How to Crochet a Granny Square

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!