{ "schema_version": "2.0", "page_type": "crochet_pattern_article", "source_id": null, "slug": "elephant-granny-square-free-crochet-pattern", "title": "Elephant Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern with Sculpted Ears", "meta_description": "Free elephant granny square crochet pattern with third-loop ears and a curved trunk. A 3.27-inch animal square perfect for baby blankets and sampler afghans", "published_at": "2026-07-26", "updated_at": "2026-07-26", "author": "Ruby", "thumbnail_url": "data/images/elephant-granny-square-free-crochet-pattern-hero.webp", "meta": { "title": "Elephant Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern with Sculpted Ears", "pattern_name": "Elephant Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern with Sculpted Ears", "difficulty": "Intermediate", "time_needed": "1-2 Hours", "rating": 4.8, "made_count": "1.4K", "taxonomy": { "category": "Granny Squares", "skill_level": "Intermediate", "yarn_weight": "DK / Sport", "tags": [ "elephant granny square", "animal granny square", "free crochet pattern", "dk yarn", "third loop crochet", "baby blanket square", "crochet sampler afghan", "half double crochet", "increase rounds", "magic loop", "nursery crochet", "small crochet project" ] } }, "cards": [ { "order": 1, "card_type": "hero", "code": "hero", "title": "Elephant Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern with Sculpted Ears", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "hero-info-1", "label": "Intermediate Level", "value": "Comfortable working hdc and dc increases in the third loop only", "raw_text": "Comfortable working hdc and dc increases in the third loop only", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "info", "code": "hero-info-2", "label": "One-Evening Square", "value": "About 1-2 hours from magic loop to woven-in ends", "raw_text": "About 1-2 hours from magic loop to woven-in ends", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "info", "code": "hero-info-3", "label": "Nursery Sweetheart", "value": "A 3.27-inch elephant built for baby blankets and animal sampler afghans", "raw_text": "A 3.27-inch elephant built for baby blankets and animal sampler afghans", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 2, "card_type": "about", "code": "about", "title": "About", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "about-info-1", "label": "", "value": "This pattern turns a humble magic loop into a tiny, unmistakable elephant — round head, gentle curved trunk, and two sculpted ears that stand slightly proud of the fabric. Instead of stitching a flat picture onto a square, the shape is grown outward through targeted sc and hdc increases, so the elephant emerges from the geometry itself. It is perfect for anyone building an animal sampler blanket, anyone who wants a quick win between larger projects, and anyone who has ever wished their granny squares had a little personality", "raw_text": "This pattern turns a humble magic loop into a tiny, unmistakable elephant — round head, gentle curved trunk, and two sculpted ears that stand slightly proud of the fabric. Instead of stitching a flat picture onto a square, the shape is grown outward through targeted sc and hdc increases, so the elephant emerges from the geometry itself. It is perfect for anyone building an animal sampler blanket, anyone who wants a quick win between larger projects, and anyone who has ever wished their granny squares had a little personality", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "info", "code": "about-info-2", "label": "", "value": "You will work a magic loop, standing chain-1 starts, single and half double crochet increases, and — the star technique — third-loop-only rounds that create the ears. Working into that hidden back bar of the hdc leaves the front loops free as a decorative ridge and lets each ear sit on its own plane. Two colors keep the body and ears distinct. If you can count increases and identify the third loop, you are ready. Plan on one to two relaxed hours, including finishing and blocking", "raw_text": "You will work a magic loop, standing chain-1 starts, single and half double crochet increases, and — the star technique — third-loop-only rounds that create the ears. Working into that hidden back bar of the hdc leaves the front loops free as a decorative ridge and lets each ear sit on its own plane. Two colors keep the body and ears distinct. If you can count increases and identify the third loop, you are ready. Plan on one to two relaxed hours, including finishing and blocking", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "info", "code": "about-info-3", "label": "", "value": "The finished square measures about 3.27 by 3.27 inches in DK or sport weight wool on a 3.00 mm hook — small, dense, and pleasantly firm, with the ridged third-loop rows giving it real texture under your thumb. The elephant reads clearly from across a room, which makes a single square lovely as an ornament, a bag patch, a coaster, or a gift tag. Stitch a dozen and you have a baby blanket that new parents will actually keep", "raw_text": "The finished square measures about 3.27 by 3.27 inches in DK or sport weight wool on a 3.00 mm hook — small, dense, and pleasantly firm, with the ridged third-loop rows giving it real texture under your thumb. The elephant reads clearly from across a