How To Crochet A Granny Square: Easy Beginner’s Guide
Crocheting a granny square is a wonderful starting point if you’re new to the craft or looking for a quick and satisfying project.
These versatile squares can be used to create blankets, scarves, and even apparel. Today you will learn how to crochet a granny square.
Often seen in vibrant colors, the classic granny square is made up of clusters of double crochet stitches, built upon row after row, forming a sturdy yet appealing fabric with a distinctly homey feel.
The beauty of crafting a granny square lies in its simplicity and the creative freedom it offers. With a basic understanding of a few stitches, you can whip up an easy granny square in no time.
It’s a repetitive and relaxing process that allows you to play with color combinations and textures, giving each square a unique touch.
Whether you opt for a traditional look or something more modern, the granny square’s adaptable design will suit your aesthetic.
Starting with a simple loop and working your way outward, you’ll see your granny square take shape.
It’s a satisfying endeavor as each round adds size and intricacy to the piece.
In just a few rounds, you’ll have created a beautiful and easy granny square that can serve as a building block for numerous projects.
In the world of crochet, the granny square is truly a testament to the fact that a simple pattern can blossom into an array of complex and beautiful creations.
How To Crochet A Granny Square
Granny squares are a fun and classic crochet project. With the right materials and a grasp of basic terms, you can start creating colorful patterns and textures.
Materials Needed
To kick off your granny square, you’re going to need:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn is popular for granny squares. Check the yarn label for recommendations on hook size.
- Crochet Hook: A good starting point is a 5.0 mm crochet hook, but adjust according to your yarn’s label.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Yarn Needle: To weave in ends.
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Understanding Crochet Terms
Crocheting a granny square means knowing a few terms:
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Joins stitches together without adding height.
- Chain (ch): The foundation of your crochet work.
- Double Crochet (dc): A common stitch that adds height and structure.
Familiarize yourself with these terms, because you’ll use them frequently.
Types of Granny Squares
Granny squares vary by design and complexity:
- Classic Granny Square: The traditional pattern with clusters of 3 double crochet stitches.
- Solid Granny Square: A variant with no spaces between the stitches for a dense fabric.
- Circular Granny Square: Starts with a circle and becomes square as you progress.
Pick a type that matches your comfort level and desired design.
Basic Crochet Techniques
Before you start creating a granny square, there are a few crochet basics you’ll need to get familiar with.
From starting your project with a slip knot to getting the hang of a magic ring, mastering these techniques is essential.
Creating a Slip Knot and Chain Stitches
Video tutorial: Slip knot and Chain Stitches
To begin crocheting, you need to know how to make a slip knot and chain stitches.
You make a slip knot by looping the yarn over itself so that the tail end can be pulled to tighten around your hook. Here’s a quick guide:
- Lay the yarn over your hand with the tail hanging down.
- Wrap the yarn around your fingers, creating a loop.
- Insert your hook into the loop and grab the yarn that’s connected to the skein.
- Pull this through the loop on your hand to create the knot.
- Tighten by pulling the tail.
Once you have a slip knot on your hook, you’re ready for chain stitches:
- Yarn over (yo) the hook and pull through the loop on your hook.
- Repeat this process to create a sequence of stitches; this is your foundation chain.
Mastering the Magic Ring
Video Tutorial: Magic Ring
The magic ring, also known as an adjustable ring, is a handy method to start projects that are worked in rounds like granny squares.
- Loop the yarn around your fingers to create a circle.
- Slide the hook under the circle, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over again and pull through the loop on the hook to secure the ring.
Now, insert your hook into the ring for the first round of stitches.
Learning Basic Crochet Stitches
In crochet, there are several basic stitches you’ll want to get comfortable with:
- Single crochet (sc): Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through both loops on hook.
- Double crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over again, pull through remaining two loops.
Here’s a table summarizing the stitches for easy reference:
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Slip Knot | SK | Loop yarn and pull through to tighten |
| Chain | ch | Yarn over, pull through loop |
| Single Crochet | sc | Insert hook, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through two loops |
| Double Crochet | dc | Yo, insert hook, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through two loops, yo, pull through last two loops |
Begin practicing these stitches, and soon you’ll be ready to work on your granny square with confidence.
