This detailed step by step tutorial shows you How to Crochet a Granny Square.
The classic granny square is a great traditional crochet square that is great to know how to crochet and it’s great for beginners.
Many learn the simple granny square as crochet beginners, however this crochet tutorial is a great refresher if it’s been a while since you crocheted it.
The square itself is versatile & can be used in a lot of different patterns. Such as making a whole blanket using this square, creating garments or anything that can be made combining multiple squares.
In this crochet blog post we will go through step by step how to crochet a granny square, answer common FAQs and share some crochet patterns that uses the granny square crochet pattern.
Learn everything you need to know about granny squares.
FAQS For Crocheting The Traditional Granny Square
Granny Square Blanket Tips:
Many who crochets granny squares, wants to crochet granny square blankets. This can be done with any yarn and hook size, giving you different results.
You can also choose how many rounds you want to do on each granny square, if you want to change colors on each row or not and decide how to assemble the granny squares.
All in all, you don’t need a detailed crochet pattern to do this, once you learn how to crochet a granny square you know how to crochet a granny square blanket.
Methods to assemble granny squares:
To assemble granny squares you have the option of crocheting or seaming them together.
Many uses the whip stitch to seam it together, while some uses the invisible seam.
You can also crochet them together, using techniques such as the Join as You Go Method, Whip Stitch and Flat Slip Stitch Join.
Single Granny Square Tips:
The most typical granny square are made with double crochet stitches, like in the how to crochet a granny square tutorial below.
If you want to make a single granny square, all you have to do is change all dc stitches for single crochet stitches.
Sizes of the granny square:
Granny squares can be made in many sizes.
You can adjust the sizes based on the crochet hook size and yarn weight you use.
But you can also choose how big you make it based on the number of rounds you crochet.
Avoid curling granny squares:
One problem many crocheters face when crocheting granny squares can be that the finished granny square doesn’t lay flat or curl.
To fix that problem, most likely you have used a crochet hook that is either to big or small for your yarn.
Try going up or down in hook size to see if it fixes your problem.
Second solution would be to adjust the number of chains you do between the 3 double crochet blocks.
Solid granny squares:
This how to crochet a granny square tutorial shows you how to create a multi colored granny square. If you wan to crochet a solid granny square, do not fasten off when you finish a round, then start with chain 2 to replace the first dc on round 2 and onwards
Don’t forget to save this tutorial on Pinterest!
Ultimate Guide to Granny Squares
Like this? Get the ad-free version + 33 other crochet patterns & tutorials with the “Ultimate Guide to Granny Squares”.
Learn more about the Ultimate Guide to Granny Squares
Suggested Materials
- Crochet hook: Size 5 mm / US: H-8 / UK: 6
- 4 Medium Yarn
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
You can use any size crochet hook and yarn when crocheting granny squares. You won’t need much yarn of each color to make a few granny squares, so it’s a great scrap yarn crochet project.
Crochet Abbreviations
- beg = beginning
- ch = chain(s)
- ch-2-sp = refers to chain or space previously made, with 2 ch
- dc = double crochet
- prev = previous
- rep = repeat
- sl st = slip stitch
- st = stitch (es)
We try our best to include all crochet abbreviations in the list above for the crochet stitch pattern, but sometimes we may forget one or two.
Learn more about crochet abbreviations & find a complete list on our Crochet Abbreviations & Terms post.
Crochet Tutorial Notes
- With hook and yarn used 1 square measure 11.5 x 11.5 cm / 4.5 x 4.5 inches. However it can be made with any hook & yarn to meet your patterns gauge.
- This tutorial is written in us terms.
How To Crochet A Granny Square – Written Tutorial
Written instruction – basic granny square pattern:
All rounds are made with right side facing.
Round 1: Ch 3, dc 2 in 3rd ch (base ch/first ch) from hook, *ch 2, 3dc in base ch*, rep from *to* 2 times, ch 2, sl st in top of ch from beginning of round (=20 st).
Fasten off & cut yarn.
Round 2: Make slip knot, dc 3 in any corner ch-2-sp, ch 2, *dc 3 in next corner ch-2-sp, ch 2, dc 3 in same corner ch-2-sp, ch 2*, rep from *to* 2 times, dc 3 in first corner ch-2-sp, ch 2, sl st in top of 1st dc from beg of round (=40 st).
Fasten off & cut yarn.
Round 3: Make slipknot, dc 3 in any corner ch-2-sp, ch 2, *dc 3 in next ch-2-sp, ch 2, dc 3 in next corner ch-2-sp, ch 2, dc 3 in same corner ch-2-sp, ch 2*, rep from *to* 2 times, dc 3 in next ch-2-sp, ch 2, dc 3 in first corner ch-2-sp, ch 2, sl st in top of 1st dc from beg of round (=60 st).
Fasten off & cut yarn.
Repeat the same way to make additional rounds.
How To Crochet A Granny Square Photo Tutorial
The photos below will show you step by step how to crochet a granny square:
Round 1:
1. Make Slip Knot
The first step of the crochet granny square is to make a slip knot.
3. Double crochet in first chain made
Double crochet in first chain made.
4. Double crochet in same chain
Double crochet in same chain, first granny cluster (3-dc group) made.
5. Chain 2, creating ch-space
Chain 2, creating first ch-space.
