In this post, I will be sharing how to crochet a granny square and provide two free patterns plus a pdf (of one pattern) as a keepsake (and reference for those, ‘how-do-I-do-it’ days).
Be warned that as with all things in life, there are many ways to crochet a traditional granny square. Try the square variation patterns and use the one that works for you.
INTERNATIONAL CROCHET MONTH BLOG HOP
But before we get to the square motif pattern, I need to tell you about INTERNATIONAL CROCHET MONTH and I am honored to be sharing it with Marie from Underground Crafter. It is 30 days of free crochet patterns. Get all the details and links on Underground Crafter.
On 15 March 2023, you can download the FREE PDF on the blog by clicking the button featured below. Thereafter, the pattern will be available to newsletter subscribers only.
Step by Step Pattern (+pdf) to crochet a Granny Square (Single color)
The basic crochet granny is a crochet motif, blanket/throw square or Afghan square. It is characterized or identifiable by the repeat of 3 dc-clusters and separated by one (or more) chain/s on the sides.
The corners are accentuated with a set of two granny clusters, separated by two or more chains to obtain its square shape.
It is done circularly (from the middle out) and each round will increase, resulting in your square project getting bigger and bigger.
Traditionally, each round of the granny square was done in another color and edged off with a black border.
Crocheted granny squares is: –
- a great way to use up yarn scraps.
- is suitable for beginner crocheters with basic stitches under the belt and
- can be stitched together to create just about any garment, blanket, throw or afghan, toy, bag, and all sorts of pretty and useful handmade items.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- Scraps of yarn or a well-chosen color pallet of suitable (and affordable) yarn or any type of yarn you have at hand. I used Elle Gold in DK to crochet the swatch.
- Size Crochet Hook depending on your choice of yarn – hook used for this project –4mm,G/6 (US) 8 (UK)
- Embroidery Needle
- Scissors
- The Pattern
Skill level: New crocheter with basic crochet skills.
I recommend the following yarn:
Some links are affiliate links.If you make a purchase as a result thereof, I will earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.Thanks for supporting me!
STITCHES AND ABBREVIATIONS
beg: beginning
ch: chain
ch-sp: chain space
ch-1 sp: chain 1 space
ch-2 sp: chain 2 space
dc: – double crochet (US)
sl st: slip stitch
ss: slip stitch
st: stitch
sts: stitches
tr: treble crochet (UK)
yo: yarn over
CROCHET STITCHES EXPLAINED
How to chain stitch (ch): Bring yarn over hook from back to front and grab it with hook. Pull hooked yarn through all loops on the hook, continue in same way to form required chains. Whilst chaining, don’t count the stitch on the hook.
Making a magic ring: Watch this YouTube tutorial
Double Crochet (dc) or Treble Crochet (tr):
Yarn over, insert hook into stitch or space from front to back, pull up a new loop of yarn (3 loops on hook), yo (4 loops on hook) and pull through 2 loops on the hook, Yo (3 loops) and pull through remaining 2 loops on hook = 1 x double crochet (treble) completed.
Granny Clusters (or shells):3 double crochet stitches (3 tr’s or 3 dc’s) worked into the same space.
Joining with a slip stitch: Insert hook where indicated, yarn over and pull through all loops on hook.
HOW TO’S TUTORIALS
Learn how to:
- Make a magic circle or ring
- How to chainstitch
- Making a double crochet
- Joining with a slip stitch
GAUGE AND SIZE
Hook and tension may differ.
With the listed yarn and hook, my square measures:
4.5″ x 4.5″ or 12cm x 12cm
VARIATIONS HOW TO CROCHET THE BASIC GRANNY SQUARE PATTERN
- Some patterns start with 3 or 4 chains, others with a magic ring or double magic ring.
- Chain stitches differ in the corners from pattern to pattern. The norm is dc-cluster, ch2, dc-cluster but other patterns separate the corner clusters with 3 chains.
