Quill and Ink Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern
Quill and Ink Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This dark academia granny square is made for anyone who loves a little literary charm in their crochet. A tiny crocheted quill and inkwell sit at the center, framed by soft plum and mauve stripes worked in linked double crochet. The result is a neat 4 in (10 cm) square with a slightly open, classic granny texture and a smooth, cottony feel. It is a lovely small project for confident beginners ready to try an appliqué, and it works up beautifully for blankets, bags, or pillows.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: (2) Fine / sport weight yarn, 100% cotton — plum: 50 yds; mauve: 50 yds; dark brown: 10 yds; cream: 5 yds
- Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7)
- Notions: yarn needle, scissors, small amount of polyester fiberfill for the inkwell
- Finished size: 4 in (10 cm) square
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sl st — slip stitch
- sc — single crochet
- dc — double crochet
- inc — increase: work 2 sc in the same stitch
- dec — decrease: work 2 sc together into 1 stitch
- sp — space
- sts — stitches
- [ ] — repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated
Gauge
21 sts and 10 rows in linked double crochet = 4 in (10 cm). Work a small swatch in linked double crochet and measure it; if your square comes out larger or smaller than 4 in, adjust your hook size.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your linked double crochet even and relaxed so the square stays flat and measures 4 in.
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so joining is easy to find.
- Leave generous yarn tails on the quill and inkwell — you will use them to sew the pieces down.
- Do not overstuff the inkwell; light stuffing keeps it from bulging when sewn onto the square.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Square (plum and mauve)
R1: With plum, ch 4, join with sl st to form ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 2, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps). Fasten off plum.
R2: Join mauve with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (24 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 4 ch-1 sps). Fasten off mauve.
R3: Join plum with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (36 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 8 ch-1 sps). Fasten off plum.
R4: Join mauve with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (48 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 12 ch-1 sps). Fasten off mauve.
R5: Join plum with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (60 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 16 ch-1 sps). Fasten off plum.
Border
Rnd 1: Join mauve with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, *sc in each dc and ch-1 sp across to next ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Quill (dark brown and cream)
R1: With dark brown, ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook (6 sts).
R2: [sc, inc] x3 (9 sts).
R3: [2 sc, inc] x3 (12 sts).
R4: [3 sc, inc] x3 (15 sts).
R5: [4 sc, inc] x3 (18 sts).
R6–8: sc in each st around (18 sts).
R9: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
R10: [dec] x6 (6 sts).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Do not stuff. Flatten the piece to form the quill shape. With cream, embroider a few straight stitches along the tip for the nib.
Inkwell (dark brown)
R1: With dark brown, ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook (6 sts).
R2: inc x6 (12 sts).
R3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
R4: sc in each st around (18 sts).
R5: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
R6: sc in each st around (12 sts).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff lightly.
Assembly and Finishing
Sew the quill diagonally across the center of the square, with the tip pointing toward a corner. Sew the inkwell at the base of the quill, slightly overlapping it. Weave in all ends on the wrong side. Block the finished square lightly, pinning it to 4 in (10 cm) and misting with water; let it dry completely before removing the pins.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap plum and mauve for navy and charcoal for a moodier, more classic dark academia look.
- Make several squares and join them into a book sleeve, tote bag panel, or small pillow front.
- Use a finer hook and thinner yarn for a smaller ornament-sized square, or a larger hook for a chunkier blanket square.
