Learn how to crochet a granny square, these charming squares are versatile, allowing you to create a variety of projects for example; hats, bags, tops and blankets. Also did you know there are loads of different granny square designs? I have several different designs for you to try so keep reading and you’ll find the links further down the post. But first let’s learn more about the basic granny square.
Although the granny square might look difficult it is in fact a beginner friendly pattern using just three stitches to create this iconic design which is a great starting point when learning how to crochet.
what will I Iearn?
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of creating a basic crochet granny square, providing step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial which is available in both right and left handed versions plus inspiration for how to use your granny squares along the way.
Alternatively if you haven’t picked up your crochet hook in a while and you need guiding on how to crochet a basic granny square then you will find everything you need throughout this blog post.
So whether you want to experiment with different granny square designs or crochet your squares into a beautiful project you will find everything you need in this blog post.
Firstly, you’ll need to get your materials and tools ready, below is the list of what I used in the video tutorial however you can use any weight yarn, just take a look at the band on the yarn for the recommended hook size. When starting out I’d recommend a DK, Aran or chunky weight yarn.
Materials and tools
pattern notes
- Written in UK terms
- This pattern teaches you how to crochet the basic granny square
- Videos can be found after the written pattern
- Project inspiration can be found further down the blog post
Terms and abbreviations
- Stitch(s): st(s)
- Slip Stitch(s): ss(s): Insert hook, yarn over pull through stitch and loop on hook
- Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through
- Treble Crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. You can find my EBook HERE.
pin for later
basic Granny Square Pattern
- Foundation chain: ch 4, ss in 4th ch from the hook
- Round 1: Ch3 (counts as tr here and throughout), into ring work 2tr, ch3, *3tr, ch3; repeat from * twice more. Join with ss into top of ch-3 [12 tr, 4 ch-3]
- Round 2: Ch4 (counts as tr plus ch-1 here and throughout) skip 3 sts and work (3tr, ch3, 3tr) into ch-3 space from previous row. *Ch1, skip 3 sts, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in ch-3 space; repeat from * once more. Ch1, skip 3 sts, (3tr, ch3, 2tr) in ch-3 space. Join with a ss into ch-3 from beginning of the round. [24 tr, 4 ch-3, 4 ch-1]
- Round 3: Ch3, 2tr in ch-1 sp, ch1. *skip 3 sts, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) into corner space. Ch1, skip 3 sts, 3tr in ch-1 space, ch1; repeat from * twice more. (3tr, ch3, 3tr) into corner space. C1 and join with ss in 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. [36 tr, 4 ch-3, 8 ch-1]
- Round 4: Ch4, skip 3 sts, 3tr in ch-1 sp, *ch1, skip 3 sts (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in corner sp, (ch1, skip 3 sts, 3tr in ch-1 sp) twice; repeat from * twice more, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in last corner space, ch1, skip 3 sts, 2tr in ch-1 sp, join with ss in 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. [48 tr, 4 ch-3, 12 ch-1]
- Fasten off and sew in ends
Video Tutorials
right handed
left handed
more granny square designs
Now you can crochet the basic granny square why not expand on your new skills and try an alternative granny square design, there are so many variations for you to try including the solid granny and the super solid granny square. Why not try a colour change with the lovely heart granny square?
Or you might want to experiment with various colour combinations, surface texture and more intricate designs so I have picked three designs for you to try below:
Spiked Granny Square
Circle of Hope Granny Square
Sunburst Granny Square
These are just a few recommendations for even more granny square designs CLICK HERE. Please note not all of these designs are my own, I have been given permission to create the video tutorials of the squares featured in granny squares blog post linked above so can I ask if you try any designs from a guest designer that you credit them in your makes please!
I always love to see your makes so if you try any of my patterns or follow my stitch tutorials please tag me @bellacococrochet or use the #bellacococrochet on Facebook and Instagram
Sarah-Jayne
granny square projects
Are you ready to turn your squares into a project? Now that you can crochet a basic granny square you might be sat there with a pile of squares wanting to put them to good use. Whether you want to make something for yourself or something to gift check out these patterns:
Not The Highstreet Tote Bag, Dune Bucket Hat & Ostara Vest.
Mood Blanket
Still hooked on the basic granny? Well I think I might have the perfect project for you to work on throughout the year.
Crochet a granny a day that best suits your mood that day whilst creating a beautiful bespoke mood blanket. Click below for all the details!
Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square
Learn how to crochet a granny square, these charming squares are versatile, allowing you to create a variety of projects for example; hats, bags, tops and blankets. Also did you know there are loads of different granny square designs? I have several different designs for you to try but first let’s learn more about the basic granny square.
