How to Crochet Granny Squares And Bring Back Old-School Cool

By Kathryn Vercillo & filed under Crocheting Blog.

granny squares

You gotta love the granny! Even if you don’t crochet, you can probably pick out a classic granny square afghan from a lineup.

Two factors account for the granny square’s icon status: simplicity and versatility. A solid square is straightforward and repetitive, but then there are a million ways to riff off that simple square — from playing with color to changing up the shape and more.

Classic Granny Square

Level: Easy

What You Need

You can crochet a granny square using any type of yarn and any size crochet hook. This tutorial uses a basic worsted weight yarn and size H/8 5mm crochet hook.

Abbreviations

  • Ch – Chain
  • Dc – Double crochet

    • Instructions

    Round 1

    chain 3

    Chain three.

    dc info first chain

    Dc into the first chain.

    2 dc into 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 2

    Chain two; this creates the space that will become your first corner.

    granny square 3dc row 1

    3 dc into the same chain spot. Ch 2 to make your next corner. Repeat that previous step twice more.

    finished row 1 granny square

    Slip stitch into the top chain of the first “chain three” to close the round. Your smallest center square is now complete.

    Round 2

    granny square round 2 chain 3

    To begin the next round, you will chain 3. This counts as the first dc of the round.

    granny square row 2 dc2

    Make 2 dc into the same corner as the ch 3.

    making corner on row 2 granny square

    In the following corner: 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc. This makes the new corner.

    stitching row 2 granny square

    Repeat this in the next two corners.

    finishing round 2 granny square

    To finish the first corner your worked in, 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

    beginning granny square round 3

    Your next round begins the same way as round two. Chain three and then 2 dc into the same corner.

    3 dc granny stitch row 3

    You’ll see that the next space is not a corner but just a space. Make 3 dc in this space.

    finished granny square row 3

    Your next space is the corner, so you’ll make 3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc into the corner. Repeat the previous two steps around the square. When you get to the corner you started in, make 3 dc, ch 2 and sl st to the top of the first chain 3 to close the round.

    Round 4

    beginning granny square row 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 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.

    finished granny square

    The classic crochet granny square usually features about four or five rounds. But you can make a mini-square as small as two rounds, or just keep on stitching until you have a big, square blanket!

    Variations

    There’s definitely more than one way to craft a granny square. You can start with a crochet ring, or go full-on magic circle. Plus, don’t forget about color!

    Crochet Ring

    Instead of starting your granny square by working into a single chain, join your chain into a circle and work your first round into the circle. This method will give you a more pronounced hole in the center of your square.

    Magic Circle

    If you want a tight center to your square with no holes, try using a magic circle to start your granny.

    Multi-Color Squares

    If you want to work some of your rounds in different colors, here’s how:

    tying new color to granny square

    At the end of the previous round, fasten off and weave in ends. Join new yarn in any corner by simply tying it on.

    new color join on granny square

    Chain 3.

    2dc new color granny square

    2 dc in the same corner chain space.

    stitching new color on granny square

    Proceed around the square as normal.

    gray and yellow granny square

    Ta-da!

    Comments
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    15 Responses to “How to Crochet Granny Squares And Bring Back Old-School Cool”

    1. Margaret McMorrow
      Margaret McMorrow

      I am trying to teach someone who is left-handed to crochet, specifically granny squares. It’s been very difficult for both of us. Hope this will help.

      Reply
    8. Paulette Gooden
      Paulette Gooden

      I’m 74 yrs old and my grandmother taught mr to crochet and do a granny square when I was young. I think this is a wonderful thing you have done here for both young and old. I thank you for them ❤️

      Reply
      • Naomi
        Naomi

        Do you have a DVD of the Granny Square. I would like to purchase it. I have not said that before.

        Reply