The Granny Square has been back for a while now—though it never really went away. This cheerful little square has been around since the 19th century as a result of crocheting with leftover yarn, but it didn’t really become trendy until the late ’60s. This trend continued into the ’70s, but after that, interest decreased somewhat. Until now. Since 2020, the Granny Square has been making a comeback, and we’re seeing this pattern pop up more and more often on popular TV shows.
That Family Feeling: The Granny Square Blanket
Also known as the “Afghan blanket,” it is often seen in the background of TV series, particularly sitcoms. The first and most famous version appeared in the American series *Roseanne* (which aired in the Netherlands on NCRV and later on SBS6). This isn’t surprising, considering the first episode aired as early as 1978, when the Granny Square was still in style. The blanket became so famous that the creators had to tie it to the couch to prevent it from being stolen. The blanket symbolizes a sense of family. When the family moves after winning the lottery, their entire interior is transformed into a modern style without the blanket. However, their daughter says she misses “home.” As a result, the blanket is placed back on the couch, and the episode is even titled “Home is where the Afghan is.”
The Granny Square blanket has thus become a symbol of “family and togetherness.” These days, when you see an Afghan blanket draped over the couch, you automatically assume it’s a family heirloom. It even appears in *Friends*, where they went so far as to wear it out a bit to make it look older and more well-used. The same goes for the series *Jane the Virgin* (previously on NET5, now on Netflix). The blanket is featured in the home of the Latin American Villanueva family—a close-knit and warm family consisting of a grandmother, mother, and daughter (Jane). The blanket was likely made by the grandmother and has been in the family for generations. The warm, colorful blanket stands in stark contrast to the large, modern hotel that plays a major role in the series.
Not only is the blanket used to convey a certain sense of family, but it also often says something about its owner. In *The Big Bang Theory* (aired on Veronica and available on HBO Max), Amy has a granny blanket on her couch that’s almost identical to Roseanne’s. This colorful, creative blanket underscores Amy’s personality: quirky, a little nerdy, and practical.
Would you like to get started making a warm and cozy blanket? Then take a look at our patterns and kits. How about this cheerful blue blanket or this bright white one? If you’re looking for a slightly darker version, you can find that on the Yarnplaza website, too.
Now, the Granny Square: for the trendy TV character
Although the characteristics mentioned above may seem a bit old-fashioned, a huge change has taken place. Whereas, up until 10 years ago, TV shows sought to convey warmth and family values, the Granny Square in today’s shows is actually intended for modern “Gen Z” characters.
We’re seeing mostly clothing items made with the Granny Square. You can spot it in the series *Pretty Little Liars* and *Original Sin* (HBO Max), as well as in the New hit series *Beef* on Netflix. The best example is probably Portia from the HBO Max series *White Lotus*. She wears several crocheted or knitted items mixed together, making it look almost like a hodgepodge—which is exactly the point, according to the show’s stylist. Portia embodies Gen Z, who can spend hours on TikTok: young and chaotic. Many of these garments became famous and are no longer available in stores. But why go to the store when you can crochet your own? How about this Granny Square top or this light and subtle version? Or go for this Chloé Cardigan made from original Granny Squares.
