Type
Crochet
Difficulty
beginner
Category
blanket
Pattern
<planning>
1. **Design Strategy**: The user wants 5 distinct granny square designs, all starting with a ch-2 foundation (no magic ring, no slip stitch ring). All squares must be easy difficulty, use worsted weight yarn, and follow US crochet terminology. Each square should be self-contained and completable as a standalone motif that can be joined into a blanket. The squares should vary in their stitch patterns while remaining accessible to beginners/easy-level crocheters. The blanket template requires joining instructions and an optional border.
2. **Construction Plan**:
- All 5 squares start: ch 2, then work into the 2nd chain from hook (or first chain) to create the center. This avoids magic rings and slip stitch rings entirely.
- Each square works outward in rounds.
- All squares should finish at approximately the same size (target: ~6 inches / 15 cm square in worsted weight) so they can be combined into one blanket.
- Joining method: Whip stitch join (easy, beginner-friendly), with join-as-you-go as an alternative.
- Optional border provided.
- 5 squares:
1. Classic Granny Square (traditional clusters with ch-2 corners)
2. Solid Granny Square (dc-based, no holes, clean look)
3. Puff Stitch Granny Square (puff stitches in corner clusters)
4. Shell Stitch Granny Square (shells forming the square)
5. Sunburst / Spike-style Granny Square (using dc and ch spaces for a sunburst effect)
3. **Quality Assurance**:
- ch-2 start: When working into 2nd ch from hook as the center, the worker makes multiple sts into that single chain stitch. This is the key technique to verify — working multiple stitches into a single chain is valid and commonly done.
- Alternatively, for ch-2 start: ch 2, work the round 1 stitches INTO the first ch (the one closest to the slip knot). This gives a tight center.
- Need to ensure each square closes properly on round 1 (joining with sl st to first st, not to ch-2 space confusion).
- For the classic granny square: Round 1 = work clusters into the center chain. The ch-2 method: ch 2, work 8 sc OR work cluster groups into 2nd ch from hook.
- Actually let me be more precise: The ch-2 start means: Make a slip knot, ch 2. Work all Round 1 stitches INTO the 2nd chain from the hook (the first chain made, closest to slip knot). This creates a tight center ring.
- Need to verify stitch counts round by round for all 5 squares.
- Puff stitch: keep it to a 3-loop puff for easy level (yo, insert, yo pull up loop — 3 times, yo pull through all 7 loops). Actually standard puff = [yo, insert hook, yo, pull up loop] repeated, then yo pull through all loops. 3-pull puff = yo, pull through all 7 loops. Keep simple.
- Shell stitch square: shells need to be sized so the square lies flat.
- All squares target ~6 inches finished.
4. **Final Calculations**:
- Gauge: 14 dc × 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in worsted weight with US I-9 / 5.5 mm hook (standard worsted gauge)
- Target square size: approximately 6 inches (15 cm) after blocking
- Each square typically 3-5 rounds for worsted weight granny squares
**Square 1: Classic Granny Square**
- Round 1: ch 2, 12 sc into 2nd ch from hook, sl st to join = 12 sc
- Round 2: (ch 3 = 1st dc) [3dc cluster, ch 2] × 4 corners, [3dc, ch 1] × 4 sides...
Wait — let me think about the classic granny square from a ch-2 start more carefully.
Classic granny: typically starts with ch 4, sl st to ring, then works clusters. For ch-2 start:
Option A (most common ch-2 substitute):
Ch 2. Work Round 1 all into the 2nd ch from hook (first ch).
Round 1: ch 2, [3dc, ch 2] 4 times into 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of ch-2...
Hmm, but ch-2 doesn't count as a dc well for granny squares. Let me reconsider.
Better approach for classic granny ch-2 start:
Ch 2.
Round 1: Work 8 sc into 2nd ch from hook (first chain), sl st to first sc to join. (8 sc)
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2dc in same st, ch 2, *3dc in next st, ch 1, 3dc in next st, ch 2; rep from * 2 more times, 3dc in next st, ch 1, sl st to top of ch-3. (four 3-dc clusters at corners with ch-2, four ch-1 spaces on sides) — wait this uses 8 sc perfectly: 4 corners × 1 sc for cluster + 4 side sc × 1 cluster each? Let me recount.
Actually for a standard granny square Round 2 (when round 1 is a ring with ch-2 spaces):
- Work into ring: [3dc, ch 2, 3dc] × 4 = corners, joined = 4 corner clusters × 2 groups = 8 clusters
Let me redesign for ch-2 start with sc center:
**Square 1: Classic Granny Square**
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 8 sc into 2nd ch from hook, sl st to first sc to join. (8 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), 2 dc in same st, ch 2, *[skip 1 sc, 3 dc in next sc, ch 2]; rep from * 2 more times, skip last sc, sl st to top of ch-3.
