Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square (2024)

Beginners / Stitch Library

Updated September 13, 2023

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Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square (1)

Learn how to crochet a granny square, these charming squares are versatile, allowing you to create a variety of projects for example; hats, bags, tops and blankets. Also did you know there are loads of different granny square designs? I have several different designs for you to try so keep reading and you’ll find the links further down the post. But first let’s learn more about the basic granny square.

Although the granny square might look difficult it is in fact a beginner friendly pattern using just three stitches to create this iconic design which is a great starting point when learning how to crochet.

table of contents

  • what will I Iearn?
  • Materials and tools
  • pattern notes
  • Terms and abbreviations
  • pin for later
  • basic Granny Square Pattern
  • Video Tutorials
  • more granny square designs
  • granny square projects
  • Mood Blanket

what will I Iearn?

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of creating a basic crochet granny square, providing step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial which is available in both right and left handed versions plus inspiration for how to use your granny squares along the way.

Alternatively if you haven’t picked up your crochet hook in a while and you need guiding on how to crochet a basic granny square then you will find everything you need throughout this blog post.

So whether you want to experiment with different granny square designs or crochet your squares into a beautiful project you will find everything you need in this blog post.

Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square (2)

Firstly, you’ll need to get your materials and tools ready, below is the list of what I used in the video tutorial however you can use any weight yarn, just take a look at the band on the yarn for the recommended hook size. When starting out I’d recommend a DK, Aran or chunky weight yarn.

Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square (3)

pattern notes

  • Written in UK terms
  • This pattern teaches you how to crochet the basic granny square
  • Videos can be found after the written pattern
  • Project inspiration can be found further down the blog post

Terms and abbreviations

  • Stitch(s): st(s)
  • Slip Stitch(s): ss(s): Insert hook, yarn over pull through stitch and loop on hook
  • Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through
  • Treble Crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.

Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. You can find my EBookHERE.

pin for later

Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square (5)

basic Granny Square Pattern

  • Foundation chain:ch 4, ss in 4th ch from the hook
  • Round 1:Ch3 (counts as tr here and throughout), into ring work 2tr, ch3, *3tr, ch3; repeat from * twice more. Join with ss into top of ch-3 [12 tr, 4 ch-3]
  • Round 2:Ch4 (counts as tr plus ch-1 here and throughout)skip 3 sts and work (3tr, ch3, 3tr) into ch-3 space from previous row. *Ch1, skip 3 sts, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in ch-3 space; repeat from * once more. Ch1, skip 3 sts, (3tr, ch3, 2tr) in ch-3 space. Join with a ss into ch-3 from beginning of the round. [24 tr, 4 ch-3, 4 ch-1]
  • Round 3:Ch3, 2tr in ch-1 sp, ch1. *skip 3 sts, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) into corner space. Ch1, skip 3 sts, 3tr in ch-1 space, ch1; repeat from * twice more. (3tr, ch3, 3tr) into corner space. C1 and join with ss in 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. [36 tr, 4 ch-3, 8 ch-1]
  • Round 4:Ch4, skip 3 sts, 3tr in ch-1 sp, *ch1, skip 3 sts (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in corner sp, (ch1, skip 3 sts, 3tr in ch-1 sp) twice; repeat from * twice more, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in last corner space, ch1, skip 3 sts, 2tr in ch-1 sp, join with ss in 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. [48 tr, 4 ch-3, 12 ch-1]
  • Fasten off and sew in ends

Video Tutorials

right handed

left handed

more granny square designs

Now you can crochet the basic granny square why not expand on your new skills and try an alternative granny square design, there are so many variations for you to try including the solid granny and the super solid granny square. Why not try a colour change with the lovely heart granny square?

Or you might want to experiment with various colour combinations, surface texture and more intricate designs so I have picked three designs for you to try below:

Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square (6)

Spiked Granny Square

Circle of Hope Granny Square

CLick here

Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square (7)
Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square (8)

Sunburst Granny Square

Click here

These are just a few recommendations for even more granny square designs CLICK HERE. Please note not all of these designs are my own, I have been given permission to create the video tutorials of the squares featured in granny squares blog post linked above so can I ask if you try any designs from a guest designer that you credit them in your makes please!

