Hey there, citrus-loving crocheters! Ready to add a splash of sunshine to your projects? Let's create this adorable Lemon Granny Square (Style II) – a beginner-friendly pattern that whips up into a zesty 4-inch square!
This refreshing design puts a juicy twist on the classic granny square, perfect for summer-themed blankets, cheerful kitchen decor, or even a fruity market bag. Did you know lemons symbolize optimism and fresh starts? Well, your projects are about to get a whole lot brighter!
Don't worry if you're new to novelty squares – I've got your back with detailed step-by-step instructions and crystal-clear photos coming up. So grab your hook, and let's squeeze some citrusy fun into your crochet!
Pin for Later
Pin this Lemon Granny Square pattern and add a splash of citrus sunshine to your crochet projects!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
Let's dive into selecting the perfect materials for your Lemon Granny Square project!
For optimal results, I highly recommend using Loopara milk cotton yarn. Its medium weight and excellent stitch definition make it perfect for creating crisp, clean lines in your citrus design. The yarn's natural sheen adds a lovely freshness to your work, while its durability ensures your squares maintain their shape through regular use and washing.
For the color palette, you'll need three key shades: a vibrant yellow for the base square (like Loopara #43), a fresh lime green for the citrus slice (Loopara #13), and pure white for the segments (Loopara #02). These colors work together to create that realistic lemon slice effect we're after.
We're working with a 2.5mm hook for this project, which creates the perfect stitch tension with our chosen yarn. This size ensures your squares stay uniform and your stitches remain tight and even. If you find your tension tends to run tight, consider moving up to a 2.75mm hook. Conversely, if you crochet loosely, a 2.25mm hook might serve you better.
One of the great advantages of this project is its portability – perfect for crafting on the go while maintaining professional-looking results. Whether you're making a single square or planning a larger project, these materials will help you achieve a polished, high-quality finish!
Materials needed for Lemon Granny Square Style II
- Yarn– Loopara 4ply combed cotton (White 02, Green 13, Yellow 43)
- Hook- 2.5mm
- Scissors
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- magic ring
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- dc - double crochet
- hdc - half double crochet
- sl - slip stitch
- inc - increase
- sk - skip
- BLO - back loops only
- FLO - front loops only
- FP - front post
How to Crochet a Lemon Granny Square Style II – Step by Step
How to Crochet Main Body
Round 1: Using color 02, create a magic ring. Chain 2, work 7 half double crochets. Tighten ring and slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Change to color 13. Chain 2 and half double crochet in the same stitch, then work 7 half double crochet increases around. Slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Chain 2 and half double crochet in the same stitch, work one half double crochet, then repeat (half double crochet increase, half double crochet) 7 times. Slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 2, half double crochet increase, work one half double crochet, then repeat (half double crochet increase, 2 half double crochets) 7 times. Slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Change to color 43. Working in back loops only, chain 3, chain 5, work a double crochet, half double crochet, 4 single crochets, half double crochet. Repeat (double crochet, chain 5, double crochet, half double crochet, 4 single crochets, half double crochet) 3 times. Slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Work (chain 3, 2 double crochets, chain 5, 3 double crochets), 3 double crochets, chain 2, skip 2 stitches, 3 double crochets. Repeat [(3 double crochets, chain 5, 3 double crochets), 3 double crochets, chain 2, skip 2 stitches, 3 double crochets] 3 times. Slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Work (chain 3, 2 double crochets, chain 5, 3 double crochets), 2 double crochets, chain 2, skip 2, 6 double crochets, chain 2, skip 2, 2 double crochets. Repeat [(3 double crochets, chain 5, 3 double crochets), 2 double crochets, chain 2, skip 2, 6 double crochets, chain 2, skip 2, 2 double crochets] 3 times. Slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Chain 1, repeat [(2 single crochets, chain 2, 2 single crochets), 20 single crochets] 4 times. Slip stitch to join.
Round 9: Chain 1, repeat [(single crochet, chain 2, single crochet), 24 single crochets] 4 times. Slip stitch to join.
Tips: Keep your tension consistent throughout, especially during color changes. Pay special attention to the back loop only stitches in round 5 as they create the foundation for the lemon slice overlay. Use stitch markers at corners to help track your pattern repeats. Count your stitches in each section to ensure even sides.
How to Crochet Lemon Slice
Round 10: Using color 13, work in front loops only of round 4. Chain 2, half double crochet in same stitch, work 3 half double crochets, then repeat (half double crochet increase, 3 half double crochets) 7 times. Slip stitch to join.
Round 11: Change to color 02. Chain 1, then repeat (5 single crochets, front post quadruple double crochet) 8 times. Slip stitch to join.
Round 12: Change to color 13. Chain 1, work 3 single crochets, single crochet increase, then repeat (5 single crochets, single crochet increase) 7 times. Work 2 single crochets. Slip stitch to join.
Round 13: Chain 1, repeat (single crochet increase, 6 single crochets) 8 times. Slip stitch to join. Weave in all ends.
Tips: When working in front loops only for round 10, be careful not to split the yarn from previous rounds. The front post quadruple double crochet stitches in round 11 create the distinctive lemon segments, so make them tall and even. Keep your increases evenly spaced to maintain the circular shape. Work your color changes cleanly for crisp definition between sections.
Care Instructions
Let's discuss how to keep your Lemon Granny Square looking fresh and zesty for years to come!
Proper washing is essential for maintaining your square's crisp details. Always hand wash using lukewarm water and a mild, wool-safe detergent. Gently agitate the water – avoid wringing or twisting, as this can distort the dimensional lemon slice overlay. After washing, carefully squeeze out excess water by pressing between clean towels. Lay flat to dry, taking care to reshape both the base and the lemon slice. The overlay should sit neatly centered on the base.
For storage, opt for breathable containers like cotton bags or acid-free boxes. Avoid plastic containers that can trap moisture and potentially lead to mildew. When stacking multiple squares, place acid-free tissue paper between layers to prevent the textured lemon slices from catching on each other. This also helps maintain the three-dimensional effect of your design.
To preserve those sunny yellows and fresh greens, store your work away from direct sunlight. If you're planning to display your finished project in a bright area, consider using colorfast yarns. Regular rotation of displayed items can help prevent uneven fading.
Periodic maintenance will keep your squares looking their best. Every few months, gently reshape any squares that may have become slightly distorted through use or storage. A light steam blocking can work wonders for refreshing the texture and shape. When blocking, pay special attention to the lemon slice overlay – ensure it remains properly centered and dimensional.
With proper care, your Lemon Granny Squares will remain a bright and cheerful addition to your crochet projects for many seasons to come!
What’s Next?
Just finished your Lemon Granny Square? Share a slice of your creativity! Snap a photo of your citrusy creation and share it on Instagram, pin it on Pinterest for inspiration, share your progress on Twitter, or showcase it on Facebook. Don't forget to tag us and use #LemonGrannySquare. Your zesty make might inspire someone else's crafty kitchen!
