Introduction to Granny Squares
Granny squares are often the first crochet pattern that beginners come across after they’ve learned the basic stitches. They’re a great way to figureout how to work in rounds, learn basic skills used in garment construction, and hone your basic crochet skills.
Once you learn how to crochet a granny square, you can work on so many different projects from wearable to functional! You can make anything from cardigans to tote bags, dishcloths, pillows, and blankets. Granny square blankets are especially popular and can be made either with a combination of multiple granny squares or even just one very large granny square.
There are many variations to a granny square, which we will talk about, but even in the most classic style, it is a beautiful and easy crochet pattern to work on that’s so fun to use in different projects.
If you love the granny square you will love my Crocheting Anything with Hexagons course! I like to think of this as an upgraded spin on the granny square and you can learn how to crochet just about anything using this simple technique! Learn how here.
Table of Contents
What is a Granny Square?
A granny square is a combination of chains and double crochets that form a classic crochet motif. It’s easily recognizable from its openwork appearance and square shape.
Granny squares only appear challenging, but it really is a continuous pattern all around. If you know how to double crochet, learning granny squares will be a breeze!
However, if you aren’t familiar with your basic stitches just yet or you aren’t completely confident in your skills, that’s completely OK! I've got you covered with my Crochet Fundamentals masterclass that teaches you everything you need to start making granny squares. That includes the most important thing a crocheter needs: confidence in their skills! Take it a step further and perfect the 72 skills that crocheters (and knitters) said were most important to them to master the art of crocheting and take their crochet porjects to the next level! I teach you all in my Essential Skills class! No need to search all over the internet for help I have got you covered! Grab your free spot here.
Granny Square Construction Method
A granny square might look intricate, but it’s actually pretty simple. They’re worked from the center out, in combinations of chain stitches and double crochet stitches. They’re worked in rounds that are joined together and get progressively larger each round.
A trio of double crochets forms what is called a granny square cluster. A granny square cluster is the basic building block of your square. On your very first round, you’ll be making four granny clusters to form the four sides of your squares.
However, those clusters alone aren’t enough to form a granny square, which brings us to the importance of chain stitches!
Chains form the corners of your square, which gives the granny square its signature shape. It also forms chain spaces between your granny clusters that mark where you place the clusters in the next round. Typically you work a chain 1 between clusters on the side and chain 3 at the four corners of the square.
Materials & Tools Used to Make Granny Squares
Yarn
While granny squares are often worked in different colors for each round, while you are practicing your technique, any (4) worsted or medium weight yarn is a great choice.
Knit Picks Brava makes a perfect yarn to practice with. On the other hand, granny squares are great scrap-busters, so you can always use what you have!
Crochet Hook
Always pick an appropriate size crochet hook for the weight of yarn you are using. If you are using a medium/worsted weight yarn, you’ll want a hook in the range of I-K, or 5.5 to 6.5 mm.
If you’re wanting to use a different weight of yarn, always choose the size of the hook that’s indicated on the yarn label.
Notions & Tools
While the top two things you need are your yarn and hooks, it’s always a good idea to have these extra tools nearby whenever you’re crocheting:
Blocking Tools
Especially when you are new to making granny squares, or if you’re using stash yarn to make them, your squares might come out in slightly different sizes.
If you’re using them in the same project and want them all the same size – such as when making a blanket or a sweater – blocking can help you nudge the blocks into a uniform shape and size.
Here are a few blocking tools you’ll need to get those straight edges and uniform sizing on your squares:
- T-pins: Rust-proof, and made especially for blocking, T-pins will hold your fabric in place when you’re using wet or spray blocking.
- Blocking mats: These foam mats can be used individually or joined to create a larger space for blocking. You can also buy fold-up mats that open out to a larger area and have grid marks to help you square off projects.
- Spray bottle if doing spray blocking
- Iron or garment steamer for steam blocking
Stitch Abbreviations Used in Granny Square Patterns
| ABBREVIATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| ch sp | chain space |
| dc | double crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| st(s) | stitches |
Special Stitches for Granny Squares
Granny cluster (3 dc cluster): A set of three double crochet stitches that are all worked into the same stitch or space. These clusters are separated by chain spaces to form the granny square.
