If there is one name that resonates with the heart of modern quilting, it’s Lori Holt of Bee in my Bonnet. Her designs managed to do something truly special: they captured the nostalgic, cozy charm of our grandmothers’ scrap quilts and repackaged them with fresh, "happy" colors and clear, approachable instructions for the modern maker.

At Countryside Quilts®, we see a lot of patterns come and go, but few have the staying power of the Great Granny Squared Quilt Pattern by It's Sew Emma. Priced at just $17.46, this pattern isn't just a guide: it’s an invitation to dive into your scrap bin and create a masterpiece that feels like a warm hug.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first "big" project or a seasoned sewist wanting to clear out some of your fabric stash, the Great Granny Squared pattern is a perfect choice. Today, we’re going to walk through why this pattern is a must-have, how to master the blocks, and how we can help you cross the finish line with your project.

The Magic of the Great Granny Block

The "Great Granny" block is a clever twist on the traditional crocheted granny square. Instead of yarn and a hook, we use 2.5-inch fabric squares and a sewing machine to build concentric diamonds of color. What makes Lori Holt’s version so iconic is the way she organizes the blocks into "generations."

When you look at a Great Granny Squared block, you’re looking at a family:

• The Baby: The single 2.5-inch square at the very center.
• The Mama: The four squares surrounding the baby.
• The Granny: The next ring of eight squares.
• The Great Granny: The outer ring of twelve squares.

By the time you’ve added all these rounds and set the block "on point" (rotated 45 degrees), you have a stunning 12-inch finished block that looks incredibly intricate but is actually quite simple to piece.

Gathering Your Supplies

One of the biggest hurdles to starting a new quilt is making sure you have everything you need. At Countryside Quilts®, we’ve made that easy. Our online shop at www.countrysidequilts.com features over 38,000 products ready to ship directly to your door. From Lori Holt patterns to the specific notions she recommends, we are your one-stop shop for all things creative.

For this project, you’ll want to have:

1. The Pattern: Grab the Great Granny Squared book or pattern.
2. Fabric: This is the ultimate "scrappy" quilt. You’ll need about 33 fat quarters if you want a diverse look, or you can use your 2.5-inch precut "Jelly Rolls" and "Charm Packs."
3. Background Fabric: You’ll need roughly 3.75 to 5 yards of a solid or low-volume print to let those colorful squares pop.
4. High-Quality Thread: We recommend a durable, smooth thread like the variegated options we carry. They add a beautiful touch of texture to your seams.

Tips for Stitching Greatness

The beauty of the Great Granny Squared pattern is in the process, but a little precision goes a long way. Here are a few tips to keep your project on track:

1. The Power of the Quarter-Inch Seam

Because you are working with many small squares, even a slight variation in your seam allowance can throw off the entire block. If you haven’t had your machine serviced lately, a quick tune-up can ensure your tension and feed dogs are working perfectly for that precise 1/4-inch seam.

2. Press as You Go

Don’t wait until the block is finished to reach for the iron. Press your seams after every round. This keeps the block flat and makes it much easier to align the next set of squares. At Countryside Quilts®, we love a good "nesting" seam to reduce bulk where the corners meet.

3. Trimming is Non-Negotiable

Lori Holt often recommends using her Trim-It Rulers to square up blocks. For the Great Granny Squared quilt, squaring up your 12.5-inch blocks (which will finish at 12 inches) is the secret to a quilt top that lies perfectly flat without "waves" in the border.

Let Us Help You Finish Your Masterpiece

We know that life gets busy and sometimes projects stall. Maybe your sewing machine started making a funny noise halfway through your Mama round, or perhaps you’ve finished your beautiful quilt top and are wondering how on earth you’re going to quilt something that large on your home machine.

That’s where our Jefferson City Service Center comes in.

Countryside Quilts®, a proud brand of Countryside General Stores LLC, is more than just a store: we are a service hub for makers. If your machine needs some TLC, our expert technicians in Jefferson City offer top-tier sewing machine repair services to get you back to your project in no time.

And once that Great Granny Squared top is complete? Don’t let it sit in a closet! We offer professional longarm quilting services to give your heirloom-quality quilt the beautiful finish it deserves. Whether you want a simple edge-to-edge design or something more custom, we’re here to help you cross the finish line.

Join the Community of Makers

Quilting is a story told in stitches. Whether you are making a military tribute, a nursery heirloom, or a "just because" scrap quilt using the Great Granny Squared pattern, each piece of fabric holds a memory.

At www.countrysidegeneralstores.com and www.countrysidequilts.com, we aren't just selling fabric; we’re providing the tools for your next legacy. With competitive pricing and a neighborly touch, we’re committed to helping you find inspiration in every detail.

So, are you ready to start your Great Granny Squared journey? Head over to our shop, grab your pattern, and let’s keep stitching greatness together.

Countryside Quilts® is owned and operated by Countryside General Stores LLC.