Although the granny square might look difficult it is in fact a beginner friendly pattern using just three stitches to create this iconic design which is a great starting point when learning how to crochet.
Materials
- Yarn: In the video I use Paintbox simply DK in Blush Pink, I also recommend Style Craft Special DK however you can use any weight yarn just take a look at the band on the yarn for the hook size. When starting out I’d recommend a DK, Aran or chunky weight yarn.
Tools
- Hook: 4mm
- Darning Needle
- Scissors
Instructions
- Foundation chain: ch 4, ss in 4th ch from the hook
- Round 1: Ch3 (counts as tr here and throughout), into ring work 2tr, ch3, *3tr, ch3; repeat from * twice more. Join with ss into top of ch-3 [12 tr, 4 ch-3]
- Round 2: Ch4 (counts as tr plus ch-1 here and throughout) skip 3 sts and work (3tr, ch3, 3tr) into ch-3 space from previous row. *Ch1, skip 3 sts, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in ch-3 space; repeat from * once more. Ch1, skip 3 sts, (3tr, ch3, 2tr) in ch-3 space. Join with a ss into ch-3 from beginning of the round. [24 tr, 4 ch-3, 4 ch-1]
- Round 3: Ch3, 2tr in ch-1 sp, ch1. *skip 3 sts, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) into corner space. Ch1, skip 3 sts, 3tr in ch-1 space, ch1; repeat from * twice more. (3tr, ch3, 3tr) into corner space. C1 and join with ss in 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. [36 tr, 4 ch-3, 8 ch-1]
- Round 4: Ch4, skip 3 sts, 3tr in ch-1 sp, *ch1, skip 3 sts (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in corner sp, (ch1, skip 3 sts, 3tr in ch-1 sp) twice; repeat from * twice more, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in last corner space, ch1, skip 3 sts, 2tr in ch-1 sp, join with ss in 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. [48 tr, 4 ch-3, 12 ch-1]
- Fasten off and sew in ends
Notes
pattern notes
Written in UK terms
This pattern teaches you how to crochet the basic granny square
Videos can be found after the written pattern
Pattern inspiration can be found further down the blog post
terms and abbreviations
Stitch(s): st(s)
Slip Stitch(s): ss(s): Insert hook, yarn over pull through stitch and loop on hook
Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through
Treble Crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. You can find my EBook HERE.
Now you can crochet the basic granny square why not expand on your new skills and try an alternative granny square design, there are so many variations for you to try including the solid granny and the super solid granny square. Why not try a colour change with the lovely heart granny square?
Or you might want to experiment with various colour combinations, surface texture and more intricate designs so why not try the spiked granny, circle of hope or sunburst granny sqaure.
Recommended Products
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Skip to Instructions
29 Comments
MARGE MILHAM
September 3, 2019 at 9:00 pmLove your videos. You have taught me to crochet and I am loving It
BellaCocoTeam
September 5, 2019 at 10:31 amThank you so much 🙂
Mary Mead,
October 13, 2019 at 5:40 amI am wondering if you have a video showing how to join another colour when making a granny square.
Thank you
BellaCocoTeam
October 17, 2019 at 10:43 amHi Mary Here’s a video on how to change colour, if you think this may help here is the link:- https://youtu.be/MaIuAWV2BA4 or you could watch the tricolour square tutorial and the link for this is here:- https://youtu.be/vYBcKknbP3A
Hope this helps 🙂
Bee
January 19, 2020 at 9:31 amI’ve been using this pattern for ages since I first found it. By any chance do you have a written guide on how to join granny squares in this pattern? I found your video but written guides help me better.
Thanks!
BellaCocoTeam
January 21, 2020 at 9:38 amHi Bee I don’t have a written pattern for this at the moment but I am in the process of updating all my tutorials with written patterns, as you can appreciate this will take time. Sorry I can’t be of more help 🙂
Emma
February 5, 2020 at 3:22 pmI might be going crazy but I think that the written pattern here is different to the pattern in the Granny Square video tutorials and the end result is also different to the photo at the top of the page?
