Year of the Horse Granny Square

 

Hello my fellow crocheters! Celebrate strength, and freedom with this Year of the Horse Granny Square. This textured crochet design features a beautifully detailed horse motif set within a classic granny square frame. From the layered muzzle and expressive eyes to the textured mane and ears, every element adds depth and personality to the piece. Whether you’re creating a themed blanket, a nursery décor project, or a unique addition to your animal-inspired collection, this square is a fun and rewarding. Make sure to stand out in any crochet project.

Overview:

• Skill level: Intermediate.
• Instructions style: written instructions + charts.

Check out the entire Animal Granny Square collection: 

Puppy | Frog | Koala | Chick | Kitty | Chicken | Mouse | Bunny | Ox | Tiger | Duckling | Piggy | Turkey | Monkey | Dragon

Get the ad-free, printable PDF of this pattern from my store: Ravelry

Or click here to jump to the instructions.

Want to pin this project for later? Just hover or click on the image below or any of the images in this post then click the red "save" button.

Materials: 

• Suggested yarn: YarnArt Jeans, 1.76 oz (50 g), 175 yards (160 m), or any similar cotton yarn in the following colors and quantities: one skein each of brown, off-white, dark brown, and beige, plus a few yards (meters) of white and black yarn.
• Black thread. 
• Two pearly colored beads, 4 mm in diameter.
• Crochet hook, size D/3 (3 mm).
• Tapestry needle.
• Fiber filling.
• Stitch marker.

Measurements of the square: 6" x 6" (15 cm x 15 cm) approx.

Gauge: 22 stitches and 12 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in double crochet.

Yardage: 62- 66 yards (57- 60 m). 

Crochet terms (US):

• ch: chain.
• st: stitch.
• sts: stitches.
• sl st: slip stirch.
• sc: single crochet.
• blsc: back loop single crochet.
• hdc: half double crochet.
• dc: double crochet.
• tr: treble crochet.

Instructions:

Granny square base: 

Note: ch 1 and ch 3 at the beginning of rounds count as sc and dc, respectively.

With brown yarn, make a magic circle, work as follows:

Round 1: ch 1 into the magic circle, sc 7, sl st into the first ch. (8 sts).

Round 2: ch 1 and sc in the first st, sc 2 in each st, sl st into the first ch. (16 sts).

Round 3: ch 3 and dc in the first st, dc in st, *dc 2 in st, dc in st, repeat from * to end, sl st into the third ch of the first ch 3. (24 sts).

Round 4: repeat row 3. (36 sts).

Round 5: ch 3 and dc in the first st, dc in st twice, *dc 2 in st, dc in st twice, repeat from * to end, sl st into the third ch of the first ch 3. (48 sts).

Round 6: ch 3 and dc in the first st, dc in st three times, *dc 2 in st, dc in st three times, repeat from * to end, sl st into the third ch of the first ch 3. (60 sts). 

Cut off brown yarn and weave in loose ends. With off-white yarn make a knot and at the eighth st after the end of last round, then work as follows:

Round 7: (ch 4, tr, ch 2, tr 2) in the first st, *tr in st, dc in st twice, hdc in st 3 times, sc in st twice, hdc in st 3 times, dc in st twice, tr in st, (tr 2, ch 2, tr 2) in st, repeat from * 3 times, tr in st, dc in st twice, hdc in st 3 times, sc in st twice, hdc in st 3 times, dc in st twice, tr in st, sl st into the fourth ch of the first ch4.

Round 8:ch 3 in the first st, dc in st, *(dc, tr, ch 2, tr, dc) in ch 2 space, dc in each st to next ch 2 space, repeat from * 3 times, (dc, tr, ch 2, tr, dc) in ch 2 space, dc in each st to last st, sl st into the third ch of the first ch 3.

Rounds 9 and 10: ch 3 in the first st, dc in each st to the first ch 2 space, *(dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) in ch 2 space, dc in each st to next ch 2 space, repeat from * 3 times, (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) in ch 2 space, dc in each st to last st, sl st into the third ch of the first ch 3.

Cut off off-white yarn and weave in loose ends.

Eye (make two): 

With black yarn, make a magic circle, then work as follows:

Round 1: ch 1, sc 2, hdc 1, ch 1, dc 1, ch 1, sc 3, hdc 1, ch 1, dc 1, ch 1, hdc 1, sl st into the first ch. Leave 4" (10 cm) yarn to sew in place. 

Muzzle:

With beige yarn, make a magic rind, then work as follows:

Round 1: ch 1 and sc 6 into the magic ring, (crochet in spiral rounds, and don't slip st at the end of rounds. Use a stitch marker at the end of rounds). (6 sts)

Round 2: sc 2 into each st to end. (12 sts)

Round 3: sc 1, sc 2 in st, repeat to end. (18 sts) 

Round 4: sc 1, *sc 2 in st, sc in st twice, repeat from *to last 2 sts, sc 2 in st, sc in st. (24 sts) 

Round 5: sc 1 in st three times, sc 2 in st, repeat to end. (30 sts) 

Round 6: sc 1 in st twice, *sc 2 in st, sc 1 in st four times, repeat from * to last 3 sts, sc 2 in st, sc 1 in st twice. (36 sts)

Round 7: sc 1 in each st to end. (36 sts) 

Cut yarn, leaving a 6" (15 cm) long tail to sew the mouth in place.

