About This Lemon Granny Square Pattern
This pattern creates a cheerful Lemon Granny Square featuring a circular lemon motif, a contrasting border and a small crocheted leaf. It uses DK weight yarn and standard UK crochet terminology to shape the lemon and square. The pattern also includes instructions for surface crochet to create the lemon segments and finishing notes.
Perfect for joining into blankets, cushions or using as a standalone coaster or decoration. The finished square measures approximately 13cm x 13cm using the recommended yarn and hook.
Why You'll Love This Lemon Granny Square Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it brings a simple motif to life with bold color and playful texture. The lemon centre is surprisingly quick to make yet gives a big visual payoff, especially when paired with the bright border. I enjoy the mix of techniques — working in the back loops, creating the circular motif, and finishing with surface crochet — which keeps the project interesting without being overwhelming. Sharing this cheerful square in blankets or cushions always draws compliments and brightens up a space.
Switch Things Up
I love customizing this Lemon Granny Square by changing colour palettes—swap the lemon yellows for coral and peach for a softer summer look.
I sometimes make a mini version using sport or fingering weight yarn with a smaller hook to create keychain-sized motifs.
To make the square chunkier, I use aran or bulky yarn and a larger hook which creates a wonderfully tactile, cozy square.
I often try different border colours to change the overall feel—contrasting dark borders make the centre pop while tonal borders create a subtler finish.
For a modern look I substitute the leaf with a small embroidered stem or a button attachment.
I recommend experimenting with surface crochet colours—try pale grey instead of white for a vintage vibe or metallic thread for a festive sparkle.
I sometimes add beads or sequins along the lemon rim for a decorative, shimmering accent.
Combine several lemon squares with plain granny squares to create a patterned blanket or alternate with solid-colour squares for contrast.
I also customise the leaf shape by varying chain length and stitch heights to create longer or rounder leaves depending on the style I want.
When joining squares, I like to try different joining methods like join-as-you-go, whipstitch or visible slip stitch to see which finish I prefer for the final project.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Using a different yarn weight without adjusting hook size can change the final size drastically; match the DK yarn and 4mm hook or adjust your hook to maintain the 13cm square measurement.
✗ Joining colors in the wrong loop can hide your stitch definition and distort the border; join the pistachio to the back loops as instructed to expose the loops for the square rounds.
✗ Skipping the surface crochet step will make the lemon look flat and undefined; use white yarn to surface crochet horizontally, vertically and diagonally to create clear segments.
✗ Not weaving in ends or fastening off securely results in loose tails and unraveling; FO and weave in ends after the final round and again after attaching the leaf to secure everything.
✗ Rushing increases without counting can lead to lopsided circles and uneven squares; count stitches at the end of each round and check the stitch totals given in parentheses.
