Crochet Merry-go-round Granny Square

Create a whimsical and festive granny square by crocheting a merry-go-round design. This unique pattern combines the traditional granny square technique with a playful merry-go-round motif, resulting in a charming and eye-catching crochet project. Choose a vibrant color palette to bring the merry-go-round to life, with each round representing a different part of the carousel. Add embellishments like buttons or beads to mimic the lights and decorations found on a real merry-go-round. This project is perfect for intermediate crocheters looking to add a touch of fun and nostalgia to their next blanket or pillow. Once you have completed the merry-go-round motif, finish off the square with a border that ties everything together. This crochet project is sure to be a conversation starter and a cherished piece in your handmade collection. Let your creativity shine as you crochet your very own merry-go-round granny square!

Materials:

• Worsted Weight Yarn: 20 yds of color A & 15 yds of color B. Picture shows ivory as color A, and red as color B
• Size H / 8 (5 mm) hook or size needed to achieve gauge
• Yarn or tapestry needle

Difficulty:

Intermediate – Worked in the round. Working in front loop only.

Sizes:

5″ square

Gauge:

13 dc x 7 rows = 4″ square. The actual square is small enough and works up quickly enough, that there’s no reason to do a separate gauge swatch. The finished square should be 5 inches.

Abbreviations used:

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• csdc = chainless starting double crochet (can substitute ch 3 if you prefer).
• sl st = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sp(s) = space(s)
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Instructions:

Note: All odd numbered (RS) rounds are worked with A, and all even numbered (WS) rounds are worked with B.

Rnd 1 (RS): With A, make a magic cirlcle, or ch 4 and join to form a circle. In circle, ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc, pull magic circle closed, join with sl st to first st, changing to B. (12 dc)

Rnd 2: With B, ch 1, turn, working in front loops only, (sl st, ch 1) in each st around to last st, sl st in last st, join with sl st to first ch, changing to A.

Rnd 3: With A, turn, working in unused (front) loops from Rnd 1, (csdc, dc) in first st, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st to first st, changing to B. (24 dc)

Rnd 4: Repeat rnd 2

Rnd 5: With A, turn, working in unused (front) loops from Rnd 3, csdc in first st, (2dc in next st, dc in next st) 11 times, 2dc in last st, join with sl st to first st, changing to B. (36 dc)

Rnd 6: Repeat rnd 2

Rnd 7: With A, ch 4 (counts as tr), turn, working in unused (front) loops from Rnd 5, (tr, ch 2, 2tr) in same st, *dc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next st,** (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in next st, repeat from * 3 more times, ending at ** on last repeat, join with sl st to first st, changing to B. (48 sts and 4 ch sps)

Rnd 8: With B, ch1, turn, working in front loops only, *(sl st, ch 1) in each st to ch sp, sl st in next 2 chs, ch 1, repeat from * 3 more times, (sl st, ch 1) in next st, sl st in last st, join with sl st to first st, changing to A. Fasten off B.

Rnd 9: With A, ch 1, turn, *working in unused (front) loops from Rnd 7, sc in each st to next corner sp, (2sc, ch 2, 2sc) in ch sp (covering the sl sts from the previous rnd), repeat from * 3 more times, working in unused loops from rnd 7, sc in each st to end, join with sl st to first st, fasten off. (64 sts and 4 ch sps)