Right ear:

Row 1: with dark brown yarn, make a knot and ch 7, sl st into the second ch from the hook, sc into ch twice, hdc into ch three times. Cut yarn and weave in loose ends.

Row 2: with brown yarn, *hdc 2 into the first ch of row 1, hdc into next ch, repeat from * twice more, hdc 3 into ch, blsc into st to end. Cut yarn, leaving a 4" (10 cm) long tail to sew ear in place.

Left ear:

Row 1: with dark brown yarn, make a knot and ch 7, sl st into the second ch from the hook, sc into ch twice more, hdc into ch three times. Cut yarn and weave in loose ends.

To work next row, flip the piece over

Row 2: with brown yarn, blsc into first st of row 1, and repeat to last st (6 times), *hdc 3 into ch, *hdc into ch, hdc 2 into ch, repeat from * twice. Cut yarn, leaving a 4" (10 cm) long tail to sew ear in place.

Assembly:

• Eyes
  Position the eyes as shown in the reference photo and sew them securely in place. Using black thread, attach the beads to eye as shown.

• Muzzle
  Sew the muzzle to the lower half of the face. Before closing it completely, lightly stuff with fiber filling to create dimension, then finish stitching it closed.

• Nostrils
  Using black yarn, embroider the nostrils evenly on the muzzle.

• Ears
  Position the ears symmetrically at the top of the head and sew them securely in place.

• Forehead Marking
  With white yarn, embroider or surface crochet the white marking on the forehead as shown in the photo.

• Forelock (Mane)
  Cut eleven strands of dark brown yarn, each measuring 4" (10 cm).
  Insert each strand along the upper head line between the ears, attaching them with a lark’s head knot (or by pulling through and knotting securely).
  Comb the strands gently and trim evenly to shape.

• Weave in loose ends.

Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects. 

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Tangled Hearts Valentines Hat

Hello my fellow knitters! Celebrate the season of love with this cozy Valentine’s heart beanie, a charming knit that combines warmth with a playful romantic touch that come in two sizes: child and adult. Featuring a bold band of interlocking hearts worked in contrasting colors, this hat is perfect for showcasing your colorwork skills while creating a wearable piece that stands out. The snug ribbed brim ensures a comfortable fit, while the smooth stockinette body highlights the crisp heart motif beautifully. Whether you choose classic red and pink on black or a softer cream palette, this design is a sweet and stylish project for gifting or adding a little handmade love to your winter wardrobe. 

Overview

• Skill level: Intermediate.
• Instructions style: written pattern + chart.
• Sizes: this hat is available in two sizes, child and adult.
• Techniques needed: work in the round, (k 1, p 1) ribs, intarsia knitting, knit two stitches together decrease.

Get the ad-free, printable PDF of this pattern from my store: Ravelry

Or click here to jump to the instructions.

Want to pin this project for later? Just hover or click on any of the images in this post then click the red "save" button.

Materials:

• Suggested yarn: Alize Burcum Classic, (100% acrylic, 3.5 oz (100 g), 230 yards (210 m):
• Child size: one skein of black (60) (referred to as main color), Red (106) and powder pink (161).
• Adult size: one skein each of cream (01) (referred to as main color), Red (106) and Powder Pink (161).

• Circular knitting needles, 16" (40 cm) long, sizes US 7 (4.5 mm) and US 8 (5 mm).
• Double pointed needles (DPNs) set, size US 8 (5 mm).
• Tapestry needle.
• Ring stitch marker.

Sizes and measurements:

• Child size: crown width: 6"- 6.5" (15 -17 cm), height: 7.5" (19 cm), head circumference: 18" - 19" (46 - 48 cm).
• Adult size: crown width: 7"- 7.5" (18 - 19 cm), height: 8.5" (22 cm), head circumference: 21" - 22" (53 - 56 cm).

Gauge: 17 sts and 22 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in stockinette stitch and US 8 (5 mm) knitting needles.

Yardage: 

• Child size: 105 - 110 yards (95 - 100 m), approx.
• Adult size: 145 - 150 yards (130 - 135 m), approx.

Knitting Terms:

• st: stitch.
• sts: stitches.
• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• k2tog: knit two stitches together.

Instructions:

With main color yarn and circular knitting needles US 7 (4.5 mm), cast on 84 (98) sts. Join in the round. Don't know how to join in the round? here is a short tutorial on how to do it (from 0:26 - 1:15 min):

Put a ring stitch marker at the beginning of rounds, work as follows:

Rib round: k 1, p 1, repeat to end.

Repeat the rib round 8 more times. Change to circular knitting needles size US 8 (5 mm) and knit 3 rounds, work the pattern as shown in the chart, cut off added colors yarn.

With main color yarn knit 4 (6) rounds.

Decreasing rounds:

Round 1: k2tog, k 12, repeat to end. [78 (91) sts]

Rounds 2, 4, 6: k to end.

