The Beginner's Guide to Crocheting a Granny Square

If there is one crochet motif that has stood the test of time, it is the granny square. Colorful, versatile, and endlessly satisfying to make, granny squares are the building blocks of some of the most beautiful blankets, bags, and garments in the crochet world.

The best part? They are much easier than they look.

• Yarn — Worsted weight (size 4) is ideal for beginners. Choose 2–4 colors if you want a classic multi-color look, or a single color for a modern, minimalist square.
• Hook — A 5.0mm or 5.5mm hook works well with worsted weight yarn.
• Yarn needle — For weaving in ends.
• Scissors

A traditional granny square is worked in rounds from the center outward. Each round adds a layer of stitches, and the square shape comes from working clusters of double crochets separated by chain spaces at the corners.

The classic granny square uses:

• Chain (ch)
• Slip stitch (sl st)
• Double crochet (dc)

That is it. Three stitches, and you can make a granny square.

1. Chain 4, then slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring.
2. Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet).
3. Work 2 double crochets into the center of the ring.
4. Chain 2 (this creates a corner space).
5. Repeat 3 dc into ring, ch 2 three more times.
6. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain-3 to close the round.

You now have 4 clusters of 3 double crochets with a chain-2 space between each cluster. These chain-2 spaces will become your corners.

1. Slip stitch into the corner chain-2 space.
2. Chain 3, work 2 dc in the same corner space, chain 2, work 3 dc in the same corner space. This creates your first corner.
3. Chain 1 (this is a side space).
4. In the next corner space: work [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc].
5. Repeat ch 1, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in corner around.
6. Chain 1, slip stitch to close.

Each additional round follows the same logic:

• Work [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in every corner chain-2 space.
• Work 3 dc in every chain-1 side space.
• Separate each cluster with a chain 1.

The more rounds you add, the larger your square grows.

One of the joys of granny squares is playing with color. To change colors between rounds:

1. At the end of a round, cut your yarn leaving a 6-inch tail.
2. Pull the tail through the loop on your hook to fasten off.
3. Join your new color with a slip stitch into any corner space.
4. Begin the new round as normal.

Weave in your ends as you go — it is much easier than doing them all at the end.

Once you have made several squares, you can join them into a blanket, bag, or any project you like. Popular joining methods include:

• Slip stitch join — Hold two squares together and slip stitch through both layers.
• Single crochet join — Creates a visible ridge that can be a design feature.
• Flat slip stitch join — Worked with wrong sides together for a nearly invisible seam.

My Ultimate Granny Square Crochet Patterns Collection includes detailed instructions for all three joining methods, plus 12 different square variations to keep things interesting.

• Block your squares — Wet blocking evens out tension and makes joining much easier.
• Keep consistent tension — Try to pull your yarn with the same firmness throughout.
• Count your clusters — Each side of a finished square should have the same number of clusters.
• Make a swatch first — Work one square before committing to a full blanket to check your gauge.

Once you have the basic square down, the possibilities are endless:

• Blankets and throws — The classic use. Mix and match colors for a scrappy look or keep it tonal.
• Tote bags — Join squares into a rectangle and add handles.
• Pillow covers — Four large squares joined together make a beautiful cushion cover.
• Garments — Granny square cardigans and tops are having a major moment.

Start with just one square today. By the time you finish it, you will already be planning your next one.

More tutorials to help you along:

• How to Crochet a Magic Circle — the technique behind that tight, hole-free center in Round 1
• How to Read a Crochet Pattern — decode abbreviations and stitch counts with confidence
• How to Choose the Right Yarn — pick the best yarn weight and fiber for your granny square project