How To Crochet A Granny Square
Classic Granny Square – Easy Step By Step Photo & Video Tutorial
The granny square is the easiest crochet square out there and should be one of the first things a beginner should learn. It sets the start for more intricate patterns and designs.
You can crochet a few rows and stop to form classic granny squares which are joined together, or you can continue with the rounds of clusters to make your granny square as big as you like (and even turn it into a one-piece blanket).
How do you crochet a granny square? A granny square is crocheted in the round and it’s constructed with clusters of 3 double crochet stitches evenly spaced out to form a square shape.
This granny square tutorial was designed for absolute beginners with step by step instructions and a video tutorial for those who learn better from watching how it’s done.
Before we continue, please note that this post might contain affiliate links and I will earn a small percentage should you choose to purchase something, but it will be at no cost to you. You can read the disclosure policy here.
Pattern Notes
How to use the granny squares
- baby blankets and afghans
- cushions
- rugs
- potholders and kitchen towels
- shawls and scarves
- bags
- garments
- accessories
Supplies I used
- Deramores Studio Aran in different colors
- 6mm crochet hook
Get Your Supplies
Crochet Terms
Pattern written in US terms using Craft Yarn Council abbreviations.
If you are not sure how to crochet the basic stitches, click on the blue link and it will take you to each individual blog post where you have a step by step tutorial and also a video tutorial.
| magic ring | st(s) – stitch(es) |
| ch – chain | sc – single crochet |
| yo – yarn over | dc – double crochet |
| sl st – slip stitch | dc cl – double crochet cluster (3dc in the same space) |
Video Tutorial
For those who learn better by watching videos, I have created a tutorial that shows you step by step how to crochet the basketweave stitch, you can find it on Crafting Happiness YouTube Channel.
How To Crochet A Granny Square For Absolute Beginners
Learn The Basic Crochet Stitches
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Granny Square Pattern
Below you will find the simplified, row by row pattern for those who know already how to read a pattern, and then the step by step detailed pattern for absolute beginners.
Simplified Granny Square Pattern
Start with a magic ring.
Round 1: in the magic ring, ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc, ch2, *3dc, ch2*, repeat from * 2 more times, sl st at the top of ch3 you made at the beginning. Pull the magic ring tail to close the hole.
You should have 4 dc cl of 3dc, each spaced out by 2 chains.
Round 2: ch3 (counts as a dc), *in the following ch2 space crochet (3dc, ch2, 3dc)*, repeat from * 2 more times, in the last ch2 space crochet (3dc, ch2, 2dc, sl st at the top of ch3 you made at the beginning)
You should have 2 dc cl of 3dc separated by 2 chains in each of the corners.
Round 3: ch3 (this counts as your first dc), 2dc in the space between 2 dc cl, *in the next ch2 space in the corner crochet (3dc, ch2, 3dc), in the next space between 2 dc cl crochet 3dc*, repeat from * 2 more times, in the last ch2 space in the corner crochet (3dc, ch2, 3dc), sl st into the top chain of ch2 you made at the beginning.
Row 4: ch3 (counts as a dc), in the next space between 2 dc cl crochet 3dc, * in the next ch2 space in the corner crochet (3dc, ch2, 3dc), make 3dc in each of the next 2 spaces between 2 dc cl*, repeat from * 2 more times, in the last ch2 space in the corner crochet (3dc, ch2, 3dc), 3dc in the next space between 2 dc cl, 2dc in the next space between 2 dc cl, sl st into the top chain of ch3 you made at the beginning.
You can now choose to fasten off and complete the granny square or continue making rounds until the granny square is as big as you want.
To make the granny square bigger, simply crochet 3dc in the space between 2 dc cl and (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in the ch2 spaces of each corner, making sure you sl st at the end of each round in the top ch you made at the beginning of the round.
Step by Step Granny Square Pattern
Round 1: Crocheting a double crochet cluster (dc cl)
Step 1: Start with a magic ring and ch3 (this counts as a dc). Then make 2 more dc inside the magic ring. You just completed your first dc cl (double crochet cluster). Next, ch2
Step 2: Make 3dc in the magic ring to form another cluster. Then ch2.
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 two more times (you will have 4 dc cl separated by 2 chains each)
Step 4: Complete round 1 by sl st at the top of ch3 you made at the beginning of the round. Pull the magic ring tail to close the hole. You now learned how to make a dc cluster.
Round 2: Making the corner stitches
Step 1: ch3 (this counts as your first dc in the round)
Step 2: In the next ch2 space, make 3dc, ch2, 3dc to form the corner. You will use these stitches every time you crochet into the corners of your granny square (that’s why I call them corner stitches)
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 two more times.
Step 4: Now we reached the ch2 space where you already made a ch3 that counts as a dc. Let’s complete the corner by making 3dc, ch2, 2dc. You only make 2dc at the end because you already have one (the ch3).
Step 5: Complete round 2 by sl st at the top of ch3 you made at the beginning of the round. You have now learned how to crochet the corner stitches.
Round 3: Crocheting between dc clusters
Step 1: Ch3 (counts as a dc). Next make 2dc in the space between the two double crochet clusters (dc cl) from the previous round.
Step 2: create the corner stitches by making 3dc, ch2, 3dc inside the ch2 space in the corner.
Step 3: Continue with the round and make 3dc in the space between the 2 dc cl from previous round.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 & 3 two more times around the square until you reach the last ch2 space in the corner.
Step 5: Crochet the corner stitches in the last ch2 space by making 3dc, ch2, 3dc.
Step 6: Complete round 3 by sl st in the top chain of ch3 you made at the beginning. You have now learned how to crochet between dc clusters.
Round 4: Make the final round and apply what you learned
Step 1: ch3 (counts as a dc), crochet 3dc in the next space between dc clusters.
Step 2: Make the corner stitches in the next ch2 space by crocheting 3dc, ch2, 3dc.
Step 3: 3dc in each of the next 2 spaces between dc cl (you will notice, the number of clusters will increase by 1 on each row).
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 & 3 two more times until you reach the last ch2 space in the corner.
Step 5: 3dc, ch2, 3dc in that ch2 space.
Step 6: You have now reached the space between 2 dc cl where you made your first ch3. Complete the group by making 2dc in that space. Then sl st in the top ch of ch3 to close round 4.
You can now choose to fasten off and complete the granny square or continue making rounds until the granny square is as big as you want.
To make the granny square bigger, simply crochet 3dc in the space between 2 clusters and (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in the ch2 spaces of each corner, making sure you sl st at the end of each round in the top ch you made at the beginning of the round.
And this is how you crochet the classic granny square.
Looking for other granny square designs?
Browse the entire pattern library HERE.
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Happy Crocheting!
