Master the Solid Granny Square Pattern: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide for Crocheters!

Dive into the wonderful world of crochet with one of its most versatile and rewarding patterns: the solid granny square pattern! Unlike the traditional lacy granny square, the solid version creates a denser, more modern fabric, making it incredibly popular for a wide range of projects, from cozy blankets to stylish bags and garments.

Whether you’re picking up a hook for the first time or looking for a detailed refresher, this guide will walk you through every stitch of creating a beautiful solid granny square. Get ready to crochet your way to success!

Why Choose the Solid Granny Square Pattern?

• Versatile: Perfect for blankets, afghans, scarves, coasters, bags, garments, and more.
• Modern Look: Its dense fabric offers a contemporary aesthetic compared to openwork squares.
• Skill Builder: Reinforces fundamental crochet techniques like chain, slip stitch, and treble/double crochet.
• Addictive & Fun: Once you master the repeat, you’ll find yourself crocheting squares with ease!

Understanding Crochet Terminology: UK vs. US

Getting Started: The Foundation Round (Round 1)

Let’s begin by building the core of your solid granny square. This first round sets the stage for everything that follows.

1. Make a Slipknot: Begin by creating a slipknot on your crochet hook.
2. Chain 4: Chain 4 stitches.
3. Form a Ring: Insert your hook into the very first chain you made. Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook (a slip stitch) to form a neat little circle. You’ll be working all your first-round stitches into the center of this circle.
4. First Corner & Side Start: Chain 5. This chain of 5 stitches is super important! It cleverly counts as your first treble (UK) of the round AND the first chain-2 space of your very first corner.
5. First Trebles: Work 3 trebles (UK) into the very center of the ring you just formed.
   

   Pro Tip: As you work these stitches, crochet over your starting yarn tail. This ingeniously weaves it in as you go, saving you a job later!

   
   
6. Second Corner & Side: Chain 2 for your next corner space. Then, work 3 more trebles (UK) into the center of the ring.
7. Third Corner & Side: Chain 2 for the corner. Work another 3 trebles (UK) into the center of the ring.
8. Fourth Corner & Side: Chain 2 for the corner. Now, to complete the final side and connect back to your initial chain-5, work 2 trebles (UK) into the center of the ring.
   

   Remember, your initial Chain 5 counts as one treble and a chain-2 space, so you only need two more trebles to complete the group of three for this side.

   
   
9. Join the Round: Count up 3 chains from your initial Chain 5. Insert your hook into the 3rd chain, yarn over and pull through (a slip stitch) to seamlessly join the round.

Congratulations! Your first round is complete. You should now clearly see four distinct sides, each with 3 trebles (UK), and four clear chain-2 corner spaces. It’s starting to look like a square!

Visual Learning: Watch the Solid Granny Square Pattern in Action!

Sometimes, seeing is believing! To help solidify your understanding of the solid granny square pattern, especially for those initial tricky rounds, check out this helpful video tutorial. It demonstrates each step clearly, allowing you to crochet along.

Building Out: Round 2 of Your Solid Granny Square

Now that your foundation is solid, let’s expand your square. Round 2 establishes the repeating pattern you’ll use for all subsequent rounds.

1. Start the New Round: Chain 3. This chain counts as the first treble (UK) of this new side.
2. First Corner: In the very same corner space where you just joined (the one immediately to your right), work 2 trebles (UK).
3. Corner Chain: Chain 2 for the corner.
4. Complete First Corner: Work 2 more trebles (UK) into the same corner space.
   

   Your first corner now consists of: (initial Chain 3 + 2 trebles), Chain 2, 2 trebles. This forms a perfect corner cluster!

   
   
5. Work Along the Side: Now, work 1 treble (UK) into the top of each of the next 3 trebles (UK) from the previous round. These are the stitches forming the “side” between your corners.
6. Next Corner: When you reach the next corner space, work the corner pattern: 2 trebles (UK) into that space, Chain 2, and then 2 more trebles (UK) into the same corner space.
7. Repeat the Pattern: Continue this straightforward pattern around your square:
   • Work 1 treble (UK) into the top of each stitch along the side until you reach the next corner.
   • When you reach a corner space, always work the corner sequence: (2 trebles, chain 2, 2 trebles) into that space.
8. Complete the Last Side & Join: When you reach your starting point, you will have just worked into the last corner space. Complete the remaining trebles (UK) needed for that side by working one treble into the top of each stitch until you reach the initial Chain 3.
   

   Quick Check: Each side of Round 2 should have 7 trebles (UK) when counted from corner to corner (this includes the trebles worked into the corner spaces on either end of the side).

   
   
9. Join the Round: Slip stitch into the 3rd chain of your initial Chain 3 to neatly join the round.

Subsequent Rounds: Increasing the Size of Your Solid Granny Square

The beauty of the solid granny square pattern is its simple, consistent repeat. Once you master Round 2, you’ve mastered all future rounds! To make your square larger, simply continue this established pattern:

A closer look at the dense texture and clean lines of a crocheted solid granny square.

1. Start Each Round: Chain 3 (this always counts as the first treble of this side).
2. First Corner: Work 2 trebles (UK) into the same corner space where you just joined.
3. Corner Chain: Chain 2.
4. Complete First Corner: Work 2 more trebles (UK) into the same corner space.
5. Work Along the Side: Work 1 treble (UK) into the top of each treble (UK) from the previous round along the side. You’ll notice the number of stitches along each side will steadily increase by 4 with each completed round.
   • Round 1: 3 trebles per side
   • Round 2: 7 trebles per side
   • Round 3: 11 trebles per side
   • Round 4: 15 trebles per side
   • …and so on!
6. Next Corners: When you reach any corner space, always work the magic corner formula: (2 trebles, chain 2, 2 trebles) into that space.
7. Repeat and Join: Continue this pattern faithfully around your square until you complete the final side. Then, slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the initial Chain 3 to securely join the round.

Finishing Your Perfect Solid Granny Square

You’re almost there! Once your solid granny square is the desired size, it’s time to secure your stitches and tidy up.

1. Fasten Off: After joining your final round, cut your yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Yarn over your hook and pull the tail all the way through the loop that’s on your hook. Pull tightly to create a secure knot.
2. Weave in Ends: Using a darning needle (also called a tapestry needle), carefully weave in any remaining loose yarn tails into the stitches of your square. This hides the ends neatly and makes your square robust and beautiful. Take your time with this step for a professional finish!

Your Crochet Journey Starts Here!

Congratulations! You have successfully crocheted your very own solid granny square pattern. This fundamental skill opens up a world of possibilities for your crochet projects.

What Can You Make with Solid Granny Squares?

The versatility of the solid granny square is endless! Here are just a few ideas to inspire your next project:

• Cozy Blankets & Throws: Join multiple squares together to create a stunning afghan.
• Stylish Scarves & Shawls: A row of solid granny squares can make a chic accessory.
• Practical Bags & Totes: Stitch squares together for durable and fashionable bags.
• Home Decor: Create cushion covers, pot holders, or even wall hangings.
• Garments: Incorporate them into cardigans, tops, or skirts for a unique look.

Keep practicing, experiment with different yarn colors and weights, and most importantly, have fun with your crochet! Share your creations online and inspire others with your mastery of the solid granny square pattern.