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"Lily Pad" Granny Square - Free Pattern & Tutorial

4/1/2015

27 Comments

 
Another month, another granny square! Last month I shared the all the patterns for the completed green section of the "Crochet meets Patchwork" blanket with you, and now I've moved on the the pink section. It's almost ready to share with you, so do check back soon! 

In the meantime I'll show you how to make this simple and pretty granny square. 
The inspiration for the colour scheme came from this pin I found (with a little help from my lovely little sister-in-law). I think it's just yummy, and I hope you'll like it too. Do excuse the slightly shabby, fluffy appearance of the purple yarn though - it is in fact salvaged yarn and, as a result, a bit beaten up! 
Also bear in mind that the purple yarn is heavier than the others. I don't have the label but I do know it's by Rowan, and it's a mixture of cotton and wool, probably about Sport weight. I never really worry about mixing yarn types and weights, but don't feel like you have to follow my lead. As an alternative, you could use Natura Just Cotton in Orquidea.

For this pattern I've done my best, as always, to provide both photos and written instructions. For the first time I have also included a diagram. Or at least, I've tried! I learned to read crochet diagrams last summer, and have found it an invaluable skill since. Not only does it allow me to have a go at crochet patterns for which the instructions are in another language but, as a visual person, it really helps me to get to grips even with patterns that are written in English. For this pattern I therefore thought I'd have a go at drawing a diagram myself, but I think you'll agree I need a little more practice... Still, it was a lot of fun to play with my long-neglected pencils again!
The final thing to note is that I've started the rounds of TCs & DCs with what is known as a "standing treble/double crochet" when attaching a new colour, and a "chainless starting treble/double crochet" when continuing with the same colour. It removes the need for 2-3 starting chains, and so the beginning of each round is less conspicuous. If you're not familiar with these techniques, have a look at these excellent tutorials on moogly:

Standing treble/double crochet
Chainless starting treble /double crochet

If you're not comfortable with these techniques, however, there is of course nothing wrong with sticking to the usual chain starts. For this reason I've included alternative instructions where applicable.

"Lily Pad" Crochet Square

Notes: 

UK terms (with US terms in brackets)

3.5 mm (E/4) hook

DMC Natura Just Cotton fingering yarn 

Colours: Orquidea/Azur (A), Ivory (B),  Aswan/Orquidea(C), Gris Argent (D)

square size: 12 cm x 12 cm (ca. 5" by 5")

stitches: puff stitch - puff st.; treble crochet - TC (double crochet - DC); standing treble crochet - STC (standing double crochet - SDC); chainless starting treble crochet - CSTC (chainless starting double crochet (CSDC); half treble crochet - HTC (half double crochet - HDC); double crochet - DC (single crochet - SC); chain - ch (chain stitch - ch); slip stitch - sl.st. 
Round 1: 

With colour A, make a starting chain of 4-5, then make into a circle with a sl.st into the first ch.


Round 2: 

STC (SDC) 1, then TC (DC) 7 into the circle. Join to STC (SDC) with a sl.st. Fasten off. (8 st)

OR

Ch 3, then TC (DC) 7 into the circle. Join to the 3rd ch with a sl.st. Fasten off. (8 st)

Round 3:

Attach colour B to any st. of the previous round and ch 1 (you should now have what looks like 2 chains). 
Into the same st., yarn over and pull up a loop twice. Yarn over again and pull through all the loops on your hook. Ch 1 to lock.

Into each of the remaining 7 stitches, make a puff st. followed by a ch 1. Join to the 1st ch (the one you made after attaching your yarn) with a sl. st. Fasten off. (16 st)
Round 4:

With colour (C), make a STC (SDC) into any ch 1 space. TC (DC) 1 into the same space, ch 1. * In the next ch 1 space, TC (DC) 3, ch 1. Repeat from * seven times, into each remaining ch 1 space. TC (DC) 1 into the same space as the STC (SDC), then join to STC (SDC) with a sl. st. Fasten off. 