Crocheting the Granny Square
Getting the hang of how to crochet a granny square involves a few crucial steps: starting off with a loop, creating the first round of stitches, and progressively expanding the square through repeated patterns.
Starting Your Granny Square
To kickstart your classic crochet granny square, create a slipknot and place it on your crochet hook.
Next, make four chains (ch). This forms the first chain, which is the foundation of your granny square. To connect the ends and form a ring, slip stitch into the first chain you made.
Forming the First Round
For the initial round, you’ll need to build out from the center ring.
Start with three chains (ch); this counts as your first double crochet (dc).
Now, you’ll make two more dcs into the ring—this trio of dcs will be your first granny cluster.
Next, to create a corner space, chain two. Then, make another cluster of three dcs into the ring.
Repeat the “ch-2, 3 dc cluster” sequence twice more to establish four corner spaces.
To complete the round, make a chain of two and join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning ch-3.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Start Round | Slipknot, ch 4, join |
| 1st Granny Cluster | ch 3, 2 dc into ring |
| Corner Space | ch 2 |
| Repeat Cluster & Corner | 3 dc, ch 2 (x3) |
| Finish Round | Slip stitch to ch-3 |
Expanding Your Square
To expand the square, begin with slip-stitching to the next corner ch-2 space.
Start the new round by chaining three (which counts as one dc), then do two more dcs, ch-2, and 3 more dcs in the same corner space—this forms the corner “shell”.
For the next corner, create a granny cluster of three dcs, ch-2, and another granny cluster all in the same ch-2 space from the previous round. Do this for each corner around.
To maintain the square shape, simply add a new corner shell at each existing corner.
As you work each round, you will add more granny clusters between the corners to accommodate the growing size.
Remember, each new round increases the number of non-corner granny clusters.
| Round | Steps |
|---|---|
| New Round | Slip stitch to a corner, begin new shells |
| Corner Shell | ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in corner space |
| Side Clusters | 3 dc in spaces between corners |
| Squaring | Add a corner shell at each existing corner |
Advanced Techniques and Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basics of creating granny squares, you can spice up your projects with these advanced techniques.
Joining New Colors
When you’re ready to add a new color to your granny square, you should finish the last stitch of your current color until you have two loops left on the hook.
At this point, attach your new color of yarn and draw it through the remaining loops to complete the stitch. This creates a seamless transition between colors.
Use this method to switch colors after completing a round or when starting a new round:
- Finish the last stitch with two loops left on the hook.
- Draw the new color through the loops to join.
Creating smooth color changes adds depth to the appearance of your traditional and solid granny squares.
Creating Different Square Variations
For a twist on the classic design, explore different granny square variations which can refresh your projects:
- Traditional Granny Squares: Consist of clusters of three double crochets, separated by chain spaces and built upon in succeeding rounds.RoundPattern Note2ndStart incorporating chain spaces3rd+Work new clusters in the spaces
- Solid Granny Squares: These squares minimize the chain spaces within the rounds, creating a denser fabric.RoundPattern Note1stSimilar to a traditional square setup2nd+Reduced chain spaces, more continuous stitches
Experiment with color changes in each round to personalize your square motif.
Varying where and when you change colors can result in dramatic, visually appealing squares.
Finishing and Projects
Once your granny square is complete, it’s essential to properly finish your work to give it a polished look and prepare it for being part of a larger project.
Tying Off and Weaving in Loose Ends
After you’ve made your final granny stitch, cut the yarn leaving about a six-inch tail.
Using a yarn needle, thread the tail and weave it back through your work. This secures your square and prevents unraveling.
Weave in any loose ends in the same manner, ensuring each is neatly tucked away for a clean finish.
Granny Square Project Ideas
Granny squares are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Square Blanket: Combine multiple squares to create a colorful blanket.Use a free crochet pattern to help with arrangements and joining methods.ProjectSuggested Number of SquaresBaby Blanket20–25 squaresThrow Blanket55–60 squaresBedspread100+ squares
Here are a few of our favorite projects from our Granny Square Patterns Library
