The crochet granny square is iconic in the world of crochet. Here’s how to work up the most basic granny.
Granny squares are a very beginner crochet technique, but also so versatile that experienced crocheters return to them again and again.
There are many ways to make a crochet square, but today we are going to look at the most traditional granny square.
In this article...
Common Questions about Crochet Granny Squares
How do you crochet a granny square?
Granny squares are crocheted from the center out in what is known as the granny stitch, which is groups of three double crochet stitches in clusters connected by chains (usually a ch-1 or 2 with more chains at the corners).
Are granny squares easy?
Most people find these squares to be easy once they get the hang of them. I’ve even had success teaching my students to crochet a square when they had trouble working a traditional stitch.
Traditional granny squares use only basic crochet stitches such as the chain stitch, slip stitch and the double crochet stitch.
Crochet squares are amazing ways to use up leftover scrap yarn and when they are crocheted with a different color for each round it really changes the look of them!
How many granny squares does it take to make a blanket?
This depends upon a lot of factors, including how large your squares are and how big you want the balnket to be. If you go with a large 12″ granny, you would only need nine of these together to make a 36″ square baby blanket – and that isn’t many at all!
How long does it take to make one granny square?
It depends upon the size of the square, but most classic granny square can be crocheted in less than an hour, most in 30 minutes unless it is very large or an intricate design.
Can you knit a granny square?
Turns out, you can! If you are both a knitter and a crocheter, you can try your hand at this knit granny square, but it takes so much longer to knit it that it would probably be better to crochet.
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How do you crochet a granny square step by step?
Let’s walk through the basic steps of crocheting a classic granny square.
Classic Crochet Granny Square Materials
Yarn: Any weight, typically dk or worsted weight yarn is used for a basic granny square pattern
Crochet Hook: Any hook appropriate for yarn used. Check the ball band for recommendations. Occasionally you will have to go up or down a size depending upon how your square is turning out. For worsted weight yarn a size H (5mm) hook works well.
Notions: Tapestry needle (yarn needle) for weaving in ends, scissors
Stitch Abbreviations:
Chain Stitch (ch)
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Double Crochet Stitch (dc)
Notes
This guide is written in US terms. For UK terms, substitute double with the treble stitch.
Ch 5 at beginning of round counts as dc, ch 2.
You can choose to crochet over the tail end on the first round, saving you an end to weave in later, or you can wait and easily weave in the end after your square is finished.
Begin with a slip knot on your hook.
Stitch Abbreviations
Chain Stitch (ch)
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Double Crochet Stitch (dc)
Basic Granny Square Crochet Pattern
Ch 4. Join with sl st in 4th ch from hook to create a ring.
Round 1: Ch 5, (3 dc in ring, ch 2) 3 times, 2 dc in ring, sl st to 3rd ch of beginning chain-5.
Round 2: Sl st into ch-2 space, ch 5, 3 dc in same ch-2 space, *ch 1, skip 3 dc, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-space; repeat from * twice more, ch 1, skip 3 dc, 2 dc in same space as ch 5 of beg of round, sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5.
Round 3: Sl st into ch-2 space, ch 5, 3 dc in same ch-2 space, *ch 1, skip 3 dc, 3 dc in next ch space, skip 3 dc**, (3dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into next sp; repeat from * twice more and from * to ** again, 2 dc into same space as ch 5 of beg of round, sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5.
Round 4: Sl st into next sp, ch 5, 3 dc in same ch-2 space, *(ch 1, skip 3 dc, 3 dc into next sp) twice, ch 1, skip 3 dc**, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into next sp; repeat from * twice more and from * to ** again, 2 dc into same sp as ch-5 of beg of round, sl st to 3rd ch of ch-5.
Fasten off.
You can repeat this last row as many times as desired, just working clusters of 3 dc in each ch-1 space separated by a ch 1 – if you keep working this round you can even make an entire granny square blanket with these instructions!
Traditional Granny Square Pattern Video Tutorial
This tutorial is great for beginners just starting out! Learn how to work this square in the round using double crochet and chains. Be sure to subscribe to the channel for more great videos!
How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square (Easy Tutorial Video)
Variations of the Basic Granny Square
The best variation to make for a granny square is to change to a new color every round or every couple of rounds. It’s great to experiment here and try out some different methods with your scrap yarn.
You can use the granny stitch (clusters of 3 dc separated by chains) in straight lines, rectangles, triangles and even circles!
There are a few ways of starting out a granny square. You can work into the magic ring, you can also work the first round into a single chain, or you can create a ring to work into as detailed above. All of them give similar results except that the hole will be a different size in each.
Try new variations on crochet squares by checking out a free crochet pattern from this free pattern collection.
What is a granny square?
A granny square is a crocheted square worked from the center out in granny clusters, which are just groupings of three double crochets separated by chains. In the next rounds, you work in the spaces created by the chains.
What is the best size crochet hook for crochet squares?
This really depends upon the yarn you are using. If you go with a classic worsted weight square, then you would want to use an H or I crochet hook for the squares.
The best recommendation is to check the ball band of the yarn that you are using. The yarn label usually always has a recommended hook size. Start there and see how your squares look and then you can adjust up or down based upon your preferences.
What type of yarn is best for granny squares?
You can really use any type of yarn for squares, in any weight (I used crochet thread with a granny for a bracelet in this pattern!). Typically they are made with dk or worsted weight yarns (weights #3 or 4).
If you are just starting out in crochet, you might find that it is best to use a yarn that isn’t as prone to splitting, like a cotton yarn, but for most people a classic acrylic yarn works well for grannies.
Recommended Yarns:
What can I do with a crochet square?
The most obvious way to use a crochet square is in a blanket. However, there are many more uses for crochet squares than just that!
Used alone they can be coasters or other small embellishments, but when joined together they can become scarves, cardigans, bags and so much more!
Check out this cowl I created with the Floral Granny Square. You could also easily do the same with classic grannies.
How do you join granny squares?
This one could be another post all on its own! There are many, many different ways of joining granny squares, and one of my favorite methods is outlined in this post.
Want a bit more of a challenge? Try the Floral Granny Square or check out this amazing roundup of 25+ Crochet Squares to inspire you.
What to Crochet Next…
Floral Granny Square
Flower Granny Square
Looking for a more unusual crochet square? Check out this collection of 25 crochet squares to inspire you!
