The classic crochet motif experienced a massive revival in the 2010s-2020s, shedding its “grandma’s afghan” reputation to become a symbol of modern fiber art. A granny square is a square motif typically worked in rounds from the center out, creating a lacy, geometric pattern.
The Revival (2011-2023)
What was once considered dated became Instagram gold. Young crocheters embraced granny squares for blankets, cardigans, bags, and home decor. The “modern granny square” movement used bold color combinations, gradient yarns, and contemporary patterns to update the traditional design.
Key Trends
Wearables: Granny square cardigans became TikTok viral items in 2020-2021, with #GrannySquareCardigan hitting 100M+ views. Harry Styles was photographed in a JW Anderson patchwork cardigan (2020), sparking a global recreation trend.
Blanket Projects: Join-as-you-go methods, temperature blankets using granny squares, and scrappy granny square blankets dominated Instagram feeds. The hashtag #ScrappyGrannySquare showcased colorful scrap yarn projects.
Home Decor: Granny square pillows, plant pot covers, wall hangings, and rugs became Pinterest staples.
Cultural Impact
The granny square revival represented intergenerational craft knowledge transfer and the reclamation of “feminine” hobbies as legitimate artistic expression. It also became a sustainability symbol — using scrap yarn, creating heirlooms, rejecting fast fashion.
Sources:
- Harry Styles JW Anderson Cardigan (Feb 2020): https://www.vogue.com/
- TikTok #GrannySquareCardigan 100M+ views (2020-2021)
- Google Trends: Granny Square search interest peak 2020-2021