The hexagon granny is a granny square with six sides instead of four. It is worked exactly like the classic, from the center out, but you add six corners each round rather than four, so the motif grows as a six-sided shape. Crafters still call it a granny square out of habit, even though it is technically a hexagon.
Hexagons tessellate, which is their charm. Joined edge to edge they fit together with no gaps, giving a honeycomb layout that looks more involved than it is to make. They are popular for blankets and for the well-known hexagon cardigan, which is just two large hexagons folded and seamed into a shrug. The trade-off is that a hexagon blanket has zigzag edges, so many patterns add half-hexagons or a border to straighten them.
What you need
- Yarn
- Worsted (CYC 4) cotton or acrylic on a 4.0 to 5.0 mm hook. A hexagon cardigan needs two large motifs in about 600 to 900 yards.
- Skill
- Beginner to intermediate. The stitches are the same as a classic square; you simply work six corners instead of four.
Hexagon projects to make
- 1Classic granny hexagon. A six-corner motif worked from the center. Teaches placing six corners evenly.
- 2Hexagon cardigan. Two large hexagons folded and seamed into a shrug. Teaches growing one motif large and seaming.
- 3Honeycomb blanket. Many hexagons joined edge to edge. Teaches join-as-you-go on six sides.
- 4Flower hexagon. A floral center on a six-sided motif. Teaches combining a flower center with hexagon corners.
Where to find free hexagon patterns
Hexagon motifs and the hexagon cardigan are well covered for free. Ravelry filters hexagons by free, and crochet blogs publish the cardigan as a beginner garment. Look for a pattern that explains how to straighten the zigzag edges.
Stitches you will use
- Double CrochetUS: dc / UK: tr
- Chain StitchUS: ch / UK: ch
- Slip StitchUS: sl st / UK: ss
Looking for more? See all crochet granny squares patterns.