Mallory’s Project Spotlight
By Mallory Theiss
The granny square has made a huge comeback, and we are absolutely here for it. From classic blankets to modern apparel, these colorful motifs offer endless creative possibilities. One of the most popular projects we’ve seen is the Granny Square Cardigan, a timeless piece that combines nostalgic charm with contemporary style.
To celebrate this trend, we sat down with our very own Mallory, sewing teacher at Sew to Speak, to get the inside scoop on the stunning Granny Square Cardigan she recently completed. In this project spotlight, Mallory shares her process, from initial inspiration to the final stitch.
A Conversation with Mallory
We asked Mallory all about her beautiful crocheted creation. Here’s what she had to say.
Q: What inspired you to make a Granny Square Cardigan?
Mallory: I’ve seen so many beautiful versions on social media and have been wanting to make one for ages. It felt like the perfect project to showcase a fun color palette while creating a wearable, cozy garment. I love that a Granny Square Cardigan can be customized to fit your personal style, whether you prefer something bold and vibrant or soft and neutral.
Q: How did you choose your yarn and color palette?
Mallory: I knew I wanted a soft, durable yarn that would be comfortable to wear. I chose a DK weight yarn because it offers great stitch definition without being too heavy. My main color is a neutral cream, which really makes the other colors pop. For the squares, I picked a mix of warm, earthy tones—mustard yellow, terracotta, olive green, and a dusty rose. You can find a beautiful selection of DK yarns at Sew to Speak that would be perfect for a project like this!
Q: Can you walk us through the construction of your cardigan?
Mallory: Of course! The entire cardigan is built from individual granny squares. I started by making all of my squares first. I needed a specific number for the back panel, the two front panels, and the sleeves. Once all the squares were finished and blocked, I joined them together using the join-as-you-go method, which creates a neat, flat seam. Finally, I added ribbing to the cuffs, hem, and front opening to give it a polished, professional finish.
Mallory rocking her completed project and new granny square cardigan!
Q: How did you approach sizing and getting the right fit?
Mallory: Getting the right fit with a Granny Square Cardigan comes down to two things: the size of your squares and the number of squares you use. I started by making a gauge swatch to determine my final square size. Based on that measurement, I calculated how many squares I would need to achieve my desired bust and length measurements. It’s always better to make a slightly oversized cardigan than one that’s too snug, as the style is meant to be comfortable and a bit relaxed.
Q: What's your favorite detail of the finished cardigan?
Mallory: I really love the ribbed button band. I think it elevates the whole piece from a simple collection of squares into a "real" garment. I also spent a lot of time finding the perfect wooden buttons from our notions wall at the shop. Those small finishing touches truly make the project feel special and unique to me.
A closeup of Mallory’s attention to detail in her granny squares and finishing touches.
Q: Did you face any challenges during this project?
Mallory: The biggest challenge was weaving in all the ends! Each granny square has multiple color changes, which means a lot of ends to secure. My advice is to weave them in as you go. Finish a few squares, then sit down and weave in the ends before you crochet the next batch. It makes the final assembly so much more enjoyable.
Q: How long did it take you to complete it?
Mallory: It was a great project to work on over a few weeks. Crocheting the individual squares is quick and satisfying, making it easy to pick up and put down. The assembly took a weekend, and then adding the ribbing and buttons was another couple of evenings. It’s a manageable project that you can easily fit into a busy schedule.
Q: Do you have any special care instructions for it?
Mallory: Since I used a wool-blend yarn, I will be handwashing it in cold water with a gentle wool wash and laying it flat to dry. This will help the cardigan maintain its shape and prevent any shrinking or felting. Proper care ensures a handmade garment will last for years to come.
Tips for Making a Granny Square Cardigan
Feeling inspired to start your own Granny Square Cardigan? Here are a few essential tips to help you achieve a beautiful, professional-looking result.
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Block Your Squares: Blocking is non-negotiable! Wet block or steam block your finished squares before joining them. This evens out your stitches, ensures all squares are a uniform size, and makes the joining process much easier.
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Choose a Joining Method: There are many ways to join granny squares, including slip stitching, single crocheting, or sewing them together. Experiment with different methods on a few test squares to see which look you prefer.
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Swatch for Gauge: Always create a gauge swatch by making one complete granny square. Measure it to ensure it matches the size recommended in your pattern. If it’s too small, go up a hook size; if it’s too large, go down one.
Granny squares can be used in so many projects beyond clothing—let your imagination run wild!
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Maintain Color Consistency: If using different dye lots of the same color, try to alternate them throughout the project. This helps blend any subtle color variations and prevents obvious blocks of mismatched shades.
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Finish Your Seams: Weave in all ends securely. A well-finished inside is just as important as the outside and ensures your cardigan is durable enough to withstand regular wear and washing.
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Add a Professional Button Band: A crocheted ribbing or a fabric placket can be added to the front edges to create a stable button band. This provides a sturdy base for adding buttons and gives your cardigan a polished look.
Ready to start your next project?
Stop by the shop or browse our online store to find the perfect yarn, hooks, and notions for your very own Granny Square Cardigan. We can’t wait to see what you create!
About the Author
Mallory started teaching at Sew to Speak in February 2021, bringing her passion for sewing. Some of her favorite projects are making bags and small accessories (especially zipper pouches). At Sew to Speak, Mallory loves the warm, creative environment and finds joy in sharing her love for sewing with fellow makers.