Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Crochet Pattern Review: Granny Stripe Shawl

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The granny stitch glow-up we didn’t know we needed — but absolutely adore.

Granny stripes, but make them chic! That’s exactly what the Granny Stripe Shawl by Lucia Stepankova delivers, and friends, let me tell you… this one is everywhere right now. And it’s not hard to see why.

This shawl brings that classic granny stitch comfort — you know, the kind that makes you think of nannas and endless tea — but gives it a modern twist with elegant drape, beautiful colour play, and that delightful, meditative rhythm that just makes you want to keep crocheting one more row.

What Makes It Shine

The beauty of this pattern is in its simplicity. It’s one of those “crochet and exhale” patterns — repetitive in the best way, and perfect for stash-busting or finally using that gradient yarn cake you’ve been saving for something special.

The triangular shape works up from the centre outward, and it’s so easy to customize — you can make it as small or large as you like. Add fringe, go bold with colours, or keep it soft and tonal for something more subtle. Whatever your style, this shawl makes it work.

And if you’re new to shawls? Don’t stress. This one is very beginner-friendly and a lovely introduction to working increases and shaping in a relaxed way.

Yarn & Hook Play

This pattern is flexible with yarn weights, but most versions I’ve seen use fingering or sport weight yarn for that airy, floaty feel. That said, a DK or worsted weight version would be just as cosy and give you that snuggly, oversized look — perfect for chilly mornings or layering in autumn.

It also makes a fabulous “TV project.” Grab a hot drink, pick your colours, and hook away. It’s that kind of relaxing crochet that fills your hands without draining your brain.

Why It’s Trending

Honestly? I think people are craving that mix of nostalgia and modern simplicity — and this pattern nails it. It’s easy, customizable, and looks stunning in both solids and variegated yarns. I’ve seen it paired with jeans and boots, tossed over maxi dresses, or even wrapped around shoulders for wedding season.

It’s also totally giftable — one of those makes that feels heartfelt but doesn’t take a thousand hours.

 

Have you read?

Activities and Crafts for Johnny Appleseed Day

Johnny Appleseed Day is sometimes celebrated on Sept. 26 because that is John Chapman’s birthday, but even if you’re just doing an apple unit study for fall it’s a great time to talk about Johnny Appleseed. 

And that’s the place to start, that Johnny Appleseed was a real person named John Chapman who was born in 1774 in what was then the province of Massachusetts Bay. He traveled west when he turned 18 and despite the image of him randomly tossing apple seeds everywhere, he was really a deliberate planter of apple tree nurseries, which he left in the care of others and checked on every year or two. 

Learn a little more of his story with these cute coloring pages (though not entirely historically accurate, they’re still cute) from Homeschool of 1. They also have a Johnny Appleseed themed word search printable. 

This pin of a Scholastic News page doesn’t link to a website, but it gives you some basic information and a true and false quiz you can use with kids. 

Crystal & Co. has a cute apple themed counting mini book you can print and use with your Johnny Appleseed unit. They also have some coloring pages with a bit of handwriting practice. Or practice cutting with the Johnny Appleseed themed worksheets from 3 Boys and a Dog. 

Make a Johnny Appleseed puppet to help tell the story with this craft with a free printable template from Simple Everyday Mom. You’ll also find some cute printable worksheets there to learn his story and put it in the correct order. 

Color, cut out and assemble this Johnny Appleseed drawing from Homeschool Preschool. They also have an apple seed counting activity you can use for practicing one to one correspondence. 

Tiaras and Tantrums has a free printable apple unit that includes Johnny Appleseed facts and coloring pages, as well as how to say apple in different languages, tracing apple vocabulary, art project ideas, science experiments and more. 

And if you need more apple themed activities to go with your Johnny Appleseed celebrations, check out my posts on apple crafts and apple learning activities.