Expert-Level Granny Square Pants
Crochet Your Way to Stylish Comfort
Introduction
Crochet fashion has been taking the world by storm, and one trend that stands out is the vibrant and retro-inspired granny square pants. Perfect for those who love bold, creative fashion, these pants are a fun way to showcase your crochet skills. In this blog post, we'll explore the charm of granny square pants and provide you with a detailed, expert-level pattern to create your own stylish pair.
The Appeal of Granny Square Pants
Granny squares are a beloved crochet motif, known for their versatility and colorful appeal. They can be combined in countless ways to create stunning garments and accessories. Granny square pants, in particular, offer a unique blend of comfort and style. They are perfect for casual wear, festival outfits, or just lounging around in something cozy and handmade.
Materials Needed
Before we dive into the pattern, let's gather our materials:
Yarn: Medium weight yarn in various colors (approximately 2000-2500 yards total)
Crochet Hook: Size H (5.0 mm)
Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends
Scissors: For cutting yarn
Elastic Band: For the waistband (optional)
Stitch Markers: To keep track of your stitches
Abbreviations and Special Stitches
Here's a quick reference for the abbreviations and special stitches used in this pattern:
ch: Chain
dc: Double Crochet
sc: Single Crochet
slst: Slip Stitch
sp: Space
rep: Repeat
FO: Fasten Off
Granny Square: A classic crochet motif consisting of double crochet clusters.
Granny Square Instructions
To create your granny square pants, you’ll need to make 64 granny squares. Here’s how to crochet a basic granny square:
Round 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc into ring, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2 three times, slst to top of beg ch 3 to join round. (4 clusters)
Round 2: Change color. Slst to next ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1 rep from * three times, slst to top of beg ch 3 to join round. (8 clusters)
Round 3: Change color. Slst to next ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1 rep from * three times, slst to top of beg ch 3 to join round. (12 clusters)
Round 4: Change color. Slst to next ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in each ch-1 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each ch-2 sp, ch 1 rep from * three times, 3 dc in each ch-1 sp, slst to top of beg ch 3 to join round. FO. (16 clusters)
Pants Construction
Step 1: Create 64 Granny Squares
Make 64 granny squares following the instructions above. Arrange the squares in a 4x16 grid for the pant legs. Use a variety of colors to achieve a vibrant look.
Step 2: Joining the Squares
The join-as-you-go method involves attaching squares together while you crochet the final round of each square, rather than sewing them together afterward. Here's how to do it:
Complete Rounds 1 to 3 of the new granny square.
Begin Round 4. Work up to the first corner.
In the first corner (3 dc, ch 1), instead of chaining 2, chain 1 and then slip stitch into the ch-2 sp of the adjacent square.
Continue with 3 dc into the same corner space of the new square.
For the next side, work 3 dc, ch 1, slip stitch into the ch-1 space of the adjacent square, ch 1, 3 dc.
Repeat the joining process for the remaining sides.
Slip stitch to the top of the beginning ch-3 to close the round. FO.
Step 3: Assembling the Legs
Fold each panel (16 squares in length) in half lengthwise (4 squares wide by 16 squares long) to form two tubes.
Seam the long sides together using a mattress stitch or slip stitch to form the legs.
Step 4: Joining the Legs
Turn one leg inside out and insert it into the other leg, aligning the seams.
Join the legs together at the crotch by slip stitching or using a mattress stitch through the back loops only, starting at the center front, working through the crotch, and ending at the center back.
Step 5: Waistband
Attach yarn to the top edge of the pants. Ch 1, sc evenly around the top edge to create a base row for the waistband. Join with a slst to the first sc.
Ribbing:
Ch 9, sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across (8 sc). Slst in the next 2 sts of the pants, turn.
Sc-blo (back loop only) in each sc across (8 sc). Ch 1, turn.
Sc-blo in each sc across, slst in the next 2 sts of the pants, turn.
Repeat this ribbing pattern around the entire waistband. Join with a slst and FO. Weave in ends.
Step 6: Adding Elastic Band (optional)
Measure and cut an elastic band to fit comfortably around your waist.
Insert the elastic band into the ribbing waistband, overlapping the ends by about an inch and sewing them together securely.
Step 7: Hemming the Legs
Attach yarn to the bottom edge of each leg. Ch 1, sc evenly around the bottom edge. Join with a slst to the first sc.
Repeat for a second row to create a neat hem. FO and weave in ends.
Finishing Touches
Weave in all loose ends: Ensure all loose ends are woven in securely for a polished look.
Blocking: Lightly steam block the pants to shape and smooth out any uneven edges.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've completed your very own pair of granny square pants. These vibrant and unique pants are sure to turn heads and showcase your crochet expertise. Whether you wear them casually or make a statement at a festival, these pants are a fun and fashionable addition to your wardrobe.
If you loved making these granny square pants, share your creations with us on social media! Use the hashtag #GrannySquarePants and tag us in your photos.
Happy crocheting!
-de Bresla