Wait — 8 sc, working into every other: 4 clusters × ch-2 spaces = 4 corners. Yes! Uses 4 of the 8 sc (working into every other, skipping the alternating ones, or working 3dc into each of 4 sc and ch-2 between).
Actually for a true classic granny feel, round 2 should give us 4 corner ch-2 spaces. If we have 8 sc in round 1:
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2dc in same sc (first corner cluster), ch 2, skip 1 sc, *3dc in next sc, ch 2, skip 1 sc; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3. = 4 clusters with ch-2 spaces. (4 corner ch-2 spaces)
Rnd 3: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, [2dc, ch 2, 3dc] in same ch-2 sp (corner), ch 1, *[3dc, ch 2, 3dc] in next ch-2 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corners with [3dc, ch2, 3dc], 4 ch-1 side spaces
Count: 4 × 6 dc + 4 ch-1 = 24 dc in this round
Rnd 4: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, [2dc, ch 2, 3dc] in corner sp, ch 1, 3dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, *[3dc, ch 2, 3dc] in corner sp, ch 1, 3dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corners + 4 sides with 1 cluster each + 4×2 ch-1 spaces
Count: 4 corners × 6dc + 4 side × 3dc = 24 + 12 = 36 dc in this round
Rnd 5: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, [2dc, ch 2, 3dc] in corner sp, [ch 1, 3dc in ch-1 sp] twice, ch 1, *[3dc, ch 2, 3dc] in corner sp, [ch 1, 3dc in ch-1 sp] twice, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corners + 4 sides with 2 clusters each
This would give approximately 6" in worsted.
This looks good. Let me verify size: 4-5 rounds of granny in worsted = approximately 5-6 inches. Good.
**Square 2: Solid Granny Square**
No open spaces, solid dc fabric in square shape.
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 12 dc into 2nd ch from hook (actually — for a solid square, we often do sc for the center or use dc2tog type increases).
Actually a solid granny typically:
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: [3 dc, ch 2] 4 times into 2nd ch from hook... wait but that's similar to classic except no ch-1 side spaces.
Better solid approach:
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to join. (8 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in first sc, 3 dc in each of next 3 sc, **3 dc in next sc changing to form corner...**
Hmm, for a solid square I should use the [2dc, ch 1, 2dc] corner method or similar. Let me use a cleaner approach:
Solid Granny with ch-2 corners but no side ch-1 spaces:
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: [3dc, ch 2] 4 times in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of first dc. (Don't use ch-3 as dc to keep it simple — actually let's use:
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2dc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 2, [3dc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 2] 3 times, sl st to top of ch-3. = four 3-dc groups with ch-2 corners.
Wait — can you work into the "2nd ch from hook" when ch-3 has already been made? The ch-3 is chains 1, 2, 3 from hook. The 2nd ch from hook is chain 1 (closest to the slip knot). So after ch-3, the original 2nd ch from hook becomes further away. This gets confusing with the ch-3 start.
Let me simplify: For the ch-2 start, I'll always do:
"Ch 2. Slip first stitch of the round into the 2nd chain from hook (the first chain made, closest to the starting slip knot)."
So instructions: "Ch 2. To begin the round, [start stitch instruction] into the 2nd ch from hook."
For classic-feel squares where I'd use ch-3 as dc:
"Ch 2. Ch 3 more (now have 5 ch total; the ch-2 was the center start). No — this gets complicated."
BETTER APPROACH: Let me use the true ch-2 start standard:
- Ch 2
- Work all Round 1 stitches into the 2nd chain from the hook (=the first chain, the one right next to the slip knot)
- No magic ring, no slip stitch ring
This works because you're stuffing multiple stitches into a single chain stitch. It pulls tight at the end.
For all squares, Round 1 will be working into that single 2nd ch from hook.
Let me now plan all 5 squares cleanly:
**SQUARE 1: CLASSIC GRANNY SQUARE**
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 2, [3 dc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 2] 3 times, sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join. (4 groups of 3 dc; 4 ch-2 corner spaces)
— Wait: after ch 3, I need to work into the 2nd ch from hook. But my hook is now past those chains. The 2nd ch from hook at the START (before ch-3) would be...
OK I need to clarify the mechanics:
When you "ch 2", you have 2 chains. The "2nd chain from hook" is the first one you made (furthest from hook, closest to slip knot).
When the pattern says "ch 2, [work sts] in 2nd ch from hook" — you make the ch 2, THEN work all your stitches into that 2nd (first made) chain.
So: Slip knot. Ch 2. Now work all round 1 stitches into the 2nd ch from hook (=the first chain, closest to the slip knot, NOT the one on your hook).
If the round starts with ch-3 (as dc substitute): After making the ch 2 (your center), you then ch 3 more to get to your working height. But now where do you insert for the dc? You'd insert into the 2nd ch from hook — but now "from hook" includes those 3 additional chains.
