Treasure Map Crochet Granny Square Pattern: Easy Popcorn Stitch Guide!
• Christa Patel

Treasure Map Crochet Granny Square Pattern: Easy Popcorn Stitch Guide!

Ahoy, fellow crochet adventurers! Are you ready to embark on a journey to create a unique and delightful crochet granny square? I'm Krista, and today, we're setting sail with The Secret Yarnery to stitch up a Treasure Map Granny Square, complete with an "X marks the spot" popcorn stitch! It's a fantastic twist on the traditional granny square, and the best part? It's so easy to join with others and you can customize it to any size you desire!

In this guide, I will walk you through each step, ensuring that crocheters of all levels can create their own little piece of treasure. So grab your hook and yarn, and let’s get started on this exciting project!

What is the Treasure Map Granny Square?

The Treasure Map Granny Square is a playful take on the classic granny square. What sets it apart is the charming popcorn stitch detail that forms an "X," reminiscent of a treasure map. It features a traditional granny square center, making it easy to join with other squares, and the size is completely customizable. Whether you're making a cozy blanket or a fun bag, this granny square adds a touch of whimsy to any project.

Why You'll Love This Granny Square

This isn't just another granny square pattern; it's an invitation to get creative! Here's why you will find yourself hooked:

  • Easy to Customize: Want a bigger square? Simply repeat the last round until it reaches your desired size.
  • Perfect for Scraps: While a solid color highlights the "X" detail, feel free to use up those yarn scraps!
  • Beginner-Friendly: If you know basic crochet stitches, you can make this!
  • Playful Design: Adds a fun, unique element to blankets, bags, and more.

Gather Your Supplies

Before we set sail, let's make sure you have everything you need. Here's your treasure chest of supplies:

  • Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in your favorite color. I recommend a solid color to really make that "X" pop!
  • Hook: A 6mm crochet hook, or whatever size is recommended on your yarn label.
  • Stitch Marker: This will help you keep track of your rounds, especially when you're making a larger square.
  • Yarn Needle: For weaving in those pesky ends to keep your work neat and tidy.
  • Scissors: For cutting the yarn, of course!

I personally love using Saver 100 from Ice Yarns. It's a lovely worsted weight acrylic that's fluffy and doesn't split. Find similar yarn options to start your project.

Understanding Yarn Weight and Hook Size

Choosing the right yarn weight and hook size is key to a successful project. If your yarn is too thick for your hook, your stitches will be tight and dense. Too thin, and they'll be loose and floppy. Always check the yarn label for the recommended hook size, and don't be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you.

Easy Treasure Map Popcorn Granny Square - Easy to Follow Written Crochet Pattern.

Getting Started: The Slip Knot

Let's start with the foundation: the slip knot. Here's how I make mine:

  1. Wrap the yarn around your finger, creating a loop.
  2. Bring the yarn over and through the loop.
  3. Place the loop on your hook and gently tighten.

You don't need a super long tail for this, as we'll be working around it and cutting it off later. A couple of inches will do!

Creating the Center Ring: Chain 3

Next up, we'll create the center ring. Here's how:

  1. With the slip knot on your hook, yarn over.
  2. Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook. That's one chain.
  3. Repeat two more times, for a total of three chains.

When counting your chains, don't count the loop on your hook or the knot at the bottom. Just count the little "V" shapes going up.

Setting Up the Ring: The U-Shape

Now, for a little trick to make things easier:

  1. Flip your hook towards you, pulling the chain 3 into a bit of a "U" shape.
  2. Make sure your yarn tail is laying beside the "U" shape.
  3. Hold the "U" shape open with your finger and thumb. This will give you a nice, stable base to work into.

Securing the Ring: Slip Stitch

To close the ring, we'll use a slip stitch:

  1. Insert your hook into the very first chain you made (the one right on top of the knot).
  2. Yarn over and pull the yarn through both the chain and the loop on your hook.

And just like that, you've created a ring!

Building the First Round: Chain 3 and Double Crochets

Time to build the first round of our granny square.

  1. Chain 3. This counts as your first double crochet.
  2. Now, we're going to make four more double crochets into the center of the ring.

If you're new to double crochet, don't worry! I have a helpful crochet tutorials available on my YouTube channel.

Remember to keep your stitches nice and close together. You can pinch the ring and slide the stitches back to create more space. Keep holding that tail around the edge as you go.

