizing treble crochets and popcorn stitches. A popcorn stitch involves working three treble crochets into the same stitch and then pulling them together. To start, place a slip knot on your hook. Then, pick any stitch you'd like and create a slip stitch, followed by chaining three or four to establish your initial treble stitch.

Making the Center

First, let's move on to crocheting. Begin by performing two more treble crochets into the same stitch. To achieve this, yarn over twice and work into the stitch. Pull your yarn through, then yarn over and pull through two loops. Repeat the yarn over and pull through two loops step twice more. This completes your first treble crochet. Now, let's do one more. Yarn over twice again and work into the same stitch. Pull your yarn through, then pull through two loops, followed by another pull through two loops twice. This completes the second treble crochet.

To transform this into a popcorn stitch, follow these steps: Remove the hook from the yarn, which is going into the top of the first chain. It's usually three or four chains. Return to the loop and pull the loop through the stitch. That's all there is to it. Afterward, chain two and proceed to replicate this process all the way around.

Work three double crochets into the next stitch. You might notice that the birds are quite fond of this ring – can you hear them? Repeat the process twice more for a total of three double crochets. Once again, release the hook from the yarn, then insert it into the top of the very first treble stitch you made. Go in, return to the loop, and pull it through. Afterward, chain two. Continue to repeat this sequence all around until you have a total of 12 popcorn stitches. To finish and secure your work, simply come behind the first popcorn stitch you created and execute a slip stitch.

Now, let's move on to round three. This is where we begin crafting our square. We'll be using double crochets for the sides and treble crochets for the corners. Start by adding a slip knot to your hook and fasten it onto your work in any of the chain two spaces. You can do this using your preferred method.

Forming the Square - Round 3

Start by chaining two or three stitches to create your first double crochet. I've chosen two stitches for this step as I prefer the height it provides. Moving on, perform two double crochets into the same space. This forms your initial granny cluster, which involves three double crochets within the same space. Proceed to establish another granny cluster within the subsequent chain two space. This cluster, like before, will consist of three double crochets.

Transitioning to the corners, we'll start crafting our first corner. This involves executing three treble crochets, followed by chaining two, and then three more treble crochets all within the same designated space. Replicate this pattern as you progress: a granny cluster in the following chain two space (three double crochets), a corner (three trebles, chain two, three trebles), and this sequence repeats throughout.

Feel free to insert a chain one between clusters if the tension is too tight. Returning to a corner, repeat the process of three trebles, chain two, and three trebles. To form the sides, create clusters twice, followed by another corner. Continue this pattern until you complete the round.

Concluding the round involves a slip stitch into the top of the first chain two or three. In my case, I used two chains, so I slip stitch into the second one. Transitioning to round four, I need to position myself for cluster creation. I achieve this by slip stitching across to reach the desired space.

For round four, initialize with a chain two or three to serve as the initial double crochet. Add two more double crochets into the same space, constituting the first granny cluster. Maintain the sequence, but this time, substitute treble crochets in corners with double crochets. Continue this process around the entire piece, ensuring clusters in spaces and double crochets for corners.

Upon finishing the final corner, work three additional double crochets to secure the end. To complete the round, insert a slip stitch into the top of the initial chain two or three. If desired, employ an invisible join technique by threading the yarn onto a needle. Instead of attaching to the top of the chain, insert the needle into the top of the first true double crochet, weaving both through the front and back of stitches for secure fastening.

When employing the joining technique, consider working in panels. Initially, execute all horizontal joins across the squares. Once that's done, pivot the work to work on the vertical joins. This strategy ensures a systematic and efficient joining process.

Forming the Square - Round 4

We will be using a slip stitch to join these squares together, and my main advice here is to handle it gently. Avoid pulling the slip stitches too tightly; otherwise, the squares might buckle when stacked. As mentioned earlier, I'll begin by working horizontally. My plan is to connect all the squares along the horizontal line. Starting with these two squares, I'll then progress to these two.