OR

Attach colour (C) into any ch 1 space and ch 2.  TC (DC) 1 into the same space, ch 1. * In the next ch 1 space, TC (DC) 3, ch 1. Repeat from * seven times, into each remaining ch 1 space. TC (DC) 1 into the same space as the starting chain. Join to the 2nd chain with a sl. st. Fasten off. 
Round 5:

With colour (A), make a STC (SDC) into any ch 1 space. TC 2 into the same space. * In the next ch 1 space, TC (DC) 5. Repeat from * seven times, into each remaining ch 1 space. TC (DC) 2 into the same space as the STC (SDC), then join to STC (SDC) with a sl. st. Fasten off. 

OR

Attach colour (A) into any ch 1 space and ch 2.  TC (DC) 2 into the same space. * In the next ch 1 space, TC (DC) 5. Repeat from * seven times, into each remaining ch 1 space. TC (DC) 2 into the same space as the starting chain. Join to the 2nd chain with a sl. st. Fasten off. 
Round 6: 

With colour (D), make a STC (SDC) between any two groups of TCs (DCs). TC (DC) 1 into the same space, ch 2. In the next space, DC (SC) 3, ch 2. * In the next space, TC (DC) 3, ch 3, TC (DC) 3, ch 3. In the next space, DC (SC) 3, ch 2. Repeat from * until you've gone all the way around. 
TC (DC) 3 into same space as the STC (SDC), ch 3, TC (DC) 1, then join to STC (SDC) with a sl. st.

OR 

Attach colour (D) into any ch 1 space between any two groups of TCs (DCs) and ch 2. TC (DC) 1 into the same space, ch 2. In the next space, DC (SC) 3, ch 2. * In the next space, TC (DC) 3, ch 3, TC (DC) 3, ch 3. In the next space, DC (SC) 3, ch 2. Repeat from * until you've gone all the way around. 
TC (DC) 3 into the same space as the starting chain, ch 3, TC (DC) 3, then join to the 2nd chain with a sl. st.
Round 7: 

Ch 1 over the TC (DC) of round 6 to get to the ch 2 space. Make a CSTC (CSDC) into this chain 2 space, followed by one TC (DC) into the same space. Ch 1. In the next space, TC (DC) 3, ch 1. * In the next space (i.e. the corner) TC (DC) 3, ch 3, TC (DC) 3. Into each of the next two spaces, TC (DC) 3, ch 1. Then  TC (DC) 3, ch 3, TC (DC) 3 on the corner. Repeat until you've gone all the way round. 
TC (DC) 1 into the same space as the CSTC (CSDC), then join to the CSTC (SCDC) with a sl. st. Fasten off. 

OR 

Ch 1 over the TC (DC) of round 6 to get to the ch 2 space. Ch 3, followed by one TC (DC) into the same space. Ch 1. In the next space, TC (DC) 3, ch 1. * In the next space (i.e. the corner) TC (DC) 3, ch 3, TC (DC) 3. Into each of the next two spaces, TC (DC) 3, ch 1. Then  TC (DC) 3, ch 3, TC (DC) 3 on the corner. Repeat until you've gone all the way round. 

TC (DC) 1 into the same space as the starting chain, then join to the 3rd chain with a sl. st. Fasten off. 
Round 8: 

With colour (B), make a SHTC (SHDC) into any ch 1 space, followed by one HTC (HDC) into the same space. Now continue to the corner by making one HTC (HDC) in each TC (DC) of the previous round, and two HTC (HDC) into each ch 1 space.
When you reach the corner, HTC (HDC) 3, ch 3, HTC (HDC) 3. Continue like this until you've gone all the way round, then join to the SHTC (SHDC) with a sl. st.

