Mastering the Art: How to Start a Granny Square for Beginners

Ever wondered how to start a granny square that’s both simple and stunning? You’re in the right place! The granny square is a timeless crochet motif, beloved by beginners and seasoned crafters alike for its versatility and charming aesthetic. Whether you dream of crafting cozy blankets, stylish bags, or unique garments, mastering this foundational block is your first step.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through precisely how to start a granny square from the very first knot to the finished product, using an updated technique for an even smoother experience. Get ready to transform yarn into beautiful creations!

Getting Started: The Foundation of Your Granny Square

Before diving into the stitches, ensure you have your chosen yarn and a crochet hook suitable for its weight. A good starting point is usually a worsted weight yarn with a 5.0mm (H) hook.

1. The Essential Slip Knot

Learning how to start a granny square begins with the fundamental slip knot. This creates the initial loop on your hook, ready for your first stitches.

1. Take the tail end of your yarn in your right hand and the long strand (leading to the ball) in your left.
2. Cross the long strand over the tail to form a loop.
3. Insert your fingers through the back of this loop.
4. Grab the long strand with your fingers and pull it partly through the loop, creating a smaller loop.
5. Before pulling tight, ensure you’re holding both the tail and the long strand. Pull gently until a knot forms around the base of the small loop.
6. Place this small loop onto your crochet hook. Pull on the long strand to tighten the slip knot snugly around your hook, but not so tight that it can’t slide easily.

2. Chaining Your Way to the Ring

After your slip knot, you’ll create a small chain that forms the central ring of your granny square.

1. Chain Four (ch 4): Yarn over (wrap the yarn from back to front over your hook) and pull the yarn through the loop on your hook. This completes your first chain. Repeat this three more times until you have four chains.
2. Slip Stitch to Form a Ring: Insert your hook into the very first chain you made. Yarn over, pull a loop through that chain (you’ll now have two loops on your hook), then pull the first loop on your hook through the second loop. This creates a secure, small ring. This small ring is where all the magic happens as you learn how to start a granny square.

Round 1: Building Your First Crochet Clusters

The first round establishes the initial four “sides” and “corners” of your granny square.

1. Start the Round (Chain Six): From your newly formed ring, chain six (ch 6). The first three chains count as your first double crochet (dc), and the next three chains form the first corner space.
2. First Cluster: Yarn over, insert your hook into the central ring. Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through two loops. Yarn over, pull through the last two loops. You’ve just made your first double crochet! Make two more double crochets into the same central ring. This creates your first “cluster” of three double crochets.
3. Create a Corner: Chain three (ch 3). This creates your first corner space.
4. Repeat Clusters and Corners: Make three more double crochets into the central ring. Chain three. Repeat this sequence two more times: (3 double crochets into the ring, chain three).
5. Complete the Round: You should now have three groups of 3 double crochets, separated by chain-3 spaces. To finish the final side, make only two double crochets into the central ring (since your initial chain 3 counts as the first DC for this side).
6. Join the Round: Slip stitch into the third chain of your initial chain-6 from the beginning of the round. This neatly closes Round 1, giving you a distinct square shape. By understanding these cluster and chain patterns, you’re well on your way to mastering how to start a granny square.

Round 2: Expanding Your Square

Now that you’ve completed the foundation, it’s time to grow your granny square! Round 2 introduces the concept of working into chain spaces rather than individual stitches, which is key to the granny square’s expanding nature.

1. Move to the First Corner Space: Slip stitch into the first chain-3 corner space directly beside where you joined. This repositions your hook for the start of the new round.
2. Start the Round (Chain Six): Chain six (ch 6). As before, the first three chains count as your first double crochet, and the next three chains form a corner space.
3. First Cluster: Make three double crochets into the same corner space. This completes your first “corner group” for this round.
4. Chain One for Side: Chain one (ch 1). This chain creates the space between the clusters along the sides of your granny square.
5. Next Corner: In the next chain-3 corner space from Round 1, you’ll create two clusters. So, work (3 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets) into that single corner space.
6. Repeat Around: Chain one. Move to the next chain-3 corner space and repeat (3 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets). Chain one. Repeat for the last corner.
7. Complete and Join: You’ll have one corner space left where you started. Make two double crochets into this space (remembering your initial chain 3 acts as the first DC). Slip stitch into the third chain of your initial chain-6 to join the round.

Round 2 further solidifies the square’s shape and demonstrates the continuous pattern of how to start a granny square and grow it.

Round 3 and Beyond: Growing Your Granny Square

Each subsequent round of your granny square follows the same pattern established in Round 2, making it incredibly intuitive to grow to any size. The key is to distinguish between corner spaces and side spaces.

To begin Round 3 (and any subsequent rounds):

1. Slip stitch into the first chain space (the one next to where you joined).
2. Chain six (ch 6) to start your first corner cluster, or chain three (ch 3) and then make 2 double crochets if you prefer to start a side cluster immediately. For starting corners, the (ch 6) method is common.
3. Continue working clusters according to the rule: single clusters (3 DC) in side spaces, and double clusters (3 DC, ch 3, 3 DC) in corner spaces. Remember to chain one between side clusters and chain three in corners.
4. Join the round by making the final partial cluster in your starting space and then slip stitching into the third chain of your initial chain-6 (or chain-3 if starting a side).

This foundational pattern is crucial for understanding how to start a granny square of any size, from a coaster to a king-sized blanket.

Finishing Your Masterpiece

Once your granny square has reached your desired size, it’s time to secure your work and make it look polished.

1. Secure the Yarn: After making your final slip stitch to join the round, chain one (ch 1) firmly. Cut your yarn, leaving a tail of about 6-8 inches. Pull your hook straight up, drawing the cut yarn tail completely through the last loop. Give it a gentle tug to tighten the knot.
2. Weave in Ends: Thread the yarn tail onto a yarn needle (a blunt-tipped needle with a large eye). Weave the tail through several stitches within your granny square. Go back and forth in different directions to secure it so it won’t unravel. Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric. Repeat this for the initial tail you left at the slip knot.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to start a granny square and complete it with a polished finish. The more you practice, the neater and more consistent your squares will become.

Beyond the Square: What Can You Make?

Knowing how to start a granny square opens up a world of creative possibilities. These versatile little squares can be joined together to create larger projects, or used individually for smaller items:

• Blankets and Throws: The most classic use! Join dozens of squares for a cozy heirloom.
• Scarves and Shawls: A simple row or two of joined squares can make a lovely accessory.
• Tote Bags and Purses: Granny squares form beautiful panels for crochet bags.
• Coasters and Potholders: Use a single granny square for a practical and decorative item.
• Garments: From cardigans to sweaters and vests, granny squares can be assembled into stylish wearables.
• Cushion Covers: Transform a plain pillow into a statement piece.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different yarn colors for each round, or keep it solid for a more traditional look. The choice is yours, and the possibilities are endless!

Now that you’ve mastered how to start a granny square, what incredible project will you embark on next? Share your ideas or your completed squares in the comments below!