How to Crochet a Classic Granny Square: Free Beginner Pattern

The granny square is the most famous motif in crochet. Once you know it, you can make blankets, bags, cardigans, pillows and tops from simple squares. Here is the classic version, step by step.

Materials

• Worsted weight (No. 4) yarn, in one colour or several
• 4.5–5 mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle and scissors

Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• dc = double crochet
• sp = space
• Corner = (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same corner space

Free pattern: classic granny square

• Start: ch 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring (or use a magic ring).
• Round 1: ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in the ring, ch 2. *3 dc in the ring, ch 2* 3 times. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. You now have 4 groups of 3 dc.
• Round 2: sl st across to the first ch-2 space. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same space, ch 1. *Corner in the next ch-2 space, ch 1* 3 times. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3.
• Round 3: sl st across to the first corner space. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1. *Corner in the next corner space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1* 3 times. Join.
• Next rounds: work a corner in every corner space and 3 dc in every ch-1 space along the sides, with ch 1 between groups. Each round adds one more 3-dc group per side.

To change colour, fasten off at the end of a round and join the new colour in a corner space.

Tips for neat granny squares

• Always work the groups into the spaces, not into the stitches.
• If the square twists, try turning your work at the end of every round.
• Block your squares before joining so they are all the same size.

What to make with granny squares

Join your squares with sl st or sc seams to make a blanket, tote bag or cardigan. Need ideas? Our 1000+ Granny Square Crochet Patterns and 2000+ Granny Square bundle are full of floral, mandala and modern motifs. For something cute, try the Cat Granny Face or the Sunflower Granny Square Blanket.