How to Crochet A Granny Square – Step-by-step guide for Beginners
Are you eager to learn how to crochet a granny square? If so, welcome to my comprehensive guide on how to crochet a classic granny square! In this step-by-step guide, I’ll teach you everything you need to know to crochet beautiful granny squares for all your crochet projects.
I understand that crochet granny squares might look intimidating, but I promise you they’re not as complicated as they seem.
Don’t worry if you’re a beginner, because they’re actually quite easy to make. Plus, you won’t need a lot of yarn, which makes them a great option for those on a budget.
In this beginner-friendly tutorial, I’ll share an easy-to-follow pattern that’s perfect for beginners.
With step-by-step written instructions and helpful images, you’ll be able to crochet a granny square in no time.
From understanding the basic pattern to expanding your granny square and adding different variations, I’ll guide you through the process.
What you will learn
Learn the basic pattern of a granny square
Choose the right supplies, including hook size and best yarn
How to start a granny square without a magic ring, a step-by-step process to create the center ring and build the first round
Finish your project by weaving in ends and blocking the square
How to Troubleshoot and fix common mistakes for Granny Square Beginners!
Understanding the Granny Square Pattern
Before we begin crocheting, let’s review the basic granny square pattern.
The granny square is a traditional crochet pattern that uses basic crochet stitches. The main three stitches used for a classic crochet granny square are chain stitch, slip stitch, and double crochet stitches.
Are granny squares good for beginners?
The basic granny square pattern is easy to learn, making it an excellent starting point for beginners.
Granny squares are typically small, making them ideal for using up leftover yarn scraps. You can crochet them in solid colors or experiment with different colors for each round.
Once you have a collection of granny squares, you can join them together to make larger items like blankets, scarves, sweaters, bags, hats, and more.
How do you crochet a granny square?
Granny squares are crocheted by working from the center out in joined rounds, allowing you to make the granny square as large or as small as you like. Each round consists of a granny cluster ( sets of three double crochets ) separated by chain spaces.
Chain-1 spaces are used along the sides, and chain-3 spaces are placed at the square’s four corners to maintain a square shape.
While there are many variations of granny squares, we’ll focus on the classic version made from four rounds of double crochet clusters worked into chain spaces in this tutorial.
Different types of granny squares for beginners
There are hundreds of granny square patterns available, but the most known and easiest granny square to crochet is the solid granny square! Here are some variations of Granny Squares for beginners to try!
How to crochet a solid granny square for beginners
How to crochet a granny square
25 Crochet granny square patterns
How to Crochet a Classic Granny Square
For the different granny square patterns, there are different written instructions, but today, in this free granny square guide for beginners, I will share, my version of the easiest way to crochet a granny square for a complete beginner.
Before we can begin crocheting a granny square, we’ll need to gather a few essential supplies.
Gathering Your Supplies
Yarn: Choose your preferred colors. Worsted-weight yarn works well for beginners.
Crochet Hook: Use a size H or 5.0mm hook, matching your yarn.
Stitch Markers (optional): To mark the start of each round.
The best yarn for crochet granny square
When choosing yarn for a granny square, keep in mind that lighter colors tend to be more beginner-friendly. The stitches are easier to see and count, which can be a big help when you’re just starting out. Worsted-weight yarn is a good choice for beginners, but don’t be afraid to experiment with DK weight yarn as well. There is no need for a specific yarn!
For the tutorial, I am using a cotton yarn by Hobbii and a 4.5 mm crochet hook.
What crochet hook to use for a granny square?
The key to successful crochet is choosing a comfortable hook and maintaining even tension. But as a reference, I suggest using a 5 mm crochet hook for worsted-weight yarn and 4 mm or 4.5 mm for DK weight yarn.
Pattern notes
This pattern is written in US crochet terminology
The pattern is worked in joined rounds
After the first round, we will work in the ch-1 spaces and ch-3 spaces only!
Abbreviation
sl st – slip stitch
ch (s) – chain (s)
dc- double crochet
ch-1 sp – chain- 1 space
ch- 3 sp – chain-3 space
st(s)- stitches
** – rep the stitches in the ** indicated times
Special stitches
The main stitch used for this granny square is the granny cluster, which consists of 3 double crochet stitches!
How to crochet granny cluster stitch:
* YO, insert your hook in the next stitch or ch-space, YO, pull through( 3 loops on the hook ), YO, pull through the first 2 loops ( 2 loops on the hook ), YO, pull through all the loops * repeat 2 more times.
Creating the Center Ring
Now that you have gathered all the necessary supplies, it’s time to get started on your granny square! The first step is to create the center ring, aka magic ring or magic circle, which will serve as the starting point for the rest of the square.
What are the different ways to start a granny square?
There are 3 ways to start a granny square – magic circle, chain stitch, and chain stitch ring.
