Happy Granny Square Day 2025!
Did you know that crocheters all over the world celebrate International Granny Square Day on August 15th? Yes, we do! If you read my blog, you probably already know how to crochet. And most likely you started your crochet journey with a simple granny square, as it’s the most basic shape and a symbol of crochet as a craft.
When we hear ‘granny square’ we know exactly what it means and how it looks. It consists of several rounds of double crochet stitches and chain-spaces (and I am talking US crochet terms), usually with several colors.
Being the simplest and the most basic shape, a granny square can be used for many different projects, including blankets, throws, pillows, bags, scarves, shawls, and even garments. And with the ‘granny stitch’ (not a square), you crochet anything at all. Either in one or multiple colors.
However, today, modern crochet is not only about granny squares anymore. It’s been developing rapidly in the past decade, with tens of different techniques transforming crochet into a new form of fibre art.
To celebrate Granny Square Day this year, I have teamed up with Scheepjes and designed five pillow covers with the new Softfun colour mini packs, using different crochet techniques.
I have been designing with Scheepjes yarns for more than 10 years now, and Softfun yarn has been high on my list of favourites. Mainly because of its softness and hard wear. It holds the shape very well, the stitch definition is brilliant, and crochet projects look good after years of being used and washed. Just the perfect choice for interior accessories.
I worked with Softfun mini colour packs in the past (you can check my Like a Kelim Pillow). They come with curated 12 mini balls, each with 20g of yarn. And that amount is enough to create a medium-sized project, such as a front decoration for a pillow cover.
When Scheejes approached me with an idea of creating designs for new color packs, I was thrilled and honored to join. Let me introduce five new cushion designs exclusively created with new Scheepjes mini colour packs.
You will find a QR code on every pack, bringing you to the pattern page on our website.
Important Links
The ebook with all 5 patterns is available via our website HERE.
You can find the packs at your local Scheepjes store, or via online retailers. Scheepjes yarn is also available on Amazon (*affiliate link).
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Each new Softfun mini colour pack comes with a theme of carefully curated colors, and you can choose from neutral earthy or ombre shades to vibrant brights: Autumn Walk, Ocean Breeze, Spring Blossom, Summer Party and Tropical Paradise.
And of course, you can use the patterns for bigger projects too, as they are easily adjustable. You can either crochet more small squares and join them together into a blanket (Spring Blossom and Summer Party designs). Or you can continue crocheting in rows/rounds until you reach the desired size (Chess Squre, Autumn Walk Square and Geometry Square designs).
As already mentioned, each mini colour pack comes with 240g of yarn in total (12 balls each with 20g), and the yarn is enough for the front panel of the cushion.
I used ready fabric pillowcases to sew my crocheted pieces onto them. Or, alternatively, you can use two packs and create a double-sided pillow, with the same or different design for each side.
The patterns use different crochet techniques: mosaic and overlay crochet. They come with full written instructions in English language (with US crochet terms), detailed progress pictures, and links to instructional video tutorials.
The ebook with all 5 patterns is available via our website HERE.
Hope you enjoy!
The fashion of skinny scarfs does not seem to leave us any soon. Started with a famous Sophie Scarf by Petiteknit, it has spread widely, with new designs appearing almost every month. I have contributed to this lovely trend with my own version of a mini scarf (the pattern for My Scarf can be found HERE on my blog). But could not help myself and created another, skinny, version.
This design is about a long, slim scarf crocheted with an easy stitch pattern. It is worked up quickly (it really can take you just one day to make). It will not only make a beautiful stylish accessory but will also become a perfect last-minute gift. Anyone preparing for a gift season already?
I literally could not stop and made three skinny scarfs for myself already. Unless for the regular version of My Scarf (with Scheepjes Arcadia yarn), I used the brand-new Scheepjes Kindsome yarn for my skinny scarfs. And I was happy to figure out that just one ball is enough to crochet one.
Kindsome yarn, composed of 40% compostable polyester and 60% responsible wool, is a pure happiness to work with. It is so very soft and nice against the skin, and the stitch definition is perfect.
You can find Kindsome yarn via local Scheepjes stockiests.
I have already used this yarn for a garment project which I will share with you later, and I am already planning a few more designs with it. I can only hope that more new colors will be released in the future, as the color range is a little limited now. But still enough to choose from.
Before we jump to the pattern, please let me give you some major details about the skinny version of My Scarf.
I only used one color for mine, but of course you can add the stripes as in the regular version (who knows, maybe I won’t stop and will crochet a stripy scarf for myself soon).
The gauge is 26 sts and 18 rows to measure 10cm x 10cm/ 4in x 4in with pattern for gauge (counting each st and ch1-sp as one stitch) with 3mm or 3.5mm hook.
My finished scarf measured approx. 130cm x 13cm /51¼in x 5in, and for this size one full ball of Scheepjes Kindsome yarn is enough.
