Granny squares are a staple of crochet as a craft and crochet art. If you have seen crochet pieces that are like patchworks made of squares of various colors, that is the granny square design. This guide will teach you how to crochet a granny square to create a beautiful piece of art to impress others and enhance your crochet craft.
We will begin this guide with simple crochet techniques, followed by descriptions of the granny square, and end with tips and variations of the granny square, so you have the confidence to create your own granny square.
Defining Granny Squares
Granny squares are crochet squares that use the same basic crochet stitches like double crochet. Thus, they are a great project for a beginner to enhance their crochet skills.
Granny squares have a lot of room for creativity because they can use a lot of colors and sizes.
Why is it Beneficial to Learn to Make Granny Squares?
Granny squares are beginner-friendly crochet projects because they use the same stitches, so they can be repetitive. These squares can be made into larger crochet projects like bags and blankets. Granny squares can be used to crochet clothing, as well.
What You’ll Need
A granny square is an agile project. It is surprisingly quick to get started on this project. Make sure you have the supplies listed below before you begin the granny square.
Proficient beginners will attest that making granny squares is an excellent way to learn crochet techniques. The beginner essentials you’ll need to get started include:
- Yarn
- Crochet hook
- Crochet scissors
- Yarn needle
- Optional but recommended: Block markers to help keep your squares at right angles
As for cotton yarn that works with a size G (4mm) hook, anything in the medium-weight/four yarn category works will fit the bill.
Basic Granny Square Anatomy
Basic granny square anatomy is a starting magic ring, a series of double crochet stitches for the body with chain stitches in between, and a finishing slip stitch in the ring. Each consecutive square will have the same format.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let us walk you through the steps:
- Starting with a magic ring or a chain-ring, do a slip stitch in your yarn.
- For your first round, chain three (this is your first double crochet), followed by two more double crochets into this same ring. Do two more double crochet followed by a chain two to form your first square corner. Do this again three more times to complete the round (don’t forget your final slip stitch to close your round).
- For your second round, complete a slip stitch into a corner chain, chain three and double crochet twice more with a closed double crochet. Do this in that same corner again but with three more double crochets. Repeat this in the remaining corner stitches to complete the second round and achieve the squarish shape.
Continue to follow this format with more doubles in the leftovers and corners, leaving slip stitches in each round exit point, until your granny square is the size you want.
Step 4: Keep Expanding
For each new round, repeat the following steps:
- Fill each space with 3 DC clusters
- Complete corners with 3 DC, chain 2, 3 DC
- Slip stitch to join
Step 5: Finish Off
When your square is the size you want, cut the yarn. Use a yarn needle to weave in the ends.
Quick Granny Square Pattern Overview
| Round | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | 3 DC clusters + chain 2 in each corner |
| Round 2 | Increase corners, add clusters in spaces |
| Round 3+ | Repeat pattern, expanding square evenly |
What is a Granny Square? Common Terms
A little crochet language makes it easier to follow patterns.
- DC (Double Crochet) – Main stitch used
- CH (Chain) – Creates spaces and corners
- SL ST (Slip Stitch) – Joins rounds
- SP (Space) – Area between clusters
Granny Square Perfection Tips
- Keep your squares the same size by maintaining the same tension.
- Stitch markers can be very helpful. Use them to mark your corners.
- Counting your stitches is a great way to track your progress and keep everything straight.
- Blocking is a great way to finish your squares and give them a tidy look.
Choose different, contrasting colors to use for your squares.
Famous Granny Squares
When you get the basic granny square down, you can try different styles.
- Solid Granny Square
A denser look without chain spaces. - Sunburst Granny Square
This square looks like a flower in the middle. - Hexagon Granny Pattern
This granny square creates hexagons instead of squares. - Granny Stripe Pattern
Instead of working in rounds, clusters are worked in straight lines.
Joining Granny Squares
Once you’re done making big quantities of these squares, you’re ready to join them to build larger projects.
Popular Ways to Join Squares
- Slip stitch
- Single crochet
- Invisible seam (this one is done with a needle, not a hook)
- Join-as-you-go
For a particular project, one of these methods should stand out as the most appropriate.
Granny Square Project Ideas
Granny squares can be used in a great variety of projects, including:
- Blankets
- Afghans
- Cushions
- Tote bags
- Sweaters
- Cardis
- Table runners
Granny Square Tips
Even the simplest granny squares can be ruined, if you’re not careful. Keep these things in mind:
- Square chains to make sure to keep the corners. Skipping these can ruin the square shape.
- Be careful not to put too many stitches in the same place.
- Length must be the same in each stitch. A square with varied lengths will look warped.
Conclusion
An excellent way to start your crochet journey is to learn the granny square. This is an incredibly gratifying stitch as it is so simple, yet the satisfaction in crocheting squares is unparalleled. Once you learn the basics, it’s the perfect canvas to experiment with techniques like changing yarn color, adjusting stitch sizes, and varied patterns, to give your square a new look.
This is the start of a fulfilling crochet journey for you. Granny squares can be used to make bags and blankets and so many more things, and the most important part is they will give you the foundation to build those skills.