room, which makes a single square lovely as an ornament, a bag patch, a coaster, or a gift tag. Stitch a dozen and you have a baby blanket that new parents will actually keep", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "info", "code": "about-info-4", "label": "", "value": "Because the square is built in short rounds with frequent fasten-offs, it is an easy pattern to pick up and put down. That makes it a genuinely good travel project and a forgiving one for crocheters who are still building confidence with shaped work", "raw_text": "Because the square is built in short rounds with frequent fasten-offs, it is an easy pattern to pick up and put down. That makes it a genuinely good travel project and a forgiving one for crocheters who are still building confidence with shaped work", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 3, "card_type": "why_love", "code": "why-love", "title": "Why You'll Love This Pattern", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "why-love-1", "label": "", "value": "I fell for this one the moment the second round started curving. You begin with eight sc in a magic loop — nothing remarkable — and then those four consecutive hdc increases push one side outward while the sc increases keep the other side tight, and suddenly you are holding a head with a trunk instead of a circle. That is the kind of quiet cleverness I love in a small pattern. My favorite moment is the third-loop ears. Turning the fabric upside down, finding that little horizontal bar behind the hdc, and joining fresh yarn there feels like discovering a secret door in your own work. Each ear grows from three dc increases into a soft fan that sits above the surface with genuine dimension, and the sc edging worked back along the ear's join gives it a finished, tucked-in look. I also love how honest the scale is: at roughly 3.27 inches, you get all that shaping in a square you can finish in an evening. It is a small pattern that behaves like a much bigger accomplishment", "raw_text": "I fell for this one the moment the second round started curving. You begin with eight sc in a magic loop — nothing remarkable — and then those four consecutive hdc increases push one side outward while the sc increases keep the other side tight, and suddenly you are holding a head with a trunk instead of a circle. That is the kind of quiet cleverness I love in a small pattern. My favorite moment is the third-loop ears. Turning the fabric upside down, finding that little horizontal bar behind the hdc, and joining fresh yarn there feels like discovering a secret door in your own work. Each ear grows from three dc increases into a soft fan that sits above the surface with genuine dimension, and the sc edging worked back along the ear's join gives it a finished, tucked-in look. I also love how honest the scale is: at roughly 3.27 inches, you get all that shaping in a square you can finish in an evening. It is a small pattern that behaves like a much bigger accomplishment", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 4, "card_type": "switch_things_up", "code": "switch-things-up", "title": "Switch Things Up", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "switch-1", "label": "", "value": "Color is where this square gets fun. The classic pairing is a soft grey body with a dusty pink inner ear — think Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in Soft Fudge or Storm Grey with Blush Pink for the ears. For a nursery that skips pastels, try charcoal with mustard ears, or a deep navy body with cream ears for a storybook look. Scheepjes Catona and DROPS Baby Merino both sit in the right weight range and give crisp stitch definition, which matters here because your increases need to be readable. Want a bigger elephant? Move to worsted weight with a 4.00 mm hook and the same stitch counts will land you closer to 4.25 inches with no math at all. To scale up within DK, add a fourth round after the existing three: work 1 sc in each stitch with an increase every third stitch, keeping the trunk side denser than the ear side so the silhouette stays elephant-shaped rather than ballooning into a circle. For the ears, swapping the three dc increases for three treble increases gives you a floppier, larger ear with more droop. Seasonal riffs are easy. A white body with pale blue ears reads as a winter elephant for a holiday garland. Work the ears in a self-striping sock yarn and each elephant in your blanket gets unique ear markings, like a real herd. For a safari sampler, keep the body shape identical and change only the ear color and a single embroidered eye — grey for elephant, tan for a hippo cousin, pale grey-blue for a rhino. And if you want texture instead of contrast, work the entire square in one color and let the third-loop ridges do all the visual work; in a chunky cotton like Yarn and Colors Must-Have it becomes a wonderfully tactile coaster", "raw_text": "Color is where this square gets fun. The classic pairing is a soft grey body with a dusty pink inner ear — think Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in Soft Fudge or Storm Grey with Blush Pink for the ears. For a nursery that skips pastels, try charcoal with mustard ears, or a deep navy body with cream ears for a storybook look. Scheepjes Catona and DROPS Baby Merino both sit in the right weight range and