Skull Granny Square Garland ♥ Crochet Pattern

This crochet pattern was inspired by the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). A few years ago I made this skull banner but I wanted to make another one inspired by the Papel Picado banners which you often see decorated in Mexico during Dia de Los Muertos. Papel Picado banners are usually made from paper but I thought it would be fun to make a crocheted version because you all know that I like to make crochet versions of everything! haha

This is also my first granny square pattern! When I first started crocheting I found granny squares very intimidating but now that I’m more experienced in crochet they’re pretty easy. My tip is that you know all the stitches because granny squares do require a lot of stitches and when you’re a newbie crocheter usually more than a basic single crochet stitch is challenging.

I want to give credit to this blog for the skull pattern. I didn’t copy the exact skull crochet pattern but I did borrow the skull technique. You can always crochet that skull piece and then follow up with my granny square pattern if you would like.

If you crochet this project, you can post it on Ravelry or tag me @mooeyscrochet so that I can see your creation. If you want to learn how to crochet, watch my crochet how-to video here. If you would like to support me for making this crochet pattern available for free, you can buy me a Ko-fi. Check out all of my free crochet patterns here and my shop to see my original crocheted items.

*DISCLAIMER: Links included in this post might be affiliate links. If you make a purchase with the links I provide, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Supplies
– G/4.25 mm crochet hook (my favorite brand of hook)
– G/4.25 mm crochet hook
– 2 colorful skeins of yarn
– Slanted tapestry needle (I use these)
– Scissors
– Sewing pins

Aberrations
ch(s) – chains
st(s) – stitch(es)
slst – slip stitch (same as join)
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
flo – front loop only
blo – back loop only
cc – color change
dec – decrease (same as sc2tog) (single two st together)
inc – increase (make 2sc in a single st)
(x_) – repeat (_) amount of times
[x_] – repeat everything inside the [_] times amount of times

Crochet Level
Intermediate

Pattern Notes
The pattern is written in US terms
This pattern uses a magic circle. Magic circle instructions here.
If you have any problems with this pattern feel free to contact me so that I can make corrections to the pattern.

Skull
With H hook and 1st yarn color
– ch 10, slst to 1st st to form a circle
– ch 11 sts. slst to 10th st to form a circle (leave a st in the center).
– sc in the middle st, 15 sts, sc 1 st in the middle, sc 15 sts.
– 2dc in middle st, hdc 2 sts, sc 9 sts, hdc 2 sts, dc, ch 2 sts, sk 3 sts (to create nose), slst to 3rd st from the center, dc in same st, hdc 2 sts, sc 9 sts, hdc 2 sts, slst to the 2dc from the beginning.

Skull teeth
With 1st yarn color. Insert hook at the 4th st from the nose (work left to right) 
– slst, sc, hdc, dc, 2dc (in nose sp), dc, hdc, sc, slst
– turn, ch 2, dc in same st, sk 1 st, dc 1 st, [ch 1, sk 1 st, dc 1 st,](x3)
Cut off and weave ends

Granny square
With H hook and 2nd yarn
[ch 2, dc in same st, sk 2-3 sts, ch 2, 2 dc in same st, sk 2-3, ch 2, (2dc in same st, ch 2, 2dc in the same st), sk 2-3 sts, ch 2, 2 dc in same st, ch 2, 2 dc in same st, ch 2, slst to 1st dc]
* repeat all around
cut off
switch back to 1st yarn, slst to any sp
[ch 2, dc in same st, sk 2-3 sts, ch 2, 2dc in same st, sk 2-3, ch 2, 2dc in same st, ch 2, (2dc in same st, ch 2, 2dc in the same st), sk 2-3 sts, ch 2, 2 dc in same st, sk 2-3 sts, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, sk 2-3 sts, ch 2, 2 dc in same st, ch 2, 2 dc in same st, ch 2, slst to 1 st dc]
cut off and weave ends

Scallop
With 1st yarn, slst to the bottom left corner
– sc, hdc, dc, tr, (in one loop), move to next loop, tr, dc, hdc, sc, slst to the center of st.
cut off and weave ends

Assembly
Ch 10 sts, slst to 10 st from hook to form a loop, ch 20 sts, and slst to one of the pieces. Connect the crochet pieces by ch 10 sts and slst to the sides. Continue and finish with off the garland by ch 30 sts and slst to the 10 st to form a loop. Weave yarn ends.

I decided to block my granny squares because I really wanted a square shape granny square but feel free to skip this step if you want. To block: Use sewing pins to pin the corners of the granny square. Cover with a light cloth. Mist with water. Leave overnight or until the cloth isn’t wet anymore.

Do any of you celebrate Dia de los Muertos?