Squares for Charity

I've found out about another square drive via instagram. This one is called Squares for Charity and is asking for 4" squares (knitted or crocheted) to make into blankets for rescued race dogs: whippets and greyhounds.

This charity drive is based in the UK, but every square counts if you can send 10, 1 or 100.

For more information, and the postage address check out the Squares for Charity blog

If you need a basic Granny Square Pattern you can use mine here, it is for an 8" square, so you will only need 4 or so rows depending on yarn thickness and gauge

For another alternative pattern, my Solid Granny Squares You need to add one more row of dc, then a final border of hdc to make them 4 inches.

Woollies for Tassie - part 2

I've been really enjoying crocheting for a purpose, other than the usual purpose of having fun! I have been making 8" squares to send to Tasmania (see this previous post)

I've made a few of the traditional granny squares, but wanted to make a few extra fancier ones.

You might remember last year (well, a couple of months ago!) I made this:

I absolutely love this pattern, and had a few circles left over, perfect to use! but they do need to be bigger!

The pattern is called Flowers in the Snow by Solveig. You will need to visit her page to get the first three rounds. 

Round 4: in any chain space: 3 ch, 3dc (UK tr), 1 ch, *4 dc in next chain space, 1 ch. Repeat from *10 more times and sl st into 3rd chain from beginning  

{4dc in each space, separated by a chain}

Round 5: in any chain space: 3 ch, 1dc, 1 ch, 2dc, 2ch. *2dc into next chain space 1 chain and 2dc (into same chain space) 2 chains. Repeat from * 10 more times and sl st into 3rd chain from beginning. 

{2dc, 1ch, 2dc into each space, separated by 2 chains}

Round 6: into large chain space (space made by 2 chains) 3ch 3dc 1ch, 1dc into small chain space, 1ch, *4 dc into next large chain space, 1 ch, 1dc into nect small chain space. repeat from * 10 more times and sl st into 3rd chain from beginning

{4dc into large space, 1dc into each small space, each separated by 1ch}

Round 7: starting the corner

Starting in any space to the right  of the single dc

4ch and 1tr, 5ch and into next space; 2 tr.

3ch, *2dcinto next space, 1ch, 2dc into next space 3ch, 2dcinto next space, 1ch, 2dc into next space 3ch

+ 2tr into next space 5ch 2tr into next sp 3ch 

Repeat from * two times, and then repeat from * a third time and finish at +. Sl st to join.

Round: 8:
Starting in the corner space, 3ch and 2dc, 3ch, 3dc
*1 ch, 4dc into next sp, 3ch, 4dc into next space, 3chain, 4dc into next space, 3ch, 4dc into next sp, 1ch
+3dc, 3ch, 3dc in next space, repeat from * two times, and then repeat from * a third time and finish at +. Sl st to join.

Round 9:
Starting in the corner space, 3ch and 2dc, 3ch, 3dc
*2ch, 2dc into next sp, 3ch, 5dc into next sp, 3ch, 5dc into next sp, 3ch, 2dc into nect sp, 2ch
+3dc 3ch 3dc into next space. repeat from * two times, and then repeat from * a third time and finish at +. Sl st to join.

I have used a 4mm hook with 8ply yarn. If you are going to send to Woollies for Tassie, they are asking for 8ply yarn, either wool or acrylic but please label it. For more info, please go to the Craft Hive

I've linked up with:

Woolies for Tassie - granny squares

You may have heard of the devastating fires in Tasmania. The Craft Hive has set up a drive to get knitted and crocheted square together to make blankets for the families that have lost everything.

If you are unable to participate, maybe you can spread the word to someone who can.  

They are after 8 inch squares in 8 ply yarn. Acrylic, wool, or blended, but please label them. 

for more information, click here: The Craft Hive 

I'm going to be sending some granny squares, here is a pattern for an 8 inch square if you need it: (using US terms) I've posted other Granny Square tutorials, but this is now my favourite method. (note, you don't need to use this pattern, if you are sending them off, any 8inch square will do)
(US dc = UK tr) 

I'm using the aforementioned 8 ply yarn with a 4 mm hook.

Start with either a magic loop or chain 4 and join with sl st in first chain, (using the red yarn.)

1st round: chain 6 (counts as 1 dc and 3 chains-pictured above) 

*3 dc into centre and 3 chains. repeat from * two more times

2dc into centre and slip stich into top of third chain from beginning.

1st Round Complete

2nd round: 6 chains, and into same corner space 3dc and 2 chains {this square has a 2 space gap between each 3 dc cluster and a 3 chain gap in each corner}
*3 dc, 3 chains, 3dc, 2 chains into next corner space. repeat from * two more times
2dc into first corner space and sl st into 3rd chain. Fasten off.


3rd round (using brown yarn): 6 chains, then into same corner space 3dc and 2 chains
*3dc into next space, 2 chains
3dc into next corner space, 3 chains, 3dc into same corner space, 2 chains. Repeat from * 2 more times
2dc into first corner space, sl st into 3rd chain. fasten off

3rd Round Complete

4th round (using red yarn): 6 chains, then into same corner space 3dc and 2 chains (pictured below)

Corner Detail. Start each round off like this to avoid a bulky join. 

*3dc into next space, 2 chains, 3dc into next space, 2 chains.
3dc into next corner space, 3 chains, 3dc into same corner space, 2 chains. Repeat from * 2 more times
2dc into first corner space, sl st into 3rd chain.


5th round: 6 chains, then into same corner space 3dc and 2 chains
*3dc into next space, 2 chains. 3dc into next space, 2 chains. 3dc into next space, 2 chains.
3dc into next corner space, 3 chains, 3dc into same corner space, 2 chains. Repeat from * 2 more times
2dc into first corner space, sl st into 3rd chain. Fasten off.

5th Round Complete

6th round: (using brown yarn) 6 chains, then into same corner space 3dc and 2 chains
*3dc into next space, 2 chains. repeat 3 more times
3dc into next corner space, 3 chains, 3dc into same corner space, 2 chains. Repeat from * 2 more times
2dc into first corner space, sl st into 3rd chain. Fasten off

7th round: (using red yarn) 6 chains, then into same corner space 3dc and 2 chains
*3dc into next space, 2 chains. repeat 4 more times
3dc into next corner space, 3 chains, 3dc into same corner space, 2 chains. Repeat from * 2 more times
2dc into first corner space, sl st into 3rd chain.

8th round: 6 chains, then into same corner space 3dc and 2 chains
*3dc into next space, 2 chains. repeat 5 more times
3dc into next corner space, 3 chains, 3dc into same corner space, 2 chains. Repeat from * 2 more times
2dc into first corner space, sl st into 3rd chain. Fasten off

8 Rounds Complete

 Make a square in just one colour, or change at each row. Play around and you will end up with quite a few squares to donate.

Here is my other post on Granny Squares, but note this method uses a 3 chain gap between each 3 dc cluster. It does have a more detailed explanation of starting the first round. There is no right or wrong way to make a Granny Square, but you may need to adjust tension or add/subtract rows to get to an 8" square. As I said before, I now prefer the method in today's post.


Thanks for reading,
Emma