The granny square is the most iconic motif in crochet. Even people who don’t know crochet often know that the granny square is a crochet classic. The best part? This simple motif is easy to learn. Once you learn it, you can use the granny square to make everything from simple coasters to elaborate afghans.
Photos via Kathryn Vercillo of Crochet Concupiscence
Here are all the steps you need if you want to learn how to crochet granny squares.
How to crochet a classic granny square:
You can crochet a granny square using any type of yarn and any size crochet hook. In this example, I’ve used a basic worsted weight yarn and size H/8 5mm crochet hook.
Round 1:
Chain three.
Dc into the first chain.
Dc again into the first chain. You now have a cluster of three dc because the first chain three counts as the first dc.
Chain two; this creates the space that will become your first corner.
3 dc into the same chain spot. Ch 2 to make your next corner. Repeat that previous step twice more.
Slip stitch into the top chain of the first “chain three” to close the round. Your smallest center square is now complete.
Round 2:
To begin the next round, you will chain 3. This counts as the first dc of the round.
Make 2 dc into the same corner as the ch 3.
In the following corner: 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc. This makes the new corner.
Repeat this in the next corner.
In the final corner, you will make 3 dc, chain two and then slip stitch to the top of the first chain in the first “chain three” to close the round.
Round 3:
Your next round begins in the same manner as round two. Chain three and then 2 dc into the same corner.
You will see that the next space is not a corner but just a space. Make 3 dc in this space.
Your next space is the corner, so you will make 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc into the corner. Repeat the previous two steps around the square. When you get to the final space, make 3 dc, ch 2 and sl st to the top of the first chain 3 to close the round.
Round 4:
Round 4 is similar to Round 3 except that you are now working with a larger square so there will be two spaces in each row between each corner.
You can continue increasing the size of your granny square to make it as large as you would like. Simply work 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc in each corner and 3 dc in each space, joining at the end of each row and beginning the new round with a ch 3 for the first dc stitch.
The classic crochet granny square is often considered to be a four- or five-round granny square. However, granny squares can be made as small as two rounds or as large as a big square blanket.
Ch-1 space option
Some crocheters prefer to add a ch-1 space between each cluster of 3 dc in a granny square. There’s no significant difference between the space created naturally between the 3 dc or the space created with a ch-1, so that’s just personal preference.
If you want to try the ch-1 option, crochet the granny square using all of the same instructions as above with the exception that after each corner and each block of 3 dc, you’ll chain one before beginning the next set of double crochet stitches. For example, after the corner, you’ll chain 1, then 3 dc in next space, then ch 1, etc.
Multi-color granny squares
This crochet granny square pattern shows you how to work a granny square in a single color. But what if you want to change colors from round to round? Most of the steps are the same. Here’s what’s different:
At the end of the previous round, fasten off and weave in ends. Join new yarn in any corner.
Chain 3.
2 dc in the same corner chain space
Proceed around the square as normal.
Are you ready to take your granny square skills to the next level?
Join Your Classic Granny Squares
Once you’ve made a few crochet granny squares, join them all together in one project. Learn easy methods to bring them together in this online video class.
