Master the Basic Granny Square Pattern: Your Ultimate Crochet Guide

Welcome, fellow yarn enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on a timeless crochet journey? The basic granny square pattern is more than just a project; it’s a foundational skill that unlocks a world of creative possibilities, from cozy blankets and stylish bags to garments and beyond. If you’ve ever wanted to master this iconic motif, you’ve come to the right place.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of crocheting a traditional granny square, designed to be easy to follow for both absolute beginners and those looking to refine their technique. We’ll cover the starting magic, building your rounds, and finishing touches to ensure your squares are perfect every time.

Why Learn the Basic Granny Square Pattern?

• Versatility: Once you master this pattern, you can create virtually anything by joining squares together.
• Beginner-Friendly: It primarily uses basic stitches like chain and double crochet, making it perfect for new crocheters.
• Portable Project: Granny squares are small, making them ideal for on-the-go crafting.
• Yarn Buster: A great way to use up leftover yarn scraps in a beautiful, multi-colored project.

Visual Learner? Watch the Video Tutorial!

For those who prefer to see the stitches in action, we’ve included a fantastic video tutorial that complements this written guide perfectly. Follow along as you crochet!

And here’s a visual of the beautiful granny square you’ll be creating:

Getting Started: Materials You’ll Need

Before you dive in, make sure you have these essentials:

• Yarn: Any weight yarn will do, but medium worsted weight (Aran/10-ply) is great for beginners.
• Crochet Hook: Match your hook size to your yarn weight (usually indicated on the yarn label). For worsted weight, a 5.0mm (H/8) hook is common.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Basic Granny Square Pattern

Starting Your Granny Square: The Center Ring

This method creates a neat, tight center for your granny square.

1. Make a regular slip knot.
2. Chain four (ch 4).
3. Slip stitch (sl st) into the very first chain stitch. This will form a small circle. You’ll now work into the center of this circle.
4. You will work over the tail from your starting chain to help secure it later.
5. Chain one (ch 1). Note: This first chain does NOT count as a stitch. It simply gives you height.
6. Make your first double crochet (dc) into the center of the circle.
7. Make two more double crochets (dc) into the center of the circle. You should now have a total of three double crochets. This is your first “cluster” of stitches.

Round 1: Building the Foundation

Round 1 establishes the four sides and corners of your granny square.

1. Chain one (ch 1). Tip: Some patterns use Ch 2 here for a larger corner space, but Ch 1 is common for a tighter square.
2. Into the center of the circle, make three more double crochets (3 dc).
3. Gently scoot these stitches over within the circle to make space for the next cluster.
4. Chain one (ch 1).
5. Into the center, make three more double crochets (3 dc). Continue working over the tail.
6. Chain one (ch 1).
7. Into the center, make three more double crochets (3 dc).
8. To finish Round 1, chain one (ch 1).
9. Slip stitch (sl st) to the top of your very first double crochet from the beginning of this round. This connects the round and closes your center ring.

Round 2: Defining the Shape

In Round 2, you’ll start working into the chain spaces from the previous round, forming the distinct granny square shape.

1. Chain one (ch 1).
2. Work into the first large gap (the chain-one space from the previous round). This is your starting corner.
3. Make a double crochet (dc) in that space.
4. Continue making two more double crochets (2 dc) into that same space, for a total of three double crochets.
5. The next part is crucial: You do NOT chain in between clusters on the *sides* of the square in this method. Instead, you simply jump over to the next chain-one space (which is your next corner).
6. In the corner space, make: three double crochets (3 dc), chain one (ch 1), then three more double crochets (3 dc). This combination (3DC, Ch1, 3DC) forms a proper corner.
7. Jump over to the next chain-one space (a side space).
8. Make three double crochets (3 dc) in this space. (No chain between clusters for side sections).
9. Jump over to the next chain-one space (a corner).
10. In this corner, make: three double crochets (3 dc), chain one (ch 1), then three more double crochets (3 dc).
11. Jump over to the next chain-one space (a side space).
12. Make three double crochets (3 dc).
13. Jump over to the next chain-one space (a corner).
14. In this corner, make: three double crochets (3 dc), chain one (ch 1), then three more double crochets (3 dc).
15. Connecting Round 2: You’ll now be back at the first corner you started Round 2 in. It already has three double crochets. All you need to do is add three more double crochets (3 dc) to complete that first corner.
16. To connect this row, we’ll use a special technique to prevent curving: Make a half double crochet (hdc). Yarn over, then insert your hook into the top of the first double crochet of the round, complete a half double crochet. Pull it tight to avoid a large gap. This method keeps your square flat and symmetrical.

Continuing for More Rounds: Expanding Your Granny Square

Once you’ve mastered Round 2, adding more rounds is simply a repetition of the pattern:

1. For the next round, chain one (ch 1).
2. Go back into the space created by the half double crochet from the previous row and do three double crochets (3 dc). This starts your new round from a corner.
3. Move to the next open space (a side space) and make three double crochets (3 dc).
4. Move to the next chain-one space (a corner). Here, you’ll always make: three double crochets (3 dc), chain one (ch 1), then three more double crochets (3 dc). This is your consistent corner pattern.
5. Repeat the pattern of Round 2:
   • For side spaces (the gaps between previous round’s clusters), make three double crochets (3 dc).
   • For corner spaces (the chain-one gaps from the previous round’s corners), make three double crochets (3 dc), chain one (ch 1), three double crochets (3 dc).
6. Continue working all the way around. When you get back to the beginning of the round, just like in Round 2, add the remaining three double crochets (3 dc) to complete that first corner.
7. Then, use a half double crochet (hdc) to connect to the beginning of the round.
8. Keep repeating this process until your basic granny square pattern reaches your desired size!

Finishing Touches and What’s Next?

Finishing Touches

• Tighten the center hole: Gently pull the starting tail from your center ring. This will cinch up that initial hole and close it neatly.
• Weave in the tail: Once the hole is tightened, use your yarn needle to weave the tail into some of the stitches to secure it. Do this discreetly to hide the end.
• Cut off any excess yarn.

What Can You Create with Your Granny Squares?

Now that you’ve mastered the basic granny square pattern, the possibilities are endless! Here are just a few ideas:

• Granny Square Blankets/Afghans: Join multiple squares together for a cozy throw.
• Pillows: Sew two squares together to make a decorative pillow cover.
• Coasters or Trivets: Single squares make excellent heat protectors.
• Bags and Purses: Join squares to create unique accessories.
• Garments: Cardigans, vests, and tops can all be constructed from granny squares.

Your Crochet Journey Begins!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned the basic granny square pattern. This fundamental skill will open doors to countless beautiful crochet projects. Practice makes perfect, so keep crocheting, experiment with different colors and yarn weights, and most importantly, have fun!

Share your creations with us in the comments below, or let us know if you have any questions. Happy crocheting!