Read About My Retro Revival Granny Square Sweater

By Nicki Byrnes

January 30, 2024

I’m so excited to share my Retro Revival Granny Square Sweater design is out now in the latest issue of I Like Crochet!

When I saw their call for submissions seeking a sweater design with granny square sleeves, I pictured a mock neck cropped sweater that mimicked a knit in a neutral color. I knew the show stopper had to be the iconic granny square, a humble crochet design that originated in 1891 as a way to use yarn scraps. I love their history and vintage feel, especially when used in a modern application like bright, bold colors and juxtaposed against a neutral base. I Like Crochet was on the same page, so when they chose my design, I got to work making the sweater and writing the pattern.

Deciding on the off-white color for the sweater body was an easy choice, but I debated what weight of yarn to use. I contemplated a worsted weight yarn vs. a thicker, chunkier yarn. A thinner yarn would allow for more drape in the fabric, meaning it would be less stiff than a thicker yarn. The downsides are it would take longer to make the piece (smaller stitches = more stitches need to be made) and the granny squares would look flatter or less dimensional.

Let me explain that. Chunky yarn makes bigger stitches, which not only helps with project time if you’re like me and like projects that move along quickly, but it also has a different effect on the fullness of the stitch. The bigger stitches look thicker or fuller than with a thinner yarn. With a design like a granny square where you work clusters of stitches into one stitch of the round prior, you get a particularly full and puffy look.

The decision was a no-brainer. The way the chunky yarn makes the puffy squares pop and highlights their texture is so lush. To further reinforce granny squares as the lead character in this story, I worked the billowy sleeves 2/3 of the way down and then wrapped the end in a row of bold granny squares. The bright colors enhance their eye-catching nature, especially in contrast to the neutral off-white of the sweater. I incorporated the same off-white yarn in the squares to have a seamless connection to the sweater itself.

You can see each individual stitch in the sweater due to the pronounced texture – just check out the photo below. I think that’s amazing! I love the boxy body, wide neck band mirrored by the wide waistband, and cropped length. I wore it at Christmas with burnt-orange corduroys before I had even seen this photography, but also love it with denim. It feels both cozy and luxurious.

I was taken by surprise when the issue was released and my sweater was the cover – my first cover design! I hope readers of I Like Crochet try this pattern and love it.