Perfect Granny Square Crochet Pattern

Learn how to create a seam free, single sided Crochet Granny square for perfect results every time.

The humble Granny Square is the crochet staple of Nanna's everywhere, which is how it came to be known as a 'Granny Square'. Originally it was just called a crochet square.

The Granny Square is often the very first thing we are taught when learning to crochet, so it would follow that it would be simple to have a perfect square every time and those new to crochet often get discouraged when this is not the case.

However, to get a perfect square actually requires a bit of experience, good fundamentals and advanced row starting techniques, otherwise you are left with seams, the reverse side of stitches showing every second row or even a slight spiral effect.

This granny square is made without turning your work and has a right and a wrong side.
1

Stash Delving

Projects always change when you limit yourself to working only from the fabric stash.

At first I vacillated wildly between different styles of Victorian gown to make for the stash-busting challenge. I wanted my inspiration piece to be Australian.

Initially I was going to go with a practical Natural Form Era gown, but when I realised I probably didn't have enough fabric I kept looking.

I wanted something that would be fairly achievable by the end of the month that I could make from stash fabrics.

Mrs Bauer's gown caught my eye because the satin skirt I have in stash would probably work really well for this gown. But then I delved into the depths of the sewing room stash boxes, pulled the satin skirt out and changed my mind, I don't want to transform the skirt after all.

1870 Formal portrait of Mrs Bauer
1870 Formal portrait of Mrs Bauer who is wearing a full length dress and a long wrap. 
Her hair is long and fashioned in ringlets.
image source: Bonzle


This day dress from the Mode Museum would be perfect for our hot weather, no use drooling though. I don't have the fabric and it's not Australian.

Day dress, 1870-80 From the Mode Museum
Day dress, 1870-80 From the Mode Museum
see it on Pinterest here

I was sure I had made up my mind when I found this lovely portrait with the striped gown. I just needed to find a pattern and fabric.

Mother and two children posing for a portrait, Ipswich, 1870-1880
Mother and two children posing for a portrait, Ipswich, 1870-1880
image source: Bonzle

I figured I could use the pattern from the gown in Patterns of Fashion 1860-1940, for this gown.

1871-1873 Dress: white silk with satin trim, English
1871-1873 Dress: white silk with satin trim, English
see it on Pinterest here

I dug deep into the stash for fabric and found stuff I'd forgotten I had. Bucket-loads of horrid polyesters and not nearly enough natural fiber (because natural fibers get used-up very quickly around here). 

That is when I realised this is it! This is the costume to use up some of those bucket-loads of nasty polys that have been hanging out in the stash for years.

I'm going to make a gown out of the cheesiest shiniest fabrics, and my goal will be to use as much of the cheesy trims and fabrics in my stash as possible.

It will be a good way to:
  • use up the costumey and oh too shiney trims
  • use up the nasty fabrics that have hung around waaaay to long
  • make my first Victorian gown
  • make my first gown since I put on weight and get to know how this new shape of mine works
and if I stuff it up I won't be crying over wasted fabric!

It won't be a lovely Australian inspired gown after all. It will be a gaudy costumey frothy thing instead, albeit originally inspired by that lovely portrait.

Comments

  1. Agy11 March 2015 at 16:15

    I'm sure it will be a good learning experience too so it's a win-win! It's great to see someone posting about 19C fashion. It's got me interested in clothes from my culture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle12 March 2015 at 14:50

      Oh I hope you write about your historical garments! I'd love to get to know more.

      Delete
  2. Julia Urwin11 March 2015 at 22:26

    Beautiful dresses! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle12 March 2015 at 14:51

      That's why it's so hard to make my mind up :o)

      Delete
  3. Audrey13 March 2015 at 04:36

    I'd love to see how it comes out. I wish I could sew more than a (semi)straight line.

    found you on Treasure Box Tuesdays

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle13 March 2015 at 17:32

      Well if all goes well I'll be sharing it by the end of the month. Fingers crossed.

      Delete

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