How To Crochet A Granny Square For Beginners

Learning how to crochet a granny square is something you should know, because these are a great way to use up leftover scraps of yarn, and they are super simple to make.

In this free tutorial, I will show you an easy way to make a classic granny square, and as a beginner, it is a good practice piece to learn the double crochet stitch.

Image of crocheted granny squares with text overlay saying, how to crochet a granny square.

Table of contents

Mix And Match Details
About This Granny Square Pattern
FAQ
Skill Level
What You Will Need
Pattern Size
Stitches And Abbreviations - US Terms
Finishing The Granny Square
Make Larger Granny Squares
Changing Colors In Granny Squares
Granny Square Variations
Related Pages
Easy Ways To Join Granny Squares Together
More Free Easy Crochet Patterns
Stay Connected
Printable Pattern
How To Crochet A Granny Square
Comments

Mix And Match Details

Yarn weight: #3 Light , with 15 WPI (wraps per inch)
Hook size: 4mm (G/6)
Finished size: 3.5 x 3.5 inches (8 x 8 cm)
Number of rounds: 4
Stitch count per side: 12 stitches and chain 2 corners

Explore other granny squares of similar sizes for potential pairings. You can search our collection of small size crochet squares for more options.

About This Granny Square Pattern

The method I will show you below is slightly different from the traditional method - where there is a definite right and wrong side to each of the granny squares.

With this version, both sides look the same making it perfect for blankets, shawls, scarves, and afghans because both sides look good.

And these granny squares have nice straight edges which means you don't need to block each piece to straighten the sides and define the corners before joining them.

A comparison image of two crochet swatches on worked in one direction and the other turned at the start of each round.

FAQ

What Is A Granny Square?

The classic granny square is small in size, and in the past, it was a great way to use up leftover bits of yarn and turn them into something practical.

Depending on the size and number of squares you have, these can be joined together to make things like blankets, afghans, bags, and clothing items such as jackets.

How Many Rounds Are In A Granny Square

The number of rounds in a granny square can vary depending on the pattern and size you want to make. But, generally, granny square patterns are usually made up of four rounds.

What Stitches Are Used To Make Granny Squares

Granny squares use basic stitches like chain stitch (ch), double crochet (dc), and slip stitch.

These stitches are worked around a foundation ring and then in joining rounds.
Each round is made up of a repeating pattern of double crochet stitches and is worked into spaces in groups of three to form a granny cluster.

Chain stitches are made to shape the corners, and depending on the design chain stitches can also act as a spacer between the granny clusters.

If you are a beginner crocheter you might like to refer to our How to Crochet for Beginners Guide, which includes the basics like stitches and techniques.

Skill Level

Easy beginner

What You Will Need

For this tutorial, we used #3 light (also be referred to as DK or 8ply) yarn with 15 WPI (wraps per inch) , and a 4mm (G/6) crochet hook.

However you don't need this specific yarn weight, you can practice with another yarn weight like #4 worsted weigh yarn, and use the hook size recommended on the yarn label of the yarn you are using.

When choosing a yarn to practice with use one that is light in color and smooth in texture because it will be easier to easier to see the stitches.

Pattern Size

This is a small sized granny square that measures about 3.5 inches (8.8 cm) unblocked, using the yarn weight and hook size mentioned above.

Stitches And Abbreviations - US Terms

Here are the stitches and the abbreviations that you will see in this basic granny square pattern.

MR - magic ring
ch - chain stitch
dc - double crochet
sp/sps - space/spaces
sl st - slip stitch
st/sts - stitch/stitches
Rnd/Rnds - round/rounds
rpt - repeat
[ ] - at the end of a round indicates the number of stitches in that round

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Pattern Notes

The granny square is worked in a series of joined rounds.
The project is turned at the start of every new row.
The stitches are worked into the spaces between clusters and the corner chain spaces of the previous round.

Foundation Ring

A granny square is started with a foundation ring and you can choose to use one of the two methods below:

Make a foundation ring by chaining 4 stitches, then insert the hook back into the first chain stitch you made and join with a slip stitch to form a circle.
Or make a magic ring - If you like the look of a granny square without a center hole, make a magic ring, because you can tighten the loop after the first round has been made so the hole is barely visible.