How to Start a Granny Square (3 Ways)
Option 1: Start with a Single Chain
Make a slip knot and place it on your crochet hook. Chain 2, then begin to work your granny clusters in the second chain from the hook.
Option 2: Chain Stitch Center Ring
Make a slip knot, place it on your hook and ch 6. Insert hook into the first chain you made and make a slip stitch to form a loop.
Chain 3, then work your granny clusters into the center of the ring of chain stitches.
Option 3: Magic Ring (aka Magic Circle)
Begin with your palm facing up with two (or more) fingers extended. Wrap the yarn around your fingers to form an X, with the tail end laying over the working end.
Flip your hand over so you can see two parallel strands of yarn. The tail end should be the one on the right.
Moving the hook from right to left, insert your hook under the strand to the right, and over the strand on the left.
Grab the yarn on the left and pull up a loop, rotating your hook upwards as you do.
Chain 3. This will count as the first double crochet stitch in your first granny cluster. Work the remaining double crochets and clusters into the circle you formed.
After working your stitches into the magic ring, pull on the tail end to bring the stitches closer together and tighten the loop.
Classic Granny Square Step-by-Step Tutorial
The repeat of any crochet granny square is easy once you figure out a rhythm. We’ll break down each step of the process in this tutorial as well as show you photos of how each step is done.
While you can start your square in any of the ways mentioned above, here we start with a foundation ring as described in option 2 above: make a slip knot, ch 6, slip stitch into the first chain you made, then ch 3.
Granny Square Round 1
Make your first granny cluster by double crocheting (dc) two times into the center ring. These 2 dcs plus your initial ch 3 count as one granny cluster.
Ch 3. This will create the corner of your granny square and will serve as the first chain space for the next round.
Make a second cluster by working 3 dc into the center ring.
Ch 3. This will make a corner of your square. Make a third cluster by working 3 dc into the center ring. Repeat the ch 3, 3dc in the ring one more time, then ch 3 again to form the last corner.
You should now be all the way around your square, next to your first ch 3, which counts as a dc. Slip stitch into the top, or the third chain of your initial ch 3, to finish the first round of the granny square.
It may help as you are learning to stitch granny squares to place a stitch marker at the end of the round so that you know you’ve worked all the way around when you get back there.
Granny Square Round 2
To start round 2, ch 4. This will count as your initial chain space and as a dc for the last granny cluster of the round.
For this round, we’ll be working into the corners or the chain spaces we created from the previous round. Work 3 dc into the first ch sp.
Ch 3 to create the corner of your square. Work 3 more dc into the same corner sp. You’ll notice that this will curve over to the other side of the square which is exactly what we want.
Ch 1. If you are between corners, you only need to chain 1 before you begin the next granny cluster.
Work 3 dc, ch 3, 3dc, ch 1 into the next ch 3 space. Repeat.
For the last corner space, work 3 dc, ch 3, 2dc. You should be all the way around the square and next to your initial ch 4.
To finish the round, slip stitch into the third ch of the initial ch 4.
Granny Square Round 3
Let’s begin round 3 with a ch 3. As opposed to round 2, you’ll be working your first granny cluster into the space immediately under your chain in this round.
Work 2 dc, ch 1 into the chain space.
Now you’re at a corner space again. Work 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1 into the corner space.
Work 3 dc, ch 1 into the next chain space.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you reach your initial chain. Sl st into the top of your initial ch 3 to end the round.
Granny Square Round 4
Begin round 4 with a ch 4. This will count as 1 dc and as the ch 1 space.
Work 3 dc, ch 1 into the ch 1 space.
3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1 into the corner ch 3 space.
Repeat these steps for each ch 1 and ch 3 space respectively, until you get to the last ch 1 space. For that one, you only work 2 dc.
Sl st into the 3rd chain of your initial ch 4 to end the round.
Making Larger Granny Squares
Increasing the size of your granny square is possible and it can be as big as you like! All you have to do is repeat the steps from round 3 and round 4 until you reach the size you want.
As you keep working you will get faster because you will begin to recognize where your stitches need to go more easily and where the corners are. You can use this same granny square crochet pattern to make a square as big as your bed if you want!
Finishing a Granny Square
Once you’ve finished your last round, cut your working yarn, leaving a long tail so you can weave the ends later. Next, pull the yarn through the last stitch.