Joining the Round: Creating a Seamless Circle

Let's join this round together:

  1. Pull up a loop on your hook and take the hook out of the loop.
  2. Go into the top of the chain 3 that you made at the beginning of the round.
  3. Make sure you have one loop under your hook and two loops on top for a nice, clean join.
  4. Put the loop back on your hook, shrink it down, turn your hook, and bring it through that chain stitch.

The First Popcorn: Chain 4 and More Double Crochets

Now for the fun part: the popcorn stitch!

  1. Chain 4.
  2. Make five more double crochets into the center of the ring.
  3. Pull up a loop, take your hook out, and go back into the top of your very first double crochet.
  4. Put the loop back on your hook, shrink it down, turn your hook, and bring it through.

That's your first popcorn!

Repeating the Popcorn Stitch

Repeat the popcorn stitch process two more times, for a total of four popcorns evenly spaced around the ring. Remember to chain 4 after each popcorn.

Joining the Last Popcorn of the Round

For the last popcorn of this round, we're going to do things a little differently:

  1. Chain 1 instead of 4.
  2. Join to the back of the first popcorn stitch. Find the little hole where the chain is coming from.

The Half Double Crochet Join

We'll be joining with a half double crochet:

  1. Yarn over, insert your hook into that little hole, and pull up a loop.
  2. Yarn over again and pull through all three loops on your hook.

This creates a seamless join and leaves you in the center of the corner space.

Round 2: Building the Corners

Time to build the corners of our square!

  1. Chain 3.
  2. Make four double crochets into the same space (remember, the chain 3 counts as your first double crochet).
  3. Pull up a loop, take your hook out, and go into the top of the chain 3 to create another popcorn stitch.

Creating the Corner Spaces: Chain 2

To create the space between the popcorn stitches in the corners, chain 2.

The Corner Stitch: Popcorn, Chain 4, Popcorn

Now, let's make a corner!

  1. Make a popcorn stitch.
  2. Chain 4.
  3. Make another popcorn stitch into the same space.

That's your corner!

Understanding Corner and Side Spaces

It's important to understand the difference between the corner spaces (chain 4) and the spaces between the corners (chain 2). We use chain 2 to jump over the popcorn stitches.

Repeating the Corner and Side Pattern

Repeat the corner stitch (popcorn, chain 4, popcorn) in the next space, then chain 2 to move to the next space. Continue around the square until you've completed all four corners.

Joining Round 2

To finish round 2, make one popcorn stitch into the next space, chain 1, and then perform the half double crochet join again. Remember to follow your chain back to find the correct joining point.

Round 3: Introducing the Sides

Now, we're going to start creating the sides of the square!

  1. Chain 3.
  2. Make four double crochets into the same space to start a popcorn stitch.
  3. Chain 2.
  4. In the next side space, make two double crochets. Chain 1. Two more double crochets into that space.

This is what creates the side of the treasure map!

Working the Side Stitch: 2 Double Crochet, Chain 1, 2 Double Crochet

The side stitch is simple: two double crochet, chain 1, and two double crochet into the same space. Remember to chain 2 to jump over the popcorn stitch and move to the next corner.

Working the Corners: Popcorn, Chain 4, Popcorn

The corners are always the same: popcorn, chain 4, and popcorn.

Completing Round 3

Continue working the sides and corners, following the established pattern. It might be slightly tricky to see the pattern in this round, but it will become clearer in subsequent rounds.

Joining Round 3

Finish the round with a popcorn stitch and a half double crochet join. Remember to maintain tension for a small half double crochet. Chain 3 to start the next round.

Easy Treasure Map Popcorn Granny Square - Easy to Follow Written Crochet Pattern.

Round 4 and Beyond: Establishing the Repeat Pattern

From round 4 onwards, you'll be repeating the same pattern.

  1. Begin with a popcorn stitch in the corner space.
  2. Chain 2 to get to the side.
  3. Now, we will be doing three double crochets in each space of the side.
  4. Three double crochets in the chain 1 space of the side.
  5. Three double crochets in the last space before the corner.
  6. Chain 2 to get to the corner.
  7. In the corner, do a popcorn stitch, Chain 4, and another popcorn stitch.

I recommend using a stitch marker to mark the first corner of each round. This will help you keep track of where you started.

