Solid Granny Square - Easy Crochet Tutorial

What is a solid granny square? It is a different and attractive version of a traditional crochet granny square. Solid granny squares are an ideal choice for those who don’t really like the look of all the holes in a conventional granny square. They are also usually made in a single color, or perhaps two colors, as opposed to the traditional granny square, which is conventionally done in a different color for each round. They still have the advantage of being small and portable, though, so are ideal for crocheters on the go!

Solid Granny Squares

There are a variety of different options for making solid granny squares, some involving complex stitches. Here I will give you instructions for making three simple versions suitable for beginners.

1. Basic solid granny square
2. Solid granny square with no gaps
3. Solid granny square in combination with a circular center

Supplies

• Crochet hook
• Yarn, a suitable thickness for the hook.

Stitch Abbreviations

We will be working with USA terminology for these samples.

• ch - chain stitch
• dc – double crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• tr- treble crochet
• hdc- half double crochet
• sc- single crochet
• sp-space

Method 1 - Basic Solid Granny Square

This is the most commonly used version of the solid granny square. It is easy to make and is also suitable for those who like to crochet while chatting or watching TV. (Multitaskers!)

It is a basic pattern that has been around for many years. It makes a solid square with small decorative gaps in the corners.

Foundation Round:

• Start with a magic ring, or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to make a ring.

Round 1:

• Chain 5 (This counts as 1 dc, plus ch 2)
• Work 3 double crochet into the ring
• Chain 2 (This makes the first double crochet group)

• Work 3 double crochet into the ring
• Chain 2
• Work 3 double crochet into the ring
• Chain 2

For the last double crochet group:

• Work 2 double crochet into ring
• Insert the hook into the 3^rd chain of the 5 starting chains
• Slip stitch to close the round

You should now have 4 double crochet groups and 4 lots of 2 chains in the spaces.

Round 2:

• Insert the hook into the corner space where you have just finished round 1
• Make a slip stitch into this space.
• Chain 5 (This counts as 1 dc plus 2 ch sp)
• Work 2 double crochet into corner space

• Work 1 double crochet into 1^st double crochet of previous row (Pass your hook under both loops of the double crochet stitch every time)
• Work 1 double crochet into each of next 2 stitches
• Work the corner- 2 dc, ch2, 2 dc

• Work 1 double crochet into each of next 3 stitches, then another corner into the next corner space (Second side)
• Crochet 1 double crochet into the next 3 stitchess, and a corner group into next corner (Third side)

• Make 1 double crochet into each of the next 3 stitches (Fourth side)
• To make your final corner, double crochet into the first corner space, insert hook into 3^rd chain of the initial 5 chains and make a slip stitch.

Round 3:

• Insert hook into same corner space, and work a slip stitch.
• Chain 5, work 2 double crochet into corner space.
• Work 1 double crochet into each of next 7 stitches.
• Work (2dc, ch2, 2 dc) into corner space, this is your corner group.
• Repeat 7 dc and corner group along each side.
• Slip stitch into the 3^rd chain of the starting chain.

Extra Tips:

You can stop here if you want cute little squares, or continue to work around if you want larger squares.

If you want the larger version, repeat working 1 dc into each stitch, then a corner group for each side.

Continue working until your square is the desired size, then fasten off your yarn, leaving a long tail for stitching up your squares later.

If you are using up your scraps, arrange them before sewing together to get the most pleasing color combination.  If you are using a single color, simply sew all the blocks together and weave in any loose ends. You could also choose a stripey effect, sew the blocks together in rows, one row dark, one row light, then sew all the rows together in stripes.

These blocks can be used to make absolutely anything- blankets, throws, cushions, scarves, bags. Your imagination is the only limit here!

Method 2 - Granny Square With No Gaps

For those who really don’t want any gaps at all in their squares, not even in the corners, there is a solution for you too! Instead of using chain stitches to create the corners, you will use a taller treble stitch to make your corner a turning point.

Foundation:

Start with a magic ring or chain 4, and join into a loop with a slip stitch.

Round 1:

• Ch 4 (This counts as 1 treble)
• Into the ring, work 3 double crochet
• Do 1 treble (This forms a corner)
• 3 double crochet three times. (It starts to look square)
• Join with slip stitch into the top of starting chain

• You should have 16 stitchess altogether, 3 double crochet per side and 1 treble for each corner. You can see how those taller treble stitches are already forming the corners.

Round 2:

• Chain 4
• 2 double crochet into the same stitch (This is the top of the previous rounds starting chain.)
• * Double crochet into each double crochet on the first side of the square.
• Make 2dc, 1 tr, 2 dc into each corner treble. (If you find it difficult to identify the treble in each corner, use a stitch marker to help you.)

• Repeat until the last corner, then work 2 double crochet into the base of starting chain to finish the corner.
• Join with a slip stitch into the top of the starting chain.

Round 3 and beyond:

• Repeat the pattern set in round 2 until your square is the required size.

• When the square is large enough, fasten off the yarn and weave in the ends.         

This would make a very elegant and tasteful granny square blanket, especially if all the squares are made in the same color.

Method 3 - Combination Solid Granny Square

This style of solid granny square starts with a circle which then converts to a square. It can be made in a single color, but it also looks great in two colors, giving the effect of dots when all the squares are sewn together.

Foundation:

• Start with a foundation ring - either a magic ring, or chain 4 and form a loop by joining the last chain to the first with a slip stitch.

Round 1:

• Chain 3
• 11 double crochet into the ring
• Join with a slip stitch into the 3^rd chain

Round 2:

• Chain 3
• Double crochet into the same space as the slip stitch
• 2 double crochet into each of next 11 dc stitches
• Join with a slip stitch into 3^rd chain

Round 3:

• Chain 3
• Double crochet into same space as slip stitch
• *dc into next stitch
• 2 dc into next stitch
• Repeat from * all the way round
• Finish with a slip stitch into 3^rd chain.

Round 4:

This is where you are changing your circle into a square shape. You will need to create corners.

• Change yarn colors if you are working in 2 colors
• Join the new color
• Chain 3, then dc into same stitch
• *Dc into next stitch
• Half double crochet (hdc) into next 2 stitches
• Single crochet in next 2 stitches
• hdc into next 2 stiches, dc into next stitch
• (2dc, ch2, 2dc) into next stitch (This is your first corner)

You can see it squaring up nicely now.

• Repeat from *all the way around, until you get to the last corner
• For the last corner, 2 dc into same space as the first stitches
• Chain 1, join with slip stitch to 3^rd chain
• You should now have 12 stitches on each side, with 4 x ch2 corner spaces

Round 5:

• Chain 3 (starting chain)
• *dc in next 12 stitches.
• (dc, ch2, dc) in next 2 chain space (Corner cluster)
• Repeat from * all the way around.
• In last corner, dc into same space as first stitch
• Chain 2, join with a slip stitch to the third ch of starting ch.
• You should now have 14 stitches on each side and 4x2 corner clusters.

This is the basic pattern for this crochet square, but of course, you can continue going around, following the same pattern if you want bigger squares or more background space in between your ‘dots’.

Solid Granny Square - In Conclusion

Whichever solid granny square you prefer, whether you choose to make it in a single color or a whole rainbow of colors, make up a whole basket full of squares and then stitch them into a marvelous granny square blanket or throw. I am now feeling inspired to make a ‘circle into square’ version, with white dots in the center and blue background. It is going to look so pretty as a throw at the bottom of my bed in my blue and white bedroom! I hope you have been equally inspired to make something wonderful either for yourself or as a gift!