Hip to Be Square: 20 Contemporary Crochet Designs Using 5 Simple Squares

by Katie Jones

Overview

With Hip to Be Square learn how to transform five simple granny squares into 20 bold and bright designs featuring size-inclusive garments, stylish accessories and beautiful homewares. All five granny squares can be completed in a wide range of yarn weights, colors, and types; they can be extended to create bigger blocks, and they are interchangeable within the pattern designs, giving the reader unlimited options and inspiration. As well as the easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations, Katie also includes tips on how to care for your makes, so they stand the test of time – the perfect antidote to fast fashion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784885458
Publisher:	Hardie Grant
Publication date:	01/10/2023
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	413,067
Product dimensions:	7.70(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Katie Jones and her mom, Annie, run a crochet brand that's purpose is to make fun, colorful, hand crocheted pieces, embracing the sustainable practices of an old craft while giving it a new twist. Katie's designs have been stocked in luxury stores worldwide and featured on the pages of global fashion and craft publications. Her work has been shown at The Victoria and Albert Museum as part of its Fashioned from Nature exhibition, alongside Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood. Katie won the Selfridges Bright New Things Award, filling its Oxford Street window with Granny Squares in 2016, and has appeared as a judge on Channel 4's Kirstie's Handmade Christmas.

Editorial Reviews

11/07/2022

Crochet designer and blogger Jones modernizes granny squares in her vibrant debut. A “humble motif” that “got its name because of its clear, defined stitch pattern,” granny squares “bloomed in popularity” after they began being used for clothing in the 1960s and ’70. In updating the look, the author first offers an overview of crochet fundamentals, includes terms and techniques, a list of requisite tools, yarn 101, and a guide to getting one’s hand grip right. She then walks readers through making five basic squares and explains a handful of techniques that will come in handy, such as how to join squares and create sloped shaping in garments. The bold patterns include a floral quilt cardigan, a strappy tie-back top, a frilly bucket hat, a “lazy daisy” shawl, a colorful tote bag, and some fun home decor items including a bold spots-and-stripes blanket, and placemats and coasters in bright, contrasting colors. Crafters of all levels will have no problem following along. This is an easy recommend for crochet enthusiasts. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly