How to crochet a 2-tone granny square

Well hello there! Long time no ramble. So, as many of you wanted this pattern for my easy 2-tone diagonal granny square, I thought I'd give you the pattern here. To make the big crazy technicoloured blanket for my niece, I used a 5mm hook and an assortment of random DK yarn in clashy colours. Once I'd made as many squares as I needed, I simply slip stitched them together to join, before adding a border. Hank Deluxe approves... I think??

Here is the basic pattern, which uses UK crochet terms. Once you get to Round 5, you will be on a roll, so it's easy to add further rounds to make your squares bigger using exactly the same method. I think I made these squares using 8 rounds.

Hints and tips

1. Turn work over at end of each Round, where indicated, working next Round on opposite side.

2. Each square is made of 2 colours, both yarns stay connected throughout. Leave the yarn not in use dangling down, ready to pick up again later. Fasten off both yarns when square is complete.

3. Blocking each square before joining makes for a beautiful crisp finish. Join squares together by placing 2 squares with RS tog and slip stitch into outside stitches on edge only.

Pattern Instructions

With Yarn A, ch4, join with ss into first ch to form a ring. 

Round 1 (RS):  Ch3 (counts as first tr throughout), 2tr into ring, ch2, 3tr into ring, ch1. Change to Yarn B by dropping Yarn A  to rear of work, then draw through loop of Yarn B. Do not fasten off Yarn A. With Yarn B, ch1, (3tr into ring, ch2) twice. Join with ss into top of ch-3 in Yarn A from start of round. Gently tie loose end of Yarn B onto Yarn A at your colour change-over point to secure. [3 tr per side made]. Turn work over to work next round on reverse side.

Round 2  (WS):  With Yarn B, ss into ch-2 sp just made, ch3, 1tr into same ch-sp, 1tr in each tr from previous round to next ch-2 sp, (2tr, ch2, 2tr) in ch-2 sp, 1tr in each tr from previous round to next ch-2 sp, (2tr, ch1) in ch-2 sp where colours join from previous round. Change to Yarn A by dropping Yarn B to rear of work, pick up Yarn A and pull through loop of Yarn A making a single strand to same height as a tr st (this strand does not count as a st throughout, it should be ignored!), ch1, 2tr in same ch-2 sp. Gently pull Yarn B to secure. 1tr in each tr to next ch-2 sp, (2tr, ch2, 2tr) in ch-2 sp, 1tr in each tr to next ch-2 sp, making final tr into top of ch-3 from start of previous round, in same place as the Yarn B join can be seen. (2tr, ch2) in ch-2 sp. Join with ss into top of ch-3 in Yarn B from start of round. [7 tr per side]. Turn work over.

Round 3 (RS): With Yarn A, ss into ch-2 sp just made, ch3, 1tr into same ch-sp, 1tr in each tr to next ch-2 sp, (2tr, ch2, 2tr) in ch-2 sp, 1tr in each tr to next ch-2 sp, (2tr, ch1) in ch-2 sp where colours join from previous round. Change to Yarn B (using colour-change method as described in Round 2). Ch1, 2tr in same ch-2 sp. Gently pull Yarn A to secure. 1tr in each tr to next ch-2 sp, (2tr, ch2, 2tr) in ch-2 sp, 1tr in each tr to next ch-2 sp, making final tr into top of ch-3 from start of previous round, in same place as Yarn A join can be seen. (2tr, ch2) into ch-2 sp. Join with ss into top of ch-3 in Yarn A from start of round. [11 tr per side]. Turn work over.

Round 4:  Rep Round 2. [15 tr per side]

Round 5:  Rep Round 3. [19 tr per side]. Fasten off Yarn A and Yarn B, weave in all ends securely.

Block squares to shape. Arrange squares as you wish, then join together (see Hints and tips) before adding the Edging.

Edging

Use 4.5mm hook if a slightly tighter edging is preferred.

Round 1:  Join yarn into any st on edge, 1dc into each st around, (1dc, ch2, 1dc) in each of the four corners. Join with ss into first dc.

Round 2: Ch1, rep Round 1.

Fasten off yarn, weave in all ends.

This technique is so versatile! You can go with a random pattern, or a very stylish geometric pattern like this:

This version is called Wild Goose Chase and I made it using an aran yarn and 6mm hook. It first appeared in Crochet Now magazine, issue 16.

OK, that's it for now, hope you enjoy this pattern!

Esme x