3-D Granny Squares

 A Book Review by Aunt Clara

3D Granny Squares by Celine Semaan is an amusing collection of crochet patterns that turns traditional granny squares into something rather unusual. With lots of charming patterns (from floral and geometric designs to playful animals), the book is both a reference guide and an inspiration for crocheters looking for something different to do with their craft. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced crocheter, Semaan's book provides a lot of ideas to get you started on a new twist to an old-fashioned project.

The book is organized into sections, each dedicated to different types of 3D granny squares.  Some of these include botanical designs for roses, daisies, and succulents, each put together with layered petals and textured elements.  There are animals and characters squares shaped into owls, bees, unicorns and playful faces.  And a number of holiday squares are included with festive items  such as Christmas trees, pumpkins, and hearts, perfect for seasonal projects.

Each pattern comes with step-by-step instructions, detailed stitch guides, and high-quality photographs. In addition, Semaan includes helpful tips on yarn selection, stitch tension, and assembly methods, making the book not just a collection of patterns but an educational resource.

But that isn’t all, I have found that this book actually encourages me to try to invent some 3-D squares of my own.  The ideas presented are charming, and I did a number of them too, but a lot of the fun of this concept is to come up with your own designs.  Something between traditional squares and arugami, 3-D squares are remarkably fun to do. 

Now, I’m not sure just how practical this is as a blanket—it would make for an awfully lumpy Afghan, but it is a really creative idea and a great summer project.  I started making these squares to use up some of my stash of yarn, but (as you might expect) I ended up buying more yarn instead.  That being said, these kinds of squares do take small amounts of yarn that are left over from sweaters and blankets.

So, consider buying or borrowing a book on 3-D Granny squares and let your crocheting pop right out of its background and into your creative imagination.