give crisp stitch definition, which matters here because your increases need to be readable. Want a bigger elephant? Move to worsted weight with a 4.00 mm hook and the same stitch counts will land you closer to 4.25 inches with no math at all. To scale up within DK, add a fourth round after the existing three: work 1 sc in each stitch with an increase every third stitch, keeping the trunk side denser than the ear side so the silhouette stays elephant-shaped rather than ballooning into a circle. For the ears, swapping the three dc increases for three treble increases gives you a floppier, larger ear with more droop. Seasonal riffs are easy. A white body with pale blue ears reads as a winter elephant for a holiday garland. Work the ears in a self-striping sock yarn and each elephant in your blanket gets unique ear markings, like a real herd. For a safari sampler, keep the body shape identical and change only the ear color and a single embroidered eye — grey for elephant, tan for a hippo cousin, pale grey-blue for a rhino. And if you want texture instead of contrast, work the entire square in one color and let the third-loop ridges do all the visual work; in a chunky cotton like Yarn and Colors Must-Have it becomes a wonderfully tactile coaster", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 5, "card_type": "common_mistakes", "code": "common-mistakes", "title": "Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-1", "label": "Working the ear rounds into both loops instead of the third loop only", "value": "The third loop is the horizontal bar sitting behind and below the top two loops of an hdc — you only see it when you flip the fabric so the wrong side faces you. If your ear lies flat against the square instead of standing away from it, you almost certainly caught the top loops. Rip back, turn the fabric upside down as the pattern instructs, tilt it toward the light, and hook only that back bar. The front loops should stay visible as an unbroken ridge along the top", "raw_text": "The third loop is the horizontal bar sitting behind and below the top two loops of an hdc — you only see it when you flip the fabric so the wrong side faces you. If your ear lies flat against the square instead of standing away from it, you almost certainly caught the top loops. Rip back, turn the fabric upside down as the pattern instructs, tilt it toward the light, and hook only that back bar. The front loops should stay visible as an unbroken ridge along the top", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-2", "label": "Treating the standing chain-1 as an actual stitch and counting it in the round", "value": "Every round here opens with ch1 as a standing stitch, meaning it stands in place of the first stitch position rather than adding one. If your counts run one high per round and the square starts skewing, this is why. Place a marker in the very first real stitch of each round and slip stitch into that marked stitch to close — not into the chain", "raw_text": "Every round here opens with ch1 as a standing stitch, meaning it stands in place of the first stitch position rather than adding one. If your counts run one high per round and the square starts skewing, this is why. Place a marker in the very first real stitch of each round and slip stitch into that marked stitch to close — not into the chain", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-3", "label": "Pulling the magic loop closed before checking the 8 sc count", "value": "Once you cinch that loop and work into round two, undoing it is genuinely unpleasant. Count all eight single crochets while the ring is still loose, verify the slip stitch went into the first sc and not the tail, then tighten. If you find you have seven or nine after closing, unpick to the loop rather than trying to fudge an extra increase — the whole silhouette depends on that base being exact", "raw_text": "Once you cinch that loop and work into round two, undoing it is genuinely unpleasant. Count all eight single crochets while the ring is still loose, verify the slip stitch went into the first sc and not the tail, then tighten. If you find you have seven or nine after closing, unpick to the loop rather than trying to fudge an extra increase — the whole silhouette depends on that base being exact", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-4", "label": "Losing track of the increase groupings in round three", "value": "Round three runs 1sc, (sc inc) x2, 1sc, (hdc inc) x3, 2hdc, (hdc inc) x3, 1sc, (sc inc) x2, 1sc — it is symmetrical around the 2hdc at the center. Use a removable marker on those two center hdc as your midpoint anchor, then work outward and confirm each side mirrors the other. If one side has more stitches, the head tilts and the ears will not sit level", "raw_text": "Round three runs 1sc, (sc inc) x2, 1sc, (hdc inc) x3, 2hdc, (hdc inc) x3, 1sc, (sc inc) x2, 1sc — it is symmetrical around the 2hdc at the center. Use a removable marker on those two center hdc as your midpoint anchor, then work outward and confirm each side mirrors the other. If one side has more stitches, the head tilts and the ears will not sit level", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-5", "label": "Cutting the yarn too short at each fasten off", "value": "This pattern fastens off four separate times — after the main