This is getting complicated. Let me use the CLEAN method:
For all squares: ch 2, then work into the 2nd ch from hook means — ch 2, then all beginning-of-round chains are ADDITIONAL chains, and the "2nd ch from hook" refers to the original 2nd chain of the initial ch-2. This is how many patterns write it.
So: "Ch 2. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in 2nd ch from hook" — this means: after making your ch-2 center, ch 3 more (these are your turning/starting chains, NOT part of the center), then insert hook into the 2nd ch of your original ch-2 (the center chain) to work 2 more dc there.
OR: Simply use sc for round 1 center and build from there. This is cleaner for beginners.
DECISION: I'll use two approaches:
- For the Classic and some squares: ch 2, work clusters directly — "Ch 3, 2 dc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 2, [3 dc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 2] 3 times, sl st to top of ch-3" — where "2nd ch from hook" = that original ch-2 center chain. This is the standard way this is written.
- The ch-3 at the start is the beginning chain, and "2nd ch from hook" refers to going back to the center of the work.
Actually the way most modern patterns write the ch-2 start:
"Ch 2. Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook..." meaning work 6 sc all into that one chain. The chain acts as your ring.
For dc-based rounds:
"Ch 2. Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in 2nd ch from hook..." — here "2nd ch from hook" = the 2nd of the initial 2 chains (i.e., the first chain made, the base chain). The ch-3 you just made for height doesn't change what "2nd ch from hook" was originally. BUT technically, after adding ch-3, "2nd ch from hook" would be different.
You know what, I'll write it as: "Ch 2. Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in first ch made (center ch), ch 2..." and clarify in the notes. Or I'll use the standard phrasing that experienced crocheters understand.
FINAL DECISION on phrasing: I'll write it as standard:
"Ch 2. Rnd 1: (Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, [3 dc, ch 2] 3 times) in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of ch-3 to join."
This means ALL of the Round 1 content goes into that one chain. The ch-3 is worked first (as a substitute for the first dc), and then you continue working into that same 2nd ch from hook. This is standard understood by crocheters.
OK let me just plan and write the patterns now. I'll use the clean standard approach.
**SQUARE 1: CLASSIC GRANNY SQUARE** (Target: ~6" / 15 cm, 4 rounds)
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: (Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, [3 dc, ch 2] 3 times) all in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of ch-3 to join.
= 4 groups of 3dc (12 dc total), 4 ch-2 corner spaces
Rnd 2: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp (corner made), ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp (corner), ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corners [3dc, ch2, 3dc] + 4 ch-1 side spaces
dc count: 4 × 6 = 24 dc
Rnd 3: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp (corner), ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp (corner), ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corners + 4 sides (1 cluster each side)
dc count: 4×6 + 4×3 = 24 + 12 = 36 dc
Rnd 4: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp (corner), ch 1, [3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1] twice, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp (corner), ch 1, [3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1] twice; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corners + 4 sides (2 clusters each side)
dc count: 4×6 + 8×3 = 24 + 24 = 48 dc
This gives a good ~6" square. ✓
**SQUARE 2: SOLID GRANNY SQUARE** (No open spaces, clean solid look)
Using dc increases at corners with ch-1 corner spaces only.
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: (Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, [3 dc, ch 1] 3 times) all in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 groups of 3dc, 4 ch-1 corner spaces
Rnd 2: Sl st to ch-1 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, 3 dc between next two groups (in the space between), *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp, 3 dc between groups; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corners [3dc,ch1,3dc] + 4 side groups of 3dc
dc count: 4×6 + 4×3 = 36 dc total
Rnd 3: Sl st to ch-1 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, [3 dc in sp between groups] twice, *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp, [3 dc in sp between groups] twice; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corners + 4 sides (2 clusters each side, no chain spaces between)
dc count: 4×6 + 8×3 = 24 + 24 = 48 dc
Rnd 4: Sl st to ch-1 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, [3 dc in sp between groups] 3 times, *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp, [3 dc in sp between groups] 3 times; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corners + 4 sides (3 clusters each side)
dc count: 4×6 + 12×3 = 24 + 36 = 60 dc
This is a solid square approximately 6" in worsted. ✓
**SQUARE 3: PUFF STITCH GRANNY SQUARE**
Puff stitches at corners for texture.
Define puff stitch (PS): [Yo, insert hook, yo, pull up loop] 3 times in same st/sp, yo, pull through all 7 loops on hook. Ch 1 to close (counts as top of puff).
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: (Ch 2, PS, ch 2, [PS, ch 2] 3 times) all in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of first PS to join. — Hmm, ch-2 start + another ch-2... let me rethink.
Actually, ch-2 puff start:
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: Work (PS, ch 2) 4 times all in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of first PS.
