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Beginners / Stitch Library

Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square

Updated September 13, 2023
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flat lay image of a teal blue crochet granny square on a white background
Crochet 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 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.

an online advert for a crochet patchwork blanket.
Crochet Patchwork Blanket

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.

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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.
How to Crochet: A Handy Reference Guide EBook

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.

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flat lay image of a teal blue crochet granny square on a white background
Crochet Basic Granny Square

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:

flat lay image of a spiked crochet granny square on a marble backdrop with foliage in the top left corner. The spiked granny square is made of three alternating colours, pale pink, pale blue and beige.

Spiked Granny Square

Circle of Hope Granny Square

Flat lay image of a circular granny square. The circle is made up of four different colours: peach, yellow, teal and purple with a cream border squaring off the circular shape.
a sunburst granny square lay on a marble backdrop at a slight angle with foliage in the bottom right side corner of the image. The sunburst granny is made from pale green, blue, pink and beige.

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.

a granny square blanket made up from several different colours draped over a cream chair.

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!

 
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granny square

Learn How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square

Yield: hats, bags, tops, cardigans, cushions, blankets
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner

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

  1. Foundation chain: ch 4, ss in 4th ch from the hook
  2. 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]
  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]
  4. 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]
  5. 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]
  6. 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

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.


Pin it now, make later!

31 Comments

  • MARGE MILHAM
    September 3, 2019 at 9:00 pm

    Love your videos. You have taught me to crochet and I am loving It

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      September 5, 2019 at 10:31 am

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Reply
  • Mary Mead,
    October 13, 2019 at 5:40 am

    I am wondering if you have a video showing how to join another colour when making a granny square.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      October 17, 2019 at 10:43 am

      Hi 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 🙂

      Reply
  • Bee
    January 19, 2020 at 9:31 am

    I’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!

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      January 21, 2020 at 9:38 am

      Hi 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 🙂

      Reply
  • Emma
    February 5, 2020 at 3:22 pm

    I 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?

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      February 6, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      Hi 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 🙂

      Reply
  • sheryl hussey
    April 8, 2020 at 11:43 am

    well, 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…

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      April 10, 2020 at 7:35 pm

      When 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 🙂

      Reply
      • Ange
        March 25, 2021 at 12:36 pm

        Hi do you put a stitch marker 4 every round

        Reply
        • BellaCocoTeam
          March 29, 2021 at 6:13 pm

          Hi 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

          Reply
  • Ann
    April 16, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    I 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.

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      April 23, 2020 at 8:08 am

      I 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

      Reply
  • Joan
    April 20, 2020 at 9:17 am

    Learnt a granny square from your video. Very clear and easy to follow

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      April 20, 2020 at 5:11 pm

      Thank you 🙂

      Reply
  • Elizabeth Bojorquez
    May 6, 2020 at 12:20 am

    I 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!

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      May 12, 2020 at 10:46 am

      Hi Elizabeth you are very welcome 🙂

      Reply
  • Samantha
    June 7, 2020 at 10:18 pm

    Thanks 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

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      June 9, 2020 at 8:53 pm

      You’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!

      Reply
  • bardonsusan
    August 10, 2020 at 5:03 am

    Hi 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?

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      August 11, 2020 at 5:13 pm

      Hi 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.

      Reply
  • Alison
    August 30, 2021 at 8:11 am

    Hi – 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?

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      August 31, 2021 at 9:14 am

      Hi 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 🙂

      Reply
  • Zoha
    October 21, 2021 at 9:49 am

    Hi, 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?

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      October 22, 2021 at 3:22 pm

      Hi 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.

      Reply
  • Zoha
    October 21, 2021 at 9:50 am

    Hi, 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?

    Reply
  • Tracy Nixon
    August 17, 2022 at 1:29 pm

    Hi, how many grams of dk yarn does each granny square use? Thank you xxxx

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      August 18, 2022 at 9:12 am

      Hi Tracey this would really depend on the size of hook you use and your personal tension 🙂

      Reply
  • Shelley
    October 24, 2023 at 9:12 pm

    Can you tell me roughly what size your square is in the video you made? Thank you!

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      October 25, 2023 at 11:08 am

      The size of your Granny Square would depend on the type of yarn you are using, your hook size and your personal tension 🙂

      Reply

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