Welcome to our guide on creating the charming Popcorn Granny Square! This intermediate-level pattern is perfect for crocheters looking to add a delightful texture to their projects. The finished square measures approximately 3 inches, making it versatile for various applications.
The Popcorn Granny Square combines classic granny square techniques with playful popcorn stitches, creating a tactile and visually appealing design. These squares are perfect for cozy blankets, stylish cushion covers, or even unique wall hangings. The puffy popcorn stitches add a fun, three-dimensional element that's sure to catch the eye and invite touch.
In the following sections, you'll find detailed, step-by-step instructions accompanied by clear diagrams to guide you through each stage of the process. Let's dive in and create these delightful textured squares that are as enjoyable to make as they are to admire!
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Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
For our charming Popcorn Granny Square project, choosing the right yarn and hook size is key to achieving the perfect 3-inch square.
Yarn selection plays a crucial role in both the appearance and texture of your finished square. While various yarn types can work well, we highly recommend Loopara milk cotton yarn for this project. This yarn is excellent for small granny squares due to its softness, durability, and superior stitch definition, which beautifully accentuates the texture of the popcorn stitches. It also comes in a wide array of vibrant colors, allowing for creative and eye-catching combinations.
Given our 2.3mm hook and the 3-inch finished size, we suggest using a fine weight or lace weight yarn. This combination will allow you to create delicate, detailed stitches that showcase the popcorn texture while maintaining the compact size. Consider selecting a main color for the background and a contrasting shade for the popcorn stitches to make them pop. Lovely color pairings might include pastel backgrounds with white popcorn stitches, or a neutral base with bright, cheerful accents.
Our recommended 2.3mm crochet hook is perfect for creating the small, intricate stitches needed for this 3-inch Popcorn Granny Square. This fine hook enables precise stitch work, resulting in a neat and compact square. If you find your tension is too tight with this hook, you might try a 2.5mm hook, but be mindful of maintaining the correct square size.
These small, textured granny squares are fantastic for a variety of projects. Their compact size makes them perfect for delicate items like jewelry, hair accessories, or fine garment details. They're also great for creating intricate motifs in larger projects like lace shawls or detailed blankets. The small scale offers an engaging challenge, allowing you to hone your crochet skills while creating beautiful, detailed work.
Materials needed for Popcorn Granny Square
- Yarn – Loopara 4ply combed cotton (Green 16, Yellow 41 and Brown 88)
- Hook – 2.3mm
- Stitch Marker
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sl - slip stitch
- dc - double crochet
- tr - treble crochet
- sc - single crochet
- pc - popcorn stitch
- inc - increase (typically worked as 2 stitches in the same stitch)
- Magic ring
How to Crochet a Popcorn Granny Square – Step by Step
Round 1: Magic ring. Chain 3. (Chain 1, 1 double crochet 7 times in the ring). Chain 1. Slip stitch to top of beginning chain-3.
Round 2: Chain 3. (Popcorn stitch, chain 2) 8 times around. Slip stitch to top of beginning chain-3.
Round 3: (Chain 3, double crochet increase in same stitch). Chain 3. [(3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets) chain 3] 3 times. (3 double crochets, chain 2) Slip stitch to top of beginning chain-3.
Round 4: (Chain 3, 1 double crochet in same stitch). 3 double crochet, 3 treble crochets, 3 double crochets. [(Double crochet increase, chain 2, double crochet increase) 3 double crochets, 3 treble crochets, 3 double crochets] 3 times. (Double crochet increase, chain 2). Slip stitch to top of beginning chain-3.
Round 5: Chain 1, single crochet increase in same stitch. 13 single crochets, [(Single crochet increase, chain 2, single crochet increase) 13 single crochets along the side] 3 times. (Single crochet increase, chain 2). Slip stitch to first single crochet.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Tips: For perfect popcorn granny squares, maintain even tension and practice popcorn stitches separately. Use stitch markers and contrasting colors to highlight texture. Choose a slightly larger hook for ease. Count stitches often, weave ends carefully, and block for shape.
Care Instructions
Caring for your Popcorn Granny Square is essential to maintain its charm and durability. Let's explore some practical tips to keep your creation looking fabulous for years to come.
When it comes to cleaning, gentle is the golden rule. Hand washing is your best friend here. Use lukewarm water and a mild, wool-safe detergent. Gently swish the square in the soapy water, taking care not to agitate those delicate popcorn stitches too much. Rinse thoroughly with cool water, and resist the urge to wring it out. Instead, press out excess water by rolling it in a clean, dry towel.
Drying your square correctly is crucial for maintaining its shape. Lay it flat on a fresh towel and reshape it while it's damp. This is your chance to perfect those popcorn stitches, so take your time. For extra precision, you might want to pin it to a foam board, ensuring it dries in the perfect shape. Always dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent color fading.
When it comes to storage, think cool, dry, and dark. If you're storing multiple squares, layer them with acid-free tissue paper to prevent color transfer. Consider using breathable cotton bags rather than plastic containers to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to musty odors or even mold.
To keep colors vibrant, try adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse water during washing. This natural fix helps set dyes and maintain color intensity. For squares that have seen a lot of love, a gentle pass with a sweater comb can help remove any pills that form over time, keeping your popcorn stitches looking fresh and defined.
Remember, different yarns have different needs. Always check the label for specific care instructions. Some may be suitable for gentle machine washing, while others require strict hand-washing only.
By following these care instructions, your Popcorn Granny Square will remain a treasured part of your crochet collection, retaining its texture and charm for many cozy seasons to come.
What’s Next?
Discover the charm of popcorn granny squares! This cozy crochet technique adds texture and warmth to your projects. Learn how to create these adorable squares and elevate your crochet game. Share this article with your crafty friends on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter. Let's spread the love for crochet together! #CrochetLove #PopcornGrannySquare