Use a yarn needle to weave in the yarn end and trim any excess with your scissors.
Changing Colors in Granny Squares
There are two ways to change colors between rounds for granny squares.
Fastening Off
The simplest way of changing colors is to finish the round and fasten off. Attach a new yarn by tying a knot into any chain space on the granny square.
It’s straightforward and has almost no fuss, but you’re left with a little knot every time you switch colors. If you don’t like knots – which can be uncomfortable and can come untied – leave a long tail of each yarn when you change colors and weave them in later.
Changing Colors at the End of a Round
This method requires a little more finesse but leaves you with an almost seamless transition between colors.
When you’re making the last double crochet of the round, stop halfway through. You should have two loops left on your hook.
Instead of yarning over using the same color of yarn, slip the new color of yarn onto your hook and use it to pull through the last two loops. Be sure to leave a tail to weave in.
Chain 3. Cut off the yarn from the previous round, leaving a tail for weaving, and begin the new round with the new yarn.
To reiterate, this method allows the color transition to appear seamless between rounds. But it also has the additional benefit of allowing you to change colors within the current round. Just pull up a new yarn into the last two loops before you change colors!
How to Join Granny Squares
Once you’ve figured out the basic granny square pattern, it’s time to work on bigger projects by joining them together. There are several ways to seam your crochet squares together, such as:
- Single crochet join: check out this tutorial from Maria’s Blue Crayon
- Slip stitch join: Craft Passion shows you how
- Invisible join: Wilmade has a great tutorial for this one
- Whip stitch join: get the how-to from Underground Crafter
- Seamless join: Make & Do Crew has a tutorial with a video to help you with this one
You just need to find the method that gives you the texture and look that works best for your project! If you’ve been practicing grannies you can use them as swatches to try different seaming methods and see what you prefer.
Common Granny Square Variations
Solid Granny Square
Solid granny squares are some of the most popular variations of the classic granny square. They can be made either with no gaps at all or with gaps in the corners.
Colorful Solid Granny Square Dishcloth
Designer: Dabbles and Babbles
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter
Dishcloths are the perfect project to make with solid granny squares! These particular ones change color every round for a fun and lively look.
Granny Flower Square
Granny flower squares are an ever-popular variation, especially for summer projects! There are countless flowers you can crochet into a granny flower square, but the simplest and most common one is the delicate daisy!
Summer Days Daisy Bag
Designer: All About Ami
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
This gorgeous tote bag is made up of 15 granny flower squares seamed together. It works up fairly quickly and makes a great addition to any outfit!
Sunburst Granny Square
Sunburst granny squares are classics that have been around for years! The centers form a sunflower-like pattern, with each round made in different colors, making it a great scrap-buster.
Sunburst Granny Square Tank
Designer: Sweet Honey Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
This vibrant tank is made with 13 sunburst granny squares joined together. The designer uses 100% acrylic yarn, but you can definitely change this up to cotton or linen for hot summer days!
Granny Square Heart
A granny square heart adds a romantic twist to the traditional granny square with the use of color. You crochet the heart first and then work a series of stitches to form the square around it.
Crochet Granny Square Heart Cardigan
Designer: Beautiful Crochet Stuff
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: DROPS Paris
This pattern uses around 30 of these granny square hearts to form a lightweight and breathable cardigan that you can wear all year long. The construction is simple, straightforward, and completely customizable to the size you want it to be!
Granny Triangle
The granny triangle is a beautiful way to take the principle of a granny square and turn it into a triangle. This is best used to add detail to a project, shawls, bunting, or even a fun collar.
Smoky Mountains Crochet Triangle Wrap
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
Inspired by American landscapes, this wrap makes for a gorgeous statement piece for the fall. It utilizes the granny triangle to create the perfect cool-weather companion!
Granny Hexagon
A granny hexagon also uses the same basic principles as a granny square, except split into six sides instead of four. The granny clusters are also usually changed into two double crochets instead of three.
Crochet Hexagon Jacket
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
Two granny hexagons make up the chest and shoulders of this jacket, making it super simple to make. It’s lightweight, cozy, and very customizable to fit you the way you want!
