Polygonal Grannies (Expanding the Sides)
The Pentagon (5-Sided Granny)
The pentagon, or 5-sided granny, is incredibly useful for creating seamless tops, bags, and unique blankets because it naturally forms a slight curve, allowing it to conform to the body or act as a basin shape. To create a pentagon, we must establish five corner points in the first round.
Materials: Yarn and compatible hook.
Round 1: Establishing the 5 Corners
Start: Use the Magic Ring (preferred for tight center) or Chain 4/Sl St Loop.
Corner Start: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2).
Clusters & Corners: Work 3 dc into the ring, ch 2. Repeat this (3 dc, ch 2) 3 more times. End with 2 dc in the ring and join to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 5. You now have 5 clusters and 5 ch-2 spaces.
(You should have 5 clusters and 5 corner spaces).
Round 2: Defining the Shape
Move & Corner Start: Sl st into the corner space you just joined into. Ch 5.
First Half Corner: Work 3 dc into the same corner space. Ch 1.
Full Corners: Work a Full Corner (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into each of the next four corner spaces. Separate each full corner from the next with ch 1.
Join: Work 2 dc into the starting corner space. Sl st into the 3rd chain of the beginning ch 5.
(You should have 5 full corners and 5 side ch 1 spaces).
Round 3 and Beyond (The Repeater Round)
This is the repeating formula for all subsequent rounds.
Move & Corner Start: Sl st into the corner space. Ch 5.
First Half Corner: Work 3 dc into the same corner space. Ch 1.
Side Clusters: Work 3 dc into every ch-1 side space from the previous round, separating each cluster with ch 1.
Corners: When you reach the next ch-2 corner space, work a Full Corner: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Ch 1 after the corner.
Repeat: Continue repeating the Side Cluster sequence and the Full Corner sequence until you reach the start.
Join: Work 2 dc into the starting corner space. Sl st into the 3rd chain of the beginning ch 5.
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TIP: Checking Your Sides
To confirm your pentagon is correct, the number of clusters on each side (between the ch 2 corner spaces) should always be one less than the round number.
Example: In Round 4, you should have 4 - 1 = 3 clusters on each side.
4.2. The Hexagon (6-Sided Granny)
This Granny will be worked like the traditional granny except that it will start with (6 corners and 6 chain 2 spaces).
The hexagon, or 6-sided granny, is perhaps the most popular polygonal motif after the square. Its six equal sides make it ideal for garments and interlocking projects, as it creates a very dense, stable fabric. To create a hexagon, we must establish six corner points in Round 1.
The Heptagon (7-Sided Granny)
This Granny will be worked like the traditional granny except that it will start with (7 corners and 7 chain 2 spaces). The heptagon, or 7-sided granny, is less common than the hexagon but highly useful when designing seamless garments or complex tessellating patterns, especially those that need to curve more dramatically than a square. To create a heptagon, you must establish seven corner points in the first round.
4.4. The Octagon (8-Sided Granny)
This Granny will be worked like the traditional granny except that it will start with (8 corners and 8 chain 2 spaces).
The octagon, or 8-sided granny, creates a motif that is very close to a circle but with defined, crisp corners. This is excellent for specific geometric layouts, large decorative rugs, or motifs that transition smoothly into circular features. To create an octagon, you must establish eight corner points in the first round.
After learning how to make the most used Granny Squares, go and search for different ways to join them and cool edgings to use. Pinterest and YouTube have tons of ideas. I encourage you to visit my online Inspiration Board to spark creativity for your next project!
This ever-growing collection of completed Granny Square projects—from vibrant blankets and stylish garments or just plain weird stuff—is the perfect resource for choosing color palettes, understanding scale, and envisioning your final design. Visit www.crochetmethat.com and navigate to the Inspiration Board to see what other creators are making and find the perfect starting point for your unique creation. Happy hooking!