Method 1: – Start with chain stitch, aka one single chain
Start with slip knot, then chain 3, we have 4 chains in total. Insert your hook in 4th chain of the hook and work all the stitches in this chain. The first 3 chains count as the first double crochet stitch.
Method 2: – Start with chain stitch ring
To start chain 4, then slip stitch in 4th chain from the hook, to form a ring. Work all the stitches of round 1 into the ring.
This method is easier than the single chain stitch method but will leave a bigger hole in the center of your granny square.
Method 3: Start with a magic circle, aka magic ring.
This method leaves the granny square without any gaps or holes in the center part. To learn how to crochet a magic circle, check the detailed tutorial we have made for you!
Now that you have your center ring completed, you are ready to move on to the first round of your granny square.
Free crochet classic granny square pattern
Here are the written instructions and photo tutorial for the granny square pattern
For the written instructions, first you will find the detailed step by step explanation and after that you will find the standard abbreviated version of them.
Foundation chain
In this tutorial, I will use the single chain method for my foundation circle, you can use the most comfortable method for yourself.
Start with a slip knot and ch3, we have 4 chains in total. The 4th chain from the hook is the ring we work into and the first 3 chains are COUNTED as the first dc stitch.
Building the First Round
The first round consists of three double crochet stitches worked into the center ring, separated by chain stitches.
This are the detailed instructions break up in easy to follow steps for round 1 of the granny square.
- Ch3 at the beginning is COUNTED as the first double crochet stitch of the cluster
- Make 2 more double crochet ( dc ) into the ring. Now you should have 3 dc sts next to each other, which creates the first granny cluster.
- Ch3, make 3 dc into the ring- now you made the second granny cluster and the first corner space
- Then, ch3, make 3 dc into the ring- you made the third granny cluster and the second corner space.
- Next, ch3, make 3 dc into the ring- you should have 4 granny clusters and the third corner space
- Chain 3 to create the 4th corner space.
- Join the round with a slip stitch into the top of the ch3.
Round 1: ch3, 2dc into the ring, * ch3, 3dc * rep 2 more times, ch3, join on top of first ch3.
And that’s it! You’ve completed the first round of your granny square. The chain spaces you created at the corners will allow you to add more stitches and expand the square in the following rounds.
Pro tip: Always count your clusters! You should have 2 clusters in each corner space separated by 3 chains, and every next round, you will have 1 cluster more than the previous round in between the corner spaces.
For example: For the 3rd round, we have one cluster, for the 4th round, we have two clusters, and so on. This will help you track your stitches and have even a square-shaped granny.
Round 2
- Ch4, ( it is COUNT as the first ch-1 space and first double crochet )
- Make 3dc, ch3, 3 dc in the next ch-3 sp, which is the 1st corner space of round 2, ch1
- Then make 3dc, ch3, 3 dc in the next ch-3 sp, which is the 2nd corner space of round 2, ch1
- Next make 3dc, ch3, 3 dc in the next ch-3 sp, which is the 3nd corner space of round 2, ch1
- Make 3dc, ch3, 2 dc in the next ch-3 sp, which is the 4th corner space of round 2, ch1
- Join with sl st on 3rd ch of ch4.
Related post: How to crochet unusual granny square
Round 2: ch4, * 3dc, ch3, 3dc, ch1 all in next ch-3 sp * rep 2 more times, make 3dc, ch3, 2dc in last ch-3 sp, join with sl st on 3rd ch of first ch4.
Round 3
- Ch3, ( COUNTS as the first dc stitch )
- Make 2 dc in next ch-1 space, ch1 ( now we did the first cluster of round 3 )
- Then, make 3dc, ch3, 3dc in next ch-3 space, ch1, ( which the first corner of round 3 )
- Next make 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch1, ( we did the second cluster of round 3 )
- Repeat Step 3 and 4, 2 more times ( to create the second and third corner of round 3 )
- Make 3dc, ch3, 3dc in last ch-3 sp, ch1
- Join with sl st on top of ch3
Round 3: ch3, 2dc into the first ch-1 sp, * ch1, 3dc, ch3, 3dc in next ch-3 sp, ch1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp * rep 2 more times, ch1, 3dc, ch3, 3dc in next ch-3 sp, ch1, join with sl st on top of first st.
Round 4
- ch4, COUNTS as the first ch- 1 space and the first dc stitch
- Make 3 dc, ch1 into the next ch-sp ( the first cluster of round 4 )
- Then make 3 dc, ch3, 3dc, ch1 in next ch-3 sp ( we did the first corner of round 4)
- Next make 3 dc, ch1 in each of the next 2 ch-1 sps ( we did 3rd and 4th clusters of round 4 )
- Repeat Step 3 and 4 , 2 more times
- Make 3 dc, ch3, 3dc, ch1 in next ch-3 space
- Work 2dc in next ch-1 sp and join with sl st on 3rd ch of ch4
Round 4: ch4, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, * ch1, 3dc, ch3, 3dc in next ch-3 sp, ( ch1, 3dc) in each of next 2 ch-1 sps * rep 2 more times, ch1, 3dc, ch3, 3dc in next ch-3 sp, ch1, 2dc in next ch-1 sp, join on 3rd ch of first ch4.
