Crochet Stained Glass Granny Square Tutorial – Crochet and Knitting

Round 1 Outline: “Leading” Color (e.g., Black)

1. Attach Color: Join your “Leading” color with a sl st into any ch-2 corner space of Round 1.
2. Work Outline:
   • Ch 1 (does NOT count as a st).
   • Work  into the same ch-2 corner space.
   • Now, work around the posts of the dc stitches: Sc around the post of the next dc, sc around the post of the next dc, sc around the post of the next dc. (These are the 3 dc stitches of the cluster).
   • Work  into the next ch-2 corner space.
   • Repeat from * to * two more times, outlining each cluster and working into the corners.
3. Join: Sl st to the first sc of the round.
4. Fasten off “Leading” color. This ensures a crisp outline. You can weave in ends later or carry very loosely if comfortable.

Round 2: Second “Glass” Color (e.g., Emerald)

1. Attach Color: Join your second “Glass” color with a sl st into any ch-2 corner space of the outline from Round 1.
2. Make Clusters:
   • Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Dc 2 into the same ch-2 corner space.
   • Work dc 3 into the next space (the space between the sc outlines of the previous round’s clusters).
   • Work  into the next ch-2 corner space.
   • Repeat from * to * two more times, ending with a final  in the last space.
3. Join: Ch 2, sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
4. DO NOT fasten off “Glass” color.

Round 2 Outline: “Leading” Color (e.g., Black)

1. Attach Color: Join your “Leading” color with a sl st into any ch-2 corner space of Round 2 (Glass color).
2. Work Outline:
   • Ch 1. Work  into the same ch-2 corner space.
   • Work sc around the post of the next 3 dc (first cluster). Work sc around the post of the next 3 dc (second cluster).
   • Work  into the next ch-2 corner space.
   • Repeat from * to * two more times.
3. Join: Sl st to the first sc of the round.
4. Fasten off “Leading” color.

Round 3: Third “Glass” Color (e.g., Sapphire)

1. Attach Color: Join your third “Glass” color with a sl st into any ch-2 corner space of the outline from Round 2.
2. Make Clusters:
   • Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Dc 2 into the same ch-2 corner space.
   • Work dc 3 into the next space. Work dc 3 into the next space. (These are the spaces between the outlines, along the sides).
   • Work  into the next ch-2 corner space.
   • Repeat from * to * two more times, ending with two final  in the last two spaces.
3. Join: Ch 2, sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
4. DO NOT fasten off “Glass” color.

Round 3 Outline: “Leading” Color (e.g., Black)

1. Attach Color: Join your “Leading” color with a sl st into any ch-2 corner space of Round 3 (Glass color).
2. Work Outline:
   • Ch 1. Work  into the same ch-2 corner space.
   • Work sc around the post of the next 3 dc (first cluster). Work sc around the post of the next 3 dc (second cluster). Work sc around the post of the next 3 dc (third cluster).
   • Work  into the next ch-2 corner space.
   • Repeat from * to * two more times.
3. Join: Sl st to the first sc of the round.
4. Fasten off “Leading” color.

Optional Round 4 (for a larger square): Fourth “Glass” Color (e.g., Amethyst)

• The pattern continues as before, adding one more  cluster on each side between the corners.
• Attach “Glass” Color: Sl st into any ch-2 corner space of the Round 3 Outline.
• Make Clusters: Ch 3, dc 2 into same ch-2 corner space. . (Dc 3, ch 2, dc 3) in next corner. Repeat from * to * two more times, ending with a final  in the last 3 spaces. Ch 2, sl st to top of ch 3.
• Outline with “Leading” Color: Work as before, sc around each dc post cluster and (sc, ch 2, sc) in the corners. Fasten off.

Finishing Your Square:

1. Weave in All Ends: This is the most crucial step for a neat and professional-looking stained glass granny square. Take your time to weave all those short tails into the corresponding color sections, making them invisible.
2. Blocking (Recommended): For a truly flat and perfectly shaped square, blocking is a game-changer.
   • Gently wet your square (or mist it with water).
   • Pin it out to your desired dimensions on a foam mat or cork board, making sure the corners are sharp and the sides are straight.
   • Allow it to air dry completely.

Tips for Success & Customization:

• Practice Color Changes: Get comfortable attaching new yarn and securing ends.
• “Working Around the Post”: When outlining, ensure you are inserting your hook around the entire post of the double crochet stitch from the “glass” round, not into the top of the stitch. This is what creates the defined outline.
• Don’t Pull Outlines Too Tight: Work your outlining single crochets with a consistent, relaxed tension. If they are too tight, your square will pucker.
• Experiment with Colors: Try monochromatic schemes (different shades of one color with a dark outline), or go wild with a rainbow!
• Join-As-You-Go (JAYG): If you plan to make a blanket, consider learning the Join-As-You-Go method for granny squares. This will save you a lot of seaming time and create a beautiful continuous look.
• Different Stitches for Outline: While single crochet is straightforward, some patterns use slip stitch or even surface crochet for the outline. Single crochet around the post generally gives the most pronounced effect.
• Mix and Match: Use a variety of stained glass squares and solid granny squares in coordinating colors within the same project for added visual interest.

The stained glass granny square is a rewarding project that combines the charm of a classic with a striking modern twist. Embrace the color, enjoy the process, and watch as your crochet creations take on the brilliant luminescence of stained glass!

Video tutorial: