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Lion Granny Square Pattern

Lion Granny Square Pattern
4.4★ Rating
2-4 Hours Time Needed
3.9K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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Bite-Sized Project

Finishes in 2-4 hours—perfect for an afternoon of creative relaxation.

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Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Lion Granny Square Pattern

This pattern creates a delightful Lion Granny Square with a circular lion face appliqued onto a square background. It includes step-by-step rounds for the face, mane (fur), and small applique pieces (ears, eyes, nose, mouth). The pattern uses front-loop fur stitches to give a textured mane and teaches an invisible stitch finish for a neat edge.

Lion Granny Square Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for making cushions, blankets, or cute children's projects, this square measures about 11 cm x 11 cm using the recommended hook and yarn. Clear photos and notes guide you through color changes and assembly.

Why You'll Love This Lion Granny Square Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines classic granny-square charm with a playful lion applique that brings personality to every project. I enjoy the little technical challenges like the front-loop mane and the invisible stitch finish because they make the final square look polished and professional. I love how quick it is to make—it's the perfect project when I want a small, satisfying make in an afternoon. I also enjoy experimenting with colors to change the mood of the lion, making each square feel unique and special.

Lion Granny Square Pattern step 1 - construction progress Lion Granny Square Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Lion Granny Square Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Lion Granny Square Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love customizing this pattern by changing the color palette to create different moods — try soft pastels for nursery decor or bold primaries for playful children's blankets.

I often swap the yarn weight and hook to make bigger or smaller squares; bulky yarn with a larger hook gives a chunky statement square while fingering weight makes tiny appliques.

I sometimes replace the crocheted eyes with small felt circles or safety eyes for a different look — felt gives a matte, handmade feel while safety eyes add shine.

I like to experiment with the mane style: use longer loops in the FLO for a shaggy mane or shorter clusters for a neater look.

I add embroidered details like whiskers or a small mouth line to give extra expression to the lion; embroidery thread or thin yarn works well for details.

I make entire blankets of different animal squares; mix lions with other animal appliques to build a themed baby blanket or wall hanging.

I sometimes add a loop in one corner and make a single square into a coaster or ornament — just slip in a small hanging loop when working the final round.

I recommend trying subtle gradient yarn for the mane to add depth and visual interest without changing techniques.

I occasionally add a small backing of felt or a simple fabric square for extra stability if making a coaster or a toy panel.

I enjoy stitching multiple squares together and adding a simple border to create cushions; a neutral border unifies colorful squares beautifully.

I also try tiny outfit or accessory add-ons like a tiny crochet bow or scarf to personalize each lion for gifts.

I encourage you to experiment and have fun — small changes in color, yarn, or finishing can completely transform the final piece.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not tightening the magic ring properly can leave a hole in the center of the circle; pull the tail firmly and close the MR with the invisible stitch or a slip stitch to secure the center. ✗ Changing color incorrectly at the end of Round 4 can create a visible join; change color on the last yarn-over of the final stitch or use the invisible finishing method described to get a cleaner edge. ✗ Working into both loops when the pattern instructs front loop only will hide the mane detail; be sure to attach the brown yarn to the front loop of the [2tc, ch2, 2tc] stitch for the best fur placement. ✗ Skipping stitch counts during increases and rounds will make rounds uneven; always count your stitches at the end of each round to confirm the totals shown in parentheses. ✗ Finishing off without leaving long tails for appliques makes assembly fiddly; leave generous tails on ears, eyes, nose and mouth pieces to make sewing and positioning easier.

Lion Granny Square Pattern

Create a charming lion-themed granny square that adds a playful, handmade touch to blankets, cushions, or kids projects. This pattern guides you through a circular face, a textured mane, and small applique features like ears, eyes, nose and mouth. You'll learn invisible finishing, front-loop fur technique, and placement tips to assemble a neat finished square. Enjoy a creative, cozy project that makes a delightful gift or accent for your home.

Intermediate 2-4 Hours

Materials Needed for Lion Granny Square Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Lightweight acrylic yarn (DK/light) - Orange for face (small amount, approx 20-40g)
  • 02
    Lightweight acrylic yarn (DK/light) - Brown for mane/fur (small amount, approx 20-40g)
  • 03
    Lightweight acrylic yarn (DK/light) - Red for square background (small amount, approx 20-40g)
  • 04
    Lightweight acrylic yarn (DK/light) - Black for eyes and nose (small amount, approx 10-20g)
  • 05
    Lightweight acrylic yarn (DK/light) - White for mouth pieces (small amount, approx 10-20g)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.0mm (G/6) or 4 mm hook as specified
  • 02
    Yarn needle (tapestry needle) for sewing and weaving ends
  • 03
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Square :

Round 1 :

Using the orange yarn. MR, ch2, 12dc inside MR (12)

Info :

Tighten the MR by pulling on the tail of your yarn and then sl st in the 1st dc (skip the ch2).

Round 2 :

ch2, *dc inc* all around (24)

Round 3 :

ch2, *dc, dc inc* all around (36)

Round 4 :

ch2, *2dc, dc inc* all around (48)

Info :

Invisible stitch: after you are done with Round 4, cut the yarn, leave a long tail, and pull the yarn all the way through. With your needle, go into the 2nd dc from the back to the front through both loops, and then go through the center of the last dc towards the back. Pull the tail tight enough to create a stitch on top of the 1st dc and then weave in the excess yarn to secure it.

Infos :

Color Change: at the end of Round 4, you will need to do a color change to red. Method 1: change color at the last dc of Round 4 and then sl st to the 1st dc. Method 2: after Round 4, finish off with an invisible stitch and then attach the color red.

Round 5 :

ch1, *3sc, 2hdc, 2dc, [2tc + ch2 + 2tc] in the same stitch, 2dc, 2hdc* all around BLO (68)

Round 6 :

ch2, *dc* all around and [2dc + ch2 + 2dc] in the ch2 space (84)

Info :

Sl st in the first sc that you did at the beginning of Round 5. At the end of the round, finish off and weave in any excess yarn. You can finish off using the invisible stitch method or sl st in the 1st dc and then yarn over and pull it all the way through.

— Fur :

Info :

Attach the brown yarn to Round 4 in the Front Loop. Make sure to attach the brown yarn to the front loop of [2tc, ch2, 2tc] stitch. This way when you add the ears later on, the hair and the ears would not block each other.

Round 1 :

ch1, *skip a st, 5dc in the same st, skip a st, sl st* all around (72)

Info :

At the end of the round, finish off and weave in any excess yarn.

— Mouth x2 :

Info :

The mouth is done in the continuous rounds methods (no slip stitching when finish the round). Using the white yarn.

Round 1 :

MR, ch1, 6sc in MR (6)

Info :

Tighten the MR and continue to Round 2 without slip stitching.

Round 2 :

*inc* all around (12)

Round 3 :

*sc* all around (12)

Info :

Cut the yarn and finish off. Leave a long tail for stitching.

— Nose :

Round 1 :

Using the black yarn. MR, ch1, [2sc, dc, 2sc] in MR (5)

Info :

Tighten the MR but do not close it completely. Finish off and leave a long tail for sewing.

— Ears x2 :

Row 1 :

Using the orange yarn. MR, ch3 (which count as a dc), 7dc in MR (8)

Info :

Finish off without closing the MR and leave a long tail for stitching.

— Eyes x2 :

Round 1 :

Using the black yarn. MR, ch1, 5sc in MR (5)

Info :

Close the MR, finish off, and leave a long tail for stitching. You can replace the eyes with two pieces of felt.

— Assembly :

Infos :

Place the face components on the square. Use the tails for sewing. The ears are aligned to the corners of the square. The mouth pieces are a bit tilted and are between Round 2 and 3. The nose is in the center and the pointed part (dc) is directed downwards. The eyes are located on Round2.

Assembly Instructions

  • Place the face components on the square and use the yarn tails to stitch each piece securely in position.
  • Align the ears to the corners of the square and stitch through the ear tails to anchor them so they sit above the mane.
  • Position the mouth pieces slightly tilted between Round 2 and Round 3 of the orange face and sew them in place with the tails.
  • Sew the nose to the center of the face with the pointed (dc) part pointing downward and secure with several stitches.
  • Attach the eyes on Round 2, spacing them evenly and using the tails to stitch securely; felt can be used instead of crocheted eyes.

Important Notes

  • 💡The ( ) at the end of each round/row indicates the total number of stitches that should be completed for that round/row.
  • 💡When working through the rounds/rows, work through the entire stitch (back loop and front loop) unless stated otherwise.
  • 💡The chains at the beginning of a round/row do not count as a stitch unless stated otherwise.
  • 💡You can use any yarn to make this square; for example, using a larger hook and suitable yarn will make a bigger square.
  • 💡The finished square measures approximately 11 cm x 11 cm using the recommended yarn and 4 mm hook.

This Lion Granny Square is a cheerful, handmade accent that brightens blankets, cushions, and kid-friendly projects. The textured mane and sweet facial appliques make every square full of personality and charm. Make a set in different colors for a playful quilt or use as a cozy gift topper. 🧶✨😊

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The square is approximately 11 cm x 11 cm when using the recommended lightweight acrylic yarn and a 4 mm hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will change the final size; adjust your hook accordingly to maintain stitch definition.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and assumes familiarity with magic ring, dc, tc, hdc, working in BLO/FLO and basic finishing techniques.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crafters finish a single square in about 2-4 hours depending on experience and whether they make the applique pieces separately.

How should I attach the mane so ears do not get blocked?

Attach the brown mane yarn in the front loop of the [2tc, ch2, 2tc] stitch so the ears can be sewn on the top without being obstructed by the fur.