Our goal is to align these squares accurately. Make sure both squares have the same stitch count. In the corners, I've incorporated two chains. To join them, I'll match the corner chain from one square with the corner chain from the other. Before moving on to the clusters, you have the choice to either insert your stitch into the chain or around it. I'll personally work around it, as I'll be focusing on the front stitches, not the back ones. This gives a more cohesive appearance.

With the right side facing you, create a slip stitch in or around that corner chain. Repeat this process for the next square. Continue this approach, either going into the corner or the chain itself—your preference. Pull the yarn through to create a slip stitch.

Moving along, we'll start with the bottom square and then proceed to the square above it. Insert your hook into the next stitch, pull the yarn through, and form a slip stitch. Now, for the upper square, repeat the process. Remember to maintain an even tension—neither too tight nor too loose—finding that balance as you work.

Incorporate the same technique for the remaining stitches. Continue moving between squares, working from bottom to top. This produces a lovely braided effect. A quick tip: the top of your stitch slants to the right, akin to the letter 'P' when you're right-handed.

Upon completing the stitches on both sides, we're at the initial chain. Here, you can either work into the chain or work around it. Either approach works. Repeat the process for the other side, and the join is complete. The opposite side displays a flat and seamless connection.

Now, bring in the next set of squares and continue the horizontal progression. The process remains identical. Having just finished the top of one square, move downwards to connect with the lower square. Complete one slip stitch to account for half of the corner, then move to the upper square. Insert your hook, pull the yarn through, and slip stitch.

Don't worry about the appearance for now; we'll address that when working vertically. The corners are now united, and it's time to work on the regular stitches. After finishing with the upper square, return to the lower one and continue. If your square includes chains between clusters, approach them similarly to corners—work into the chain or wrap around, based on your preference.

As you go through these steps, you'll notice the pattern forming. Proceed with connecting all your horizontal panels. Once that's done, you'll transition to the vertical connection. This part is just as straightforward. Get everything positioned, start in a corner, and work your way across.

Horizontal Joining with Zigzag Stitch

As you approach the intersection, it becomes slightly more intricate. However, remember to take your time and concentrate on threading the yarn through as smoothly as possible. Keep an eye on maintaining proper tension. You'll notice one double crochet to be worked in this location, and another one in this spot. Let's grab that yarn, returning to our corner. It's important to stitch into the corner, so insert the hook under the previous row of zigzags. Pull the yarn through to create a slip stitch. Repeat the same process for the stitch above: insert, pull the yarn through, and create a slip stitch. Now, moving to this corner, repeat the procedure. Insert the hook, pull the yarn through, and create a slip stitch. This method ensures a secure join. Afterward, continue as before. Insert the hook into the first double crochet, yarn over, pull through, yarn over again, and carry on. That completes the process.

Vertical Joining with Zigzag Stitch and Edging

If you're curious about the type of edging or border that would work well with this, I suggest trying out the zigzag border. It's not an exact match to the zigzag join, but it's pretty close, and it will effectively bring everything together. To start, begin by creating a foundation border using single crochets. For my corners, I opted for three single crochets each. As for the joins here, I used two single crochets in one corner and one single crochet in the other. This approach seemed to yield the best results for me, but feel free to experiment with it to determine which gives you the most edge.

Moving on to the zigzag round, it's incredibly simple. All you need to do is slip stitch and chain one into each stitch all the way around. This will produce a delightful zigzag border. I truly appreciate you dedicating your time to watch this tutorial, and I hope you found it enjoyable. Looking forward to connecting with you in the next one. Welcome!

Video Tutorial:

Conclusion:

Congratulations, you've created a beautiful Classic Daisy Granny Square project with a unique Zigzag Join! This pattern combines classic and modern elements, resulting in a stunning crochet piece that's perfect for blankets, pillows, or any other creative project you have in mind. Experiment with color combinations and have fun showcasing your crocheting skills!

Search This Blog

Crochet HD