How to Crochet a Granny Square, Made Easy for Beginners

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Learn how to crochet a granny square with this easy tutorial on crochet granny squares for beginners. This tutorial gives you an easy granny square pattern that any beginner crocheter can follow. You will find step-by-step instructions and clear photos to help you make a granny square for the first time. Classic granny squares can be used for so many projects. Join them together to make a blanket, cardigan, bag, and so much more! With the following granny square tutorial, you will gain so much confidence.

Granny Square (Quick Guide)

A granny square is a classic crochet motif worked from the center outward using groups of double crochet stitches called granny clusters. Once you learn the basic pattern, you can make granny square blankets, bags, cardigans, cushions, and countless other projects.

Make a center ring using a chain loop or magic ring.
Crochet 4 granny clusters into the ring to form the first square shape.
Create corners with chain stitches between the clusters.
Join the round with a slip stitch.
Work additional rounds, adding granny clusters into each chain space.
Continue until your square reaches the desired size, then fasten off and weave in the ends.

What is a Granny Square

A Granny Square crochet is a classic small square motif crochet design that is easy to learn. It uses the basic crochet stitches of double crochet and chain stitch to make a small square from scraps of yarn. Starting from the center, you will continue with similar rounds until your granny square is the desired size. Learning to make granny squares is easy as long as you can do the double crochet.

Why Learn How to Crochet a Granny Square?

A granny square is one of the easiest crochet motifs for beginners to learn. It uses just a few basic stitches, works up quickly, and can be used to create everything from blankets and bags to cardigans and home décor projects. Once you master a simple granny square pattern, you can easily learn variations such as solid granny squares, granny rectangles, mitered granny squares, and colorful patchwork designs.

Large granny square and a smaller one in multiple colors

Supplies for Granny Squares

Crochet hook (Read about crochet hook sizes)
Yarn a suitable thickness. I like making granny squares with either a worsted weight yarn or DK yarn with a size H or 5 mm crochet hook. If you are an absolute beginner, use an acrylic type of yarn of good quality that won’t split.

Here are some suggested yarn and size crochet hooks for making crochet granny squares for beginners. If you are stuck on choosing colors for your square, see my granny square color combination generator for ideas.

YARN WEIGHT	PLY	HOOK SIZE
DK	8 Ply	4.5-5.5mm
Worsted	10 Ply	5.5-6.5mm

I felt so proud when I first learned to crochet granny squares as a kid. I remember sitting next to my mother as she created colorful squares from scraps of yarn. She handed me a hook and a small ball of yarn and patiently guided me through each step. My first attempts had uneven stitches and weren’t quite square, but I was proud of those little granny squares anyway. She joined them together for me into a little blanket that the cat liked to sleep on.

How to Crochet a Granny Square for Beginners

This free crochet pattern will show you how to make classic crochet granny squares for beginners. Once you have mastered the basics, you can start on different shapes and variations.

Below will show give you a written pattern for how to crochet a granny square with step-by-step instructions. There is also an abbreviated printable pattern for granny squares at the end of this article.

If you are a visual learner, you can watch this How to make a Granny Square video that I made. It will help you understand the written instructions better.

Abbreviations

When working on these simple granny squares for beginners, we will be working with US terminology.

ch = crochet chain stitch
dc = double crochet stitches
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) – stitch (es)
sp = space
ch sp = chain space
Granny cluster = is the name given to a group of 3 double crochet all worked into the same space. (Also called a double crochet cluster or dc cluster)

How to Start a Granny Square

Crochet 4 chain stitches. Join with a slip stitch in the 4^th chain from the hook. You will now have a circle.

This is the easiest way for beginners to start a granny square. However, it is not the only way. Here are 2 more methods to start your granny square that result in a smaller center hole.

Alternative Start Method #1:

This is quick and simple and leaves a smaller central hole than the foundation ring. But it can be a really tight squeeze fitting all 4 clusters into one chain loop.

Chain 3. Put the hook into the first chain.
Follow the instructions for round 1 below. All of the granny clusters in your first round are worked into your first chain stitch.

Alternative Start Method #2:

The 3rd way to start to crochet a granny square is to use a magic ring or magic circle. This creates an adjustable loop so you can make the hole in the middle invisible.

Round 1:

Chain 3. (This counts as the first double crochet)
Into the foundation ring, work 2 double crochet. Chain 3. (This is your first granny cluster)
*Work 3 double crochet. Chain 3. (Second granny cluster)
Repeat from * twice more. You will be back to where you started, and your piece will be starting to look square.

first cluster of granny square — First Cluster

second, third and fourth clusters. — First Cluster

Join with a slip stitch into the 3^rd chain of your starting chain. Your work should look like the one below. In the first row of a simple granny square, there are 4 clusters of double crochet, with 3 chains between each cluster.

first round of a granny square with the stitches marked

Round 2:

We are now ready for the second round of stitches. In my photos, I have changed the color of the yarn so round 2 was easier to distinguish – see further down this article for instructions on how to change colors in crochet granny squares for beginners.

If you are using the same color, slip stitch to the next corner. If you are changing the yarn color, join the yarn to any corner space.

When working a crochet granny square, you don’t turn your work around. The right side must always face you.

Chain 3. (Counts as 1dc). Into this same corner space, work another 2 double crochet. (First cluster) 1 chain stitch. (This creates a small gap.)
*3 double crochet into the next corner space. 3 chain stitch, 3 double crochet into the same space. (This forms the next corner.)