= 4 puff stitches, 4 ch-2 corner spaces
Rnd 2: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 2 (does NOT count as st), (PS, ch 2, PS) in same ch-2 sp (corner), ch 1, *(PS, ch 2, PS) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of first PS.
= 4 corners [PS, ch2, PS] + 4 ch-1 side spaces
PS count: 8 puffs
Rnd 3: Sl st to ch-2 sp, (PS, ch 2, PS) in same sp (corner), ch 1, PS in ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(PS, ch 2, PS) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, PS in ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of first PS.
= 4 corners + 4 side puffs
PS count: 4×2 + 4×1 = 12 puffs
Rnd 4: Sl st to ch-2 sp, (PS, ch 2, PS) in same sp, ch 1, [PS in ch-1 sp, ch 1] twice, *(PS, ch 2, PS) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, [PS in ch-1 sp, ch 1] twice; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of first PS.
= 4 corners + 4 sides (2 puffs each)
PS count: 4×2 + 8×1 = 16 puffs
Rnd 5: Dc round for structure/border — or keep as puffs.
Actually for size ~6" with puffs (which are bulkier), 4 rounds might be enough. Let me add a plain dc round for finishing and size:
Rnd 5 (finish): Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp (corner), ch 1, [3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1] 3 times, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in ch-2 sp (corner), ch 1, [3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1] 3 times; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-3.
— Wait, how many ch-1 spaces per side on Rnd 4?
In Rnd 4, on each side we have: [PS, ch1] twice = 2 ch-1 spaces per side. Plus the corner ch-2 spaces.
So Rnd 5: corners get [3dc, ch2, 3dc], each of 2 ch-1 side spaces gets 3dc, with ch-1 between.
Actually, since Rnd 4 already has a good structure, let me just do 4 rounds for the puff square and make the puffs the feature. The square might be slightly smaller (~5-5.5") but that's fine if all are close to same. Or I extend to 4 rounds + dc edging round.
Let me keep it at 4 rounds and add a simple dc edging:
Rnd 5: Sl st to any ch-2 corner sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, [3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] twice, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 1, [3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] twice; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
✓ This gives a clean dc outer round.
**SQUARE 4: SHELL STITCH GRANNY SQUARE**
Shells (5 dc into one stitch/space) at corners.
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: (Ch 3, 4 dc, ch 2, [5 dc, ch 2] 3 times) all in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 shells of 5 dc (ch-3 = first dc), 4 ch-2 corner spaces
DC count: 4 × 5 = 20 dc
Rnd 2: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same ch-2 sp (corner shell), skip to center of next shell (3rd dc), sc in center dc of shell, skip to ch-2 sp, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in ch-2 sp, sc in center of next shell; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
Hmm — this works for a shell square but let me simplify:
Shell square simpler approach:
Rnd 2: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp, ch 2, skip 2 dc, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
Rnd 3: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp, ch 2, 5 dc in sc (shell in sc), ch 2, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 2, 5 dc in sc (shell), ch 2; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corners + 4 side shells
Rnd 4: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp, ch 2, sc in center of first side shell, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell? Hmm...
Wait, in Rnd 3, each side has 1 shell. So Rnd 4:
Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp, ch 2, sc in center dc of side shell, ch 2, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in center dc of side shell, ch 2; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
Rnd 5: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp, ch 2, 5 dc in sc (side shell), ch 2, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 2, 5 dc in sc, ch 2; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
Hmm, this shell square might not give enough width (too sparse). Let me add more rounds or change approach.
Actually, let me reconsider the shell square. A cleaner version:
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: (Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, [3 dc, ch 2] 3 times) all in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of ch-3.
= Same as classic granny rnd 1 basically (4 groups of 3dc, 4 ch-2 spaces)
Rnd 2: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp (corner shell), ch 1, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in next ch-2 sp (corner shell), ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corner shells [5dc, ch2, 5dc], 4 ch-1 spaces
dc count: 4×10 = 40 dc
This might be too bunched at the corners for rnd 2 (coming from only 4 corner spaces in rnd 1, no intermediate stitches). Let me space it out:
Rnd 2: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp (corner), *ch 2, (5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in next ch-2 sp (corner); rep from * 2 more times, ch 2, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corner shells, 4 ch-2 side spaces (no stitches on sides)
Rnd 3: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp, ch 1, 5 dc in ch-2 sp (side shell), ch 1, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 1, 5 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corners + 4 side shells (1 per side), 8 ch-1 spaces
Rnd 4: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp, ch 1, sc in center dc of side shell, ch 1, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, sc in center dc of side shell, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= "pinch" row for side shells
Rnd 5: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp, ch 1, 5 dc in sc (side shell), ch 1, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, 5 dc in sc, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= Still only 1 side shell per side
Hmm, 5 rounds of shells might be getting complex. Let me simplify:
**Shell Square - Revised Clean Version:**
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 12 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to first sc. (12 sc)
— Using 12 sc to give 3 sc per side for working corners
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 4 dc in first sc (corner shell made), sc in next sc, sc in next sc, *(5 dc in next sc) (corner shell), sc in next sc, sc in next sc; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corner shells (5 dc each) + 8 sc (2 per side)
Stitch count: 4×5 + 8 = 28 sts
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in top of ch-3 (first dc of corner shell), sc in next 2 dc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in center dc of corner (corner made), sc in next 2 dc, *sc in each of 2 sc (side), sc in first 2 dc of next corner shell, (sc, ch 2, sc) in center dc, sc in last 2 dc of corner shell, sc in each of 2 sc; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to first sc.
