Welcome to Week 2 of the *31 Days of Squares* challenge! Today's square is a classic—the trusty, timeless, tried-and-true Granny Square.

I was going to save this one for when I was stuck... but surprise! I’m not stuck at all. I’m just deep into blanket planning for a friend, so this little gem popped up while my mind was off daydreaming about colors and cozy corners.

🧶 Why Every Crocheter Should Master the Granny

This pattern is foundational. It’s the peanut butter of crochet—versatile, nostalgic, and always reliable. Once you know how to make it, you can create everything from dishcloths to cardigans to full-on heirloom throws.

Want a pro move? I work mine using a chainless standing double crochet (csdc) to keep those beginnings crisp and neat. I’m working on my own video tutorial for that version—coming soon!

🧵 Double Check Your Ends

I like to weave in my ends as I go—less hassle later. But especially with this one, here’s a pro-tip: DO NOT just crochet over the magic ring tail and call it a day. That tail will wiggle its way out over time, especially in a loved-to-death blanket. Take the extra minute and weave it in securely. You'll thank yourself later. Promise.

📚 Resources Used

• How-to: Bella Coco on YouTube
• How-to: Sarah Maker blog

💬 Did You Crochet This?

Let me see what you’re making! Share your squares on TikTok or Instagram and tag me. Use #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares so I can follow along and cheer you on. 🎉

We’ve made it through Week 1! 🎉 Seven squares in, and today’s pick is a showstopper. The 8" Cabled Star Square by Amelia Beebe is everything I love in a crochet project: texture, structure, and just the right amount of “wait… how do I do this again?”

This square looks intricate, but once you get the flow, it’s surprisingly approachable—especially if you take it slow and follow the directions carefully.

🌟 Pattern Review: A Star is Born

This stunner comes from Ravelry: 8" Cabled Star Square. When I first opened the pattern, I had a moment of “oops, maybe this is too ambitious for Day 7,” but I was wrong. It’s wonderfully written and worked up smoothly with a little focus and coffee.

The finished square is crisp, textured, and gorgeous. I can absolutely see an entire blanket made from this pattern. Would it be a labor of love? Yes. Would it be worth it? Also yes.

🧶 Materials Used

• Pattern: 8" Cabled Star Square by Amelia Beebe
• Hook: 5 mm (H-8)
• Yarn: Caron One Pound in white

✂️ Weave In Those Ends

Like always—give your square a final check and weave in those ends before you toss it in the “done” pile. You’ll thank yourself later when assembling time comes.

💬 Are You Stitching Along?

Let’s celebrate the small wins together. Tag me on Instagram or TikTok and use #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares so I can see your progress! I love seeing how everyone interprets these designs.

📚 Resources

• Inspiration: 8" Cabled Star Square by Amelia Beebe

We’re switching things up for a few days and diving into Ravelry territory. I’ve bookmarked some promising squares, and today’s pick had me both excited and slightly frazzled. 😅

The square? Diamonds in the Round by Beverly Button. It’s a bold, eye-catching square—and it makes a statement. But friends, this one is not for the faint of hook.

🧶 Pattern Thoughts: Proceed with Caution

You can find the pattern here: Diamonds in the Round – 8-inch Square.

Let me be honest: this pattern is not beginner-friendly. It looks approachable at first glance, but once you dive in, it demands a high level of stitch awareness and adaptability. If you enjoy frogging… you’ll love this. 😬

I was hoping to feature easier patterns during the early part of this challenge, but this one snuck in with its beautiful center ring and crisp geometry. My finished square actually turned out great, but it took more effort than expected.

🧵 Notes & Materials

• Pattern: Diamonds in the Round by Beverly Button
• Hook: 5 mm (H-8)
• Yarn: White Caron One Pound

✂️ Don’t Forget Your Ends

You already know what I’m going to say: weave those ends in before you toss the square into your “done” pile. Especially with this center ring design, it helps to give it a little shaping and tug while you’re at it too.

💬 Are You Crocheting Along?

I want to see what you’re making—even if it involved a bit of frogging like this one did. Use #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares and tag me on TikTok or Instagram so we can compare our stitchy adventures!