Round 3: k2tog, k 11, repeat to end. [72 (84) sts]

Round 5: k2tog, k 10, repeat to end. [66 (77) sts]

Note: change to DPNs when needed.

For Child size:

Round 7: k2tog, k 9, repeat to end. (60 sts)

Round 8: k2tog, k 8, repeat to end. (54 sts)

Round 9: k2tog, k 7, repeat to end. (48 sts)

Round 10: k2tog, k 6, repeat to end. (42 sts)

Round 11: k2tog, k 5, repeat to end. (36 sts)

Round 12: k2tog, k 4, repeat to end. (30 sts)

Round 13: k2tog, k 3, repeat to end. (24 sts)

Round 14: k2tog, repeat to end. (12 sts)

For Adult size:

Round 7: k2tog, k 9, repeat to end. (70 sts)

Round 8: k to end.

Round 9: k2tog, k 8, repeat to end. (63 sts)

Round 10: k to end.

Round 11: k2tog, k 7, repeat to end. (56 sts)

Round 12: k2tog, k 6, repeat to end. (49 sts)

Round 13: k2tog, k 5, repeat to end. (42 sts)

Round 14: k2tog, k 4, repeat to end. (35 sts)

Round 15: k2tog, k 3, repeat to end. (28 sts)

Round 16: k2tog, repeat to end. (14 sts)

For both sizes: cut the yarn, leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail. Thread the tail through all stitches, pull tight to close, and secure. Weave in the loose ends.

 Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects.

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Christmas Snowman Ornament

 

Hello fellow crocheters! I’m so excited to share this cheerful snowman wreath I made to add a bit of handmade winter charm to any space. I used soft yarn and festive colors, and used individual beads to give each little snowman face its own personality and cozy holiday feel. It’s lightweight and easy to hang, making it perfect for doors, walls, or any cozy corner during the winter season. This piece is all about celebrating creativity, comfort, and the simple joy of handmade décor.

Overview:

• Skill level: Intermediate.
• Instructions style: written instructions + video+ chart.

Get the ad-free, printable PDF of this pattern from my store: Ravelry

Or click here to jump to the instructions.

Want to pin this project for later? Just hover or click on the image below or any of the images in this post then click the red "save" button.

Materials: 

• Suggested yarn: Alize Cotton Gold Hobby, 1.7 oz (50 g), 180 yards (165 m), in the following colors and quantities: one red skein, one white skein, and one green skein.
• Crochet hooks, sizes E/3 (3 mm).
• One metal ring, 2" (5 cm) in diameter and 1/10" (0.25 cm) thick.
• Sixteen black beads, 0.16" (0.4 cm) in diameter, and forty black beads, 0.1" (0.2 cm) in diameter.
• Orange felt fabric.
• Tapestry needle.

Measurements:

• Ornament diameter: 5.2" (13.5 cm), approx.
• Cord length: 9" (22 cm). 

Yardage: 37- 38 yards (34- 35 m), approx. 

Gauge: 28 sts and 12 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in dc stitch.

Crochet terms (US):

• ch: chain.
• st: stitch.
• sts: stitches.
• sl st: slip stitch.
• sc: single crochet.
• hdc: half double crochet.
• dc: double crochet.
• picot: ch 3, sl st in first ch.

Instructions:

With green yarn, and around the metal ring, work as follows:

Round 1: make a standing sc around the ring, sc 47, sl st into first dc. Cut yarn and weave in loose ends. (48 sts)

Round 2: with green yarn and into any st, make a standing hdc (or bind the yarn, ch 2 and hdc), sc in each st to end, sl st into first hdc. Cut yarn and weave in loose ends. (48 sts)

Snowman head circle (make eight):

With white yarn make a magic ring, ch 3, dc 13, sl st to third ch of first ch 3. Cut yarn and weave in loose ends. (14 dc)

Attaching the Snowman head circles to the main circle:

Work the next round through back loops only.

Round 3: with white yarn and into any st of the second round, make a knot, ch 1 and sc (or make a standing sc), *make one picot, sc 2, [sl st into any st of the head circle, (sc into next st of the main circle, sl st into next st of the head circle) twice], sc, repeat from * to end of the round, sl st to first sc. Cut yarn and weave in loose ends.

Note: next round is worked into the outer five sts of each head circle.

Round 4: with red yarn, ch 1 and sc into first st of the head circle, sc in st four more times, *ch 5, sc 1 in picot, ch 5, sc five times into next head circle, repeat from * to last head circle, sc into last head, ch 5, sc into picot, ch 5, sl st into the first ch 1. Cut yarn and weave in loose ends.

 

Sew the beads of the eyes and mouth of each Snowman in place as shown in the photos. Using the orange felt, cut a one cm sides triangle, and roll it to look like a small carrot, stick them to the center of each snowman using glue.

With red yarn, make a 9" (22 cm) long herringbone cord, leaving out a 3" (7.5 cm) yarn tail at the beginning and the end of the cord. Make an overhand knot using the two ends of the yarn. Insert the two strands of yarn in the back of round 1, right at the center of any snowman circle, then tie them together.

Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects.

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