Hmm this is getting fiddly. Let me just go with a cleaner shell square concept.
REVISED SHELL SQUARE - Much simpler:
Use shell as the main stitch with a simpler construction:
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: (Ch 3, 4 dc) in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1, [(5 dc, ch 1)] 3 times in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 shells (5 dc each) separated by ch-1 — these will become our 4 sides initially? No, this creates a wonky shape.
OK let me just write a clear, functional shell square:
**Square 4: SHELL STITCH GRANNY SQUARE**
Use a simple shell (5 dc) at corners, sc on sides:
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to first sc. (8 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in first sc (corner), sc in next sc, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in next sc (corner), sc in next sc; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to first sc.
Wait, 8 sc: corners at every other sc: 4 corners, 4 side sc.
= 4 [sc, ch2, sc] corners + 4 sc sides = 12 sc + 4 ch-2 spaces
Rnd 3: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same ch-2 sp (corner shell), sc in each sc across side (1 sc here since only 1 sc on side in rnd 2, plus 2 sc from corner = actually need to think again)...
This is getting complicated. Let me just go with a clean, working approach:
**SQUARE 4: SHELL STITCH GRANNY SQUARE - FINAL**
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: (Ch 3, 4 dc, ch 2, [5 dc, ch 2] 3 times) all in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of ch-3 to join. (4 shells of 5 dc, 4 ch-2 corner spaces)
dc count: 20 dc
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st (top of ch-3), sc in each of next 4 dc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, *sc in each of 5 dc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to first sc.
= 5 sc per shell + 2 sc per corner = 4×5 + 4×2 = 28 sc, 4 ch-2 corner spaces
Rnd 3: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp (corner shell), skip 2 sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next sc, dc in next sc (or just sc in each to side), skip 2 sc, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp (corner shell), skip 2 sc, dc in each of next 3 sc, skip 2 sc; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corner shells [5dc, ch2, 5dc] + 4 side sections (3 dc each)
dc count: 4×10 + 4×3 = 40 + 12 = 52... but skipping 2+2=4 sc from each side means 5 sc per side, skip 2, work 3 sc, skip... wait let me recount.
In Rnd 2, between corners we have 5 sc (one sc in each of the 5 dc from the Rnd 1 shell). Plus 2 sc flanking each corner (the sc, ch2, sc = 1 sc before, ch2, 1 sc after). So actually between corner ch-2 spaces, we have: (sc from right of left corner) + 5 dc sc + (sc from left of right corner) = 1 + 5 + 1 = 7 sc between corners.
Hmm wait:
Rnd 2: ...sc in same st (top of ch-3), sc in each of next 4 dc [5 sc total for first shell], (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp [corner: sc-ch2-sc], sc in each of 5 dc [5 sc for next shell], (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp...
So between corner ch-2 spaces: 1 sc (after corner) + 5 sc (over shell) + 1 sc (before corner) = 7 sc per side
Rnd 3: From corner ch-2 sp: (5dc, ch2, 5dc) = corner shell. Then 7 sc on each side.
We need to work across 7 sc per side. For a shell pattern: skip 2, shell of 5 in center sc, skip 2, then... that uses exactly 5 (skip 2, 1 center, skip 2 = 5 sc addressed, but we have 7).
Skip 3, shell in center, skip 3? That's 7 but shell of 5dc? Actually: skip 3 sc, 5 dc in next sc (shell), skip 3 sc — that addresses only 7 and could work if the shell's width covers the span. But aesthetically, a sc in each of the 7 might be cleaner for easy level.
I think I'm overcomplicating this. Let me simplify the SHELL square:
SIMPLEST CLEAN SHELL SQUARE:
The shells ARE the corner feature and the sides are dc clusters. Let me base it on the classic granny structure with 5-dc shells at corners instead of 3-dc clusters.
**Square 4: SHELL STITCH GRANNY SQUARE**
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: (Ch 3, 4 dc, ch 2, [5 dc, ch 2] 3 times) all in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of ch-3.