The skinny version, as well as other versions of My Scarf, are fully adjustable, and you can make yours longer. Just please keep in mind that you will need more than one ball of yarn.
Please, find the pattern below.
And if you prefer a printable copy of the pattern without the ads (with all three versions of My Scarf: regular, mini and skinny), you can grab it on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE.
Hope you enjoy it!
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My Scarf – Skinny version
Materials
Scheepjes Kindsome yarn (60% Wool, 40% Compostable Polyester; 50g/150m) x 1 ball
3.5mm hook
Measurements: approx. 130cm x 13cm /51¼in x 5in
Abbreviations (US terms)
beg beginning
ch chain stitch
lp(s) loop(s)
sc single crochet
sc2tog single crochet 2 together
st(s) stitch(es)
sp(s) space(s)
yo yarn over the hook
Pattern for gauge
The gauge is important only if you choose the same yarn/weight as listed in the pattern and would like to obtain the same measurements. Otherwise, the gauge is not important.
Gauge: 26 sts and 18 rows to measure 10cm x 10cm/ 4in x 4in with pattern for gauge (counting each st and ch1-sp as one stitch)
Row 1: Ch28, 1sc in second ch from hook, [ch1, skip next ch, 1sc in next ch] rep to end, turn – 27 sts.
Row 2: Ch1 (does not count as a st here and throughout), 1sc in first st, [ch1, skip next ch1-sp, 1sc in next sc] rep to end, turn.
Rows 3-25: Rep Row 2.
Wash and block gauge swatch, measure the gauge in the middle.
Pattern repeats
[…] repeat instruction inside […] as many times as indicated in the pattern
Pattern notes
My Scarf can be worked with one, two or more colors. It can be worked with or without the stripes. The scarf works from tip to tip. First an increasing part is done and when you reach the desired width, a decreasing part follows.
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INSTRUCTIONS
An original Lilla Björn Crochet Design (Tatána Kuprijančik). Copyright 2014-2025. All rights reserved. This pattern is for personal use only. It cannot be sold, redistributed or edited in any way. Translations and video tutorials are not allowed. You can sell your finished products, but you cannot use my pictures to promote them. Please, always credit me as a designer of this pattern. Thank you!Looking for a printable copy of the pattern without the ads (with all three versions of My Scarf: regular, mini and skinny)? You can grab it on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE.
Important! If you are using one skein of yarn, please weigh the total of yarn before you start, and note the amount carefully.
Increasing part
Row 1: Make an adjustable ring, ch1 (does not count as a st here and throughout), 1sc into ring, turn – 1 st.
Row 2: Ch1, 2sc in first st, turn – 2 sts.
Row 3 (inc): Ch3 (does not count as a st here and throughout), 1sc in first st, ch1, 1sc in next st, turn – 2 sc and 1 ch1-sp.
Row 4: Ch1, 1sc in first st, ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st, turn – 2 sc and 1 ch1-sp.
Row 5 (inc): Ch3, 2sc in first st, ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st, turn – 3 sc and 1 ch1-sp.
Row 6: Ch1, 1sc in first st, ch1, skip ch1-sp, 2sc to end, turn – 3 sc and 1 ch1-sp.
Row 7: Ch3, 2sc, ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st, turn – 3 sc and 1 ch1-sp.
Row 8: Rep Row 6.
Row 9 (inc): Ch3, 1sc in first st, ch1, 1sc in next st, ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in last st, turn – 3 sc and 2 ch1-sps.
Row 10: Ch1, 1sc in first st, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st] 2 times, turn – 3 sc and 2 ch1-sps.
Row 11: Ch3, 1sc in first st, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st] 2 times, turn – 3 sc and 2 ch1-sps.
Row 12: Rep Row 10.
Pattern repeat
Row 13 (inc): Ch3, 2sc in first st, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st] rep to end, turn – 4 sc and 2 ch2-sps.
Row 14: Ch1, 1sc in first st, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st] rep to last st, 1sc in last st, turn – 4 sc and 2 ch2-sps.
Row 15: Ch3, 2sc, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc] rep to end, turn – 4 sc and 2 ch2-sps.
Row 16: Rep Row 14.
Row 17 (inc): Ch3, 1sc in first st, ch1, 1sc in next st, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st] rep to end, turn – 4 sc and 3 ch1-sps.
Row 18: Ch1, 1sc in first st, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st] rep to end, turn – 4 sc and 3 ch1-sps.
Row 19: Ch3, 1sc in first st, [ch1, skip sp, 1sc] rep to end, turn – 4 sc and 3 ch1-sps.
Row 20: Rep Row 18.
End of pattern repeat
Rep Rows 13-20 until you use approx. half of yarn, or until you reach half of the desired length. Finish either with Row 16 or Row 20. Then proceed to Decreasing part.