- Each round will end with a slip stitch. The next round will start with 3 chains but the position of the next dc’s to form a granny cluster can vary.
- In multiple-colored grannies, some will cut the yarn at every color change and reconnect in any of the corners.
- The original granny square has 3 to 5 rounds.
- Inthis tutorial, the pattern turns after the first round – some crocheters may not like the method because you end up with a mix of front and back views of the stitches.
Have a look at more Crochet stuff shared in myAmazon Influencer Shop
Easy on the Tongue
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WHAT IS CONFUSING ABOUT CROCHETING A CLASSIC GRANNY SQUARE?
Regardless of all the different granny square patterns, my personal confusion started after the first round. The pattern explains to chain 3 (first dc of the next round), but do I go back into the corner right of my hook, or how do I get to the next corner space?
Some patterns turn the square over to the other side after completion of a round. This way you’ll always continue with creating a corner (3dc’s, 2 chains and 3dc’s).
HOW TO CROCHET A GRANNY SQUARE, 2 PATTERNS
The pattern is in US terms.
Square Crochet Pattern #1
Photo Tutorial after round 5.
To start with: Create a slip knot, chain 4, insert hook into first chain and close with a slip stitch to form a ring or donut; or
make a magic ring and start with Round 1 (center loop is also called your foundation chain).
Round 1:
You need to start off with the same height as a double crochet stitch, and therefore you are going to chain 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in ring (first granny cluster = turning chain and 2 dc),
*ch 2, 3 dc in ring, repeat from * 3 times (4 clusters), ch 2; join with sl st in top of beg ch-3.
If you’ve made a magic ring, pull it closed and join with sl st in top of beg ch-3.
(12 dc and 4 ch-2 sps in this rnd).
In round one, the ch-2 space creates the corners of your granny.
Round 2:
Ch 3 (first dc) and 2 dc into same ch-2 sp (last corner made). This may feel ‘wrong’ as it may feel that you are cramping the stitches into this space, but we will come and finish this corner in the end. For clarity’s sake – you’ll have 3 chains and to the left of it, you’ll be making the 2 dc’s,
*ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp (corner); rep from * 2 more times, ch 1;
and now we’ll be finishing the last corner – in the last ch-2 space, 3dc, ch2 and join with sl st in top of beg ch-3.
(24 dc (8 x 3), 4 ch-2 spaces and 4 ch-1 spaces in this round).
Round 3:
In this round, we will be making single clusters in each ch-1 space (of the previous round). This forms the sides of your square and you’ll be chaining 1 before and after each single cluster.
Ch3 (first dc) and 2 dc in same ch-2 sp (same as round 2),
*ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, rep from * 3 times,
ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch1, 3dc, ch2, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3.
(36 dc (12 x 3), 4 ch-2 spaces and 8 ch-1 spaces in this round).
Round 4:
Ch3 (first dc) and 2 dc in same ch-2 sp (same as round 2),
*ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc); rep from * 3 times,
ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp (twice), ch1, 3dc, ch2, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3.
(48 dc (16 x 3), 4 ch-2 spaces and 12 ch-1 spaces in this round).
Round 5:
Ch3 (first dc) and 2 dc in same ch-2 sp (same as round 2),
*ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc); rep from * 3 times,
ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp (3-times), ch1, 3dc, ch2, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3.
(60 dc (20 x 3), 4 ch-2 spaces and 16 ch-1 spaces in this round).
Bind off.
Square Crochet Pattern #2
Chain 4, insert hook into first stitch and close with a slip stitch to form a ring or donut; or
make a magic ring and start with Round 1 (center loop is also called your foundation chain).
Round 1:
Ch3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in ring, *ch 2, 3 dc in ring, repeat from * 3 times, ch 2; join with sl st or ss in 3rd ch of beginning chain.
(12 dc and 4 ch-2 sps in this rnd).
Round 2:
Ch 3 + another ch = ch4 (first dc + 1 ch)(this will allow you to start in the next corner space,
*(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times.