📚 Resources

• Pattern: Diamonds in the Round 8-inch Square by Beverly Button

Day 5 is here and this square is done! This project is about progress, not perfection, and I’m giving myself grace this year to show up imperfectly and still keep going. 💛

Today’s square? The Fisherman’s Ring, and oh my goodness... it’s officially one of my favorites in this series so far!

🧵 Pattern Review: Fisherman’s Ring

This square comes from Crochet Patterns & Projects, page 12. I’ve been using this book for the past few days, and honestly, this might be the last pattern I pull from it. Most of them are not beginner-friendly, and the instructions could use a major overhaul.

That said—Fisherman’s Ring is a gem. It's considered intermediate, but with a little patience and maybe a replay or two of your favorite podcast, a confident beginner could definitely tackle it. It’s got great structure, a cool ring motif in the center, and it’s just… satisfying to make.

I loved this one so much, I’m planning a blanket using only this square and maybe one complementary design to break it up. When I get to that blanket, you better believe I’ll be posting about it. 😄

🪡 Materials Used

• Pattern Source: Crochet Patterns & Projects, page 12
• Hook: 5 mm (H-8)
• Yarn: Caron One Pound in white

✂️ Check Those Ends

You know what time it is—do a quick sweep and make sure your ends are woven in tight. The ring center of this square is especially noticeable, so tidy finishing makes a big difference.

💬 Did You Crochet This?

I’d love to see your version! Share it with me on Instagram or TikTok using the hashtag #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares. Let’s cheer each other on as the squares stack up!

📚 Resources

• Pattern: Crochet Patterns & Projects, page 12

Day 4 is here, and I’ve officially entered the "I’m not planning these squares ahead but I’m doing it anyway" phase of the challenge. Today’s pick is the Modified Granny Square from the same pattern book I used yesterday.

Let’s just say… we had words. I rewrote half of it with a pen before I could make it work. Buckle up, fiber friends. This one’s a bit of a ride.

📚 Pattern Review: Modified Granny Square

This pattern comes from Crochet Patterns & Projects, page 9. While the idea behind it isn’t bad, the actual instructions? Yikes.

I had to rewrite major portions to add missing stitches and swapped the starting chains for chainless standing double crochets. Otherwise, the square just wouldn’t work up cleanly. If you’re a beginner, I do not recommend this book unless you love decoding mysterious hieroglyphics made of yarn.

The result is… a bit of a weird granny square. But it’s finished, and that’s what counts today. 😄

🧵 Materials Used

• Pattern Source: Crochet Patterns & Projects – page 9
• Hook: 5 mm (H-8)
• Yarn: Caron One Pound in white (aka: my workhorse yarn)

✂️ Don’t Forget the Ends!

By now you know the drill. Before you move on to your next square, double check those ends and make sure everything’s woven in nice and tidy. Your future blanket will thank you!

💬 Did You Crochet This?

If you made this square (or a better version of it), I want to see it! Tag me on TikTok or Instagram and use #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares so I can admire your genius.

📚 Resources

• Pattern: Crochet Patterns & Projects, page 9

We made it to Day 3 of the 31 Days of Squares challenge! Today’s square is the Cluster Cross, and let me tell you... it was a bit of a bumpy start. But I finished it, and it’s looking pretty darn good if I do say so myself. 😅

This pattern is from the book Crochet Patterns & Projects, page 16. If you have the book, feel free to stitch along—and prepare for a tiny bit of head-scratching on Round 1.

📚 Pattern Review: Cluster Cross Square

Since this isn’t my design, I’ll give a quick review instead of reposting the pattern. Spoiler alert: the beginning was confusing. 😬

The instructions weren’t as clear as I’d hoped, and it took until Round 3 or 4 before I really “saw” the pattern emerge. If I make this again, I’ll start with a magic ring and adjust the chain count. I might even beef up the clusters—maybe swap in popcorn stitches next time for extra texture.

Once it clicked, though, it worked up almost like a granny square. I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners unless you’re up for a little puzzle-solving.

🧵 Materials Used

• Pattern Source: Crochet Patterns & Projects (page 16)
• Yarn: Scrap yarn stash to the rescue
• Hook: 5 mm (H-8) – my ride or die

✂️ Weaving In Your Ends (Again!)

I know, I say this every day, but seriously—don’t skip this step. Even if you wove in most as you went, give your square a once-over. Future-you will thank you when you’re not chasing down loose tails during blanket assembly.