(4 corner shells, 4 ch-2 corner spaces)
dc count: 20 dc
Rnd 2: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp (corner shell), ch 1, sc in 3rd dc of next shell (center dc), ch 1, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in next ch-2 sp (corner shell), ch 1, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corner shells + 4 side sc
dc count from corner shells: 4×10=40 dc + 4 sc + 8 ch-1
Rnd 3: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp (corner shell), ch 1, 5 dc in sc (side shell), ch 1, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, 5 dc in sc, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corner shells + 4 side shells (5 dc each)
dc count: 4×10 + 4×5 = 60 dc
Rnd 4: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp (corner), ch 1, sc in 3rd dc of side shell, ch 1, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, sc in 3rd dc of side shell, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corner shells + 4 side sc
Rnd 5: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, 5 dc in sc (side shell), ch 1, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, 5 dc in sc, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= same pattern as rnd 3 but bigger... wait, this doesn't grow because I only have 1 sc per side (not increasing).
The problem is that rounds 3 and 5 are the same and the square won't grow in width. I need to add more sc per side or add more shells per side.
CORRECT approach: Each "expansion" round should add another sc per side:
Rnd 4: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, sc in 3rd dc of side shell, ch 1, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, sc in 3rd dc of side shell, ch 1...
This only gives 1 sc per side in Rnd 4. Then Rnd 5 makes 1 shell per side using that sc. Square isn't growing.
The issue is the pattern needs more stitches per side. Let me do:
Rnd 4: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, sc in 3rd dc of side shell, ch 1, sc between side shell and next corner shell, ch 1... no wait.
OK I think the issue is in the original design. In Rnd 3, I have [corner shell, ch1, side shell, ch1] around. The corner shells sit at corners. Between two adjacent corners I have: ch-1, side-shell, ch-1.
For Rnd 4, working across that side: (corner shell at left corner sp), ch 1, sc in center of side shell, ch 1. Then next corner shell. There's only 1 side unit. The square width grows because the corner shells extend outward. Let me think about actual width growth:
Each round of corner shells adds about 2-3 inches total to the square width/height because the corner shells stick out. But the SIDE (the space between corners along an edge) also needs to grow proportionally.
Actually in traditional shell grannies, the pattern alternates:
- "Shell rounds" where new side shells are added
- "SC rounds" that set up the next shell round
And each new shell round has one more shell per side than the previous.
So for this pattern to work with increasing sides:
Rnd 3 (shell round): corner shells + 1 side shell each
Rnd 4 (sc round): sc in centers of all shells (setting up for next round)
Rnd 5 (shell round): corner shells + 3 side shells each (can this work from 3 sc per side?)
For Rnd 5 to have 3 side shells per side, I need Rnd 4 to provide 3 sc per side. But Rnd 4 only provides sc in center of: side shell = 1 sc, but also maybe sc in the ch-1 spaces = additional sc?
Let me try:
Rnd 4: From ch-2 corner sp: ch 1, sc in same sp (or sl st, then sc), *working across side: sc in each of ch-1 sp, center dc of shell, ch-1 sp (= 3 sc per side), (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner ch-2 sp; rep from * around, end sl st to first sc.
So Rnd 4 gives: between corner ch-2 spaces: 3 sc per side.
Corner: sc, ch2, sc = ch-2 corner sp preserved.
Rnd 5: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, skip 1 sc, 5 dc in next sc (side shell 1), skip 1 sc, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, skip 1 sc, 5 dc in sc, skip 1 sc; rep from * around, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corner shells + 4 side shells (1 each), uses 3 sc per side (skip 1, use 1, skip 1).
Wait — that's the same as Rnd 3. Not growing.
Hmm. The sides are not growing enough. I need more sc per side in each sc round.
You know what, I think the shell granny is more complex than "easy" level when done correctly. Let me change approach entirely for Square 4.
**REVISED SQUARE 4: V-STITCH GRANNY SQUARE**
V-stitch = (dc, ch 1, dc) in same stitch/space
Easy, open, pretty, and definitely achievable.
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: [(Dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1)] 4 times in 2nd ch from hook... hmm let me think.
V-stitch square:
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: (Ch 4, dc, ch 2, [(dc, ch 1, dc, ch 2)] 3 times) all in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-4.
— ch-4 counts as dc + ch-1; so this gives V-sts with ch-2 corners.
= 4 V-sts (each = dc, ch1, dc), 4 ch-2 corner spaces
Rnd 2: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), (dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1, dc) in same sp (corner V-st), ch 1, *(dc, ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to 3rd ch of ch-4.
Hmm, this is getting complex for easy level.
Let me simplify: V-stitch squares can be complex. Let me go with another approach.
**REVISED SQUARE 4: GRANNY SQUARE WITH HDC SIDES**
A modern granny with hdc filling (solid) and dc corners — giving a clean modern look.
Actually, let me just do a FLOWER GRANNY or SIMPLE MOTIF that's clearly different from the others and easy.