body, after each ear, and after the ear edging. Short tails on a square this small are miserable to weave in without them popping back out on the front. Leave at least six inches every time, and weave each tail along the wrong side of the ridged third-loop rows where it disappears completely", "raw_text": "This pattern fastens off four separate times — after the main body, after each ear, and after the ear edging. Short tails on a square this small are miserable to weave in without them popping back out on the front. Leave at least six inches every time, and weave each tail along the wrong side of the ridged third-loop rows where it disappears completely", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-6", "label": "Joining the second ear at a different height than the first", "value": "Both ears say to add new yarn in the sc on the right side after turning the fabric upside down, which means you must count from the same reference point both times. Before you fasten off the body, mark the two intended ear-join stitches with contrasting scrap yarn while you can still see the symmetry clearly. Mismatched ear placement is the single most noticeable flaw in a finished elephant square", "raw_text": "Both ears say to add new yarn in the sc on the right side after turning the fabric upside down, which means you must count from the same reference point both times. Before you fasten off the body, mark the two intended ear-join stitches with contrasting scrap yarn while you can still see the symmetry clearly. Mismatched ear placement is the single most noticeable flaw in a finished elephant square", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 7, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-7", "label": "Skipping the ch1 spaces during the ear edging round", "value": "The edging instruction reads ch1, sk the ch1, 8sc, ch1, sk the ch1, slst to the final loop of the ear. Those skipped chain-1 spaces are what let the edging hug the ear's curve instead of bunching it. If you work into them, the ear cups sharply forward. Count exactly eight sc between the two skips", "raw_text": "The edging instruction reads ch1, sk the ch1, 8sc, ch1, sk the ch1, slst to the final loop of the ear. Those skipped chain-1 spaces are what let the edging hug the ear's curve instead of bunching it. If you work into them, the ear cups sharply forward. Count exactly eight sc between the two skips", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 6, "card_type": "materials", "code": "materials", "title": "Materials", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [ { "order": 1, "group_code": "group-1", "group_name": "", "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "item", "code": "mat-1-1", "label": "", "value": "Yarn of Your Choice- 2 colors, the sample is made with dk sport wool yarn, with a 3.00 mm crochet hook, the finished Elephant Granny Square is about 3.27 × 3.27 inches", "raw_text": "Yarn of Your Choice- 2 colors, the sample is made with dk sport wool yarn, with a 3.00 mm crochet hook, the finished Elephant Granny Square is about 3.27 × 3.27 inches" }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "item", "code": "mat-1-2", "label": "", "value": "Crochet Hook", "raw_text": "Crochet Hook" }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "item", "code": "mat-1-3", "label": "", "value": "Darning Needle", "raw_text": "Darning Needle" }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "item", "code": "mat-1-4", "label": "", "value": "Scissors", "raw_text": "Scissors" } ] } ], "rows": [] }, { "order": 7, "card_type": "abbreviations", "code": "abbreviations", "title": "Abbreviations", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-ch", "label": "ch", "value": "chain stitch", "raw_text": "ch = chain stitch", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "ch", "meaning": "chain stitch" }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-hdc", "label": "hdc", "value": "half double crochet", "raw_text": "hdc = half double crochet", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "hdc", "meaning": "half double crochet" }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-sc", "label": "sc", "value": "single crochet", "raw_text": "sc = single crochet", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "sc", "meaning": "single crochet" }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-dc", "label": "dc", "value": "double crochet", "raw_text": "dc = double crochet", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "dc", "meaning": "double crochet" }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-slst", "label": "slst", "value": "slip stitch for joining to a different round", "raw_text": "slst = slip stitch for joining to a different round", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "slst", "meaning": "slip stitch for joining to a different round" }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-st", "label": "st", "value": "stitch", "raw_text": "st = stitch", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "st", "meaning": "stitch" }, { "order": 7, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-inc", "label": "inc", "value": "increase", "raw_text": "inc = increase", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "inc", "meaning": "increase" }, { "order": 8, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-tog", "label": "tog", "value": "together", "raw_text": "tog = together", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "tog", "meaning": "together" }, { "order": 9, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-blo", "label": "BLO", "value": "back loop only", "raw_text": "BLO = back loop only", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "BLO", "meaning": "back loop only" }, { "order": 10, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-sk", "label": "sk", "value": "skip", "raw_text": "sk = skip", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "sk", "meaning": "skip" } ] }, { "order": 8, "card_type": "part", "code": "main-pattern", "title": "Main Pattern", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-1", "label": "Round 1", "value": "ch1+8sc in a magic loop, slst to the first sc.", "raw_text": "Round 1. ch1+8sc in a magic loop, slst to the first sc.", "round_start": 1, "round_end": 1, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-2", "label": "Round 2", "value": "ch1 as a standing st, sc inc in the same st, sc inc , (hdc inc) * 4 times , (sc inc) * 2 times , slst to the first sc.", "raw_text": "Round 2. ch1 as a standing st, sc inc in the same st, sc inc , (hdc inc) * 4 times , (sc inc) * 2 times , slst to the first sc.", "round_start": 2, "round_end": 2, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-3", "label": "Round 3", "value": "ch1 as a standing st, 1sc in this st, (sc inc) * 2 times, 1sc, (hdc inc) * 3 times, 2hdc, (hdc inc) * 3 times, 1sc, (sc inc) * 2 times , 1sc , slst to the first sc. Fasten off.", "raw_text": "Round 3. ch1 as a standing st, 1sc in this st, (sc inc) * 2 times, 1sc, (hdc inc) * 3 times, 2hdc, (hdc inc) * 3 times, 1sc, (sc inc) * 2 times , 1sc , slst to the first sc. Fasten off.", "round_start": 3, "round_end": 3, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-1", "label": "Info", "value": "The right ear of the elephant", "raw_text": "The right ear of the elephant", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 9, "card_type": "part", "code": "part-2", "title": "Part 2", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "round", "code": "part-2-round-1", "label": "Round 1", "value": "The ear. Turn the fabric upside down. Make hdc on the top side. Third loop only , add new yarn in the sc on the right side, ch1, 1hdc in the same st, (dc inc) * 3 times, 1hdc, ch1, slst to the same st. Fasten off.", "raw_text": "Row 1-The ear. Turn the fabric upside down. Make hdc on the top side. Third loop only , add new yarn in the sc on the right side, ch1, 1hdc in the same st, (dc inc) * 3 times, 1hdc, ch1, slst to the same st. Fasten off.", "round_start": 1, "round_end": 1, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "round", "code": "part-2-round-2", "label": "Round 2", "value": "The ear’s outline Join new yarn to the ear's original join loop, ch1, sk the ch1, 8sc, ch1, sk the ch1, slst to the final loop of the ear. Fasten off.", "raw_text": "Row 2-The ear’s outline Join new yarn to the ear's original join loop, ch1, sk the ch1, 8sc, ch1, sk the ch1, slst to the final loop of the ear. Fasten off.", "round_start": 2, "round_end": 2, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "info", "code": "part-2-info-1", "label": "Info", "value": "The left ear of the elephant", "raw_text": "The left ear of the elephant", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 10, "card_type": "part", "code": "part-3", "title": "Part 3", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "round", "code": "part-3-round-1", "label": "Round 1", "value": "The left ear Rotate it 180 degrees. Make the completed ear on the left side. Third loop only , add new yarn to the st that is 6 stitches away from the right ear. Ch1, 1hdc in the same st, (dc inc) * 3 times, 1hdc, ch1, slst to the same st. Fasten off.", "raw_text": "Row 1-The left ear Rotate it 180 degrees. Make the completed ear on the left side. Third loop only , add new yarn to the st that is 6 stitches away from the right ear. Ch1, 1hdc in the same st, (dc inc) * 3 times, 1hdc, ch1, slst to the same st. Fasten off.", "round_start": 1, "round_end": 1, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "info", "code": "part-3-info-1", "label": "Info", "value": "Row 2-The left ear’s outline Repeat the ear outline process from the right one. The nose of the elephant", "raw_text": "Row 2-The left ear’s outline Repeat the ear outline process from the right one. The nose of the elephant", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "instruction", "code": "part-3-info-2", "label": "Steps", "value": "ch11, return, sk1, BLO of remaining chains: 1slst, sc2tog, (sc+sc+hdc)tog, 4hdc, ch1. Leave long tails for attaching.", "raw_text": "ch11, return, sk1, BLO of remaining chains: 1slst, sc2tog, (sc+sc+hdc)tog, 4hdc, ch1. Leave long tails for attaching.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "info", "code": "part-3-info-3", "label": "Info", "value": "Attach the nose to the elephant’s face, and make two French knots for the eyes.", "raw_text": "Attach the nose to the elephant’s face, and make two French knots for the eyes.