How to Crochet a Granny Square

PublishedJune 23, 2022February 7, 2024UpdatedFebruary 7, 2024

Learn how to crochet a granny square with this free pattern for beginners. When you’re done, check out this free star crochet pattern. This post contains affiliate links.

Knowing how to crochet a granny square will very much expand your crochet repertoire. It’s a basic shape that is the groundwork for many project. Connecting a series of granny squares can allow you to make larger projects without a specific pattern (although you may prefer to still use one.)

When you’re doing learning how to crochet a granny square using this free pattern for beginners, you can try sewing them into many different projects:

Make a scarf by connecting them into an elongated rectangle.
Attach into a large rectangle or square to make a baby blanket.
Make them in mini and then sew them together by the corners to make a necklace.
Turn them into a potholder if you want something that’s more beginner and practice friendly.
Use them as-is as coasters, or slightly larger as trivets.
Make it a shawl size and then sew it together under the arms as a poncho.
Sew two squares made from sewn together granny squares around an inner pillow as a throw cushion.

The possibilities are truly endless.

When you’re done trying this, check out some of the other patterns for beginners I’ve shared in this space! Learn how to crochet a small heart and then check out these fun crochet sunflowers. Print the free daisy crochet pattern and then try some patriotic stars.

At the bottom of this post, you have the printable version of this granny square crochet pattern for beginners, however it does not have images. Below, you’ll find it with images. The printable version has simply been made more printer friendly for you.

What you Need to Crochet Granny Squares

1. Start with a slip knot and then work 5 chain stitches (CH).

2. Form a ring with the chain stitches by drawing the current stitch (on hook) through the initial chain stitch.

3. Work 3 chain stitches.

4. Work 2 double crochet (DC) through the ring.

5. Work 2 chains.

6. Work 3 DC through the ring again.

7. Repeat until you have 4 sets of 3 DC through the ring. Don’t forget to chain 2 between each set.

8. After the 4^th chain 2, work a slip stitch through the top stitch of the initial chain that you worked through the ring.

9. Work slip stitches through the top chains of the first DC set to reach the empty space that formed next to it.

10. After reaching the corner “hole”, work 3 chain stitches.

11. Work 2 DC through the empty space.

12. Work 3 chain stitches; this will be the corner of the square.

13. Work 3 DC through the same empty space.

14. Chain 2, work 3 DC into the next empty space; chain 3 and then chain 3 into the same space again.

15. Repeat the pattern until you complete the 4^th space (4^th corner) of the square.

16. To complete your square: chain 2, slip stitch through the top chain of the initial chain stitch of this round. Slip stitch through the top stitches of the adjacent DC set so that you reach the empty space next to it. Once you reach the corner space, work 3 chains.

17. Form the corner like we did for the previous round; one set of 3 DC, 3 CH and then another set of 3 DC.

18. This round will have a space between the 2 corner spaces. Work 2 chains before working the set of 3 DC through the middle empty space.

19. Continue to work 3 DC sets with chain 3 in between for the corners and chain 2 between the middle sets.

20. Work a slip stitch through the top stitch of the initial chain of the current round. Pull out a small amount of yarn and then cut off yarn from the skein.

21. Use a tapestry needle to stitch the open end of the yarn on the reverse side of the granny square pattern.

22. After stitching the extra yarn on the reverse side, the pattern will be secured and ready for use.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to crochet a granny square! Print the pattern below and then drop a comment: what do you plan to make with yours?