How to Make a Granny Square

Are you learning how to do new crochet projects? Then you’ve got to learn how to make crochet granny squares! These squares can be the heart of stunning blankets, beautiful bags, or even square motifs as smaller garments.

This photo tutorial will guide you through creating traditional granny squares using simple steps, perfect for both seasoned and beginner crocheters alike. Learning new stitches takes a little bit of effort, but with some practice, you’ll be mastering the method in no time. Let’s get started!

Final result - granny square crochet in blue yarn with a hook. Tutorial from skip to my lou — Let’s make a cute granny square!

What is a Granny Square or Granny Stitch?

The classic crochet granny square, a cornerstone of crochet patterns, is a versatile motif typically worked in the round. Its structure consists of clusters of double crochet stitches separated by chain spaces, forming a square shape. The best thing about the granny square is that they can be made in various sizes, colors, and yarn weights, offering endless creative possibilities. Whether you’re aiming for a vintage-inspired blanket or adding flair to modern accessories, the granny square is your go-to foundation.

Pick your yarn and pay attention to the hook size recommended in the label. Here in the red circle you can see it requires a US 1/9-5.50MM.

Blue yarn to make a granny square in a new package over a white background.

Hook size - tutorial to make a granny square - tutorial from skip to my lou — The arrow is pointing at the hook size.

Materials Needed:

– Yarn of your choice

– Crochet hook (size as indicated on yarn label)

– Scissors

– Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Stitch Abbreviations Used:

In crafting the granny square, we’ll be using fundamental crochet stitches. Here’s a rundown of the stitch abbreviations integral to this pattern:

ch – chain stitch
ch-sp – chain space
dc – double crochet
sl st – slip stitch (Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch, and loop on hook)
st(s) – stitch(es)

Within the pattern, there are specific stitches and formations that give the granny square its unique texture:

Special Stitches:

Granny Cluster (3 dc cluster): The essence of the granny square is in the granny cluster, a combination of three double crochet stitches worked into one stitch. In our pattern, these clusters are linked with chain stitches for spacing and definition.

Granny Square Crochet Tutorial – Step-by-Step Instructions:

Foundation Ring

There are different ways to start a granny square: start a single chain, chain stitch center ring, or a magic ring. In this tutorial we started with a chain stitch center ring, one of the easiest and most basic stitches since it’s simple, making it the easiest way to get started.

Begin the granny square by creating a center ring using a chain stitch method.

1. Chain 4 stitches and join them into a circle with a slip stitch.

First step to make a granny square, start with a chain stitch center ring. Blue yarn, tutorial from skip to my lou — Start with a chain stitch center ring.

Round 1:

Let’s start with the first round:

1. Chain 3, serving as the first double crochet of the cluster.

2. Work 2 double crochet stitches into the center ring.

3. Chain 3 to form a corner.

4. Create three more clusters of 3 double crochet stitches separated by chain-3 spaces.

5. Join the round with a slip stitch to the top of the initial chain-3.

Second step to make a granny square, first round. Blue yarn, tutorial from skip to my lou — Now we crochet the first round.

Second step to make a granny square, close the first round. Blue yarn, tutorial from skip to my lou — Close the first square.

Round 2:

1. Chain 4 (counting as 1 double crochet and a chain-1 space).

2. In the corner space, work 3 double crochet, chain 3, 3 double crochet, and chain 1.

3. Repeat step 2 for the next two corners.

4. Complete the final corner with 3 double crochet, chain 3, 2 double crochet, and chain 1.

5. Join the round with a slip stitch.

Third step to make a granny square, second round. Blue yarn, tutorial from skip to my lou — Let’s move onto the second round!

Third step to make a granny square, close the second round. Blue yarn, tutorial from skip to my lou — Close the second round.

Round 3:

1. Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet).

2. Create clusters of 3 double crochet separated by chain-1 spaces.

3. Work corners with 3 double crochet, chain 3, 3 double crochet, and chain 1.

4. Continue alternating clusters and corners around the square.

5. Join the round with a slip stitch.

Third step to make a granny square, third round. Blue yarn, tutorial from skip to my lou — Now we’re starting the third round.

Round 4:

1: Chain 4. (This counts as 1 dc and the ch-1 space.)

2: Into the next ch-1 space, work: 3 dc, ch-1.

3: Into the next ch-3 corner space, work 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1.

4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 in each of the remaining ch-1 and ch-3 spaces.

5: In the last ch-1 space, work 2 dc.

6: Join with a sl st to the top of the starting ch-3. This completes Round 4.

Fourth step to make a granny square, fourth round. Blue yarn, tutorial from skip to my lou — Finally, we begin the fourth round.

Fourth step to make a granny square, close the fourth round. Blue yarn, tutorial from skip to my lou — Close the fourth round!

Finish off your last round, cut the yarn, leave a tail, and weave in the ends with a yarn needle to complete your classic granny square. And you’re ready to use it as you please! Below you’ll find some ideas to use it with.

Granny Square Projects

Now that you know how to make your own granny squares, here are some ideas and tutorials for you to try:

US Terms vs. UK Terms in Crochet:

In the crochet world, the terminology can vary between regions, mainly in the naming of stitches. For instance, what’s called a “single crochet” in the US is known as a “double crochet” in the UK. It’s crucial to be mindful of these differences when following patterns to ensure accuracy in your work.

My Favorite Crochet Tools

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My MOST FAVORITE tool is these portable scissors that always make it through security and fit perfectly in my hook case.
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Crochet Stitch Dictionary: 200 Essential Stitches with Step-by-Step Photos is the most helpful resource to keep handy!

Easy Crochet Projects For You:

Need a free crochet pattern? We’ve got many tutorials for you! It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time,

Tips and Basic Crochet Stitch Tutorials:

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