The crochet granny square is the classic crochet motif and an easy pattern to learn as a beginner. No matter what your crochet skill level is, the granny square is a must have in your crochet bag o’ tricks!
There are many projects you can create with this versatile motif. Try making it in a solid color or change colors at will for a colorful project.
Techniques/Skills Used
- Magic Ring (optional)
- Crocheting in the Round
- Double Crochet
- Shells and Groups
- Slip Stitch
- Seamless Color Change (if using different colors)
- Half Double Crochet (for edging)
Crochet Granny Square Block Instructions
With yarn color of choice, ch 4, join with slip st to form a ring (or use magic ring).
Rnd 1 (Right side): Ch 3 (counts as first dc, now and throughout), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, (3 dc in ring, ch 2) 3 times; join with slip st to first dc: 12 dc.
Note: Place a crochet stitch marker around any stitch to mark last round as right side.
Rnd 2: Slip st in next 2 dc and in first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1 * (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp (Shell made), ch1: repeat from * around; join with slip st to the first dc: 4 Shells.
Rnd 3: Slip st in next 2 dc and in first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, * work Shell in next Shell (ch-2 sp), ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; repeat from * around; join with slip st to first dc.
Rnds 4-6: Slip st in next 2 dc and in first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) across to next Shell. * work Shell in next Shell, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) across to next Shell; repeat from * around; join with slip st to first dc; at end of last round, do not finish off: 72 dc.
Slip st in next 2 dc and in next ch-2 sp; ch 2, hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc, hdc in each dc and ch-1 sp across to next corner. * 2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc in corner, hdc in each dc and ch-1 sp across to next corner; repeat from * around; join with slip st to first ch 2.
Helpful Tips and Reminders
- Remember to add a shell (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) to each corner and a cluster (3 dc) in each ch-2 sp.
- The motif can be as small or as big as desired. Simply continue to add rows until you’ve reached the desired size.
- Yarn color may be changed on any round.
Project Ideas
- Our own Granny Square Seat Cover
- Granny Square Shawl
- Classic Granny Square Blanket
- Granny Square Purse
- Crochet Granny Classic Afghan
Check out our helpful how-to video below!
