After following 'How to crochet a Granny Square throw part 1' You have become a pro at these Granny Squares. Now to make the "not so square" squares is going to be a breeze. (sounds silly doesn't it)

There are a few, still simple to do patterns. You will notice it just comes down to how you set up the first row, after you've joined the ring.

If you want to make the simple on-and-on-and-on-going throw then this first one is for you. A totally square throw is fine and dandy; but if you would like it to be the standard oblong you can achieve this two ways.

1. When the beginning granny square is established say maybe 10 or 12 rounds add 3 - 5 rows to two opposite ends only.
2. Or you can use the easier way and begin with a rectangular square (doesn't that just sound so silly). How about I show you and you make it along with me.

Work it as follows:

The Rectangle "Square".

Ch5, join with slip stitch to form a ring.

Round 1: ch3 for first dc, 1dc in ring, ch2 for corner, 5dc in ring ch2 for corner, 2dc in ring, ch2 for corner, 5dc in ring ch2, join by slip stitch to top of starting ch.

Round 2: ch3 for first dc turn work, (1dc, ch2 for corner, 3 dc) into corner space, 3dc into center dc of 5 dc cluster, (3dc, ch2 for corner, 2dc) into corner space , (2dc, ch2 for corner, 3 dc) into next corner space, 3dc into centre dc of 5dc cluster, (3dc, ch2 for corner, 2dc) into corner space, join by slip stitch to top of starting ch.

Do you see how its shaping into a rectangle? Slightly pull at the corner chain spaces so you can see it even better.

Round 3: ch3 for first dc turn work, 1dc, (2dc, ch2 for corner, 3dc) into corner space, 3dc cluster into each of next 2 spaces, (3dc, ch2 for corner, 2dc) into corner space, 2dc into next space, (2dc, ch2 for corner, 3 dc) into corner space, 3dc cluster into each of next 2 spaces, (3dc, ch2 for corner, 2dc) into corner space, join by slip stitch to top of starting ch.

Round 4: ch3 for first dc turn work, 2dc, (3dc, ch2 for corner, 3dc) into corner space, 3dc cluster into each of next 3 spaces, (3dc ch2 for corner 3dc) into corner space, 3dc cluster into each of next 2 spaces, (3dc ch2 for corner 3dc)into corner space, 3dc cluster into each of next 3 spaces, (3dc ch2 for corner 3dc) into corner space, 3dc into next space, join by slip stitch to top of starting ch.

Now you're all set; you continue on and on and on in the same way. You will notice that each side in each round increases by one cluster.

This square as the name says is not as "loose or lacey" looking. The sides are solid and will increase by one dc per side per round. Why don't we do one together so you can see what I'm talking about.

Ch5, join with slip stitch to form a ring.

Round 1: ch3 for the first dc, 15dc in ring, join by slip stitch to top of starting ch. (at this point you have a nice circle)

Round 2: ch3 for the first dc, 1dc in between each of the next 4 dc, ch3 for corner, [these 5dc are side #1 of square] 1dc in between the next 5dc, ch3 for corner, [these 5dc are side #2] 1dc in between the next 5 dc, ch3 for corner, [these 5dc are side #3] 1dc in between the next 5 dc [these 5 dc are side #4], join by slip stitch to the top of starting ch.

Round 3: ch3 for first dc, turn work, 1 dc in corner space, ch4 1dc in corner space, 1dc between next 4 dc, 1dc in corner space, ch 4, 1dc in corner space, [side #1 of this round has 6 dc] follow same steps for next 3 side, join by slip stitch to the top of starting ch.

From this point you can continue on until you have the size of square you would like. Just remember each side per round will gain 1 dc.

The many faces of Granny...

Remember it all just comes down to how you set up the first round. If you want to set up 4,5,6,7,8 etc...sides, all are possible as long as the "unit" (square, ...octagon...) which-ever lays flat. You might have to experiment with the beginning ring.

Let's do the five sided "Granny" together first...

Works as follows:

ch5, join with slip stitch to form a ring.

Round 1: ch3 for first dc, 2dc in ring, ch2 for corner, [3dc in ring, ch2 for corner] 4x, join by slip stitch to the top of starting chain.

Round 2: ch3 for first dc, turn work, 2dc, ch2, 3dc into corner space, [ch1, 3dc, ch2, 3dc in corner space] 4x, join by slip stitch to the top of starting chain.

Round 3: ch3 for first dc, 2dc, into ch1 space, ch1, 3dc, ch2, 3dc, into corner space, [ ch1, 3dc, into ch1 space, ch1, 3dc, ch2, 3dc into corner space ] 4x, join by slip stitch to the top of starting chain.

At this point you can stop or continue on a few more rows to make bigger units. (It's hard to call them squares)

Now lets try a six sided "Granny" together as follows:

The start off is the same as for the other Grannies.

As before make a ring. The ring can be made with 5 or 6 chain stitches. It all depends on your tension.

ch5, join with slip stitch to form a ring.

Round 1: ch3 for first dc, 2dc in ring, ch2 for corner, [3dc in ring, ch2 for corner] 5x, join by slip stitch to the top of starting chain. (Slightly pull corners to make sure it lays flat after each round).

Round 2: ch3 for first dc, turn work, 2dc, ch2, 3dc into corner space, [ch1, 3dc, ch2, 3dc in corner space] 5x, join by slip stitch to the top of starting chain.

Round 3: ch3 for first dc, 2dc, into ch1 space, ch1, 3dc, ch2, 3dc, into corner space, [ ch1, 3dc, into ch1 space, ch1, 3dc, ch2, 3dc into corner space ] 5x, join by slip stitch to the top of starting chain.

As with the other grannies this is where you will have to decide if you want to stop after three rounds or continue on and make bigger units. Just remember that with each round each side will grow by two clusters.

To judge if the stitch count is right for your tension lay down your work and gently pull at each of the corner spaces. If your granny doesn't lay flat and 'curls-up or frills-up' you have too much 'circumference' and you'll need to take away the in between the side clusters ch1 out. If the granny 'bowls-up' you're too tight and you'll need to increase the ch1 into ch2 between the side clusters.

Once you've found the right tension add it to your pattern. It's easy to forget how one "square" was made exactly.