Get the Look: Granny Square Fashion Trends

In fashion, what goes around usually comes around. This has been the case for 80s and 90s fashion in recent years, and the same is true for granny squares! Though many of us are instantly transported back to the flower power 60s and 70s when we think of granny crochet, it’s still inspiring designers today. Although crochet comes and goes in fashion, granny square fashion is showing no sign of going away!

As with so many things in textiles and fashion, details can change everything. We saw a lot of acrylic brown and orange afghans in 1973, and endless fringed ponchos in similar fibers and color combos. Fast forward to present day . . . we still see a lot of crocheted afghans and ponchos, but with modern and updated looks. How is that? Color! Color is the number one way makers are bringing this classic technique up to date and to reflect current styles.

Related: History of Crochet Granny Squares

From the Runways to Retailers to Your Hook

As you know, crochet cannot be reproduced by machines. So, any of those trendy crochet items we see walking down fashion runways have been made by hand by someone just like you or me! If you’re feeling inspired by a crochet project you see in a fashion magazine or for sale on a designer’s website, why not take matters into your own hands and save some $$?

Related: How to Crochet a Granny Square

Crochet Bucket Hats

Crochet bucket hats have been very popular the past few summers. Retailers like Urban Outfitters have several popular styles. You can get the look on your hook easily if you’re open to experimentation! You just need 5 granny squares and a hat pattern with a flared brim. Start with creating a 4-sided box with the granny squares and work the brim from the top edge of the box outward. Annette Petavy’s Fun in the Sun Hat is a great option for the bucket shape and brim.

Granny Square Garments

Free People, a sister store to Urban Outfitters, is also filling their racks with crochet looks. This over-the-top, head-to-toe, matched granny square set isn’t for everyone, but it’s fantastic fashion inspiration. You can use the color scheme of that product when making Robyn Chachula’s Labyrinth Cardigan.

Granny Square Bags

If you’re a fan of the high-end designs from Stella McCartney, it’s likely you spotted her collection of crochet handbags. Her Falabella Tiny Tote crocheted in organic cotton is a staggering $1,330. You can save a pretty penny adapting an existing crochet pattern to make this yourself. The Larger Than Life Bag by Cecily Keim made just 2 granny squares wide instead of 3 and finished with a chain-style strap would achieve a similar look at a fraction of the cost.

These are just a few ways to take granny square fashion looks you see on the runway and in retail store and turn them into projects you can make at home. Have fun using colors and styles that speak to you!

Related: Favorite Interweave Granny Square Patterns

Have you made a crochet project based on inspiration from a celebrity or fashion designer? Tell us all about it in the comments below—we’d love to hear all the details!

Originally from Iowa, Amy Gunderson lives in sunny Reno, NV. She’s been the creative director for Universal Yarn, yarn director for Jimmy Beans Wool, and all-around yarn enthusiast for over a decade. Her knit and crochet designs have appeared in most major magazines including Interweave Knits. When she’s not dreaming up a crazy sweater idea, you can find her violining, knitting at the dog park or smashing balls on the tennis court. Follower her on Instagram as @amyyounggunderson or on Ravelry as @amygunderson.