**REVISED SQUARE 4: SIMPLE CORNER CLUSTER SQUARE (using 2-dc clusters)**
Different from Classic (3-dc clusters) — uses 2-dc clusters. Or I can use a Bobble variant.
Actually wait — let me reconsider what makes 5 DISTINCT squares:
1. Classic Granny (3-dc clusters, ch-2 corners, ch-1 sides) — DONE ✓
2. Solid Granny (3-dc clusters, no side chains, ch-1 corners only) — DONE ✓
3. Puff Stitch Granny — DONE ✓
4. Sunburst Granny (using long dc/spikes for a star/sunburst look)
5. Shell Stitch Granny (5-dc shells — keeping this but simplifying)
Let me swap the order: Do Shell as Square 4 with a simpler, cleaner design, and Sunburst as Square 5.
**SQUARE 4: SHELL STITCH GRANNY - TRULY SIMPLIFIED**
Core concept: 5-dc shells at each corner, single crochet on sides, growing each round.
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to first sc. (8 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 4 dc in first sc (corner shell), ch 1, skip 1 sc, sc in next sc (side), ch 1, skip 1 sc, *5 dc in next sc (corner shell), ch 1, skip 1 sc, sc in next sc, ch 1, skip 1 sc; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
= 4 corner shells (5 dc each), 4 side sc, 8 ch-1 spaces
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each of next 4 dc (5 sc over first shell), ch 1, sc in sc (side), ch 1, *sc in each of 5 dc (5 sc over shell), ch 1, sc in sc, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to first sc.
Hmm, the ch-1 after the corner shell would place the next sc... wait, after the shell we have ch-1, sc, ch-1 from Rnd 2. In Rnd 3, I'm working OVER Rnd 2.
Let me re-approach.
Actually, a clean, beginner-friendly shell square:
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: (Ch 3, 4 dc, ch 2, [5 dc, ch 2] 3 times) all in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of ch-3. (4 shells, 4 ch-2 sp) [20 dc]
Rnd 2: Ch 1, *sc in each of 5 dc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp (corner); rep from * 3 more times, sl st to first sc. (4 sides of 5 sc + 4 corners of (sc, ch2, sc) = 20 sc + 8 corner sc = 28 sc, 4 ch-2 sp)
Rnd 3: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same ch-2 sp (corner shell), skip 2 sc, 5 dc in 3rd sc of 7-sc side (center sc), skip 2 sc; — wait, after corner (sc, ch2, sc): the side has 1 sc before shell sts + 5 sc of shell side + 1 sc after corner = 7 sc per side. Skip 2, shell in center (3rd), skip 2 = uses 5 sc. But wait, there's 7 sc: 1sc (after left corner) + 5sc (over shell) + 1sc (before right corner) = 7sc. And skip 2, dc5 in 4th? 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 → skip 1,2; shell in 3,4,5,6,7? no.
OK I keep confusing myself. Let me just carefully track stitch counts:
After Rnd 2:
- Start at first sc (which is sc in 5th dc = last dc of first shell... wait let me retrace)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same (top of ch-3 = first dc), sc in next 4 dc (total 5 sc for first shell side); (sc, ch2, sc) in ch-2 sp (corner: 2 sc + ch2); sc in each of 5 dc of 2nd shell (5 sc); (sc, ch2, sc) in ch-2 sp; sc in each of 5 dc (5sc); (sc, ch2, sc) in ch-2 sp; sc in each of 5 dc (5sc); (sc, ch2, sc) in ch-2 sp; sl st to first sc.
Total: 4×5=20 sc (sides) + 4×2=8 sc (corners) = 28 sc total, 4 ch-2 spaces.
But wait, after sl st join, first sc is at "sc in same st as ch-1 start" = the top of ch-3 from Rnd 1. And we work across the 5 dc of shell 1, then corner, then 5 dc of shell 2 etc.
So on each SIDE of Rnd 2, from corner ch-2 sp to next corner ch-2 sp, we have:
1 sc (right sc of left corner) + 5 sc (over shell) + 1 sc (left sc of right corner) = 7 sc
But the corner ch-2 spaces are separate. So in Rnd 3, between corner ch-2 spaces I have 7 sc per side.
Rnd 3: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same ch-2 sp (corner shell), *skip 3 sc, 5 dc in next sc (side shell, using center = 4th sc of 7), skip 3 sc, (5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner ch-2 sp; rep from * 3 more times, ending sl st to top of ch-3.
Wait: 7 sc, skip 3, work in 4th, skip remaining 3 = skip3, center, skip3 = 3+1+3=7 ✓
= 4 corner shells [5dc, ch2, 5dc] + 4 side shells [5dc in center sc]
Total: 4×10 + 4×5 = 60 dc. This seems like a big jump but shells are 5dc each.
