Welcome to the cozy world of crochet! Today, we're diving into a delightful project: the Apple Granny Square. Imagine a crisp fall day, with the scent of apples in the air – that's the feeling this cute square brings to life!
This beginner-friendly pattern is perfect for those looking to add a touch of autumn charm to their crochet creations. When finished, your square will measure approximately 3.5 inches, making it ideal for blankets, coasters, or even adorable appliqués on bags and clothing.
Ready to get started? Grab your hook and yarn, and let's create something special together. Don't worry, I'll guide you through each step with clear instructions and helpful visuals. Let's make some crochet magic!
Pin for Later
Pin this pattern for your next cozy crafting session – your future self will thank you!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
Ready to dive into the world of adorable apple granny squares? Let's chat about the yarn and hooks that'll make your project pop!
For yarn options, I highly recommend using Loopara milk cotton yarn for this project. It's a dream to work with – soft, durable, and perfect for creating defined stitches that really show off the apple's shape. Plus, it comes in a gorgeous range of colors that are perfect for our apple theme. Think bright red for the juicy apple body, crisp white for the square's border, and a leafy green for that perfect finishing touch.
For this pattern, we're using a 2.3mm crochet hook. This size works beautifully with our recommended yarn, creating tight, neat stitches that give your apple a polished look.
This combo works so well for granny squares because the stitch definition is absolutely stunning - every detail of your apple will pop! Cotton yarn holds its shape, so your square will look crisp and fresh. Plus, the smaller hook size creates a tight fabric, perfect for items that need to hold up to wear and tear.
Remember, the joy of crochet is in the process as much as the result. So choose materials that feel good in your hands and bring a smile to your face.
Materials needed for Apple Granny Square
- Yarn – Loopara 4ply combed cotton (Beige 03, Green 17, Red 65, and Brown 88)
- Hook – 2.3mm
- Hot Melt Adhesive
- Stitch Marker
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- dc - double crochet
- hdc - half double crochet
- sl - slip stitch
- inc - increase
How to Crochet an Apple Granny Square – Step by Step
How to Crochet the Main Body
Round 1: Chain 3, 11 double crochet, slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 3, double crochet, (double crochet increase) 11 times, slip stitch.
Round 3: Chain 3, (double crochet increase, double crochet) 11 times, double crochet increase, slip stitch.
Round 4: Chain 1, single crochet, half double crochet, (double crochet increase, double crochet) 3 times, (half double crochet increase, 2 half double crochet) 2 times, half double crochet increase, half double crochet, single crochet, 2 slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, half double crochet increase, (2 half double crochet, half double crochet increase) 2 times, (double crochet, double crochet increase) 3 times, half double crochet, single crochet, slip stitch.
Round 5: Change color, chain 2, 2 half double crochet, 2 single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet increase, chain 2, double crochet increase, half double crochet, 7 single crochet, 2 half double crochet, double crochet increase, chain 2, double crochet increase, half double crochet, 2 single crochet, half double crochet, 2 double crochet, half double crochet, 2 single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet increase, chain 2, double crochet increase, 2 half double crochet, 7 single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet increase, chain 2, double crochet increase, half double crochet, 2 single crochet, half double crochet, slip stitch into 2nd chain of beginning chain 2.
Round 6: Chain 2, 6 half double crochet, [(half double crochet increase, chain 1, half double crochet increase), 14 half double crochet] 3 times, (half double crochet increase, chain 1, half double crochet increase), 7 half double crochet, slip stitch.
Round 7: Chain 1, 8 single crochet, [(single crochet, chain 1), 18 single crochet] 3 times, 10 single crochet, slip stitch.
Tips: Keep track of your stitches in each round. This is especially important in the early rounds to maintain the circular shape. After completing your square, consider blocking it. This will help even out your stitches and make the square shape more defined.
How to Crochet a Leaf
Round 1: Chain 6, half double crochet in 2nd chain from hook, (3 double crochet), 2 half double crochet, 3 single crochet in next stitch, 2 half double crochet, (3 double crochet), half double crochet, slip stitch.
Round 2: Chain 1, turn, single crochet around, slip stitch, chain 5.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Secure the leaf with a small amount of glue.
Tips: When securing the leaf with glue, place it slightly off-center on the apple for a natural look. Use only a small amount of glue to avoid stiffening the crochet work.
How to Join Granny Squares
Granny squares are perfect for bags, clothing, and blankets. If you're thinking of making one with those squares, I'm excited to share my comprehensive guide on 11 Ways to Join Granny Squares with you! I've detailed every method I know and love - each brings its own special touch to your finished piece. Let me help you discover which one works best for you!
How to Change Colors in a Granny Square
Are you looking for a different color palette? I totally get it—it’s why I love crochet! If you’re not crazy about our color palette, I put together two color-changing techniques that I use for all of my projects. Let me show you how to make these color transitions smooth and professional so you can bring your unique, creative vision to life.
How to Weave in Ends Crochet Granny Square
The secret for professional-looking granny squares is all about how you weave in those ends. I'm sharing 3 ways to weave in ends with you! These are techniques I've perfected over years of crocheting and use in all my projects. I'll show you exactly how I secure my ends to make sturdy, polished pieces that last. Trust me, once you master these finishing methods, your granny squares will look absolutely stunning!
Care instructions
Hey there, apple square creator! Now that you've crafted this adorable piece, let's chat about keeping it looking fresh and crisp for years to come.
First up, washing. Your apple square is pretty low-maintenance, but it still needs some TLC. When it's time for a clean, opt for hand washing in cool water with a mild detergent. Gently swish it around – no need for rough handling. Rinse thoroughly and resist the urge to wring it out. Instead, press out excess water and lay it flat to dry. If you're in a rush, you can use a low heat setting on your dryer, but air-drying is best for maintaining that perfect apple shape.
When it comes to storage, think of your square like a prized apple in your fruit bowl. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade those vibrant colors faster. If you're stashing it away for a while, consider placing it in a breathable fabric bag or wrapping it in acid-free tissue paper. This helps prevent dust buildup and keeps moths at bay.
To keep your square in tip-top shape, give it a little stretch now and then. This helps maintain its form and prevents the stitches from getting too cozy and shrinking up. If you notice any loose threads, don't ignore them – snip them carefully or weave them back in to prevent unraveling.
Color-wise, your apple square is like a treasured memory – it might fade a bit over time, but that just adds to its charm. To slow down this process, avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or leaving it in bright light for extended periods.
With these care tips, your adorable apple creation will stay delightful for seasons to come.
What’s Next?
Loved this Apple Granny Square tutorial? Spread the crochet joy! Share it on Facebook, pin it on Pinterest, post your creation on Instagram, or tweet about it on Twitter. And don't forget to tag us and use #AppleGrannySquare. Your friends might just fall in love with this adorable apple pattern too! Let's create a crochet community, one square at a time.
