If you’ve ever found yourself with a growing pile of granny squares and no idea what to do with them, Emma Varnam’s new book Vintage Granny Squares might just be the inspiration you’re looking for. With its mix of charming, vintage-inspired projects and a classic approach to construction, this book is all about giving granny squares a purpose with a vintage twist. But is it beginner-friendly? Are the patterns size-inclusive? And does it live up to the hype? I’m sharing all the things I loved—and the few things I didn’t—in this honest review to help you decide if it deserves a spot in your crochet library.
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Thanks to GMC Publications for providing me with a copy of the 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 purchases made through these links at no cost to you.
About the Author
Emma Varnam is a UK-based crochet designer and author with several well-loved crochet books under her belt, including 10,000 Crocheted Hats, Cute Crocheted Wild Animals, Cute Crocheted Woodland Creatures, Crocheted Houseplants and, Crocheted Succulents (click on the links to view my reviews of those titles). Find more from Emma Varnam on her award-winning knitting and crochet blog Emmavarnam.co.uk.
Patterns Included in Vintage Granny Squares
This book features 20 different classic granny square-based crochet patterns. The included projects are:
- Project Basket,
- Small Vintage Bag,
- Cosy Tank Top,
- Triangle Bunting,
- Vibrant Tea Cosy,
- Fingerless Mittens,
- Boho Scarf,
- Chain-Link Garland,
- Granny Square Hat,
- Hexagon Pot Holder,
- Beach Bag,
- Rectangle Tote Bag,
- Colour Block Cushion,
- Chunky First Blanket,
- Zig-Zag Blanket,
- Four-Square Blanket,
- Cocoon Shrug,
- Patchwork Star Blanket,
- Beautiful Vintage Blanket and,
- Soft Summer Blanket.
My favourite projects in the book are the Vibrant Tea Cosy and the Beautiful Vintage Blanket. The blanket reminds me of one that my grandmother had at her house when I was a child. It’s one of those projects that has a vintage vibe but still seems to have a modern twist.
About the Patterns & Sizing
The designs are classic and sweet, but I was disappointed to see that the top is only offered in one size (which, based on CYC standards, is a size medium). Since granny squares are so easily customizable, it feels like a missed opportunity that will leave lots of people disappointed. The hat and gloves also come in just one size. While the patterns for the top, hat and gloves mention that tension isn’t essential (which is only true if you don’t care what size they turn out to be), they do include motif measurements so you can still get the sizing right.
Makers will need to have basic skills in order to make the adorable items in this book. If they want to make the items that are supposed to fit a certain way (like the hat, top and gloves), they’ll need to understand the basics of crochet tension/gauge as well.
I appreciated that the exact yarn brands and color names were included, but it would’ve been even more helpful to see the CYC yarn weight numbers listed for clarity.
Crochet Terminology Used
The book uses UK crochet terminology. There’s a handy UK-to-US stitch conversion chart on page 33, along with a UK-to-US yarn weight conversion chart. I found the yarn weight chart especially helpful—it’s something I wish more books would include to make things easier for makers using different standards.
Skill Level Needed
The patterns are straightforward and easy to follow. I do recommend reading the “Making Granny Squares” section before you dive in, though. It explains how you’re expected to join new colors and this isn’t explained elsewhere. Skipping that section might leave newer crocheters confused. I would recommend this book to intermediate level crocheters or those that have the crochet basics under their belt.
Supports Included for Makers
Helpful resources start on page 30 and cover basics like how to do individual stitches (with illustrations), making basic granny squares, seaming, weaving in ends, using a pom-pom maker, blocking, and making tassels. That said, many of these explanations are quite brief and may not be as helpful for absolute beginners. I would’ve loved to see more detail, especially around topics like tension/gauge, blocking methods, and the pros and cons of different seaming techniques.
Supplies Needed to Make the Projects in Vintage Granny Squares
Crochet hook sizes used throughout the book include 3.5mm (E), 4mm (G), 5mm (H), and 6mm (J) (these hooks are my fave!). Yarns featured in the patterns include:
- Stylecraft Special Aran
- Scheepjes Catona 4ply
- Stylecraft Special DK
- Stylecraft Bellissima DK
- Stylecraft Naturals Organic DK
- Stylecraft Bambino DK
- James C Brett Chunky with Merino
- Scheepjes Scrumptious DK
- Stylecraft Batik DK
While the author has included the yarn brands in Vintage Granny Squares, she does note that granny crochet projects are a great way to use up your yarn stash.
Other notions needed include: a tapestry needle, a 3¼” pom-pom maker, and an 18” x 18” cushion pad (though the cushion pad isn’t directly listed in the pattern—so take note!).
Where to Buy Vintage Granny Squares
You can purchase Vintage Granny Squares by Emma Varnam on Amazon HERE or on bookshop.org HERE.
Overall
This is a sweet book of vintage-inspired projects that offers a nice variety of granny square-based patterns like gorgeous blankets, colourful cushions and other cheerful creations with a retro vibe. If you’re already comfortable making granny squares and want a pattern collection to turn to again and again, Vintage Granny Squares by Emma Varnam may be just what you’re looking for. While there are some missed opportunities in terms of size inclusivity and beginner support, the patterns themselves are charming and fun to make.
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