OR 

Attach colour (B) into any ch 1 space and ch 1, followed by one HTC (HDC) into the same space. Now continue to the corner by making one HTC (HDC) in each TC (DC) of the previous round, and two HTC (HDC) into each ch 1 space.
When you reach the corner, HTC (HDC) 3, ch 3, HTC (HDC) 3. Continue like this until you've gone all the way round, then join to the starting chain with a sl. st.
Optional round 9:

Depending on how this square fits into your overall project, you might like to finish it off by doing a round of DCs (SCs) into each st., as I've done. On the corners, work DC (SC) 2, ch 1, DC (SC) 2. 
Taaddaaaa!! And though I know I hammer on about this every time, now is the time to block that square. It's not hard and it really does make a huge difference to how the finished square looks. The image below left is all unblocked and wonk-tastic, while the one on the right is nice and neat. 
My preferred blocking method, for cottons at least, is to place the piece on a foam pad covered in a sheet or pillow case, spray it with water until soaked through, and then to pin it into the desired shape. I then leave it near a radiator or window (but never in direct sunlight) until it's completely dry. 
So there you have it, the "Lily Pad" Square, in two colour schemes. Which one do you prefer? I think I should do one that puts all the shades together :-)
Written pattern copyright Eline Alcocer 2015. 
You are welcome to make and use this pattern as you wish, but please do not sell the pattern nor claim the pattern as your own. 
You are welcome to sell items made using this pattern as long as the designer, Eline Alcocer, is clearly credited at the Point of Sale. 
Please link back to this page if you write about the pattern in any way. 
You may not reproduce, either partially or in full, any of the photos or the text contained in this post without obtaining written permission from me first. 
Thank you and happy crocheting!
I'm linking up with Moogly and Petals to Picots for Hookin on Hump Day #92

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27 Comments
Donna link
4/1/2015 04:52:25 pm

One day I will learn to crochet and will learn how to do this. One day! So beautiful - you are so talented x

Reply
Eline P&P link
4/9/2015 05:33:29 am

I've been saying "one day I'll learn to kit" for ages now - how about we do a deal that involves you crocheting and me knitting ;-)

Reply
Carie link
4/3/2015 07:35:39 am

oh isn't it pretty - I love the colours you've chosen!

Reply
Eline P&P link
4/9/2015 05:34:36 am

Thank you Carie! I puzzled for ages over what to do with the purple yarn, but I'm ALMOST happy with this combination :-)

Reply
Daugherty4innc
4/11/2015 10:40:15 am

You should really link your patterns to Ravelry. They are wonderful.

Reply
Eline P&P link
4/13/2015 05:10:19 am

Thank you so much for your encouragement. I've just taken the plunge and added my first pattern! http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/triple-puff-granny-square

Reply
Jeannine link
4/11/2015 10:19:17 pm

Realy love your work and explnation
I am along time crocheter but never made one of these and now i think it is time

Reply
Eline P&P link
4/13/2015 05:11:09 am

Thank you for your comment Janine, it'd be amazing if this pattern set you on the road of granny square addiction ;-)

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Hantie link
7/12/2015 09:45:43 am

This is such a lovely granny. And I am crazy about your colors. Thank you for sharing. Any advice on how to join the grannies?

Reply
Eline @ Pasta & Patchwork link
7/13/2015 02:32:38 am

Hi Hantie, have a look at this site for a useful photo tutorial: http://carinascraftblog.wardi.dk/2009/06/granny-square-joining-tutorial.html
I adapted it slightly to join my squares. If you scroll down past the list of patterns in this post, you can see a photo of the result:
http://www.pastaandpatchwork.com/home/crochet-meets-patchwork-afghan-green-granny-squares-pattern-round-up
Hope that helps!

Reply
Amelia
7/13/2015 05:37:41 pm

Is there anywhere that has a video tutorial for this pattern? I absolutely love this pattern but written tutorials are very difficult for me to understand. Your work is beautiful!

Reply
Eline @ Pasta & Patchwork link
7/16/2015 03:48:33 am

Hi Amelia, thank you for your comment. As far as I am aware there's no video tutorial for this one (or any of my patterns - making video's is not something I personally think I'm capable of!). Sorry about that.

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elaine link
7/29/2015 02:22:24 pm

I do love to crochet, I can't buy any pattern but I read or write down what I can see I love video all so

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Isabel link
8/11/2015 09:27:26 am

HELP - I keep saving all these amazing new patterns you design in stunning colour combinations - when am I going to find the time to make them all. You're a talented lady - thanks for the detailed tutorials - for new crocheters like me they're brilliant. Keep it up!! Now all I need is to negotiate with SOMEONE for a 28 hour day and I'll be a-ok !!