Decreasing part
Depending on which row you finished the Increasing part with, proceed either with Row 21 (if you finished with Row 20) or Row 25 (if you finished with Row 16).
Row 21 (dec): Ch3, 1sc in first st, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st] rep to end, turn – 1 st decreased.
Row 22: Ch1, 1sc in first st, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st] rep to last st, 1sc in last st, turn.
Row 23: Ch3, 2sc, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st] rep to end, turn.
Row 24: Rep Row 22.
Row 25 (dec): Ch3, 1sc2tog over first 2 sts, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st] rep to end, turn – 1 st decreased.
Row 26: Ch1, 1sc in first st, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st] rep to end, turn.
Row 27: Ch3, 1sc in first st, [ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st] rep to end, turn.
Row 28: Rep Row 26.
Rep Rows 21-28 until you have 3 sc and 2 ch1-sps left. Then proceed to Row 29.
Row 29 (dec): Ch3, 1sc in first st, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in next st, ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in last st, turn – 2 sc and 1 ch1-sp.
Row 30: Ch1, 1sc in first st, ch1, skip ch1-sp, 2sc to end, turn.
Row 31: Ch3, 2sc, ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in last st, turn.
Row 32: Rep Row 30.
Row 33 (dec): Ch3, 1sc2tog over first 2 sts, ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in last st, turn – 2 sts and 1 ch1-sp.
Row 34: Ch1, 1sc in first st, ch1, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in last st, turn.
Row 35 (dec): Ch3, 1sc in first st, skip ch1-sp, 1sc in last st, turn – 2 sc.
Row 36: Ch1, 2sc, turn.
Row 37 (dec): Ch1, 1sc2tog, fasten off.
FINISHING
Weave in all ends and block the scarf, if needed.
You can find a printable full version of My Scarf pattern on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE.
Hello and welcome to the Shape Play Wrap make-a-long exclusively designed and hosted in collaboration with Scheepjes. The pattern will go live on July 2nd, 2025, but today I would like to share all the information about the design together with colors and yarn amounts needed to complete this versatile accessory.
I have been wanting to design something like this for a few years now, but as it often happens, other projects kept jumping on top of my to-do list, and there was never enough time to sit and develop the wrap idea.
However, when Scheepjes approached me with an offer to host this summer’s make-a-long (MAL), I gladly put all current designing on pause and started working on the wrap right away.
The pattern will be soon available on Ravelry HERE (and on Etsy, too). In a meanwhile, you can get ready with the materials and join official Scheepjes groups on Facebook: Dutch or International.
The pattern will be available in English language with US crochet terms, and Dutch. It will contain full written row-by-row instructions as well as detailed photo-tutorial and video-tutorial explaining the basics of the technique.
Construction and measurements
The construction of the Shape Play Wrap is simple. It’s just a rectangle. But a few buttons on the sides can transform it into a poncho or a shrug.
Well, I should disclosure that the idea of the wrap-transformer, which can be worn and styled in different ways, does not belong to me of course. There are similar examples out there, but from the very beginning I knew exactly what stitch pattern I wanted to create.
The pattern is written for one size (approx. 70cm x 145cm / 27½in x 57in after blocking). These exact measurements come out of the average arm’s length, and it should fit a variety of body sizes and types.
However, the wrap is very easy to adjust for width and length, if you wish a bigger finished accessory. By doubling the width, you can even turn the wrap into a blanket (obviously, you will need more yarn for that).
Yarn ideas
My idea was to develop smooth, textured cables in contrast against the plain background. And it all worked out the way I imagined it in my head.
Yarn choices were also clear from the beginning, as I wanted to use Scheepjes Whirl. The first prototype was created with two Whirl cakes in the same color, and then we went even further with the wonderful tester’s team, to offer you as many options as possible.
Where to find yarn
You can find all yarns in your local Scheepjes store, or on Amazon (affiliate).
Option 1: Two Scheepjes Whirl cakes
You can choose if you would like to use two cakes of Whirl in the same color, or different colors. If you pick two cakes in the same color, you can either make your wrap symmetrical (so, both edges will be the same), or asymmetrical (the colors will blend into each other from opposite edges, and two edges will look differently).
And if you choose two cakes of Whirl in different colors, then obviously the wrap will be colorful and asymmetrical (in terms of placement of the colors).
Regardless of if you go with symmetry or non-symmetry, you will need an extra cake of Scheepjes Whirlette yarn to match one of the Whirls. And unless you choose the calm ombre shades of Whirl, the wrap will become bright and extraordinary.
The sample shown below was made by Ruth Lambert with Whirl 781 Sea Breeze Tease (and matching Whirlette 854 Blueberry) and Whirl 558 Shrinking Violet.
And here is another wonderful sample made by Laura Jackson. She used two Cotton Whirls in color 702 Cookies and Cream together with one cake of Cotton Whirlette in color 804 Cream.
