How to Crochet a Granny Square: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Learn how to crochet a granny square with this easy step-by-step tutorial for beginners. This classic crochet granny square uses basic stitches and simple repeating rounds, making it a great project for learning how granny squares are constructed.
This tutorial uses US crochet terminology and includes detailed instructions for the center, corners, side spaces, color changes and additional rounds. Once you have mastered the basic granny square, you can use your squares to make crochet blankets, bags, cushions, clothing and more.
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Learn how to crochet a classic granny square with this easy step-by-step tutorial. Granny squares are one of the most popular crochet projects for beginners because they use just a few basic stitches and can be made in any combination of colors.
Once you learn the basic technique, you can use granny squares to make blankets, bags, cushions, clothing and many other crochet projects.
This tutorial uses US crochet terminology.
How to Make a Granny Square
A traditional granny square is worked from the center outward in rounds.
The basic construction is very simple:
- Groups of 3 double crochet stitches create the granny clusters.
- Chain-1 spaces separate the clusters along the sides.
- Chain-2 spaces create the four corners.
- Each new round makes the square larger.
The most important part to remember is:
Granny cluster
3 dc
Corner
3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc
What You Will Need
- Yarn in your chosen color or colors
- Crochet hook suitable for your yarn
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
For beginners, a smooth DK or light worsted weight yarn with a 4 mm crochet hook is a good combination.
What Can You Make With Granny Squares?
Once you know how to crochet a basic granny square, you can use the technique to create many different projects.
Try making:
- Granny square blankets
- Crochet bags
- Tote bags
- Cushions
- Cardigans
- Sweaters
- Crochet vests
- Baby blankets
- Shawls
- Scarves
- Clothing accessories
- Home décor
You can also combine different colors and granny square designs to create unique patchwork crochet projects.
Quick Stitch Guide
All stitch instructions are available in both US Crochet Terminology and UK Crochet Terminology, making it easy to follow along using the terms you are most familiar with.
If you are new to any of the stitches used in this pattern, we recommend reviewing the relevant stitch guide before starting. Each guide includes step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and stitch terminology conversions where applicable.
Take your time, practice any unfamiliar stitches, and most importantly—enjoy the process of creating your blanket one row at a time.
UK : cl - cluster stitch
AFR : tr - Trossie
1. Yarn over, insert, pull up loop (don’t finish). Repeat partial stitches per cluster (e.g., 3 times).
2. Yarn over, pull through all loops on hook to close cluster.
UK : 3tr - 3 treble crochet
AFR : 3lb - 3 Langbeentjies in selfde steek
1. Work 3 dc into the same stitch (one after the other).
2. Space or skip per pattern to create clusters/shells.
UK : MC - magic circle
AFR : MR - Magiese Ring
1. Wrap yarn around your fingers to form a loop.
2. Insert hook into the loop and pull yarn through to create your first stitch.
3. Crochet the number of stitches required by your pattern into the loop.
4. Pull the yarn tail to close the loop tightly.
5. Continue with the next round as instructed.
US Crochet Abbreviations
Abbreviation
- ch - chain
- sl st - slip stitch
- dc - double crochet
- st - stitch
- sp - space
- rnd - round
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Step by Step
How to Crochet a Granny Square : Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Make a Slip Knot
Make a slip knot and place it on your crochet hook.
Adjust the knot so it sits comfortably on the hook without being too tight.
Step 2: Make the Center Ring
Chain 4.
Insert your hook into the first chain.
Work 1 sl st to join the chain into a ring.
You now have a small center ring.
Beginner alternative
You can also start your granny square with a magic ring if you prefer a tighter center.
Round 1
Round 1 creates the center of your granny square.
Step 1: Chain 3
- Chain 3.
- This counts as your first double crochet.
Step 2: Make the first granny cluster
- Work 2 dc into the center ring.
- You now have your first group of 3 dc:
- 3 dc
Step 3: Make the first corner
- Chain 2.
- You have now created the first corner space.
Step 4: Make the second cluster
- Work 3 dc into the center ring.
- Then: ch 2
Step 5: Continue around the center
- Repeat:
- 3 dc, ch 2
- until you have four groups of 3 dc and four corner spaces.
- Your completed Round 1 should contain:
- 4 groups of 3 dc
- and
- 4 ch-2 corner spaces
Step 6: Join the round
- After completing the final ch 2, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
- Round 1 is complete.
Round 2
Round 2 begins to give your granny square its recognizable shape.
You will work into the corner spaces, rather than into individual stitches.
Step 1: Join your yarn
If you are changing color, join your new yarn in any ch-2 corner space.
Step 2: Make the first corner
- Chain 3.
- Then work:
- 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc
- into the same corner space.
You have now completed one corner.
Step 3: Move to the next corner
- Chain 1.
- In the next corner space, work:
- 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc
Step 4: Repeat
Continue around the square.
At each corner, work:
- 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc
- Between each corner, work:
- ch 1
Step 5: Join
After completing the final corner, work ch 1 and join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Round 2 is complete.