BellaCocoTeam
February 6, 2020 at 3:50 pmHi Emma No you’re not going crazy it was an error I was aware of and have been working on to correct it. This has now been done and I am so sorry for the confusion 🙂
sheryl hussey
April 8, 2020 at 11:43 amwell, i wish i could send a pic, i am still doing something wrong, but your video has been a huge help…i think I am ‘joining’ (at end of a row?) in the wrong place, i have a wonky area…not sure what im doing wrong…
BellaCocoTeam
April 10, 2020 at 7:35 pmWhen you come to the end of each round you should be making a slip stitch into the top of the chain 3 from the beginning It can help to use a stitch marker – when you make your chain 3 at the start of a round, pop a stitch marker into that 3rd chain, and when you come back round you will know where to join 🙂
Ange
March 25, 2021 at 12:36 pmHi do you put a stitch marker 4 every round
BellaCocoTeam
March 29, 2021 at 6:13 pmHi Ange You can use stitch markers in this way if you find it helps, but you may find that after a few rounds you don’t need them
Ann
April 16, 2020 at 3:24 pmI thought I saw how to make large one colour granny square on tutorial.
There was no chain between each cluster, and 2 chain between clusters at corners.
I started this and put it down and now can’t find tutorial.
Also when finishing rounds, I think you worked into space behind hook.
BellaCocoTeam
April 23, 2020 at 8:08 amI have a written tutorial on how to crochet a granny square available on my blog here: https://blog.bellacococrochet.com/granny-square-pattern/ and although it does include one chain stitch between clusters and three chains in the corners, there is no reason why you can’t use the pattern as a guide only and do the chain stitches as you want. I think these variations on how to make a granny square all come down to personal preference as we all crochet using slightly different tension etc, so it’s good to experiment
Joan
April 20, 2020 at 9:17 amLearnt a granny square from your video. Very clear and easy to follow
BellaCocoTeam
April 20, 2020 at 5:11 pmThank you 🙂
Elizabeth Bojorquez
May 6, 2020 at 12:20 amI am so glad you provide left handed crochet videos! I finally learned how to crotchet and it came out beautiful! Thank you for showing me and everyone else!
BellaCocoTeam
May 12, 2020 at 10:46 amHi Elizabeth you are very welcome 🙂
Samantha
June 7, 2020 at 10:18 pmThanks so much, I really appreciate your content! The clarity of instructions and videos is invaluable. In regards to the granny square, do you alternate between chaining 3 and 4 at the start of each round, or should it be 3 or 4 every time? Thanks, Sam
BellaCocoTeam
June 9, 2020 at 8:53 pmYou’re welcome It depends whereabouts in the granny square you start. The chain 4 counts as one treble plus a chain space so is used to move over to a new treble cluster, however if you are at the beginning of a cluster you would chain 3 as you will be making another two trebles afterwards. Hope this makes sense!
bardonsusan
August 10, 2020 at 5:03 amHi thank you for this tutorial on the granny square.
If I want to keep going to make it bigger, do I keep alternating the starting and ending instructions per rows 3 and 4. Also I have seen some comments on the facebook group where people turn their work for each row. Is this necessary?
BellaCocoTeam
August 11, 2020 at 5:13 pmHi As you continue making the granny square you will get a feel for whether to use the start/end instructions shown in round 3 or round 4 It’s a personal preference whether you want to turn your work after each round – some people find this helps to keep the granny square nice and straight and it also means that both sides of the square can be used.
Alison
August 30, 2021 at 8:11 amHi – thank you for the tutorial. I’m a complete beginner and found this really easy to follow. Now that I’ve made a few squares I would like to try adding a border. Do you have a video on how to do that please?
BellaCocoTeam
August 31, 2021 at 9:14 amHi Alison you are very welcome. I have several border tutorials if you search bella coco borders on youtube all the different ones will come up so you can have a look through to see which one would suit you best. Good luck 🙂
Zoha
October 21, 2021 at 9:49 amHi, thank you for this tutorial on the granny square.
If I want to keep going to make it bigger, do I keep alternating the starting and ending instructions per rows 3 and 4? Also, I have seen some comments on the Facebook group where people turn their work for each row. Is this necessary?
BellaCocoTeam
October 22, 2021 at 3:22 pmHi Zoha You’re welcome Whether you begin your round with a chain 3 or 4 depends on whereabouts in the square you are – if you are at the end of the cluster you should chain 4 (which counts as the last treble stitch, plus a chain space), whereas if you’re at the beginning of a cluster you should chain 3 (which counts as the first treble stitch). It’s easier to remember this rather than to keep alternating rows as this might not always work out. If you are planning to make a really large granny square I would turn your work after each round, as this will keep it nice and straight.
Zoha
October 21, 2021 at 9:50 amHi, thank you for this tutorial on the granny square.
If I want to keep going to make it bigger, do I keep alternating the starting and ending instructions per rows 3 and 4?
Tracy Nixon
August 17, 2022 at 1:29 pmHi, how many grams of dk yarn does each granny square use? Thank you xxxx
BellaCocoTeam
August 18, 2022 at 9:12 amHi Tracey this would really depend on the size of hook you use and your personal tension 🙂