💬 Did You Crochet This One?

If you stitched this square (or any others), tag me on Instagram or TikTok with #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares so I can cheer you on and admire your work!

📚 Resources

• Pattern: Crochet Patterns & Projects – page 16

It’s Day 2, and we’re already diving into a little texture and sparkle with the Emerald Asscher Afghan Square by Erangi Udeshika. This beauty adds depth without drama—just how I like my crochet.

Originally, I set out to crochet 365 squares (ambitious, right?). Life said “how about 33?” and honestly, I’m not mad. This revived version brings fresh joy to each square—and gives me a reason to pull out my favorite hook again.

💎 Today’s Featured Square

The pattern for today’s square is the stunning Emerald Asscher Afghan Square, available for free thanks to the generosity of the designer.

I won’t repost the pattern here out of respect for copyright, but you can find it directly through the link above. There’s also a YouTube tutorial for the front post bobble stitch included in the design. Super helpful if you're visual like me!

🪡 Pattern Review + Adjustments

The pattern comes with two size options (6" and 12"). I needed mine to land around 8", so I used a 5 mm hook instead of the suggested 5.5 mm and stopped one round past the 6" version. Easy peasy to adapt.

Stitches used: single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), and the front post bobble stitch. If you’ve never tried the bobble before, the video link above is your new best friend.

Though it’s marked as intermediate, the pattern is well-written and clear. I honestly think a confident beginner could tackle this with a little focus and some strong tea.

🧵 What I Used

• Yarn: White Caron One Pound (y’all already know it’s my go-to)
• Hook: 5 mm / US H-8
• Stash status: Alive and shrinking 🧶

✂️ Final Touch: Weave Those Ends

Yup, it’s that part. I know weaving ends isn’t the fun part, but your future self (and your seams) will thank you later. Double check those sneaky tails and tuck 'em tight.

💬 Are You Crocheting Along?

Tag your squares with #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares on Instagram or TikTok—I want to see your creations! Whether you’re following daily or jumping in mid-stream, you’re welcome here.

📚 Resources

• Pattern: Emerald Asscher Afghan Square by Erangi Udeshika
• Designer on Ravelry: Erangi Udeshika
• Stitch Help: Front Post Bobble Tutorial on YouTube

P.S. This project originally started as a wild idea to crochet 365 squares in a year. I made it to 33. 😅 These first 31 are getting a second chance to shine—refreshed, frogged, and fabulous!

Welcome to Day 1 of our 31 Days of Squares crochet challenge! 💪 I'm kicking things off with a super simple, super satisfying square: the classic double crochet block. Perfect for scrap blankets, easy to memorize, and it works up fast—which is good because, let’s be honest… I started this project behind. 😅

My goal? One square per day. Each square will be 8 inches so they’ll stitch together like a dream later. No complicated motifs or counting headaches—just one soothing square at a time.

✨ Let's Start Easy – The DC Square Pattern

To stay on track (and feel like a winner), I’m reusing a favorite square that inspired this whole challenge. It’s simple, sturdy, and already tested in a previous, never-finished Christmas blanket. Classic move, right?

All squares in this series will be the same size. Why 8 inches? Honestly… I don’t remember. But we’re going with it! 😄

Grab some worsted weight yarn and let’s roll.

🧵 Pattern: Simple Double Crochet (DC) Square

I like to use a chainless standing double crochet (CSDC) at the start of each row, but you can chain 2 if that’s more your speed.

1. Chain 24 (or 26 if you’re chaining 2 at the beginning of your rows).
2. DC in each stitch across (24 stitches).
3. Turn. CSDC or ch 2, then DC across.
4. Repeat until you have 13 rows—or however many rows you need to make it square.
5. Tie off and weave in ends.

🎉 That’s it! One done, 30 to go.

🧶 Pro Tip

🪡 Blocking: Yay or Nay?

If this blanket is for you, you can get away with a quick hand-block. I usually spritz with a bit of water and shape by hand. But if you’re gifting or selling your squares, use a blocking board for consistency. Matching sizes = cozy success.

✂️ One More Thing…

Before you celebrate your first finished square, double check those ends! Weaving as you go is smart, but if you’re like me, you probably missed one or two. Go ahead and tidy them up while the square’s fresh.