Round 3
Round 3 introduces the side spaces that will appear in every larger round.
Step 1: Start in a corner
Join your yarn in any corner ch-2 space.
- Chain 3.
- Work:
- 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc
- into the same corner space.
Step 2: Work into the side space
- Chain 1.
- In the next ch-1 space, work:
- 3 dc
Step 3: Move toward the next corner
- Chain 1.
- In the next corner space, work:
- 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc
Step 4: Continue around
- Repeat this pattern around the square:
- ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in next corner
Continue until you reach the beginning of the round.
Step 5: Join
- After the final corner, work ch 1 and join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Round 3 is complete.
Round 4 and Beyond
From Round 4 onward, the pattern becomes repetitive and easy to remember.
You will work 3 dc into every side space and 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into every corner.
- In each corner: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc
- In each side space:
- 3 dc
- Between each cluster:
- ch 1
Continue working around the square until you reach the desired size.
Ready to Make More?
Once you've mastered the classic granny square, you can experiment with flower granny squares, textured granny squares, solid granny squares and large granny square blanket patterns to create completely different crochet designs.
Why Is My Granny Square Wavy?
If your granny square is becoming wavy or ruffled, you may be accidentally adding too many stitches.
Check that:
- You work only 3 dc in each side space.
- You are not working additional clusters into the same space.
- Your corners contain only 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.
- Your tension remains consistent.
How to Make Your Granny Square Square
Blocking can help straighten and even out your finished granny square.
After completing the square:
- Lightly dampen it.
- Gently shape it into a square.
- Straighten the four corners.
- Make sure the sides are even.
- Allow it to dry completely.
Blocking is especially helpful when making multiple granny squares for a blanket because it helps make the squares more consistent in size.
Beginner Tips for Your First Granny Square
Don't worry if your first granny square isn't perfect.
Focus on these five things:
- Keep your tension consistent.
- Work groups of 3 dc.
- Make four clear corners.
- Work into the correct chain spaces.
- Check that your square has four equal sides.
The more granny squares you make, the easier the pattern becomes.
Easy Granny Square Formula to Remember
If you forget the pattern, remember these three rules:
Corner: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc
Side: 3 dc
Between groups: ch 1
That's the basic structure of a classic granny square.
Keep adding rounds until your granny square reaches the size you need.
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What is a granny square?
A granny square is a crocheted square worked from the center outward in rounds. A traditional granny square is made using groups of three double crochet stitches, with chain spaces separating the groups and chain-2 spaces forming the four corners.
Is a granny square easy for beginners?
Yes. A classic granny square is an excellent beginner crochet project because it uses a small number of basic stitches and follows a repeating pattern. Once you understand the corner and side sections, each additional round follows the same basic structure.
What crochet stitches do I need to know to make a granny square?
A classic granny square mainly uses chain stitches, slip stitches and double crochet stitches. These basic stitches are combined into groups of three double crochet stitches to create the traditional granny cluster.
What terminology does this granny square tutorial use?
This tutorial uses US crochet terminology. For example, the main stitch used is double crochet (dc). In UK terminology, the same stitch is called a treble crochet (tr).
How many rounds does a granny square have?
There is no set number of rounds. You can continue crocheting additional rounds until your granny square reaches the size you need.
How do you make the corners of a granny square?
The corners are made by working: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into the same corner space.
The chain-2 space creates the corner and provides a space for working the next round.
How do you make the sides of a granny square?
On the sides of the square, work 3 dc into each chain-1 space from the previous round. Work a chain 1 between the groups of double crochet.
Why is my granny square not staying square?
Uneven tension, missed stitches or accidentally adding extra clusters can cause a granny square to become distorted. Check that every corner contains 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc and that you are working only one group of 3 dc into each side space.
Why is my granny square curling?
A little curling can be normal while you are crocheting, particularly during the first few rounds. If the square curls excessively, check your tension and make sure you are using a suitable hook size. Blocking the finished square can also help flatten and shape it.
Can I use different colors for each round?
Yes. Granny squares are ideal for using multiple colors. Fasten off at the end of a round and join your new color into a corner space to begin the next round.
Can I make a granny square bigger?
Yes. Simply continue adding rounds. Each new round adds more groups of 3 double crochet along each side while the corners continue to use 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.
Do granny squares need to be blocked?
Blocking is optional, but it can help straighten the edges, define the corners and make multiple granny squares more consistent in size. This is particularly useful when making a granny square blanket.
What can I make with granny squares?
Granny squares can be joined together to make many different crochet projects, including:
- Crochet blankets
- Bags
- Cushions
- Cardigans
- Sweaters
- Vests
- Baby blankets
- Shawls
- Scarves
- Home décor
Can I use any yarn to crochet a granny square?
You can make granny squares with many different yarn weights and fiber types. For beginners, a smooth yarn with good stitch definition is easiest to work with. Choose a crochet hook appropriate for your yarn weight and adjust your hook size if necessary to achieve a comfortable tension.
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