About This Dog Granny Square Pattern
This pattern creates a delightful dog granny square with a circular face, brown patch, ears, eyes, and a nose. It combines basic rounds with a textured square border to make a playful motif. You can use it as an appliqu e9, a cushion panel, or join many together for a themed blanket. The pattern includes full stitch counts and assembly notes for accurate placement.
Designed to be easy to customize by color or size, this square works well with any lightweight yarn. Step-by-step photos and tips help you finish tidy edges and sew facial pieces securely.
Why You'll Love This Dog Granny Square Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it brings so much personality with only a few small pieces. I enjoy how a simple circular base transforms into a playful dog face with just an eye patch, ears, and a tiny nose. The square border makes it easy to combine with other motifs or use on its own as a charming accent. I hope you find it as satisfying and quick to stitch as I did while designing it.
Switch Things Up
I love customizing the color palette on this square; try pastel shades for a soft nursery look or bold contrasting colors for a modern accent.
I sometimes swap yarn weight and hook size to create a mini or jumbo version, which changes the scale without altering stitch counts.
Try different border stitches instead of the corner cluster to give the square a lacy or chunky finish depending on your project.
I often embroider extra facial details, such as whiskers or freckles, to give each dog its own personality.
Swap the brown patch placement or make two patches for a unique, asymmetrical face design that adds character.
Turn the square into a coaster by fastening off and weaving in ends neatly, or make a set and join them for a blanket.
Use felt or safety eyes for a different look, but when using safety eyes, make sure they are securely fastened and safe for the intended recipient.
I like to add a small crocheted bow or collar for a playful accessoryβjust sew it on after assembly.
You can sew two squares together with stuffing between to make a tiny pillow or plushie face for a soft toy effect.
Experiment with textured stitches inside the circular base, like working some rounds in BLO, to add subtle shading or depth to the face.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
β Skipping the stitch counts at the end of rounds leads to incorrect shaping and stitch totals; count your stitches after every round and correct errors immediately.
β Not tightening the magic ring enough can leave a visible hole in the center; pull the tail firmly when instructed and then join with a slip stitch to close the ring.
β Changing color incorrectly at the border can create a loose or messy join; use the color change methods described and weave in ends neatly to secure the join.
β Failing to pin pieces before sewing may result in asymmetric placement; position and pin the eye spot, patch, ears, and nose first so you can adjust before stitching.
β Using inconsistent tension between the circular base and the square border can warp the square; maintain consistent tension and use the recommended hook size for uniform results.