Crochet Patterns You Can Make Using Granny Squares
Granny squares are some of the most versatile crochet shapes and can be made into almost anything. We’ve listed a few examples below, from wearables and accessories to blankets and pillows with free patterns for each!
Granny Square Top Patterns
Boho Sunburst Crop Top
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
This gorgeous top is made up of bohemian sunburst granny squares, hence the name! Rows can be added or reduced to make a full tee or a cute crop top!
Hooded Granny Square Vest
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
This vest combines vintage style with an on-trend design! This stunning layering piece is made up of classic granny squares with the addition of a hood and most importantly, pockets!
Granny Square Blanket Patterns
Granny Square Baby Blanket
Designer: Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Big Cakes
Take the simple granny square, make it bigger, and you’ll end up with this gorgeous and easy granny square baby blanket! And of course you can keep going to make it any size you like.
Cheerful Granny Square Throw
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
Prefer to make your granny square blanket with individual squares? Here’s the pattern for you. This design also has a wide granny stitch border to tie the squares together and add length.
Looking for more blanket patterns? Check out this list of FREE Granny Square Blanket Patterns! You’re sure to find the perfect one for your home!
Granny Square Pillow Patterns
Granny Circle in a Square Pillow
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: 24/7 Cotton DK
This pattern breathes life into any drab store-bought pillows you may have laying around! With only 16 squares, you can make this fantastic and colorful pillow or even change up the colors to create something more understated!
Mini Granny Crochet Pillow
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Catona
You’ve heard of making granny squares larger, but their mini versions are just as neat! Create this granny square pillow for your home or as a gift for a friend!
Granny Square Shawl and Cardigan Patterns
Revival Granny Square Cardigan Pattern
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling
A modern piece with a nod to the classics – this cardigan truly is the best of both worlds! Beautiful sunburst granny squares wrap around the hood of this cardigan down to the back!
Arlo Granny Square Cardigan Pattern
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
This granny square cardigan is as long as it is comfortable. It’s at a flattering length with big sleeves so you can wear it in style or cozy up in it at home!
Granny Square Headwear Patterns
Granny Square Bandana
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Cotlin
This beautifully made bandana truly gives a cottagecore touch to any outfit! It’s a combination of granny squares and triangles that all tie together to create this gorgeous piece.
Blossom Bucket Hat
Designer: Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: I Love This Cotton
Daisy granny squares give this bucket hat its dimensionality! It’s simple to make and makes for a great touch for any warm-weather outfit.
Granny Square Scarf Patterns
Crochet Granny Square Scarf
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Stylecraft Special Aran
This vibrant and colorful scarf is made up of just 14 granny squares with a border on each side. This pattern is incredibly versatile and you can definitely use up any worsted weight scrap yarn you have laying around!
Granny Square Cowl
Designer: Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Bulky
This lovely cowl works up quickly thanks to the bulky yarn used. It’s made with 15 granny squares that transition from a bright variegated color to a solid dark gray.
Granny Square Pullover Sweater Patterns
Joan Granny Sweater
Designer: TL Yarn Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
Inspired by the autumnal harvest, this granny square sweater is one you need to get your hooks on! Each panel is made with a gorgeous sunburst granny square while the sleeves are all made with granny stitches.
Easy Crochet Granny Square Sweater
Designer: Littlejohn’s Yarn
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
This incredibly simple granny square sweater is made up of two large granny squares for the front and back and two granny rectangles for the sleeves! It’s a light flowy garment that makes for a stunning layering piece on any camisole!
Do You Want to Learn to Make More Interesting Crochet Stitches?
If all these granny square patterns are getting you into an experimental mood, then you’re going to love what’s inside The Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library!
Not only does it have a collection of over 45 stitches, it also has video tutorials AND patterns you can use to try out your new stitches!
Foundational Crochet Skills – Learn How to Crochet?
Granny squares are great for beginning crocheters because they are made with the simplest of stitches. If you need help with more of the basics or just want to polish up your already existing skills, then our Crochet Fundamentals class is the place for you!
Learn all about the basics and beyond so that you can crochet all the granny squares, and other motifs you want to try out, with ease and confidence!
Looking for more great crochet patterns:37 Free and Unique Crochet Cardigan Patterns You’ll Love to Crochet, 50+ CROCHET SQUARE PATTERNS
