Drunken Granny Stitch

A Gorgeous Crochet Stitch With a Funny Name

The Drunken Granny Stitch may have a funny name, but the end result is gorgeous.  It looks like little fans going in opposite directions, combining to create a textural fabric  ideal for scarves, shawls, blankets and even table runners. It's versatile and unique.

You don't have be drunk, or a granny to make a project using this crochet stitch, but it helps to have some experience and skill before you start on it - You will need to know how to make a foundation chain and double crochet stitch.  However, once you get the idea, it works up quickly. 

Thus, even if you are a little drunk, your project will turn out fine.  NOTE:  I haven't tested this theory, but I guess it's possible!

Drunken Granny Stitch Tutorial:
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More examples of this gorgeous crochet stitch using different types of yarn;

Drunken Granny Stitch Pattern

This is a one row repeat, so once you get the hang of it, you repeat each row until you get to the length of you want.

Use the yarn of your choice and a crochet hook size recommended on the yarn packaging

Chain a row of multiples of 5 plus 4:

For this example, I am chaining 24. (5 x 4 plus 4).

Make a slip knot and chain 24. Make a relaxed chain or use a larger sized hook for your chain if you tend to crochet tightly.

Skill Level

Easy

Abbreviations Used

Ch:  Chain

DC:  Double crochet

RS:  Right Side

WS:  Wrong Side

Sp:  space

Ch sp:  Chain Space

Skills Needed

• How to Make a Slip Knot
• How to Make a Foundation Chain
• How to Make a Double Crochet Stitch
• Blocking Crochet
• How to read crochet instructions

Supplies Needed:

• 100% Cotton Yarn, CYC: Number 4, worsted weight yarn.  For the tutorial, I used Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn.
• Crochet Hook: US 7 (4.5 mm)
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle
• Stitch Markers (Optional)

Notes About This Tutorial

• All directions use US Terms. A US double crochet stitch is called a treble in UK Terms.
• The stitch pattern calls for multiples of 5 plus 4 and has a single row repeat.
• For best results, block your fabric after finishing.

Instructions for Making the Drunken Granny Stitch Pattern

Row 1:  *Make 3 double crochet stitches into the 5th chain from the hook; Chain 2; Make 1 double crochet into the same ch; skip 4 chains. Repeat t from * until there are 3 chains left.  Skip the first two chains and make one double crochet into the last chain.  Turn.

Row 2:  Ch 3. *Make 3 dc in first ch sp, ch 2, then make one more double crochet stitch into the same space. Repeat from * Until you reach the end of the row.  Make one dc in the top of the chain 3.  Turn

Row 3 and onward:  Repeat row 2 until you reach your desired length.  Fasten off.

Finishing Off a Project Made with the Drunken Granny stitch

This crochet stitch is idea for a blanket, scarf, table runner, place mat or washcloth, just to name a few.  If you are making a project, you may want to create an edge around the project to create that finished look.

Before breaking off your yarn, Chain 3 and turn your work.  You will be working back along your work using single crochet and chain stitches only, turning at the corners, working down the side, the bottom and finally the last side, ending where you began.  

For the sides:  Make 2 single crochet stitches into the corner space and 1 chain, and then 2 single crochet stitches into each space.

For the top and bottom:  Make 2 single crochet stitches into the stitches and 3 single crochet stitches into the space. For corner spaces, make 2 single crochet and one chain.  When you reach the end, slip stitch and tighten off.  Sew in your ends.

Tips for the Drunken Granny Stitch

If you tend to crochet tightly, you may prefer to use a larger hook to make your initial chain, then reduce the size of your hook by .5 to 1.0 mm for all additional rows.

Changing colors is easy with this stitch, just change the color at the end of the row.  Leave about a 4 to 5 inch tail to weave in.  

Now, for Your Projects

Everyone crochets a bit differently and creating the drunken granny stitch is no different.  These next projects were submitted by our readers.  SKC makes no guarantees of their accuracy. 

As you can see, some folks will create the stitch using 4 DC and others use 3.  (meaning 3 double crochet stitches, chain 2, one double crochet stitch or a total of 4 double crochet in each chain space.   If you want a more compact fabric, try making it with a total of 5 double crochet stitches (4 double crochet, 2 chains, 1 double crochet stitch.)

I believe that the 3 double crochet, plus one is the more traditional approach as it resembles the way a granny square is constructed. 

Crochet Drunken Granny Stitch Table Runner, Free Pattern

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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