6. Double crochet 3 in same chain
Double crochet 3 in same chain. You have now crocheted a 3 dc cluster.
7. Chain 2
Chain 2, creating next corner sp. Each time you crochet chains like this, you will create chain spaces. You will work into these on the second round.
8. Double crochet 3 in same chain
Double crochet 3 in same chain.
9. Chain 2, creating corner space
Chain 2, creating ch-sp / corner space / ch-space.
10. Double crochet 3 in same chain
Double crochet 3 in same chain, one last time on the first round.
11. Chain 2, creating ch-space
Chain 2, creating the last corner ch-space on first round.
12. Slip stitch in 3rd chain from beginning of round
Slip stitch in 3rd chain from beginning of round. Fasten off and cut yarn. You have now finished the first round of the granny square.
Round 2:
13. Make slip knot with second color
Make slipknot with second color to start round 2.
You can continue with the same color, if so, don’t cut yarn after finishing round 1, and start with ch-2 counting as the first double crochet on next step.
14. Dc 3 in any corner ch-space
Dc 3 in any corner ch-space from previous round.
15. Ch 2, creating ch-space
Ch 2, creating ch-space. The chain spaces you create on the second round, will be the ones you work into on the third round.
16. Dc 3 in next ch-space
Dc 3 in next chain space.
17. Ch 2, creating corner ch-space
Ch 2, creating corner ch-space on second round.
18. Dc 3 in same ch-space
Dc 3 in same ch-space to finish the corner.
19. Ch 2, creating ch-space
Ch 2, creating ch-space on one of the edges.
20. Repeat steps 16-19 in all corner spaces.
Repeat steps 16-19 in all corner spaces on round 2.
21. Dc 3 in next ch-space, ch 2
Dc 3 in next ch sp, ch 2.
22. Slip stitch in first dc made
Slip stitch in first dc made. Fasten off & cut yarn.
Round 3:
23. Make slip knot with third color
Make slip knot with third color to start the third round.
If you want to continue with the same yarn color, chain 2 in place of the first double crochet on next step.
24. 3 dc in any corner ch-space.
3 dc granny cluster in any corner ch-space.
25. Crochet Side
Ch 2, dc 3 in next ch-space, ch 2.
26. Crochet Granny Square Corner
Dc 3 in next ch-space, ch 2, dc 3 in same ch-space.
27. Crochet Second Side
Repeat step 25. Ch 2, dc 3 in next ch space, ch 2.
28. Crochet Second Corner on Granny Square
Repeat step 26 to crochet the second corner.
29. Crochet Third Side on Granny Square
Repeat step 25. Ch 2, dc 3 in next ch space, ch 2.
30. Crochet Third Corner
Repeat step 26 to crochet the third corner.
31. Crochet 4th Side
Repeat step 25 one final time. Ch 2, dc 3 in next ch space, ch 2.
32. Finalize Last Corner
Dc 3 in next ch-space, ch 2.
33. Slip stitch in first dc made
Slip stitch in first dc made. Fasten off & cut yarn.
Weave in ends.
How To Crochet A Granny Square – Video Tutorial
Below you will find free video instructions on how to crochet a granny square.
Crochet Patterns Using Granny Squares
Use the granny square you just learned in one of these crochet patterns featuring granny squares:
- Granny Square Cardigan
- Granny Square Sweater
- Granny Square Market Bag
- Granny Square Basket
- Granny Square Ottoman
- Granny Square Dishcloth
- Granny Square Dish Towel
- Ferris Wheel Granny Square Shawl
- Your Sunday Shawl
- Clover Leaf Granny Square Pillow
- Not Your Granny’s Tee
You could also join multiple to crochet a granny square blanket.
How to Join Granny Squares Together
After learning to crochet this granny square, you of course need a way to join them together. There are several great ways to join granny squares together. But I’ll share 3 of the most common with you!
Whip Stitch
- The whip stitch uses yarn and needle.
- To whip stitch granny squares together, align the stitches of two granny squares with the right side facing against each other.
- With a needle, work through each of the aligned stitches with the yarn and needle
Whip Stitch Photo & Video Tutorial
Flat Slip Stitch Join
The flat slip stitch join creates a beautiful slip stitch seam between each of the granny squares.
- Make a slip knot and place it on the crochet hook.
- Line up two granny squares with the right side facing.
- Insert hook through the back loops of corner stitches on each square and slip stitch.
- Continue repeating for each stitch along the edge of the granny squares.
Flat Slip Stitch Join Tutorial
Join Granny Squares As You Go (JAYGO)
When you join granny squares as you go you will use yarn and a crochet hook, now sewing necessary.
There are 3 great ways to JAYGO:
Other Granny Squares And Crochet Patterns
The classic granny square is great, however sometimes you may want to explore some new ones. Granny square variations can be made with many different motifs.
If you make them the same size as in a crochet pattern featuring the classic granny square, you can easily substitute and use one of these granny square motifs instead:
- Ferris Wheel Granny Square
- Leaf Clover Granny Square
- Solid Granny Square
- Star Granny Square
- Sunburst Granny Square
- Daisy Granny Square
- Heart Granny Square
- Skull Granny Square
And here are some beautiful crochet patterns using other granny squares:
What’s your favorite way to use granny squares? Have you tried any granny square projects?
Let me know in the comments below or share in my Facebook group.