Reply
Eline @ Pasta & Patchwork link
8/13/2015 10:30:11 am

Haha, well I apologise! And I sure would like a 28-hour day too - wouldn't that be amazing!

Reply
Denise
9/16/2015 07:03:11 pm

This is really unique. Would love to be able to print it as I don't crochet in front of my computer.

Reply
Eline @ Pasta & Patchwork link
12/15/2015 09:30:01 am

Hi Denise,
At the moment I don't have any printable versions of my patterns prepared, but this is something I am working on for the future!

Reply
Lois
10/13/2015 03:03:20 pm

Hello...I had to say that I love your color combinatin, especially gray and purple..you are awesome and I look forward to making this square as well as learning more from you

Reply
Eline @ Pasta & Patchwork link
12/15/2015 09:30:53 am

Aw, that is so sweet of you to say! Glad you like this and thank you for stopping by.

Reply
Annick
12/15/2015 07:55:54 am

Hi there! I really love this pattern. I've tried beginning it and I've only got as far as the 3 row because it starts to curl into a ball. I'm not sure if I'm doing it right. Do you know what I'm doing wrong? Things start not looking right in the 2nd row... I don't seem to have enough stitches to go around with just 7 dc... Any suggestions would help.

Reply
Eline @ Pasta & Patchwork link
12/15/2015 09:26:05 am

Hi Annick, glad to hear you like the pattern!
A little curling on row 3 is no big deal as it may straighten out again on subsequent rows, but if it starts to curl a lot at any point it either means you are missing out some stitches or crocheting too tightly. Check whether you are making a ch 1 in between every puff st on row 3. If you are, try switching to a larger hook and loosening your grip a bit. If that still doesn't work, add an extra ch 1 in between every puff st. on row 3 (you might need to do the same on subsequent rows). Hope that helps!

Reply
fiona link
3/9/2016 03:52:49 pm

Hi Eline

Thanks for the tutorial and pattern shared, this is a lovely square. I am looking at doing squares and joining them into a big blanket. Wondering if you have made this into a blanket of many lily pads square? What would be the best joining stitches you would suggest for joining squares together?

Thanks
Fiona

Reply
Eline @ Pasta & Patchwork link
3/15/2016 02:31:36 pm

Hi Fiona, so nice to hear you like the pattern!

I personally haven't made an entire blanket with this square, but another follower has. You can see an image here: https://www.instagram.com/p/9O4n0hKTm-/?taken-by=emmyandlien

There are lots of ways of joining squares, so it really comes down to personal preference. My own favourite is this method: http://carinascraftblog.wardi.dk/2009/06/granny-square-joining-tutorial.html

Hope that helps x

Reply
fiona link
3/15/2016 02:57:53 pm

Hi Eline
Thanks so much for the instagram pic and pointing me to it. It does have a lovely vintage feel to overall outlook. And good to see that there is another way of joining the granny squares that I have not been aware of before, as I have always done join as you go.

It's very helpful, thanks for your effort.

All the best,

Fiona

Katrina
3/13/2016 05:27:31 am

I love this pattern! But I'm having some difficulty with round 6. It's just not squaring off, and keeps forming ridges. (I don't know if that makes any sense, I'm sorry.) Do I need to skip any stitches from round 5? Thanks!

Reply
Eline @ Pasta & Patchwork link
3/15/2016 02:34:54 pm

You don't need to skip any stitches, but it could be that you are crocheting too tightly. Try going up half a hook size. That said, it might just need a couple more rounds of granny trebles to square off properly. If you look at the images for round 6, it's still pretty bumpy at this stage. Blocking at the end helps too.

Have another go, and if you think it really isn't behaving as it should then please take a clear photo and send it to me. I'll be able to diagnose the problem better ;-)

Reply
Teresa
3/21/2016 02:31:32 pm

Nice tutorial. Ty.

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