I always love to see your makes so if you try any of my patterns or follow my stitch tutorials please tag me @bellacococrochet or use the #bellacococrochet on Facebook and Instagram

Sarah-Jayne

granny square projects

Are you ready to turn your squares into a project? Now that you can crochet a basic granny square you might be sat there with a pile of squares wanting to put them to good use. Whether you want to make something for yourself or something to gift check out these patterns:

Not The Highstreet Tote Bag, Dune Bucket Hat & Ostara Vest.

Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square (12)

Mood Blanket

Still hooked on the basic granny? Well I think I might have the perfect project for you to work on throughout the year.

Crochet a granny a day that best suits your mood that day whilst creating a beautiful bespoke mood blanket. Click below for all the details!

find out more here

Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square (13)

Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square

Yield: hats, bags, tops, cardigans, cushions, blankets

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Active Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner

Learn how to crochet a granny square, these charming squares are versatile, allowing you to create a variety of projects for example; hats, bags, tops and blankets. Also did you know there are loads of different granny square designs? I have several different designs for you to try but first let’s learn more about the basic granny square.

Although the granny square might look difficult it is in fact a beginner friendly pattern using just three stitches to create this iconic design which is a great starting point when learning how to crochet.

Materials

  • Yarn: In the video I use Paintbox simply DK in Blush Pink, I also recommend Style Craft Special DK however you can use any weight yarn just take a look at the band on the yarn for the hook size. When starting out I’d recommend a DK, Aran or chunky weight yarn.

Tools

  • Hook: 4mm
  • Darning Needle
  • Scissors

Instructions

  1. Foundation chain: ch 4, ss in 4th ch from the hook
  2. Round 1: Ch3 (counts as tr here and throughout), into ring work 2tr, ch3, *3tr, ch3; repeat from * twice more. Join with ss into top of ch-3 [12 tr, 4 ch-3]
  3. Round 2: Ch4 (counts as tr plus ch-1 here and throughout) skip 3 sts and work (3tr, ch3, 3tr) into ch-3 space from previous row. *Ch1, skip 3 sts, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in ch-3 space; repeat from * once more. Ch1, skip 3 sts, (3tr, ch3, 2tr) in ch-3 space. Join with a ss into ch-3 from beginning of the round. [24 tr, 4 ch-3, 4 ch-1]
  4. Round 3: Ch3, 2tr in ch-1 sp, ch1. *skip 3 sts, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) into corner space. Ch1, skip 3 sts, 3tr in ch-1 space, ch1; repeat from * twice more. (3tr, ch3, 3tr) into corner space. C1 and join with ss in 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. [36 tr, 4 ch-3, 8 ch-1]
  5. Round 4: Ch4, skip 3 sts, 3tr in ch-1 sp, *ch1, skip 3 sts (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in corner sp, (ch1, skip 3 sts, 3tr in ch-1 sp) twice; repeat from * twice more, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in last corner space, ch1, skip 3 sts, 2tr in ch-1 sp, join with ss in 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. [48 tr, 4 ch-3, 12 ch-1]
  6. Fasten off and sew in ends

Notes

pattern notes
Written in UK terms
This pattern teaches you how to crochet the basic granny square
Videos can be found after the written pattern
Pattern inspiration can be found further down the blog post

terms and abbreviations
Stitch(s): st(s)
Slip Stitch(s): ss(s): Insert hook, yarn over pull through stitch and loop on hook
Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through
Treble Crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.

Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. You can find my EBook HERE.

Now you can crochet the basic granny square why not expand on your new skills and try an alternative granny square design, there are so many variations for you to try including the solid granny and the super solid granny square. Why not try a colour change with the lovely heart granny square?