(3dc, ch2, 2dc) in last corner ch-sp, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3.
(24 dc (8 x 3), 4 ch-2 spaces and 4 ch-1 spaces in this round).
Round 3:
Ch 3 (first dc), 2dc in ch-1 sp, ch1, *(3dc, ch 2, 3dc) in corner ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch1; rep from * 2 more times.
(3dc, ch2, 3dc) in last corner ch-sp, ch1 and join with sl st in top of beg ch-3.
(36 dc (12 x 3), 4 ch-2 spaces and 8 ch-1 spaces in this round).
Round 4:
Ch4, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, *ch 1, (3dc, ch 2, 3dc), ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * 3 times,
ch 1, (3dc, ch 2, 3dc), ch 1, 2dc, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3.
(48 dc (16 x 3), 4 ch-2 spaces and 12 ch-1 spaces in this round).
Round 5:
Ch3 (first dc) and 2 dc in same ch-1 sp,
ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), (**ch1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp)(**3 times), ch 1; rep from * 3 times,
(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), ch1, 3dc, ch1 and join with sl st in top of beg ch-3.
(60 dc (20 x 3), 4 ch-2 spaces and 16 ch-1 spaces in this round).
Bind off.
HOW TO CHANGE COLORS IN EVERY ROUND (or some rounds)
To change colors at the end of each round, you can either:
- make the slip stitch join at the end of the round with the new color. or
- Bind off the round and start with the new color in any of the corners.
- it is recommended to start each new color in another corner.
- the argument to turn your square after each round, reduces thickness on one side only.
WHAT YARN DO I USE FOR GRANNY SQUARE CROCHET PROJECTS?
Always keep in mind the use of the article you are planning to crochet and use suitable yarn.
Some suggestions for yarn and hook combinations are:
- Anchor Aida Crochet Cotton No.10 265m/50g – 1.25mm or US 10 steel hook or 1.5mm or US 8 steel hook.
- Scheepjes Catona, – use a 3.0 (US Size C/2) or 3.5mm hook (US size E/4).
- Worsted yarn – USH or 5.0mm hook.
- Lion Brand Wool Ease 197 yds/85 grams per skein – USJ or 6.0 mm crochet hook.
- Vanna’s Choice, four weight medium yarnaka worsted weight yarn – USJ or 6 mm crochethook.
HELP WITH CHOOSING A COLOR PALETTE (APP)
If you have a tough time choosing your colors to crochet granny squares, try an app called Crochet Studio (search for it on your mobile in your Play or AppStore).
You can choose your yarn and colors and randomize the color palette, or it can make some magic with your chosen yarn or colors.
This option is only available on the paid version.
Crochet Studio has many other nifty options, it’s worth checking out.
I am not an affiliate and paid for it to play around with.
WHAT TO MAKE WITH GRANNY SQUARES
- Make one large square blanket.
- Have a look at this post on the blog, with 25+ granny square projects.
- 100 Micro Crochet Motifs by Steffi Glaves for the most delightful tiny granny squares is a book available on Amazon and it will inspire you so much.
INTERNATIONAL CROCHET MONTH – LINKS
You can download the pdf for this pattern for free from from 15 March 2023 to 31 March 2023:
CLICK BELOW for a direct download
Download your free pdf Granny Square pattern with one click here
IN CONCLUSION
My wish is that you will be exploring with granny squares and that you’l be inspired to make many crochet projects using an old pattern with a modern touch!
Enjoy and Happy Crocheting!
ENJOY MORE GRANNY SQUARE PATTERNS ON THE BLOG HERE:
- The most adorable animal granny squares projects
- The most popular granny squares to use in blankets/throws
- How to crochet straight granny stitch
- Pixel square makingwith small solid granny squares
- Granny Christmas decorations and gifts
- Crochet a Granny Christmas tree
- Triangle Granny Christmas tree ornament