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "subhead", "code": "part-3-info-4", "label": "", "value": "Granny Square Background", "raw_text": "Granny Square Background", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 11, "card_type": "part", "code": "part-4", "title": "Part 4", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "round", "code": "part-4-info-1", "label": "Round 1", "value": "magic loop, ch3(count as 1dc), 3dc+ch3; [4dc+ch3] repeat 3 times, omit the final ch3, work ch1+1hdc to join the top of the first ch3.", "raw_text": "Round 1. magic loop, ch3(count as 1dc), 3dc+ch3; [4dc+ch3] repeat 3 times, omit the final ch3, work ch1+1hdc to join the top of the first ch3.", "round_start": 1, "round_end": 1, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "round", "code": "part-4-info-2", "label": "Rounds 2-3", "value": "ch3 to begin (count as 1dc), 1dc in the same corner. Work 1dc in each st around, (2dc+ch3+2dc) in each corner as you go. When you reach the end of the round and return to the starting corner,  2dc  into the starting corner, join the round with  ch1, 1hdc  into the top of the beginning ch3.", "raw_text": "Round 2-3. ch3 to begin (count as 1dc), 1dc in the same corner. Work 1dc in each st around, (2dc+ch3+2dc) in each corner as you go. When you reach the end of the round and return to the starting corner,  2dc  into the starting corner, join the round with  ch1, 1hdc  into the top of the beginning ch3.", "round_start": 2, "round_end": 3, "is_range": true, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "instruction", "code": "part-4-info-3", "label": "Steps", "value": "For Round 4:  Work as above for sides and corners. When you return to the  starting corner , work 2dc+ch3, then slst to the top of the first true dc. Fasten off.", "raw_text": "For Round 4:  Work as above for sides and corners. When you return to the  starting corner , work 2dc+ch3, then slst to the top of the first true dc. Fasten off.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "info", "code": "part-4-info-4", "label": "Info", "value": "Sew the elephant to the granny square.", "raw_text": "Sew the elephant to the granny square.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 12, "card_type": "important_notes", "code": "important-notes", "title": "Important Notes", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-1", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 The sample uses DK or sport weight wool with a 3.00 mm hook — that is a smaller hook than the yarn label will suggest, and it is intentional. The tighter fabric keeps the elephant's shape crisp and stops the third-loop ears from flopping. If your square comes out floppy, drop another quarter millimetre before you change anything else", "raw_text": "💡 The sample uses DK or sport weight wool with a 3.00 mm hook — that is a smaller hook than the yarn label will suggest, and it is intentional. The tighter fabric keeps the elephant's shape crisp and stops the third-loop ears from flopping. If your square comes out floppy, drop another quarter millimetre before you change anything else", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-2", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 Place a stitch marker in the first real stitch of every round, not in the chain-1. With four rounds of mixed sc and hdc increases and no stitch-count totals given per round, that marker is your only reliable way to know where the round actually closes", "raw_text": "💡 Place a stitch marker in the first real stitch of every round, not in the chain-1. With four rounds of mixed sc and hdc increases and no stitch-count totals given per round, that marker is your only reliable way to know where the round actually closes", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-3", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 Wind your second color into a small separate ball before you start the ears. Each ear is a short, self-contained piece with its own join and fasten off, so you want three short lengths ready rather than dragging a full skein through four fasten-offs", "raw_text": "💡 Wind your second color into a small separate ball before you start the ears. Each ear is a short, self-contained piece with its own join and fasten off, so you want three short lengths ready rather than dragging a full skein through four fasten-offs", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-4", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 Mark both ear-join stitches with contrasting scrap yarn while the body round is fresh in your hands. Once you turn the fabric upside down to hunt for the third loop, the symmetry is much harder to judge by eye, and this is where most mismatched elephants happen", "raw_text": "💡 Mark both ear-join stitches with contrasting scrap yarn while the body round is fresh in your hands. Once you turn the fabric upside down to hunt for the third loop, the symmetry is much harder to judge by eye, and this is where most mismatched elephants happen", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-5", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 Block the finished square gently with steam or a damp towel, pinned to 3.27 inches on each side. Shaped squares like this one rarely come off the hook perfectly square, and blocking is what lets a whole blanket's worth of elephants line up cleanly when you seam them", "raw_text": "💡 Block the finished square gently with steam or a damp towel, pinned to 3.27 inches on each side. Shaped squares like this one rarely come off