How to Crochet a Granny Square

Welcome to Sofasaurus Crochet! I’m Sofia, and in this beginner-friendly tutorial I’ll guide you through crocheting a classic Granny Square. Whether you’re an experienced crocheter looking to refine your technique, or still a beginner eager to dive into the next thing, this step-by-step guide was designed with you in mind. I’ll break down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps to ensure that you gain the confidence to crochet granny squares without a second thought. Grab your yarn and favorite crochet hook and we’ll get started! Don’t forget to subscribe for more crochet tips and tutorials. Happy Crocheting! If you’re interested in a p rintable, ad-free version of How to Crochet the Granny Square, you can check it out in the shop!

left-handeD? Tap here!

Please note

All instructions are in US terms. Please treat the techniques used in this post as recommendations – crochet is an art form and experimentation is the best way to figure out what works best for you! Also, I only recommend products and services that I would use myself and all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

This post may contain affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Tap any image to pin it for later and share it with your friends!

In a hurry? Just tap and go!

Give me the ad-free PDF

Sign up for our newsletter

Materials

Yarn: Any medium or worsted-weight yarn
Hook: 5.5mm crochet hook

Video Tutorial

Check out the latest video!

Tap here if the video below doesn’t load

Written Instructions

Everything you need to understand what, why, and how!

What is a Granny Square?

A granny square is a square piece of fabric that is created by working in the round from the center outward, typically with double crochet stitches. Granny squares are so special because of their simple construction, endless possibilities, versatility, and timeless appeal. Granny squares are incredibly fun and rewarding.

How to Crochet a Granny Square

The traditional granny square is made with clusters of three double crochet, but countless variations use different patterns to create different designs. At their base, granny squares comprise four “corner” pieces and “side” pieces that repeat and increase with each round until the square has reached its preferred size.

Check out more detailed instructions below!

Tips + Tricks

Granny squares can be made in any size, from tiny embellishments to large blankets
Join granny squares to create a patchwork blanket by sewing or crocheting separate squares together
Granny squares are often made with bright and contrasting colors, but they can also be made more subtle

Round 1

Make a Ring: Start with 5 chains and slip stitch into the first chain.
Then chain 3. This chain is considered the turning chain and you need it to set the height for the rest of your stitches. While it is not a double crochet, it will be counted as the first stitch of the round.
Add two more double crochet into the center of the ring. These two double crochet plus the chain make your very first side piece.
Chain 2 for your first corner.
Add three double crochet into the center of the ring. This group is your second side piece.
Chain 2 for your second corner.
Add three double crochet into the center of the ring. This group is your third side piece.
Chain 2 for your third corner.
Add three double crochet into the center of the ring. This group is your fourth side piece.
Chain 2 for your last corner.
Slip stitch into the third (top) chain of your turning chain to close the round.

Round 2

Do not turn your work. We’ll be working in the same direction the entire time. In this round we’ll be introducing what I call a corner piece: 3dc + ch2 + 3dc.

Continue to slip stitch to the ch-2 space (the first corner). You’ll have a total of three slip stitches (one for each double crochet and one for the ch-space)
Once you’re at the first corner, we’re going to add our first corner piece: Chain 3 for your turning chain, and add two double crochet into the chain space. Then chain 2 and add three more double crochet into the same space.
Chain 1 and move to the next ch-2 space (the second corner). Then add another corner piece into that chain space (3dc + 2ch + 3dc).
Chain 1 and move to the next ch-2 space (the third corner). Then add another corner piece into that chain space (3dc + 2ch + 3dc).
Chain 1 and move to the next ch-2 space (the fourth corner). Then add another corner piece into that chain space (3dc + 2ch + 3dc).
Slip stitch into the third chain of your turning chain to close round 2.

Round 3

In this round, we’ll continue to work a corner piece into each ch-2 space plus a side piece (3dc) into each ch-1 space. Each side will have a total of one side piece.

Continue to slip stitch to the first ch-2 space (your first corner).
Add your first corner piece by starting with your ch-3 turning chain.
Chain 1 and move to your first ch-1 space. Add three double crochet into that space.
Chain 1 and move to the next ch-2 space (the second corner). Then add another corner piece into that chain space (3dc + 2ch + 3dc).
Chain 1 and move to your next ch-1 space. Add three double crochet into that space.
Chain 1 and move to the next ch-2 space (the third corner). Then add another corner piece into that chain space (3dc + 2ch + 3dc).
Chain 1 and move to your next ch-1 space. Add three double crochet into that space.
Chain 1 and move to the next ch-2 space (the fourth corner). Then add another corner piece into that chain space (3dc + 2ch + 3dc).
Chain 1 and move to your last ch-1 space. Add three double crochet into that space.
Slip stitch into the third chain of your turning chain to close round 3.

Rounds 4+

You can make your granny square as large or small as you desire. Just remember that each ch-2 space needs a corner piece and each ch-1 space needs a side piece.

This is the standard way to crochet a granny square, but there are many modifications you can make to fit your needs. For example, some prefer smaller holes, more corners, a double-sided fabric, or more than one color. If you’d like to learn more about that you can check out my post on Common Granny Square Modifications

Photo Tutorial

Are you more of a visual person but don’t have the patience to watch a video right now? Then scroll through this photo tutorial to answer your questions!

Coming Soon!