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 crochet design is in I Like Crochet magazine!

When I saw the call for submissions seeking a sweater design with granny square sleeves, I knew I wanted to design a mock-neck, cropped sweater in a neutral base that mimicked a knit. And there was no question the real showstopper had to be the iconic granny square — a humble crochet design that originated in 1891 as a way to use yarn scraps.

I’ve always loved their history and vintage feel, especially when paired with bright, bold colors against a neutral background. When I Like Crochet chose my design, I got to work bringing it to life and writing the pattern.

Choosing Yarn and Color

Deciding on the off-white base color for the sweater was easy, but I did spend some time debating the yarn weight. I considered:

• Worsted weight yarn: lighter, more drape, but smaller stitches mean it takes longer to make and the granny squares appear flatter.
• Chunky yarn: thicker, fuller stitches, quicker project time, and creates that puffy, dimensional look that makes the granny squares pop.

I went with chunky yarn, and I couldn’t be happier. The larger stitches make each granny square full and plush, highlighting their texture and giving the sweater a luxurious feel.

Design Details

To really make the granny squares the star, I:

• Worked the billowy sleeves two-thirds of the way down
• Finished each sleeve with a row of bold, colorful granny squares
• Used the same off-white yarn in the squares to create a seamless connection to the sweater body

The contrast of bright colors against the neutral base makes the squares eye-catching, while the pronounced texture shows every single stitch (just check out the photo below — I still love it!).

I also love the boxy body, wide neckband, wide waistband, and cropped length. I wore it at Christmas with burnt-orange corduroys before seeing this photography, and it looks just as good with denim. It’s cozy, luxurious, and versatile — exactly what I hoped it would be.

Try the Granny Square Sweater Pattern Yourself

If you’d like to try crocheting a fun, beginner-friendly sweater that teaches construction and assembly, my Granny Square Sweater pattern is now available on Etsy!

This design was featured on the cover of I Like Crochet magazine, and now you can make it for yourself.

View the Pattern on Etsy

I hope readers of I Like Crochet try this pattern and love it as much as I do. There’s something so satisfying about seeing a design come together, stitch by stitch — and the granny square sleeves make every moment of the process extra rewarding.

Why the Granny Squares Work

The chunky yarn does more than speed up the project — it changes the texture entirely. The bigger stitches give each square volume and dimension, especially when you work clusters of stitches into one stitch of the previous round. The result? A puffy, vibrant, modern take on a classic crochet technique that feels both retro and contemporary.

I hope you try this pattern and love it. To learn more about how to design your own crochet sweater or top, check out my article, How to Design a Crochet Garments.

To purchase the pattern on Etsy, click the button below.