Ready to take your modern granny stitch style to the next level? Well today we’re talking about the new book Modern Granny Stitch Crochet by talented crochet designer Claudine Powley of the Iron Lamb whose book is dedicated to the humble crochet stitch that is taking the crochet world by storm right now: the granny stitch.
In today’s blog post I’ll share with you my review of Modern Granny Stitch Crochet, what you can expect from this book, what you’ll need to get started and more.
Plus, I have a copy of this book to give away to one lucky winner! Be sure to read to the end of the review for an opportunity to enter to win a copy of Modern Granny Stitch Crochet.
Thanks to David & Charles for providing me with this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I do not guarantee a positive review of any product reviewed on my site. All opinions shared here are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no cost to you.
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What Is Granny Stitch
So in case you’re not familiar with what the crochet granny stitch is, it’s a series of dc clusters (3 double crochet stitches worked into the same space) worked offset from the previous row to create a fabric that looks like a series of triangles usually seen in a granny square. From my understanding, the term granny stitch came from the fact that this stitch was used in traditional granny squares but it clearly, can be used for so much more than that.
It is the favourite crochet stitch of many crocheters for its speed, simplicity and versatility beyond the granny stitch blanket or squares.
About the Author
Claudine Powley is a talented crochet designer with a strong social media presence online as The Iron Lamb. She has a lot of crochet patterns that give a modern feel to a stitch that was once deemed only for “grannies”. Like check out her Gin O’ Clock Cardigan, Granny Go Round Cardigan or my personal favourite, the Faraway Jumper with its fair isle style yoke. She has a lot of fun with colour and using this stitch.
Crochet Patterns in Modern Granny Stitch Crochet
There are 12 different crochet accessory and clothing patterns in this book that all use the humble granny stitch. Those patterns are:
- Folk Blouse
- Tank Top
- Patchwork Jumper
- Chevron Vest
- Striped Cardigan
- Ripple Top
- V-Neck Jumper
- Geometric Cowl *
- Boho Scarf *
- Colour Pop Mittens
- Colour Pop Beanie
- Festive Jumper
All of the crochet clothes patterns are written in sizes XS through 4XL. The mittens and beanie are available in adult sizes small through large and the patterns marked above with an * are available in one size only. All patterns come with schematics and size charts.
The patterns in the book are written using the UK terminology with a UK to US term conversion chart being found on page 12.
The patterns were straight forward and despite the ease of the stitch, I would say the majority of the patterns are for intermediate crocheters. I didn’t find any of the patterns in this book to be accessible for absolute beginners. There was no skill level expressly noted so these are observations based on my experience as a crochet expert and instructor.
I really loved the Ripple Top, Festive Jumper and the Boho Scarf. But my favourite pattern, the Festive Jumper, I love for just everyday wear as well, subbing in my favourite colours for the Christmas colours shown in the sample because I don’t think it would be warm enough for me in the cooler months here in Canada. I’d personally think of most of these as light summer tops and I can’t wait for summer days to return so I can make and wear a Ripple Top.
Check out the video version of this review & see a flip-through of the book
Supports for Makers in Modern Granny Stitch Crochet
At the beginning of the book on pages 14 – 15, you’ll find a section on tension (gauge) which is an absolute must-read to ensure that you’re making garments that actually fit. On page 16, there are some really helpful tips on adjusting the lengths of garments, shaping, changing colour and adding ribbing to check out next.
The majority of the supports, however, are found starting in the Crochet Techniques section starting on page 124. There you’ll find all the basic stitches used in the book with drawn illustrations accompanying the step-by-step instructions. Since all the patterns just use the traditional granny stitch in a variety of innovative ways, this section is very brief.
The Finishing Techniques section on 124 includes vital information makers need to properly finish their garments. There is a brief section on blocking, sewing a garment together and doing the mattress stitch. This section is accompanied by more illustrations but I feel actual images could have been a really helpful support here.
One thing that I found missing which would have been tremendously helpful to makers working through the collection of sweaters in this book is understanding ease in a garment. I was thrilled to see that information regarding ease was included with each size chart but if you’re new to garment making, this information doesn’t mean much or might be confusing.
Understanding ease helps you to pick the right size for you and when you’re spending hours with a crochet hook in your hand making a piece of clothing stitch by stitch, you want to have all the tools needed to get it right the first time. I love that it was included for those that know what it means, it just would’ve been helpful to add a quick blurb to explain it for those that don’t.
Materials You’ll Need To Make Things From This Book:
All the patterns in this book use either a DK weight yarn or a fingering weight yarn and one of the following hook sizes: 3mm – 5 mm hook.
Here is a list of materials used in the book:
- King Cole Bamboo Cotton (DK)
- Scheepjes Merino Soft (DK)
- Sirdar Snuggly (DK)
- Scheepjes Cotton 8 (Fingering)
- Scheepjes Softfun (DK)
- Drops Sky (DK)
- Viking Garn Alpaca Storm (DK)
- Hobbii Kind Feather (DK)
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Summary
Overall, I think this is a beautifully put-together collection of wearables that shows off this incredibly versatile stitch in lots of different ways. I love the selection of accessories and garments in the book and think makers will love to create their own unique wardrobes using their own colour selections and adding their own spin to these beautiful modern granny stitch projects.
If you’re interested in buying a copy of Modern Granny Stitch Crochet, it is available on here on Amazon.
Modern Granny Stitch Crochet Book Giveaway
Thanks to David & Charles Publishing, I have a copy of Modern Granny Stitch Crochet by Claudine Powley to giveaway!
This giveaway on The Loopy Lamb is open to worldwide participants (except where void by law and void in Quebec). Giveaway ends Friday, December 29th, 2023, at 11:45pm Eastern Standard time.
To enter, use the King Sumo form below. If you are on mobile and have difficulty entering, please use a desktop computer to enter. Only the Email address option is mandatory – all other tasks are optional, for bonus entries only.