Second round and first cluster — First Cluster

First corner of second round — First Cluster

Chain 1. (Each side is separated with a chain 1)
Repeat from the * twice more. You will end with a chain 1.
In the last corner space, work 3 double crochet and 3 chains.
Join with a slip stitch into the 3^rd chain of your starting stitches. (This forms the last corner.)

Round 3:

Round 3 is done much the same as round 2, except the work is getting a little larger. To make the instructions a little shorter, I will start using abbreviations. Refer to the abbreviation section if you need to. Ch means chain stitch, and dc means double crochet.

If you are using the same color, slip stitch to the next corner. If you are changing the yarn color, join the yarn to any corner space.
Ch3 (Counts as 1 dc). Into the same space, work 2dc and 1ch. (This makes the first cluster of round 3.)
*Into the next ch1 space, work 3dc, 1 ch.
Into next 3ch space, work 3dc, 3ch, 3dc, (This forms a corner again), 1ch.
Repeat these steps from * all the way around to your starting ch.
End with 3dc, 3ch and join with a sl st into 3^rdch of the starting ch.

Round 4 and Beyond

Continue working around your classic granny square until you have reached the desired size for your granny square. Many crocheters like to complete their last round of every square in matching yarn. This forms a brightly contrasting frame for each square.

large granny square with multiple colors of red and pinks

How to Make Crocheted Granny Squares Bigger (The Formula)

As you work, you will see how the pattern forms and repeats.

You have 1 granny cluster worked into each 1 chain space.
The corners have 2 granny clusters in each corner, with 3 chains in between them. Those 3 chains used for the corner form a sharper, more defined corner than if you only worked 1 chain in between the clusters.
Be certain that all your corners are lined up perfectly. If you work a corner too early or too late, your square will not be square!

Finishing a Granny Square

When your granny square crochet is large enough, complete that round, finish with your slip stitch, then cut your yarn leaving a tail of about 3 “(8 cm). Pull the yarn through your last stitch to tie it off and prevent your square from unraveling.

To cover up your loose ends when changing colors, you can enclose them with your next cluster of double crochet, or if you prefer, you can sew them into the crochet stitches with a yarn needle.

Whichever method you choose, it is better to finish off loose ends as you go. It is really tedious to have to sew them all in at the end of a whole blanket!

There are 2 main ways to join crochet granny squares for beginners. Either with a visible contrasting color or by stitching the squares to create invisible seams. If you like seams that can be seen, then a single crochet stitch is best to join the crochet granny squares for beginners.

For invisible seams, use a whip stitch or a crochet slip sitch with the squares right sides together. Read about another 6 methods of how to join granny squares.

Changing Color in Granny Squares

How about trying a multicolored granny square this time? Work your foundation chain and round 1 in one color. It is best not to just tie a knot, as these knots have a way of working themselves to the front of your work and spoiling the final appearance of the granny square.

To join in your new color yarn:

When finished with the previous round, fasten off.
Insert the hook into that chain space where the previous color ended.
Pull up a loop from behind and pull it through the slip knot on the hook. This is 1 chain.
Ch 2 more, to make the 3 ch equal to the first dc stitch.

Popular Granny Square Variations

Crochet granny squares for beginners don’t have to be square! Your shape just depends on how many 3 ch corners you create. You can make Granny Mandalas (work in circles, don’t make any corners), granny triangles, (3 corners), granny pentagons, hexagons, or octagons.

Solid Granny Square – Creates a denser fabric with fewer gaps.
Granny Rectangle – Ideal for blankets and scarves.
Mitered Granny Square – Worked diagonally from one corner.
Two Color Granny Square – Creates striking geometric designs.

What Can I Make With My Crochet Granny Squares for Beginners?

Now you have the building blocks to make whatever you fancy with these lovely little square motifs.

If you look back to fashion in the ’70s, you will see that you can make absolutely anything with crochet granny squares for beginners. Back then they made vests (waistcoats), skirts, bell-bottom trousers, ponchos, bags, anything at all with even the crochet granny squares for beginners. Now a basic granny square pattern is more likely to be used for scarves, cowls, tea cozies, coasters, pot holders, tote bags, and of course the old favorite, square blankets.

How to Crochet a Blanket
How to Crochet a Coaster
Crochet a Rectangle (includes a granny rectangle)

How to Crochet a Granny Square FAQs

What is a granny square?

A granny square is a crochet motif worked from the center outward using groups of double crochet stitches known as granny clusters.

Are granny squares suitable for beginners?

Yes. Granny squares are one of the easiest crochet projects for beginners because they use only a few basic crochet stitches.

What is the best yarn for granny squares?

Acrylic, cotton, and wool blends all work well. Beginners often find smooth acrylic yarn easiest to learn with.

How many granny squares do I need for a blanket?

The number depends on the finished size of your squares and the blanket dimensions. Small blankets may use 25–49 squares, while large blankets can use more than 100.

Why is my granny square not square?

This usually happens when a corner is missed or extra stitches are added. Count your stitches carefully and make sure every corner contains the correct stitches.

Can I make a granny square bigger?

Yes. Continue repeating the granny square pattern, adding a granny cluster in each chain space and working corners into each corner space.

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In Conclusion

I hope you found learning how to crochet a granny square with this simple granny square pattern as much fun as I did writing it. If you continue making these crochet granny squares for beginners you are sure to find them easy, fun, and addictive to make.

They are perfect to have as a take-a-long project when waiting for children, or for an appointment. They can be packed in a small bag, you don’t have to lug a huge craft bag along with you. Get creative with your colors, and get creative making your granny square crochet projects. You are sure to enjoy them!