About This Pattern
This sweater starts small. Each granny square takes one evening, maybe less. You build the whole piece from repeated squares, in colors you choose freely. It sits well on a kitchen table, piece by piece. You need worsted yarn in several colors, a 5mm hook, and patience for joining. No single round is hard. The work is steady, square after square, until a shape appears.
In the basket
Yarn
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- sc
- single crochet
- dc
- double crochet
- sl st
- slip stitch
Colorful granny square sweater crochet pattern
Granny Square
- Round 1Make a magic ring; Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), dc 3 in the ring; Ch 3, dc 3 in the ring; Repeat twice more; Sl st to the first dc, fasten off, and weave in ends.
- Round 2Join yarn in any corner space, ch 1; Dc 3 in the same corner space, ch 3, dc 3 in the same corner space; Ch 1, dc 3 in the next sp, ch 3, dc 3 in the next sp; Repeat around; Sl st to the first dc, fasten off, and weave in ends.
- Rounds 3–6Join yarn in any corner space, ch 1; Dc 3 in the same corner space, ch 3, dc 3 in the same corner space; Ch 1, dc 3 in the next sp; Repeat around; Sl st to the first dc, fasten off, and weave in ends.Repeat rounds 3-6 until the square reaches approximately 5 inches in size.
More pictures
Before the first stitch
- Decide your color plan before the first magic ring.
- Check you have enough worsted yarn across all your chosen colors.
- Read Round 2 once, so the corner spaces make sense.
Minutes per piece
- One granny square about 20-30 minutes, because it is 3 rounds
- Full sweater assembly about 3-4 hours, because sewing many squares into panels takes care
Other yarns that work
- Acrylic, worsted weight Easier on the budget, holds color well, no change to hook size
- Wool blend, worsted weight Softer drape, warmer sweater, slightly smaller squares at the same hook
Where it ends up
- A cozy layer over a plain shirt, for a slow afternoon.
- A statement piece for a coffee outing, paired with plain jeans.
- A wearable scrap-yarn project, using up leftover worsted colors.
Joining up
- Step 1 Create granny squares: Make a desired number of granny squares in various colors. The exact number will depend on your desired sweater size.
- Step 2 Layout: Arrange the squares in a desired pattern for the sweater, such as two front panels, a larger back panel, and two sleeve panels.
- Step 3 Sewing panels: Sew the squares together in panels using a tapestry needle and yarn.
- Step 4 Joining panels: Sew the panels together to form the sweater shape.
- Step 5 Sleeves: Create sleeve panels by joining granny squares together. Attach the sleeves to the body of the sweater.
- Step 6 Border (optional): Crochet a single crochet border around the bottom edge and sleeves for a finished look.
- Step 7 Finishing: Weave in all remaining ends.
- Step 8 Block the sweater if desired.
Small notes
- Keep your dc stitches even across colors, or the corners will pull unevenly.
- Weave in ends after every round, not at the end. It saves a long evening later.
- Check gauge on one full square before making dozens more.
Little questions
How many granny squares do I need?
It depends on your size and layout. Two front panels, one back, and two sleeves use most squares. Count as you go, and stop when panels reach your desired size.
Can I mix random colors in each square?
Yes, that is part of the charm here. Each square can use its own combination. The sweater reads as scrappy and cheerful either way.
Do I need to block the squares before joining?
Blocking helps squares meet at the same size. It is not required, but it makes joining panels much easier. A light steam or wet block works well.
What if my squares are different sizes?
Small differences even out during sewing. Bigger differences call for adding or skipping a round on smaller squares. Aim for a consistent 5 inches before joining.
Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/fun-colorful-crochet-granny-square-sweater-pattern/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
