Hi guys! Do you have a pile of crochet granny squares tucked away inside your closet, from half-finished afghans? We all start off with the best of intentions when it comes to making granny square blankets, but it’s hard to stay motivated with these long-term projects.
What do we do with these forgotten piles of granny squares?
I put together a list of 28 creative ways to use up your pile of crochet granny squares. I hope you find one or more projects that inspire you to take your squares out of hiding, and put them to good use.
How to Join your Granny Squares
Most of the crochet projects below require you to join your granny squares. You can either sew them together or use a crochet join, depending on your preference. Here are my favourite types of joins, along with a video tutorial for each:
- Mattress Stitch (Sew)
- Whip Stitch (Sew)
- Invisible Seam for Granny Squares (Sew)
- Flat Slip Stitch Seam (Crochet)
- Single Crochet Join (Crochet)
- Join as you Go Granny Square Method (Crochet)
Pin this List of Granny Square Crochet Projects – HERE!
Do you want to return to this list whenever you have leftover granny squares? Then pin it to your Pinterest boards, so you can find it when you need it.
1. Wall Hanging
Sew your granny squares together to make a wall hanging.
- Use one to make a mini-macrame inspired wall hanging.
- Sew 3 or more together to make a horizontal boho wall hanging – free crochet pattern here.
- Join a bunch of squares together to create a giant wall hanging.
2. Coasters
Use your granny squares as coasters! Cotton yarn works the best for absorbing moisture, but any yarn fiber, including acrylic, will work well for coasters.
Crochet and Crafts Therapy by Chompu has a video tutorial for making this beautiful granny square coaster.
3. Placemats
Make a beautiful placemat for your table. You can either join small granny squares together, or extend one square to make it large enough for a placemat.
You can find the free pattern for the Daisy Granny Square Placemat here, and the Granny Square Rectangle Placemat here.
4. Pillow Covers
There are so many ways to make a pillow cover out of granny squares:
- #1: Join a bunch of the same granny squares together to create two square or rectangular panels (for the front and back of the pillow) and join the panels together. Merino and Tomatoes has a great pattern for this here.
- #2: Join different granny squares together to create a front and back side for your pillow. A great example of this technique is the Hearth Cushion by Leonie Morgan here.
- #3: Rotate your squares to make “diamonds” and join them together in one large square panel that you can sew around your pillow insert. Nautikrall has a pattern for using this technique here.
- #4: Pick your favourite granny square and extend it. When it’s large enough, fold it along all 4 corners to create a pillow cover. Juniper and Oakes uses this technique in her Rainbow Granny Circle Pillow here.
5. Pouch for your Headphone/Trinkets
If your headphones are always getting tangled in your bag, then grab your favourite granny square and a button, and get to work on making this cute little pouch. Vivid Kreations has a great tutorial for turning ANY square into a pouch.
6. Glasses or Sunglasses Case
Join your granny squares to make a stylish case to protect your glasses or sunglasses. Your Crafts has a free pattern for making the sunglasses case shown below.
7. Single Granny Square Cross Body Purse
8. Granny Square Lined Notions Pouch
9. Zippered Granny Square Pouch
10. Granny Square Beach Bag
11. All Purpose Granny Square Bag
12. Granny Square Tote or Market Bag
13. Book Sleeve
14. Kindle or E-reader Cover
15. Table Runner
Join your granny squares together and add a border to create a table runner for your dining room table. There is a great free pattern for this table runner by Sew Creative UK.
16. Plant Hanger
Hang up your small plants with this adorable granny square plant hanger by Yarnspirations.
17. Potholder or Hot Pad
If you have a granny square made out of cotton or wool yarn, then you can create a double thick potholder or hotpad that you can use in your kitchen. Make sure your square measures between 12″ – 16″ (extending it if you have to), fold all 4 corners into the center and join them together.
Important Note: Please don’t try this with acrylic yarn because the heat will burn through the fabric.
Each crochet potholder below uses this folding technique:
18. Storage Baskets
Everyone loves AND needs baskets. They are great for hiding clutter and keeping you organized. Join a bunch of granny squares together to make a beautiful bohemian style basket for your home.
You can find the free pattern for the circle granny square basket here, and the pattern for the small granny square basket here.
19. Hanging Organizer
Use your granny squares as pockets to make a hanging organizer for your crochet hooks, yarn, and notions. You can find inspiration for your own organizer below. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find the original source of this image.
20. Wall Art
Frame your granny squares or add them to a shadow box to make art! Eye Love Knots has a free pattern for these granny square shadow boxes.
21. Blankets for Pets, Stuffed Animals or Dolls
22. Cat Couch
23. Granny Square Crochet Scarf
24. Use the Granny Squares as Pockets in a Pocket Shawl
25. Granny Square Cardigan
26. Granny Square Pullover Sweater
27. Granny Square Vest
28. Granny Square Stocking
I hope you found inspiration for different ways to use your extra granny squares. Please let me know in the comments which granny square crochet project(s) you want to try!
I hope you have a wonderful day, and happy crocheting!
Love, Dayna