Learn How to Crochet a Classic Granny Square With this Free Pattern (2024)

Equipment / Tools

Materials

A classic crochet granny square is worked in the round, usingdouble crochet stitches worked in clusters of three with two chain stitches separating the sets.

To crochet a granny square, all you need is yarn and a crochet hook. You can use any type of yarn and any size crochet hook, although worsted weight yarn and a size H crochet hook are an easy place to start. For best results, use the crochet hook recommended for the weight of your yarn as stated on the yarn's label.

1. Start the Granny Square

   There are different ways to start a crochet granny square, but this is the most common method and a good place to begin.

   Begin with a slip knot on your crochet hook.

   Next, chain 3.

   

2. Make the First Double Crochet Cluster

   Groups of dc stitches are the building blocks of crochet granny squares. Each set consists of three side-by-side double crochet stitches.

   The "chain 3" from the first step counts as the first double crochet stitch in the first cluster.

   To complete the cluster, crochet two dc stitches into the base chain of the chain three. You should now have what looks like three dc stitches next to each other in your first group.

   Next, chain 2.

   

3. Crochet the Second DC Cluster

   Make another cluster of three double crochet stitches. Crochet 3 dc stitches into the base of the first chain three (the same spot where you made the other double crochet stitches from the previous grouping) round.

   See Also

   How to Make a Crochet Granny Square

   Chain 2.

   

4. Finish Round One of the Granny Square

   Repeat the previous step two more times. You should have four clusters of double crochet with a chain two space between each of them, and the last chain two hanging on the end.

   To close the round and create the square shape, slip stitch into the top of the first ch 3. This ends the first round.

   All those steps can sound confusing. Here's a simplified version of the first round of the granny square:

   1. Ch 3.
   2. 2 dc in third ch from hook.
   3. Ch 2.
   4. 3 dc in third ch from hook (same sp as before).
   5. ​Ch 2.
   6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 twice each.
   7. Sl st to top of ch 3 to close round.

   

5. Start Round Two of the Granny Square

   To start round two and all other rounds, chain 3.

   As with the first round, this serves as the first double crochet of the first set.

   

6. Complete the First Double Crochet Set

   Work 2 double crochet stitches right next to the chain 3 in the open corner immediately below the chain 3.

   With the first dc cluster finished chain 2.

   

7. Work Around Round Two of the Granny Square

   In the corner, crochet three double crochet stitches, chain 2, and crochet another 3 double crochet stitches, all in the same spot in the corner.

   Chain 2.

   Work every corner of the granny square this way, except for the starting corner.

   

8. Repeat for the Third Corner

   Crochet around the granny square, repeating the previous step in each corner.

   When you reach the corner where you started, make another cluster of 3 dc stitches, then chain 2.

   Slip stitch to the top of the first chain 3 to close the round. The final corner should now look like all the others.

   Round two all together:

   1. Ch3. 2 dc in same corner sp.
   2. Ch 2.
   3. Working in next corner sp: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2.
   4. Repeat step 3 twice.
   5. 3 dc in starting corner.
   6. Ch 2.
   7. Sl st to top of first ch 3 to close round.

   

9. Start Round Three of the Granny Square

   Begin the third round the same as the previous round.

   Chain 3, then make 2 dc stitches in the same space. Chain 2.

   

10. Work Double Crochet Clusters on the Side

    In this round, crochet a cluster of 3 dc stitches in the space on the side of the square, then chain 2.

    

11. Crochet Around the Third Round

    Work into the corner the same way as the previous corners. Make a cluster of 3 dc stitches, chain 2, make another cluster, and chain 2.

    As you work your way around the granny square, repeat the previous steps so you get a cluster on each side and two clusters in each corner.

    When you reach the last corner, which was also the starting corner, make a cluster of dc stitches, chain 2, then slip stitch to close the round.

    Round three all together:

    1. Ch3. 2 dc in same corner sp.
    2. 3 dc in next ch-2 sp. Ch 2.
    3. Working in next corner sp: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2.
    4. Repeat steps 2 and 3twice.
    5. 3 dc in starting corner. Ch 2.
    6. Sl st to top of first ch 3 to close round.​

    

12. Finish the Granny Square or Growing It Larger

    You can finish your granny square by cutting the yarn and leaving a tail of at least six inches, then weaving in the ends.

    Or you can grow the granny square larger. With each round, you will have more spaces and groups of dc along each edge. Keep adding them to grow the granny as big as you want.

    

Crochet Granny Square Variations

Once you feel comfortable crocheting a classic granny square in a single color, you can take it further by ​changing colorsin each round. You can further customize your granny squares by trying these variations:

• Use a ch-1 instead of a ch-2 for tighter squares.
• Try other small granny square variations that make a big impact.
• Add crochet edging to the classic granny square.
• Make a crochet granny square project, such as a granny square blanket. To do this, you may also need to learn how to join granny squares.
• Learn other types of crochet square patterns.
• Learn how to crochet other granny shapes including the granny rectangle, granny triangle, and granny circle.