Quick and Easy Crochet Stitches – How to crochet Granny stripe Stitch

The story almost always starts with, my gran (or aunt or Mom) teaching me how to crochet granny stitch...

or the granny square...

My maternal grandmother died before I was born and from what I can gather, she was a creative soul. All I have as a reminder of this grotesque lady was a granny square bag she made. It is preciously framed.

Mom, for instance, is a knitter but she taught me the basics of crocheting when I was still very young.

What did she teach me?

The granny square.

Seems like the granny square needs to be on my to-post list, but first of, we'll get the granny stitch, also known as granny stripe, straight granny or even the flat granny stitch under the belt.

QUICK AND EASY CROCHET stitches - how to crochet granny stitch

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Hook size:  Match the hook size according to your yarn.

Yarn:          Any type of yarn suitable for your project.

Tapestry Needle: to weave in the loose ends.

*You may want to complete your crochet project in a single color, but you can also add a new color to every row (to work up all your scraps of yarn), or whenever you feel it is necessary for a color change.

A great way to use up all your scraps of yarn is to create a multicolored crochet blanket in granny stitch!

ABBREVIATIONS

ch -       chain

ch-sp - chain space

dc -       double crochet (in UK = treble (tr))

rep -     repeat

sl st -    slip stitch

sp -       space

st  -       stitch

yo  -      yarn over

For more US // UK conversions, read this article here.

NOTES TO CLARIFY

• The Granny Stitch is one of the basic stitches.
• A double crochet cluster is 3 double crochet stitches in the same stitch. (In UK terms that would be 3 treble crochet stitches).
• If you are using worsted yarn, you may want to skip 2 sts after each cluster, in that case, ch2 as well. If you use thinner yarn, sk1 st and ch1 st (as per the pattern) will work out nicely.
• There are different ways to crochet this stitch - some crochet patterns start with multiples of 4 + 6 and some with 3 + 2 or 3 + 1.
• It may sound confusing, but you will either start with 1 or 2dc's and proceed with the dc groups and end with either one or 2 dc stitches.

How many chain stitches do you need for your crochet project in the flat granny stitch?

It will always depend on your yarn, the size of your hook and the project you are about to attempt.

But, as an indication, you can work on the following measurements:

• For a toddler or kid scarf, you can chain between 30-36 stitches;
• A granny stitch blanket, on the other hand, could require anything between 150-300 chains;
• To complete a blanket in worsted weight yarn, you will require a size 6 hook and 122 chains (the approximate measurement of your blanket will be 47″ x 34″).

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start with a slip knot

the slip knot

Firstly:    Pull out approximately 15 inches of yarn and wrap the yarn around your finger twice, winding it toward your body.

Secondly:    Insert the hook under the first strand and over the second strand.

Thirdly: Pull the yarn through, just like you would when working a YO (yarn over) and twist the hook so it's pointing upward.

Fourthly:  The body of your work comprises of a 3dc cluster (3 double crochet stitch clusters), followed by a ch1 (or ch2) (chain 1 or 2) and sk 1 or sk2 (skip one or skip two stitches).

But - in order to keep your edges straight, you'll have to either add another dc or 2dcs as your last st of the row.   

how to crochet granny stitch (granny stripe or straight granny stitch) - the free pattern

The pattern is written using US terms.

1st Row:  Work as many chains as necessary for your project.

Consequently, for a toddler or kid scarf, you can ch between 30-36 stitches;

A granny stitch blanket on the other hand, could require anything between 150-300 chains (remember it depends on your hook, yarn and tension).

2nd Row:  dc into 2nd ch from the hook, dc into next ch, *ch1, sk a ch, dc into next 3 chains*, rep from * to end, turn (my swatch ended with 2dcs).

3rd Row:  ch2, *3dcs into next ch-sp, ch1*, rep from * to end, dc into last dc, turn (I ended with a dc in my last st).

CROCHET GRANNY STITCH (CONTINUED)

4th Row:  ch2, 2dcs into ch-sp, *ch1, dc3 into next ch-sp*, rep from * to end, turn (again I made a last dc in the last st - to keep my work straight as well).

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until your work is the desired size.

Fasten off.

questions & answers re the granny stitch

• DO YOU NEED A MAGIC CIRCLE OR MAGIC RING TO CROCHET THE STRAIGHT GRANNY STITCH?

            No, you don't. 

            Magic rings are used when you crochet something in the round or to             create a shape like a square.

• WILL A NEW CROCHETER MASTER THE GRANNY STITCH?

           Absolutely yes.

• WHAT CAN I MAKE USING THE GRANNY STRIPE STITCH?

           It is a great stitch for a baby blanket 

For projects using traditional granny squares, check out these previous posts on the blog:

• The most adorable Animal granny squares
• Popular granny squares to use in throws
• 25 Granny square projects you can make today.

Perhaps you know someone who may want to learn how to crochet the granny stitch?  Please share with her (or him) and on one of your social media accounts!

Thanks.

And more previous crochet posts