The granny square is one of the most loved crochet patterns of all time, and for good reason. It’s fast, it uses only chains, slip stitches and double crochet, and you can join squares into blankets, cardigans, pillows and bags. Once you’ve made one, you’ll probably want to make a hundred.
This tutorial shows the classic granny square with chain-1 spaces between the clusters. A 4-round square measures about 10 cm (4 in) in worsted yarn.
Materials
- Worsted weight (#4) yarn in one or more colors, about 10 g per square
- 5 mm (H/8) crochet hook
- Yarn needle and scissors
Need help choosing yarn and hook? See our yarn weights guide and hook sizes chart.
Abbreviations (US terms)
ch = chain · sl st = slip stitch · dc = double crochet · sp = space · st(s) = stitch(es).
Cluster = 3 dc worked into the same space. Corner = (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same ch-2 corner space. The ch 3 at the beginning of each round counts as the first dc.
Round 1
Ch 4 and sl st into the first chain to form a ring (or start with a magic ring for a closed center).
- Ch 3 (counts as the first dc), 2 dc into the ring.
- Ch 2, (3 dc into the ring, ch 2) 3 times.
- Sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3 to join.
You now have 4 clusters of 3 dc with 4 ch-2 spaces between them. These spaces are the four corners of your square.
Round 2
- Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the first ch-2 space, so you’re in a corner.
- Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same corner space.
- *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner space.* Repeat from * to * 2 more times.
- Ch 1, sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3 to join.
You now have 8 clusters: two in each corner, with a ch-1 space along each side.
Round 3
- Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the corner space.
- Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same corner space.
- *Ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner space.* Repeat from * to * 2 more times.
- Ch 1, 3 dc in the last ch-1 space, ch 1, sl st to join.
Round 4 and beyond
Every new round follows the same rule: work a corner in each ch-2 corner space, and one cluster in every ch-1 space along the sides, with ch 1 between all clusters. Each round adds one more cluster to every side.
Fasten off after the last round and weave in the ends.
Changing colors
For a classic multicolor granny square, change color at the start of each round:
- Fasten off the old color after joining the round.
- Insert the hook into any corner space, pull up a loop of the new color, ch 3 and continue the round as usual.
- Starting each round in a different corner helps hide the joins.
Pastel combinations (pink, mint, lavender and cream) give a soft kawaii look, while bright rainbow colors look playful and retro.
Troubleshooting
My square is twisting: make sure each new cluster goes into a space, not into the tops of stitches, and that you don’t forget a ch 1 between clusters.
My corners curl or look rounded: check that you have ch 2 (not ch 1) in every corner.
My square is wavy: your stitches are loose compared to your chains. Try a hook half a size smaller.
My squares are different sizes: crochet them all with the same hook and in one sitting if possible, and block them flat with a little steam or water before joining.
What to make with granny squares
- Blanket: about 80–100 squares of 4 rounds for a lap blanket.
- Tote bag: join 10 squares into a bag shape and add a strap.
- Pillow: two large squares (10–12 rounds) sewn together around a cushion.
- Coasters: a single 3-round square in cotton yarn.
- Cardigan or vest: popular on Pinterest for a cozy vintage look.
FAQ
How long does one granny square take?
A 4-round square takes 10–20 minutes once you know the pattern.
How do I join granny squares?
Place two squares right sides together and either whip stitch through the back loops with a yarn needle, or slip stitch or single crochet them together with your hook.
Is the granny square good for beginners?
Yes. It only uses chains, slip stitches and double crochet, and it’s small, so mistakes are easy to fix.
Pin this tutorial to your crochet board and start your granny square collection!
Cover photo: inspiration photo by Rahime Gül on Pexels