the hook perfectly square, and blocking is what lets a whole blanket's worth of elephants line up cleanly when you seam them", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-6", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 Weave your ends along the wrong side of the third-loop ridge rows rather than across open stitches. The ridge creates a natural channel that grips the tail, which matters a lot on a small square that will be handled and washed often", "raw_text": "💡 Weave your ends along the wrong side of the third-loop ridge rows rather than across open stitches. The ridge creates a natural channel that grips the tail, which matters a lot on a small square that will be handled and washed often", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 7, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-7", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 If you are making a set, work all the bodies first, then all the first ears, then all the second ears. Batching the third-loop work keeps your hands in one rhythm and dramatically reduces the chance of catching the wrong loop halfway through a pile of squares", "raw_text": "💡 If you are making a set, work all the bodies first, then all the first ears, then all the second ears. Batching the third-loop work keeps your hands in one rhythm and dramatically reduces the chance of catching the wrong loop halfway through a pile of squares", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 13, "card_type": "faq", "code": "faq", "title": "FAQ", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-1", "label": "What exactly is the third loop, and how do I find it on an hdc?", "value": "A half double crochet has a third horizontal bar sitting behind the two top loops, on the back of the stitch. When you turn the fabric upside down as the pattern says, that bar becomes visible along the top edge and you hook into it alone. Working there leaves the front loops standing free as a decorative ridge, which is what gives these ears their lifted, sculpted look", "raw_text": "A half double crochet has a third horizontal bar sitting behind the two top loops, on the back of the stitch. When you turn the fabric upside down as the pattern says, that bar becomes visible along the top edge and you hook into it alone. Working there leaves the front loops standing free as a decorative ridge, which is what gives these ears their lifted, sculpted look", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "What exactly is the third loop, and how do I find it on an hdc?", "answer": "A half double crochet has a third horizontal bar sitting behind the two top loops, on the back of the stitch. When you turn the fabric upside down as the pattern says, that bar becomes visible along the top edge and you hook into it alone. Working there leaves the front loops standing free as a decorative ridge, which is what gives these ears their lifted, sculpted look", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-2", "label": "Can I make this elephant square bigger for a blanket?", "value": "Yes — the simplest route is to keep every stitch count identical and move up to worsted weight with a 4.00 mm hook, which brings the square to roughly 4.25 inches. If you need to stay in DK, add a round of 1 sc in each stitch with an increase every third stitch, keeping the trunk side denser than the ear side so the elephant silhouette holds", "raw_text": "Yes — the simplest route is to keep every stitch count identical and move up to worsted weight with a 4.00 mm hook, which brings the square to roughly 4.25 inches. If you need to stay in DK, add a round of 1 sc in each stitch with an increase every third stitch, keeping the trunk side denser than the ear side so the elephant silhouette holds", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "Can I make this elephant square bigger for a blanket?", "answer": "Yes — the simplest route is to keep every stitch count identical and move up to worsted weight with a 4.00 mm hook, which brings the square to roughly 4.25 inches. If you need to stay in DK, add a round of 1 sc in each stitch with an increase every third stitch, keeping the trunk side denser than the ear side so the elephant silhouette holds", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-3", "label": "Why does my square curl or cup instead of lying flat?", "value": "Cupping usually means too few increases got worked, most often in the round-three hdc increase groups, or the ear edging was worked into the ch1 spaces that should be skipped. Count round three against the symmetrical layout around the two center hdc, and confirm you skipped both ch1s during the edging. A gentle steam block fixes mild curl once the counts are correct", "raw_text": "Cupping usually means too few increases got worked, most often in the round-three hdc increase groups, or the ear edging was worked into the ch1 spaces that should be skipped. Count round three against the symmetrical layout around the two center hdc, and confirm you skipped both ch1s during the edging. A gentle steam block fixes mild curl once the counts are correct", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "Why does my square curl or cup instead of lying flat?", "answer": "Cupping usually means too few increases got worked, most often in the round-three hdc increase groups, or the