Congratulations! You finished crocheting your first granny square, which means it is time to learn how to make it bigger, how to fix any errors and easy tips you should know to crochet the perfect square.
How to make a granny square bigger
To make your granny squares bigger and to change the size of a granny square, you should repeat rounds 3 and 4 to the desired size.
Said in another words you should continue working 3dc, ch1 in each ch-1 spaces along the sides of the square and placing 3dc, ch3, 3dc in each ch-3 spaces aka the corners of the granny squares.
Finishing Granny Square Tips:
Finishing granny square is a process that will make your granny squares looks more professional! Here are the tips I use for all my projects.
The perfect finish method
The perfect finish method will give you the neat edge for any of your granny squares.
After you complete your last round cut the yarn you are working with, leaving a long tail. Take a tapestry needle and Insert it from front to back in the 4th ch of the first ch4 of round 4, and pull through, then insert the needle back into the last dc st of round 4 and pull through. Secure the yarn and weave the end in.
You can find the detailed instructions HERE.
Weaving in Ends
It is important to weave all ends in, this will help when you are joining your squares for larger projects!
Basically you weave your ends by using a tapestry needle. To do so, insert the tail into your needle and weave the ends at the back side of your project, inserting the needle in the bask side of your stitches.
Be careful to work at the back side only.
For beginners leaving longer tail to weave will make the process easier.
Blocking Granny square
To have even shaped granny squares it is IMPORTANT to block them. There are several ways of blocking but most preferred ones are wet blocking and steaming.
To block your grannies, first wet them in water, ( not too hot ), squeeze the excess water gently! Try not to stretch them too much, then place them on a blocking board. Use safety pins and stretch it to the desired size, but again be careful not to stretch them too much. Keep in mind that the standard size for grannies is 10 cm / 4 inch. Leave them to dry and unpin them. Voila now you have perfect looking grannies.
Change colors in granny square crochet
If you remember, at the end of the rounds we join them with a sl st, so to make the color changing, make the sl st with the new color. To make this finish your last st, leave the yarn you are currently working, take the new color and make a sl st to join your round. Now continue working with the new color of yarn.
Exploring Granny Square Projects
Granny Square Projects
The granny squares are timeless projects, in my opinion they the little black dress in crochet and you should try at least one granny square project in your life. So here are some suggestions for you!
Easy granny square bag pattern ( coming soon )
Chunky everyday bag made in one day ( coming soon )
Crochet scarf – perfect fist scarf for beginners ( coming soon )
More Crochet Patterns
If you are searching for easy crochet patterns to try, which are suitable for beginners or advanced crocheters who want a break for more complicated projects here we go:
Warlock shawl – Self- striping yarn and easy stitches make it perfect fall/ winter project to crochet
The easiest hat ever – crochet 5 simple granny square and make a hat for yourself and the whole family
Crochet Sofia bag- Easy bag with video tutorial to guide you throughout the pattern. I used simple stitch combinations and the result is gorgeous!
What’s next?
Save this pattern for later
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Share this pattern with friends
Share! Share this pattern on Facebook or Instagram with your friends cause crochet is more fun with friends.
Leave a comment
Leave a comment! We will be happy to chit chat and help you with any questions!
FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions )
What is the best yarn and hook for granny square?
Most of the granny square patterns and projects use worsted weight yarn, which is easier and faster to crochet. Because of the yarn’s thickness, it is the perfect choice for beginners. The recommended crochet hook for worsted weight yarn can vary from a 4.5 mm crochet hook up to a 6.5 mm crochet hook.
How many rounds should I crochet to make a standard-sized granny square?
The number of rounds will depend on your desired size for the granny square. Typically, a standard-sized granny square consists of 4-6 rounds, but you can make it larger by adding more rounds.
How to change colors in a granny square?
To change colors, complete the last stitch of the current color, leaving a long tail. Then, pick up the new color and make a slip stitch. Continue crocheting with the new color.
How to join granny squares together?
There are many joining methods for granny squares.The most common method is whip stitch, where you sew the squares together using a yarn needle and matching yarn. Another popular method is the slip stitch join, where you slip stitch the squares together with a crochet hook.
How do I clean and care for my crocheted granny squares?
The best way to clean crochet granny squares is to hand wash them in cold water with a gentle detergent. Squeeze out the excess water, gently and lay it flat to dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the squares to prevent them from losing their shape.
Do I need to block my granny squares?
Blocking your granny squares simplifies the joining process significantly and helps maintain your square’s shape to be the same size.