Abbreviated version

Foundation - Ch4, sl st into 1st ch to join, or make a MR.

Chain stitches on a crochet hook. — For this example a foundation ring of 4 chain stitches was made.

Round 1

A foundation ring with three chain stitches.

Chain 3, this counts as the first double crochet stitch in the first granny cluster, then make 2 double crochet stitches. You should now have 3 stitches worked into the ring - this is the first granny cluster, next make 2 chain stitches.

First granny cluster of round one of a classic granny sqaure.

Now, make the second granny cluster (3 double crochets) into the center ring, then make 2 chain stitches.

A second granny cluster made into foundation ring.

Next, make a third granny cluster (3 double crochets) into the center ring. followed by 2 chain stitches.
Then, make a fourth granny cluster of 3 double crochets into the center ring, chain 2, and then make a slip stitch into the top of the starting chain 3 to join the round.
At this stage, you will have 4 sets of granny clusters, each separated by chain 2 corner spaces. Turn your work.
[At the end of this round you should have 12 double crochets.]

Image showing completed first round of a classic granny sqaure.

Abbreviated version

Rnd 1 - Ch3 (counts as 1dc), 2dc, ch2, (3dc, ch2) 3 times, join with sl st in top of 1sr ch-3, turn. [12dc]

Round 2

Crochet piece turned and a slip stitch is being made into the chain 2 corner space.

Slip stitch into the chain 2 space.

Chain 3 (this counts as double crochet), then make 2 double crochets into the chain 2 space. This is the first half of the first corner, the other half will be completed at the end of the round.

Image showing three completed corner clusters on round two.

Next, into the next chain 2 space work *(3 double crochets, chain 2, and 3 double crochets). Repeat from * two more times.

Image showing second round almost completed.

Next, into the chain 2 space of the first corner work (3 dc and chain 2), then join the round with a slip stitch into the top of the first double crochet made at the start of the round.

Image of completed round two labeled with the different sections.

When round two is completed you should have four corner clusters each with 2 chain spaces and a space between the clusters. Turn your work.
[At the end of this round the stitch count will have increased to 24 double crochet stitches.]

Abbreviated version

Rnd 2 - Sl st into the ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as 1dc), 2dc into ch-2 sp, *(3dc, ch2, 3dc) in next ch-2 sp, rpt from * 2 more times, (3dc, ch2) in the same sp as 1st 3dc cluster, join with sl st in top of 1st ch-3, turn. [24dc]

Round 3

The start of the first corner on row three.

Slip stitch into the chain 2 space. Chain 3 (this counts as double crochet), then make 2 double crochets into the chain 2 space. This is the first half of the first corner, the other half will be completed at the end of the round.

Three double crochet worked into the space between the corners.

Next, * (3 double crochets) into the next space (the space between the 2 granny clusters of the previous row).

First side and second corner completed on a classic granny square.

Then into the chain 2 space work (3 double crochets, chain 2, and 3 double crochets) repeat from * two more times. Then work 3 double crochet in the next space.

End of round three of a classic granny sqaure.

Next, into the chain 2 space of the first corner work (3 dc and chain 2), then join the round with a slip stitch into the top of the first double crochet made at the start of the round. Turn your work.
[At the end of this round you should have 36 double crochets.]

Abbreviated version

Rnd 3 - Sl st into the ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as 1dc), 2dc into ch-2 sp, *(3dc) in next sp, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in ch-2 sp, repeat from * 2 more times, (3dc) in next sp, (3dc, ch2) into the same sp as the first 3dc, join with sl st in top of first ch-3, turn. [36dc]

Round 4

Slip stitch into the chain 2 space. Chain 3 (this counts as double crochet), then make 2 double crochets into the chain 2 space. This is the first half of the first corner, the other half will be completed at the end of the round.
Next, work 3 double crochet into each of the next two spaces.
Then into the next chain 2 space work 3 double crochets, chain 2, and 3 double crochets. Repeat steps 2 and 3 two more times. The work 3 double crochets into each of the next two spaces.
Next, into the chain 2 space of the first corner work 3 dc and chain 2, then join the round with a slip stitch into the top of the first double crochet made at the start of the round.
[At the end of this round you should have 48 double crochet stitches.]