Or you might want to experiment with various colour combinations, surface texture and more intricate designs so why not try the spiked granny, circle of hope or sunburst granny sqaure.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Mood Blanket Crochet Pattern
  • Coco Bucket Hat
  • Not The High Street Tote Bag

Pin it now, make later!

Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square (2024)

FAQs

Can beginner make crochet granny squares? ›

Easy Granny Squares for Beginners

A basic granny square can be created in just three rounds, using a few types of foundational stitches: chain, double crochet, and slip stitch. Use this tri-color granny square pattern to create a traditional square using granny clusters, which are made up of three double crochets each.

How long does it take a beginner to crochet a granny square? ›

As far as Crocheting Granny Squares is concerned it really depends on how fast you can crochet. It takes roughly 20-30 minutes to make a crochet granny square. It will probably take around 30-40 minutes or more if it is your first time to try crochet.

What is the easiest thing for a beginner to crochet? ›

What's the easiest crochet project to start with? Small square coasters or dishcloths allow you to practice and learn new stitches with a quick payoff. Simple scarves, baby blankets, and granny square throw blankets are also good choices.

How many chains to start a granny square? ›

Each cluster has three 'posts' in it. Each corner has 2 chains, and on the straight parts of the edge, it has 1 chain. If you look at other granny square patterns sometimes the the chains in between will be different – some people use 3 at the corners – I like using 2 and 1 because it keeps it a bit tighter.

What is the best crochet stitch for granny squares? ›

A basic granny square is generally comprised of chains and treble stitches, worked from the centre outwards.

Do you flip a granny square? ›

Turning after each round

Once you finish the first round, turn your Granny Square over so the backside is facing you. Then work your pattern instructions for the second round. After finishing the second round, turn your work over once more so the front is facing you again.

How many granny squares should I make for a blanket? ›

Typical Blanket Sizes: A baby blanket (at 42” square), will require 49 granny square blocks (7 blocks by 7 blocks). A throw blanket (at 48” x 66”) will require 88 granny squares (8 blocks by 11 blocks). A king-sized bedspread (at 90” square) will require 225 granny square blocks (15 blocks by 15 blocks).

What size needle do I need to crochet a granny square? ›

Most patterns for granny squares suggest a worsted weight yarn or thicker. These yarns will have suggested hook size anywhere from 5.5mm for worsted weight to 15mm for super bulky yarn. Remember, the thicker your yarn, the larger your squares will be.

What is the first thing you should learn to crochet? ›

The first thing a beginner should crochet is something simple, like a granny square—or a piece of square fabric made by crocheting in rounds from the center outward. Granny squares are generally easy crochet patterns for beginners and take under an hour to complete.

What size crochet hook should a beginner use? ›

Hook Size Recommendation for Beginners

We recommend that beginners buy a set of hooks that include a H-8 5mm hook. It's also worth noting that different types of crochet hooks have different head styles (either tapered or inline), and can be made of many materials (like metal, wood, or acrylic).

What is the first item to crochet? ›

1. Crochet Dishcloths/Washcloths. Making dishcloths is a really great place to start when learning and practicing crochet. It helps you make even rows without missing stitches (one of the most challenging things for a beginner) and there are many different stitches you can do to make a dishcloth or a washcloth.

How long should it take to crochet a granny square? ›

The short answer is it totally depends. A 4-6 round granny square can be made in 10 minutes or less. Large granny square blankets might take 6-8 hours to make.

Is it hard to crochet a granny square? ›

Granny squares are one of my favorite crochet projects, and they're surprisingly easy to make.

What is the easiest crochet size for beginners? ›

Hook Size Recommendation for Beginners

We recommend that beginners buy a set of hooks that include a H-8 5mm hook. It's also worth noting that different types of crochet hooks have different head styles (either tapered or inline), and can be made of many materials (like metal, wood, or acrylic).

What size crochet hook to use for granny squares? ›

Most patterns for granny squares suggest a worsted weight yarn or thicker. These yarns will have suggested hook size anywhere from 5.5mm for worsted weight to 15mm for super bulky yarn. Remember, the thicker your yarn, the larger your squares will be.

References

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