The Granny Squares Bible

A flawless translation from the French edition by crafter and author Hiroko Aono-Billson, this trade paperback (7.75 x 0.98 x 7.75 inches, 1.69 pounds) edition of “The Granny Squares Bible: 110 Designs to Mix, Match and Crochet” from Search Press is a unique and thoroughly ‘user friendly’ step-by-step instructional guide that is an especially and unreservedly recommended acquisition for personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft/Crocheting collections.

Ideal as the building blocks for blankets, cushions, scarves and even garments, and perfect for stashbusting, the granny square is a crochet classic. This new collection offers a huge library of different designs, with stripes, texture and flowers all well represented. There’s also a large number of shaped motifs such as hexagons and circles, plus freestanding flower motifs. A great resource for the curious crocheter.

I have to say, my first thought when I saw this book was, ‘Oh, goodness! Not another granny squares book?’ And indeed, I have seen a few books on granny squares come and go over the years. But I put aside my jaded attitude and gave this new one the once over. It claims to offer 100 granny squares, […] I had a go at the Cathedral Square (p. 92) as it looked a bit different and, in my view, properly qualified!

Anyway, once I’d got over myself, I could concede that this book might be useful, even inspiring, for a beginner. It contains all the old favourites, and as mentioned, quite a few introductions to crochet stitches that will work up into a square, as well as motifs worked in the round that don’t, actually, make squares at all; that is, hexagons, diamonds, triangles, flowers and circles. I guess it begs the question, what makes a granny square swatch a “granny square”?’ (And a little humility perhaps? As who am I to decide what is, and isn’t, a Granny Square?) I’d be interested to know what Guild members have to say on this solemn debate!

But my last word should be on the book, which I don’t doubt could serve as a great resource for anyone just getting into my favourite craft, enabling a fun way to practise all the basics and skill up to the next level.

Hiroko Aono-Billson studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art in the early 1990s. In 1997 she founded her own company, BLUE FIELD. She designs and manufactures one-off commissioned designs and limited edition ranges of accessories, soft furnishings and clothing for retailers in the UK and Japan. After returning to the UK after four years living and working in Japan, Hiroko rediscovered the meaning of design, colour and space in traditional Japanese arts. Her new designs incorporate these influences.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.