What are some things that people think of when they think of their Grandma's crochet? Afghans, granny squares and doilies- or at least I do. The thing is- they don't have to be that way- you can update and modernize them. I found a tray I absolutely adored but wanted something to lay inside of it. Do you know how hard it is to find decorative tray inserts that don't look cheap? Let me tell you, It's hard. After some time trying I thought-Why don't I just make one?
I had never created what would be classified as a doily before- so I set out to find a pattern. Let me tell you, it's not easy to find one that's square/rectangular, let alone a specific size. I decided I needed to create my own. Granny squares seemed to be the way to go as they were square and I had some experience with them.
The key to creating a piece with granny squares is consistency. For beginning crocheters it might be difficult to keep your tightness the same in all of your stitches. I would recommend being able to keep those pretty consistent before starting a project like this. If not- you'll end up with misshaped and different sized squares that won't line up when you go to assemble.
I found creating the multiple squares to be quite therapeutic but be prepared for the sewing! Oh boy- sewing in the ends and sewing all of the squares together was tedious and time consuming- but after I completed it- it was so worth it!
This doilie was made using Aunt Lydias Crochet Thread in Size 10, color Maize. I used a 1.75 mm hook (the thread recommends 1.5) but I wanted a little more flexibility in my end piece but not so much that it made it difficult to work with.
I highly recommend the "Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia" by Robyn Chachula. In addition to stitch patterns it has granny square, borders, flowers and motifs. I used the Hatsukoi Motif for my granny square of choice (if you'd like to replicate my piece) but you could apply the same logic to creating a similar piece with the square of your choice.
Happy Crocheting!