💬 Are You Crocheting Along?

If you’re joining me, I’d LOVE to see your squares! Tag me on TikTok or Instagram and use #AnnsDailyCrochetSquares so I can cheer you on and share your work.

🔖 Resources

• Inspiration: My own forgotten scrap blanket. Proof that even WIPs gone rogue can spark a fun crochet adventure.

If you've ever started a project only to realize your stitch markers have vanished into the couch abyss, this one's for you. 😂

This Essential Crochet Tools & Notions Checklist is your go-to guide for building (or refreshing!) your crochet kit. Whether you're just getting started or upgrading from a Ziploc bag of tangled hooks, this printable makes sure you’ve got the right tools for the job.

🧵 What’s On the Checklist:

• ✔️ The must-have basics: hooks, yarn, scissors, and more
• ✔️ Handy extras to make stitching smoother and faster
• ✔️ Bonus space to jot down your own favorites

👉 Click here to download your free checklist

✨ Why This Matters:

Having the right tools nearby keeps your projects fun—not frustrating. This list covers what you actually need, without sending you into a craft store spending spiral. (But no judgment if that happens anyway. We've all been there. 🧶🛒)

💌 Get More Crochet Goodies

If this checklist made your crafty heart happy, join the Laughing Yarns email list and grab even more free printables, project inspiration, and cozy encouragement.

📬 Join the Cozy List

💬 What’s in Your Crochet Kit?

Tell me in the comments! Are you a minimalist or a “one hook in every bag” kind of maker? What tool do you swear by that everyone forgets?

Ever get a pattern that says “use a size 8 hook” and your brain immediately says, “...8 what?” 😅 Been there. This free printable Crochet Hook Size Conversion Chart clears up the confusion between US, UK, and metric sizes—so you can hook with confidence.

📐 What You’ll Get:

• ✔️ Side-by-side chart of US, UK, and millimeter hook sizes
• ✔️ Quick reference for converting pattern instructions
• ✔️ Clean, printable layout to keep in your project bag

👉 Click here to download your hook size chart

✨ Why This Matters:

Some patterns say “4mm,” some say “G-6,” and others shout “Size 8” with no clue what country they came from. This chart sorts it all out in one pretty page.

Pro tip: Print and laminate it for your craft cart or stitch binder so it lasts longer than your current WIP pile. 😉

💌 Stay in the Loop

Want more cheat sheets, printables, and yarny resources like this? Join my Laughing Yarns newsletter and get the cozy goods delivered straight to your inbox.

📬 Join the Cozy List

💬 Got a Favorite Hook Brand?

Let me know in the comments! And if there’s another conversion chart or tool you'd love to see, I’m all ears (and hooks). 🧶

📏 Crochet Blanket Sizes Chart: Free Printable for Every Blanket Project

Making a blanket but not sure how big to go? Whether you're stitching up a snuggly baby blanket or a full-on king-sized masterpiece, this free Crochet Blanket Sizes Chart will take the guesswork out of your next project. 🙌

This handy printable includes standard dimensions for all kinds of blankets—from loveys and lapghans to twin, queen, and king sizes—so you can confidently plan your next crochet adventure (and buy the right amount of yarn the first time!).

🧺 What’s Inside:

• ✔️ 10+ standard blanket sizes (crib, throw, twin, queen, king, etc.)
• ✔️ Clean, easy-to-read layout for printing or saving on your phone
• ✔️ Great for both pattern planning and freestyle blanket designs

👉 Click here to download your blanket sizing chart

✨ Why This Chart is a Must-Have:

Instead of guessing—or worse, frogging an entire blanket halfway through—you’ll know exactly what size you're aiming for. I love keeping a copy in my project planner, and it’s a total game-changer when you're designing from scratch or adjusting a pattern.

💌 Want More Free Crochet Printables?

If cozy charts, cheat sheets, and creative tools are your thing, join the Laughing Yarns email list and get early access to all the good stuff. No spam, just yarny joy. 💛

📬 Join the Cozy List

💬 What’s Your Favorite Blanket Size to Crochet?

Are you all about the baby blankets or do you live for oversized couch throws? Drop your fave in the comments—and let me know what kind of chart or cheat sheet you'd love to see next!