How to Crochet Granny Square 

The granny square is a traditional crochet pattern and is usually one of the first things people learn when starting to crochet.

Some people use the term “granny square” for any crocheted square, but this tutorial specifically teaches how to create an authentic granny square. There are numerous ways to modify this fundamental design.

After you become proficient in making the basic crochet granny square, you can customize the pattern to craft a variety of decorative and practical items.

Whether it’s blankets, clothing, or accessories such as bags and placemats, granny squares are versatile and can bring colour and style to your home and wardrobe.

Let’s dive in and show you how to crochet a granny square.

What You’ll Need

Tools

• 1 Crochet hook (size H).

Materials

• 1 Skein of worsted-weight yarn.

How to Crochet Granny Square 

Creating a classic crochet granny square involves working in the round with double crochet stitches arranged in sets of three, separated by two chain stitches.

To make a granny square, you only need yarn and a crochet hook. You can use any yarn type and hook size, but starting with worsted weight yarn and a size H crochet hook is a good beginner choice. For optimal results, use the crochet hook recommended for your yarn’s weight, as indicated on the yarn label.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to starting the granny square:

1. Begin the Granny Square

• Start with a slip knot on your crochet hook.
• Chain 3.

2. Make the First Double Crochet Cluster

The initial “chain 3” serves as the first double crochet in the cluster.

Complete the cluster by crocheting two double crochet stitches into the base chain of chain three. This forms three double crochet stitches side by side in the first group.

• Chain 2.

3. Crochet the Second Double Crochet Cluster

Form another cluster of three double crochet stitches by crocheting into the base of the first chain three from the previous grouping.

• Chain 2.

4. Finish Round One of the Granny Square

Repeat the previous step twice more, creating four clusters with chain two spaces between them. The last chain two should be at the end.

To close the round and give the square its shape, slip stitch into the top of the first chain 3, completing the first round.

In a simpler version, here’s the first round of the granny square:

• Chain 3.
• 2 double crochet in the third chain from the hook.
• Chain 2.
• 3 double crochet in the same spot as before.
• Chain 2.
• Repeat the last two steps twice more.
• Slip stitch to the top of the chain 3 to close the round.

5. Start Round Two of the Granny Square

• To begin the second round and each subsequent round, chain 3.
• This chain serves as the first double crochet of the initial set.

6. Complete the First Double Crochet Set

• Work 2 double crochet stitches right next to chain 3 in the open corner immediately below chain 3.
• After finishing the first double crochet cluster, chain 2.

7. Work Around Round Two of the Granny Square

• In each corner, crochet three double crochet stitches, chain 2, and crochet another 3 double crochet stitches, all in the same corner spot.
• Chain 2.
• Repeat this process for every corner except the starting one.
• Continue crocheting clusters and creating chain 2 spaces.

8. Repeat for the Third Corner

• Crochet around the granny square, repeating the corner pattern described in the previous step.
• When you reach the corner where you started, make another cluster of 3 dc stitches, then chain 2.
• Slip stitch to the top of the first chain 3 to close the round. The final corner should look like all the others.

Round Two all together:

• Chain 3.
• 2 double crochet in the same corner space.
• Chain 2.
• In the next corner space: 3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet, chain 2.
• Repeat the above step twice.
• 3 double crochet in the starting corner.
• Chain 2.
• Slip stitch to the top of the first chain 3 to close the round.

9. Start Round Three of the Granny Square

• Begin the third round in the same way as the previous round.
• Chain 3, then make 2 DC stitches in the same space. Chain 2.

10. Work Double Crochet Clusters on the Side

In this round, crochet a cluster of 3 DC stitches in the space on the side of the square, then chain 2.

Continue working through Round Three using these steps.

11. Crochet Around the Third Round

• Work into the corner in the same manner as the previous corners. Create a cluster of 3 dc stitches, chain 2, make another cluster, and chain 2.
• Repeat these steps as you progress around the granny square, ensuring you have a cluster on each side and two clusters in each corner.
• When you reach the last corner (which was also the starting corner), form a cluster of DC stitches, chain 2, and then slip stitch to close the round.

Round Three (Simplified):

• Chain 3.
• 2 double crochet in the same corner space.
• 3 double crochet in the next chain-2 space. Chain 2.
• In the next corner space: 3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet, chain 2.
• Repeat the above step twice.
• 3 double crochet in the starting corner. Chain 2.
• Slip stitch to the top of the first chain 3 to close the round.

12. Finish Round Three With a Slip Stitch

• Close Round Three by slipping stitch to the top of the first chain 3.

Finishing the Granny Square or Expanding:

• You can finish the granny square by cutting the yarn, leaving a tail of at least six inches, and then weaving in the ends.
• Alternatively, you can continue growing the granny square larger. With each round, you’ll have more spaces and groups of double crochet along each edge. Keep adding rounds to make the granny square as big as you want.

Crochet Granny Square Variations 

Once you’ve mastered the basics of crocheting a traditional granny square in a single colour and feel comfortable with the process, you can enhance your skills by incorporating various colour changes in each round. To add a personal touch to your granny squares, consider experimenting with the following modifications:

1. Go for a ch-1 instead of a ch-2 to create tighter squares.
2. Explore different small variations of the granny square that can have a significant visual impact.
3. Enhance the classic granny square by adding a crochet edging.
4. Take on larger projects like a granny square blanket. To accomplish this, you’ll also need to learn how to join multiple granny squares together.
5. Expand your repertoire by exploring various crochet square patterns.
6. Diversify your granny square shapes by learning how to crochet rectangles, triangles, and circles in the granny style.

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