Abbreviated version

Rnd 4 - Sl st into the ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as 1dc), 2dc into ch-2 sp, *(3dc) in next 2-sps, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in ch-2 sp, rpt from * 2 more times, (3dc) into next 2-sps, (3dc, ch2) into the same sp as the 1st 3dc, join the round with sl st. [48dc]

Finished classic granny square with four rounds.

Finishing The Granny Square

Once you have completed the granny square, cut the yarn from the ball leaving a 6 inch (15 cm), and pull it through the last stitch.

Use a darning needle to weave in the loose ends.

Finished classic granny squares on a marble background with scissors and yarn needle.

Make Larger Granny Squares

You can keep working and add more rounds to make a bigger square.

Just remember that with every round you increase, you will need to work in an additional granny cluster on each side.

For example:

In row four, 2 granny clusters are made on each side between the corner clusters.
When making row 5, there will be an extra space to fill with a granny cluster. So you will have to make a total of 3 granny clusters on each side between the corners.
In row 6, you will need to work 4 granny clusters on each side between the corner clusters.
Basically, with every round that you increase, you will need to work an extra cluster on each side of the square.

Changing Colors In Granny Squares

Once you have learned to make a classic granny square in one color, you might like to add variety by adding a different color.

To change a color in a granny square, make the color switch when joining the round with a slip stitch.

For more information on changing yarn color, read our blog post on changing colors in crochet for detailed instructions.

Granny Square Variations

There are so many different types and variations on the granny square, here a just a few examples:

Classic Granny Square - This is the most basic and traditional granny square pattern. It usually consists of four rounds with clusters of double crochet stitches.
4-Color Granny Square - This pattern uses four different colors or yarn, which can be worked rounds or quarters to form triangles of colors.
Solid Granny Square - This pattern uses double crochet stitches to create a solid center, which is then surrounded by clusters of double crochet stitches to create the granny square.
Circle in a Square Granny Square - This pattern combines a circle motif with a square. The circle is usually made using popcorn or puff stitches, with the square worked in clusters of double crochet stitches.
Flower Granny Square - This pattern features a small crocheted flower motif in the center of the granny square, which is then surrounded by clusters of double crochet stitches.
Sunburst Granny Square - This pattern features a round center that gradually increases in size, surrounded by clusters of double crochet stitches that radiate outwards like sun rays.
C2C Granny Square - This pattern uses the corner-to-corner (C2C) crochet technique to create a diagonal striped square.

Now that you know how to crochet a granny square you might like this granny square Christmas stocking pattern made in this classic design, or you might like to try your hand at other designs like this lacy daisy granny square blanket or these other granny square projects:

Easy Ways To Join Granny Squares Together

Once you have completed multiple granny squares, the next step is to join them together to create a larger project.

And there are many ways to do this, depending on the desired final product and the look you want to achieve.

Here are a few techniques for joining granny squares:

Whipstitch - This simple method use a needle and thread to sew the squares together. The stitches are worked through the back loops of each square, creating an invisible seam on the front.
Single crochet join - This method involves using a single crochet stitch to join the squares together. The squares are held with the wrong sides facing each other, and the single crochet stitches are worked through the back loops of the squares to create a decorative border.
Slip stitch join - This method involves using a slip stitch to join the squares together. The squares are held with the right sides facing each other, and the slip stitch is worked through the back loops of each square to create a decorative ridge on the front.
Join-as-you-go - This method involves crocheting the squares together as you work on each square. This creates a continuous seam that eliminates the need to sew the squares together later.

More Free Easy Crochet Patterns

If you like this crochet square pattern you might also like this mitered granny square or this free solid granny square pattern with a diamond center, or these other easy crochet patterns:

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