If you've been wanting to learn how to crochet a granny square but every tutorial you've found seems to assume you already know what you're doing, this one is for you.
This easy double crochet granny square is one of my favourite beginner projects because it uses simple stitches, grows surprisingly quickly, and teaches several useful crochet skills without feeling overwhelming.
It's worked from the centre outwards, starting as a circle before gradually becoming a square. There's something quite satisfying about watching it take shape round by round.
And unlike some granny squares that seem to involve endless counting, this pattern settles into a lovely rhythm once you've completed the first few rounds.
Whether you're making your very first granny square blanket, using up leftover yarn from other projects, or simply practising your double crochet stitches, this pattern is a great place to start.
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Why This Granny Square Is Perfect For Beginners
There are hundreds of granny square patterns available, but this one keeps things simple.
You'll only need to know:
- Chain stitch
- Double crochet stitch (US terms)
- Slip stitch
Because the square uses double crochet throughout, it works up quickly and gives you plenty of practice with one of the most useful crochet stitches you'll ever learn.
It's also easy to customise. Make a single square for practice, create matching squares for a blanket, or keep adding rounds until you have a much larger square for a cushion cover or baby blanket.
What Do I Need To Crochet A Simple Traditional Granny Square?
The finished square measures approximately 8 x 8 inches (20 x 20 cm) using the materials listed below.
Materials
- Worsted / Aran weight yarn
- 6.5 mm (K) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
A little tip from someone who has learned this the hard way: choose a lighter-coloured yarn if you're still learning. It's much easier to see where your stitches are going than with very dark yarn.
(Of course, you could always super-size up by using a bulkier yarn and a larger hook, which would mean you can create fewer squares - or a larger, cosier blanket!)
Do You Need To Make A Gauge Swatch?
I know.
Nobody starts crochet because they're excited about gauge swatches.
But if you're planning to join multiple granny squares together, it really is worth checking.
A few millimetres difference might not sound like much until you're trying to join twenty squares and wondering why one side of your blanket suddenly looks longer than the other.
Gauge
Double Crochet:
12 stitches x 6 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches)
If your swatch is smaller, try a larger hook.
If it's larger, try a smaller hook.
Crochet Abbreviations
This pattern uses US crochet terminology.
- Ch = Chain
- Ch-sp = Chain space
- DC = Double Crochet
- Sl St = Slip Stitch
- Sk = Skip
For UK crocheters, US Double Crochet is equivalent to UK Treble Crochet.
Pattern Notes
Before you begin, a few things that will make life easier:
- The square is worked from the centre outwards.
- The work is not turned between rounds.
- Chain 3 at the beginning of each round counts as the first double crochet.
- Each round is joined with a slip stitch.
- Using a stitch marker at the beginning of each round can make it much easier to keep track of where you are.
- Measurements are taken after blocking.
How To Start Crocheting Your Granny Square
Chain 4. Slst your chains together to form a ring. Alternatively, you can create a magic ring.
Row 1 Chain 3 (counts as first DC), DC 11 times into the ring. Slst to the top of the chain 3. This will give you 12 stitches in a circle.
Row 2 Chain 3 (counts as first DC), work 1DC into the same stitch. Work 2DC into each stitch around. Join your circle with a slip stitch in the top of the chain 3. (24 stitches)
Row 3 Chain 3 (counts as DC), Ch1,Sk1, then work 1 DC,Ch1,Sk1. To turn your circle into a square we are going to create your first corner. Ch3 (counts as the first DC), work 2DC into the same stitch CH3, then work 3 more DC into the same stitch. This is your first corner completed.
Now we will create the first side of the square. Ch1,Sk1 then *DC,CH1,Sk1*. Repeat *to*. Create your second corner by working (3DC,Ch3,3DC) all into the next stitch.
Work the second side of your square by working Ch1,Sk1 then *DC, Ch1,Sk1* twice. Then create your third corner by working (3DC,Ch3.3DC) into the next stitch.
Your third side is worked the same way Ch1,Sk1,*DC,Ch1,Sk1* repeat *to*. Then work your final corner by stitching (3DC,Ch3,3DC) into the next stitch. To finish this row work Ch1,Sk1,DC, Ch1,Sk1 then join to the top of the Ch3 with a slip stitch.
Row 4-6 are repeats of row 3, so ch3 (acts as first DC), ch1,sk1, then continue with *DC,Ch1,Sk1* until you reach your corner chain space. Work (3DC,Ch3,3DC) into the corner chain space. Then continue along the next side of your square by working Ch1,Sk1 then *to* until you reach the corner and (3DC,Ch3,3DC) to form your corner.
To finish you will have 5 sets of DC,CH1,Sk1 from your last corner. Once you have created your fifth DC then finish the row as you did previously by working Ch1,Sk1 and join to the top of the Ch3 with a slip stitch
Finishing
Weave in your ends and block whichever way is best for the yarn you have used.
Common Granny Square Problems
Why Is My Square Curling?
This is usually caused by tight tension.
Try relaxing your grip slightly or using a larger hook.
A light blocking session often helps, too.
Why Doesn't My Square Look Square?
Don't worry if it looks a little wonky while you're working.
Many granny squares look much neater after blocking.
Also, double-check that you've worked all four corners correctly.
My Corners Look Tight
Make sure you're working the full corner sequence into every corner space.
Those corner chain spaces are what allow the square to grow evenly.
What Can You Make With Granny Squares?
This is where things get addictive. One square quickly becomes ten.
Then twenty.
Then suddenly you're researching blanket border ideas at midnight.
Try using your squares for:
- Crochet blankets
- Cushion covers
- Tote bags
- Cardigans
- Sweaters
- Baby blankets
- Table runners
- Scarves
The beauty of granny squares is that you can make them one at a time whenever you have a spare few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Granny Square Suitable For Absolute Beginners?
Yes. If you can chain and work a double crochet stitch, you can make this square.
Can I Use Different Yarn Weights?
Absolutely.
Just remember that changing yarn weight and hook size will affect the finished dimensions.
How Many Granny Squares Do I Need For A Blanket?
It depends on the blanket size and your square size.
For 8-inch squares, a typical throw blanket usually requires somewhere between 35 and 50 squares.
Can I Make The Square Larger?
Yes. Simply continue repeating the final round, working the corner pattern into each corner chain space.
Download the FREE PDF on Ravelry HERE
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