ear edging was worked into the ch1 spaces that should be skipped. Count round three against the symmetrical layout around the two center hdc, and confirm you skipped both ch1s during the edging. A gentle steam block fixes mild curl once the counts are correct", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-4", "label": "Do I need to stuff this square?", "value": "No — this is a flat granny square, not an amigurumi piece, so there is no stuffing anywhere in the pattern. The dimension you see in the ears comes entirely from the third-loop technique and the dc increases, not from filling. That is also why the small hook and firm fabric matter so much", "raw_text": "No — this is a flat granny square, not an amigurumi piece, so there is no stuffing anywhere in the pattern. The dimension you see in the ears comes entirely from the third-loop technique and the dc increases, not from filling. That is also why the small hook and firm fabric matter so much", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "Do I need to stuff this square?", "answer": "No — this is a flat granny square, not an amigurumi piece, so there is no stuffing anywhere in the pattern. The dimension you see in the ears comes entirely from the third-loop technique and the dc increases, not from filling. That is also why the small hook and firm fabric matter so much", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-5", "label": "How many squares do I need for a baby blanket?", "value": "roughly 3.27 inches finished, you would need about 130 squares for a 30 by 40 inch baby blanket if you use elephants throughout. Most makers alternate elephants with plain granny squares in a checkerboard, which halves the count to around 65 and lets the animal squares stand out rather than compete with each other", "raw_text": "roughly 3.27 inches finished, you would need about 130 squares for a 30 by 40 inch baby blanket if you use elephants throughout. Most makers alternate elephants with plain granny squares in a checkerboard, which halves the count to around 65 and lets the animal squares stand out rather than compete with each other", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "How many squares do I need for a baby blanket?", "answer": "roughly 3.27 inches finished, you would need about 130 squares for a 30 by 40 inch baby blanket if you use elephants throughout. Most makers alternate elephants with plain granny squares in a checkerboard, which halves the count to around 65 and lets the animal squares stand out rather than compete with each other", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-6", "label": "What yarn works best if I cannot find DK sport wool?", "value": "Any smooth DK or light worsted with good stitch definition will work — mercerized cotton like Scheepjes Catona or a soft merino like DROPS Baby Merino are both reliable substitutes. Avoid fuzzy or heavily textured yarns, because the third-loop ridges and increase placement need to stay visible for the elephant shape to read clearly", "raw_text": "Any smooth DK or light worsted with good stitch definition will work — mercerized cotton like Scheepjes Catona or a soft merino like DROPS Baby Merino are both reliable substitutes. Avoid fuzzy or heavily textured yarns, because the third-loop ridges and increase placement need to stay visible for the elephant shape to read clearly", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "What yarn works best if I cannot find DK sport wool?", "answer": "Any smooth DK or light worsted with good stitch definition will work — mercerized cotton like Scheepjes Catona or a soft merino like DROPS Baby Merino are both reliable substitutes. Avoid fuzzy or heavily textured yarns, because the third-loop ridges and increase placement need to stay visible for the elephant shape to read clearly", "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] } ], "conflicts": [], "validation_warnings": [], "images": [ "data/images/elephant-granny-square-free-crochet-pattern-hero.webp", "data/images/elephant-granny-square-free-crochet-pattern-step-2.webp", "data/images/elephant-granny-square-free-crochet-pattern-step-3.webp", "data/images/elephant-granny-square-free-crochet-pattern-step-4.webp" ], "source_url": null, "thumbnail_images": [ { "url": "data/images/elephant-granny-square-free-crochet-pattern-hero.webp", "alt": "Elephant Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern with Sculpted Ears — photo 1", "is_featured": true } ], "gallery_images": [ { "url": "data/images/elephant-granny-square-free-crochet-pattern-hero.webp", "alt": "Elephant Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern with Sculpted Ears — photo 1", "is_featured": true }, { "url": "data/images/elephant-granny-square-free-crochet-pattern-step-2.webp", "alt": "Elephant Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern with Sculpted Ears — photo 2", "is_featured": false }, { "url": "data/images/elephant-granny-square-free-crochet-pattern-step-3.webp", "alt": "Elephant Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern with Sculpted Ears — photo 3", "is_featured": false }, { "url": "data/images/elephant-granny-square-free-crochet-pattern-step-4.webp", "alt": "Elephant Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern with Sculpted Ears — photo 4", "is_featured": false } ], "_sanitized_holiday_count": 0 }