Visualizing the Square: Corners vs. Sides

In round 4, the differences between the corners and sides will become more apparent. You'll see the square really start to take shape!

The Side Stitch: 3 Double Crochets in Each Space

Each space along the side gets three double crochets. That's all there is to it!

Repeating the Pattern Around

Continue working around the square, following the pattern of corners and sides. Remember to chain 2 before and after each side and corner. You can find other crochet patterns at Secret Yarnery.

Joining the Round and Starting the Next

Finish the round with a popcorn stitch, chain 1, and half double crochet join. Chain 3 to start the next round and begin with a popcorn stitch.

Round 5: Building on the Sides

In round 5, you'll be creating four shells (groups of 3 double crochets) along each side.

Continuing the Repeat: Rounds 5 and Beyond

Continue repeating the pattern, adding more rounds as desired. The corners remain the same (popcorn, chain 4, popcorn). Feel free to experiment with different yarn colors and textures in future projects.

Finishing Off: A Different Joining Method

When finishing the square, we'll use a slightly different joining method.

  1. Chain 4, pretending it's a regular corner.
  2. Roll the popcorn up and find the same space from previous joins.
  3. Push the hook in and slip stitch to join.
  4. Chain 1 to secure the yarn.
  5. Cut the yarn, leaving a long enough tail to sew in with a needle.
  6. Pull it up and snug it down.

Weaving in the Ends

Use a yarn needle to weave in the ends of the yarn, ensuring a clean and secure finish.

Left Handed?

FAQs

1. What is a Treasure Map Granny Square?

The Treasure Map Granny Square is a creative twist on traditional granny squares. It features a playful "X marks the spot" popcorn stitch, making it unique and perfect for adventurous crochet projects like blankets, bags, or scarves.

2. What skill level is required to make this square?

This pattern is beginner-friendly. If you know basic stitches like chain, double crochet, and slip stitch, you’ll easily be able to follow along. The popcorn stitch adds a bit of flair and is explained step-by-step in this guide.

3. What yarn is best for this project?

Worsted weight acrylic yarn works beautifully. Solid colors are ideal for making the "X" pattern stand out. Brands like Ice Yarns' Saver 100 or other smooth acrylic options are great choices.

4. Can I adjust the size of the square?

Yes! The pattern is fully customizable. Simply repeat the rounds until it reaches your desired size. This flexibility allows it to fit any type of project.

5. How do I use the finished Treasure Map Granny Square?

You can use it in various ways, such as part of a blanket, a bag, a cushion cover, or even framed as a decorative piece. The possibilities are endless!

6. What tools do I need to get started?

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A 6mm crochet hook
  • Worsted weight acrylic yarn
  • A yarn needle
  • Scissors
  • Optional: Stitch marker to keep track of rounds

7. What is the popcorn stitch?

The popcorn stitch creates a 3D puff or "bubble" effect in your crochet project. It's constructed by grouping several double crochets together in the same stitch or space, making it look like a cute pop.

Admiring Your Finished Square

Take a moment to admire your finished treasure map granny square! It can be made with any yarn and any size. I personally love this granny square design because it's fun to make.

Encouragement and Farewell

Thank you for following along with me on this crochet adventure! Have a super great day and stay hooked!

Links Mentioned in the Video

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Crochet Must-Haves

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With a bit of yarn and a hook, you're now equipped to make this Easy Treasure Map Popcorn Granny Square! You may also be interested in Color Changing Granny Square 2.0.

Christa Patel is the creative force behind The Secret Yarnery, a community and resource hub for crochet enthusiasts worldwide. With years of experience in crochet design and teaching, Christa is passionate about making crochet accessible, fun, and inspiring for everyone—beginners and seasoned crafters alike.

Her step-by-step tutorials, vibrant personality, and innovative patterns have made her a favorite in the crochet community. Through her YouTube channel, blog, and written patterns, Christa empowers crafters to unlock their crochet creativity and transform simple yarn into beautiful, functional art.

Christa is known for her playful take on traditional designs, as showcased in innovative creations like the Treasure Map Granny Square. She focuses on creating projects that are easy to follow, highly customizable, and perfect for all levels.

When she's not crocheting or teaching, Christa enjoys exploring her creativity, spending time with her family, and connecting with yarn lovers from all over the world.

Stay connected with her through the links and social groups listed in the guide, and join her on a crochet adventure full of color, texture, and endless possibilities!

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