Stylised Granny Square Coaster/Potholder

Stylised Granny Square Coaster/Potholder by Lu's Handicrafts

Project Overview

This downloadable crochet pattern from Lu's Handicrafts creates a stylised granny square design suitable for use as a coaster or potholder in your table setting. Designed by Kinjinlu Khumba and marked as pattern #KK-CrSq-002, this project combines traditional granny square construction with a modern aesthetic, making it an ideal intermediate-level crochet project for crafters looking to expand their skills.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece is a 7" x 7" square that works beautifully as either a functional coaster for protecting surfaces or a decorative potholder for kitchen use. The stylised granny square design offers versatility—multiple squares can be joined together to create larger projects, or individual squares can be used standalone for table protection and decoration.

Skill Level and Techniques

This pattern is rated at the Advance Beginner to Intermediate level, making it accessible to crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to work with pattern repeats and colour changes. The designer notes that while the pattern may initially appear complex, it becomes intuitive once you begin working, as the pattern repeat becomes visually apparent. The design emphasizes corner construction, with consistent double crochet increases placed at each corner to create the characteristic granny square shape.

Crochet Stitches and Construction

The pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches in US terminology:

• Chain (ch) – Used for foundation and pattern structure
• Double crochet (dc) – The primary stitch forming the fabric
• Double crochet increase (dc inc) – Used strategically at corners to shape the square
• Slip stitch (slp st) – For joining rounds and securing stitches
• Skip (skp) – For creating pattern spacing and design elements

The gauge is established at 10 double crochet stitches and 5 rows measuring 2 inches when worked in the specified yarn weight, ensuring consistent sizing when the finished square is blocked to its final 7" x 7" dimensions.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed to work with multiple yarn weights, accommodating 4-ply, DK, Aran, and Worsted weight yarns from any brand of your choice. The designer specifically recommends avoiding chunky yarn to maintain the intended finished size and drape. For reference, the designer used Oswal Khushi acrylic worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colours: Colour A requiring 37.5 meters (41.02 yards) and Colour B requiring 11 meters (12.03 yards). The two-colour scheme creates visual interest and emphasizes the stylised granny square pattern.

Tools and Supplies

To complete this project, you will need a 4 mm crochet hook, scissors for yarn finishing, and a wide-eye needle for weaving in ends. The pattern includes optional felt for backing and blocking pins to achieve precise finished dimensions during the blocking process, which is essential for achieving the final 7" x 7" square measurement.

Pattern Features

The stylised granny square design incorporates pattern repetition throughout, indicated in the instructions by asterisks *(---)* to denote sections that repeat. The corner construction is a key design element, with double crochet increases placed consistently at each corner to create the square's shape and the characteristic granny square aesthetic. This methodical approach makes the pattern easier to follow once the repeat is recognized.