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same st, *sc in next 4 dc (5 sc over right half of corner shell), (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner ch-2 sp, sc in next 5 dc (5 sc over left half of corner shell), sc in each of 5 dc of side shell; rep from * 3 more times, sl st to first sc.
Per side (between corner ch-2 spaces going from one corner's left side to next corner's right side):
5 sc (left corner right half) + 5 sc (side shell) + 5 sc (right corner left half) = 15 sc per side
Actually: from corner ch-2 sp, I have 5 dc (right half of corner shell), then the side shell (5 dc), then 5 dc (left half of next corner shell), then corner ch-2 sp.
In Rnd 4: After (sc, ch2, sc) in corner sp:
5 sc over right half of corner shell + 5 sc over side shell + 5 sc over left half of corner shell = 15 sc
Then (sc, ch2, sc) in next corner sp, etc.
So between corner ch-2 spaces in Rnd 4: 1sc (from right of left corner) + 5sc(corner right half) + 5sc(side shell) + 5sc(corner left half) + 1sc (from left of right corner) = 17 sc?
Hmm, I need to be more careful about what's a "half" of a corner shell.
Corner shell in Rnd 3 = (5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp. So: 5 dc, then ch-2 (corner sp), then 5 dc.
In Rnd 4, working on the right side of a corner: the 5 dc that come BEFORE the corner ch-2 sp (they extend to the right of the corner). Then the corner ch-2 sp itself. Then 5 dc that extend to the left.
Actually the whole corner shell sits AT the corner. The 5 dc before ch-2 face one direction and 5 dc after ch-2 face another. When crocheting in a round, the "before" group is the end of one side and the "after" group is the start of the next side.
In Rnd 4, from one corner ch-2 sp to the next:
- 5 dc (the "after" half of the left corner shell) + 5 dc (side shell) + 5 dc (the "before" half of the right corner shell) = 15 dc
- In Rnd 4: sc over these 15 dc = 15 sc between the two corner (sc,ch2,sc)
Then Rnd 5: 15 sc between corners. Need to place shells:
15 sc: corner shell comes from ch-2 sp, then: skip 2 sc, shell in 3rd sc, skip 2 sc, shell in 8th sc, skip 2 sc, shell in 13th sc, skip 2 sc... that's 3 shells per side using 3+1+2+1+2+1+3=13... hmm not quite 15.
Actually 15 sc, 3 shells: skip 2, shell, skip 1, shell, skip 1, shell, skip 2 = 2+1+1+1+1+1+2 = 9... only 9. With ch between?
I think for an easy-level pattern, this shell square is too calculation-intensive in the write-up. Let me simplify by keeping it to 3 rounds (Rnd 1, 2, 3) and adding a dc/sc finishing border round to get to 6 inches.
For a simpler, easier approach:
**FINAL SHELL SQUARE (3 pattern rnds + 1 finish):**
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: (Ch 3, 4 dc, ch 2, [5 dc, ch 2] 3 times) all in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to top of ch-3.
(4 shells, 4 ch-2 corner sp) [20 dc]
~2.5" across
Rnd 2: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp (corner shell), ch 2, sc in 3rd dc of next shell (center of shell), ch 2, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in ch-2 sp (corner shell), ch 2, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 2; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
(4 corner shells, 4 side sc, 8 ch-2 sp)
Rnd 3: Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp (corner shell), ch 2, 5 dc in sc (side shell), ch 2, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 2, 5 dc in sc (side shell), ch 2; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
(4 corner shells + 4 side shells, 8 ch-2 sp) [4×10 + 4×5 = 60 dc]
~4.5" across? Getting bigger.
Rnd 4: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in same sp (corner shell), ch 1, sc in 3rd dc of side shell, ch 1, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, sc in 3rd dc of side shell, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
(4 corner shells, 4 side sc, reduced from ch-2 to ch-1 sp)
Rnd 5: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in sc (V-shell for variety), ch 1, *(5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc) in corner sp, ch 1, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in sc, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st to top of ch-3.
Hmm, mixing styles.
OK I keep overthinking this. Let me write a definitive, clean shell granny that works and is easy:
**SHELL GRANNY - DEFINITIVE VERSION**
Shell = 5 dc in one stitch or space.
The square alternates between "shell rounds" (shells go in sc of previous round) and "sc rounds" (sc go over shells, setting up for next round). The key: each new shell round has MORE shells per side.
Rnd 1: Shell round — 4 corner shells in 1 center point = Start
Rnd 2: SC round
Rnd 3: Shell round — 1 side shell + corner shells
Rnd 4: SC round
Rnd 5: Shell round — 3 side shells + corner shells (or 2 if tight)
For this to work, I need to ensure proper sc counts between rounds. Let me commit to a plan and NOT second-guess:
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: (Ch 3, 4 dc, ch 2, [
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