Option 2: Whirl and Whirlette
This option is more consistent with the same Whirlette background throughout, and colorful cables created with Whirl.
This wrap is more discreet with fewer colors involved and will be a good choice if you are looking for an elegant everyday outfit.
The sample to represent this yarn option was made by Esther Schippers with Whirlette 891 Chestnut (4 cakes) and Whirl 795 Pastel Parfait.
Option 3: Mega Whirl
Visually, this option is like the asymmetrical wrap from option 1, with only difference that you do not need to make choices about separate Whirl cakes and no need to look for a matching Whirlette.
For this option, you will need just one cake of Mega Whirl, and you will work with both ends (inner and outer) at the same time.
Because Mega Whirl cake carries yarn amounts of three regular whirl cakes, you will have a decent number of leftovers after you finish the wrap. You can then use them for another project. For example, for a Grinda Shawl.
The Mega Whirl sample was created by Rineke Rottiné with 403 Noctura (only one cake is needed).
Option 4: Unity
Unity option is aimed at those who are looking into a warmer version of the Play Shape Wrap. Because Unity is a variegated yarn, rather than gradient, you will need only 3 colors (or even stay with just two for a minimalist look).
Scheepjes Unity yarn is warm, soft, a little fluffy and lightweight. Just what you need for cooler summer evenings or long winter days.
My sample uses 975 Canadutch (2 balls), 983 Scott (3 balls) and 970 Cypress Textiles (2 balls).
You will also need 10 buttons in size approx. 1.25cm/ ½in, and you can choose the color which matches one of the yarn colors.
This is all I wanted to share with you for now.
The pattern will be added to Ravelry and Etsy on July 2nd, 2025. Mark down this date and join our make-a-long.
Hope you enjoy!
Arcadia Square has become a new addition to my collection of the brioche crochet pattern, following the successful releases of the Archway Square and Blomma Square.
You can find an Arcadia Square pattern HERE on Ravelry and HERE on Etsy.
In contrast to these two previous patterns (which could be joined into an infinity crochet fabric), the Arcadia pattern presents a more traditional square shape with three ornamental sections divided with slim borders.
This graphical construction allows the use the Arcadia Square as a block for a blanket, in combination with other crochet patterns in the same size.
For example, you can only create the small central squares and join them together for Persian tiles look. Or complete full squares and use them as the fundamental base for a blanket, as in Kamala blanket, for example.
And of course, you can always stay with just one square and turn it into a cushion.
I am often asked how I finished my cushions with the crochet squares. The most common way is to crochet two squares and join them together. However, it might not be practical, as such pillows do not have a zipper and it complicates taking care of them.
The solution would be to insert the zipper along one of the joined sides, but of course not everyone is a sewer (including me), and although in theory I know how to do that, still the zipper installed by hand does not sound safe enough.
What I prefer while making the crochet cushions, is to find a ready fabric pillowcase in similar size to the crochet square (or maybe even smaller to give the crochet fabric space for stretching), and simply to stitch the square onto the fabric.
This way, the cushion will have a zipper (already installed into the fabric), and there is no need to crochet another square for the back of the cushion.
Additionally, I have figured out that such pillowcases keep the shape better, especially if the fabric is firm enough.
If you are still not sure how to do it, please check my video tutorial HERE.
For my Acradia Squares I used Scheepjes Softfun yarn in 5 colors, but my test sample was made with just two colors and it looked great, too. And of course, you can work with different weights of yarn, especially if you would like to make a smaller square or grow it in size without adding extra rounds.
You can discover Softfun yarn at your local Scheepjes shop, or via online retailers - Wool Warehouse* (UK, international shipping), Caro's Atelier* (NL, Europe), Taemombo (US&Canada).
Sarah Fabbri helped me with testing, and she picked two colors for her Arcadia pillow.
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| Arcadia Square by Sarah Fabbri |
I would recommend using solid colors for this pattern, or alternatively you can choose variegated yarn with long color changes, preferably with smooth blend of one color into another.
As an example, here are beautiful works of our testers team.
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| Arcadia Square by Loele van den Bergh |
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| Arcadia Square by Ruth Bracey |
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| Arcadia Square by Jenna Bowers |
As a common rule for all brioche crochet patterns, it is always better to pick high contrast shades of yarn. Which will help the stitch pattern to stand out nicely. And puffier soft yarns work the best for brioche crochet helping to fill the gaps between the stitches. While fine and slippery yarns may cause some holes.
Then it is recommended to work tighter or make all chain-spaces smaller.
If you are new to brioche crochet technique and not sure how it works, please check my Brioche Masterclass HERE.
And if you would like to dive into the Arcadia Square pattern right away to create your own masterpiece, grab your copy of the pattern HERE on Ravelry and HERE on Etsy.
Hope you enjoy!
