Mastering the Enchanting Circle Granny Square: Your Ultimate Crochet Pattern Guide

Are you ready to add a unique, eye-catching twist to your crochet projects? The circle granny square is a beloved design that beautifully marries the fluidity of a circle with the timeless structure of a square. This versatile motif is perfect for everything from cozy blankets and stylish beach bags to intricate garments and home decor. Best of all, it’s surprisingly fun and easy to master, even if you’re relatively new to crochet!

Join Marie as she guides you through every stitch of this captivating design, helping you unlock endless possibilities for your handmade creations. Let’s dive in and learn how to crochet the perfect circle granny square!

Why You’ll Love the Circle Granny Square

The beauty of the circle granny square lies in its versatility and unique aesthetic. Unlike traditional granny squares, this pattern offers a dynamic visual appeal with its contrasting shapes. Here’s why it’s a must-try for any crocheter:

• Endless Project Potential: From practical items like potholders and placemats to larger projects such as throws, cardigans, and baby blankets, the possibilities are truly limitless.
• Creative Color Play: The shift from circle to square provides an excellent opportunity to experiment with different yarn colors, making each square a miniature work of art.
• Fun & Engaging: The progression from a simple circle to a defined square keeps the crocheting process exciting and rewarding.
• Great for All Skill Levels: While it looks intricate, the pattern uses fundamental crochet stitches, making it accessible for confident beginners and a quick, satisfying project for advanced crocheters.

Essential Materials for Your Circle Granny Square

Before we begin, gather your supplies:

• Yarn: Choose any yarn weight you prefer, along with a corresponding hook size. For best results with the circle granny square, consider two contrasting colors for the circle and the square, or use multiple colors for a vibrant look!
• Crochet Hook: Appropriate size for your chosen yarn.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn tails.
• Yarn Needle/Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Crocheting Your Circle Granny Square

Follow along with Marie’s clear instructions, or refer to the video tutorial provided below for a visual guide.

Video Tutorial: Watch Marie’s full step-by-step guide on how to crochet the circle granny square for a visual demonstration of each stitch and technique.

Part 1: Crocheting the Inner Circle

Step 1: Starting with a Magic Circle

The foundation of your circle granny square begins with a magic circle (also known as a magic ring or adjustable ring). This creates a tight, adjustable center hole, perfect for circular patterns.

1. Wrap your yarn around two fingers, creating a cross on your palm.
2. Insert your crochet hook underneath the bottom yarn.
3. Grab the top yarn with your hook and pull through.
4. Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook to secure. This forms your magic circle and counts as your first chain.
5. Chain one more (yarn over, pull through loop).

Round 1: Building the Base (12 DC)

Now, we’ll work our first stitches into the magic circle.

1. Make 12 **double crochet (dc)** stitches into the magic circle. To do this: yarn over, insert hook into circle, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
2. As you work, gently pull your yarn tail to tighten the circle.
3. Once you have 12 double crochet stitches, pull the yarn tail firmly to close the circle completely.
4. Close the round with a **slip stitch (sl st)** into the very first double crochet stitch (the initial two chains do not count as a stitch).

Round 2: Expanding the Circle (24 DC)

In this round, we’ll increase our stitches to flatten and expand the circle.

1. Chain two (this chain does not count as a stitch).
2. Make two double crochet stitches into the very first stitch.
3. Continue making two double crochet stitches into every stitch around.
4. You should have a total of 24 double crochet stitches at the end of this round. It’s a good idea to count to confirm!
5. Close the round with a slip stitch into the very first double crochet stitch.

Round 3: Further Expansion (36 DC)

This round adds another layer of stitches, preparing your circle for its transformation into a square.

1. Chain two (again, this chain does not count as a stitch).
2. Make two double crochet stitches into the very first stitch.
3. Into the next stitch, make one double crochet.
4. Repeat this pattern all the way around: alternate between making two double crochet into the next stitch and one double crochet into the following stitch.
5. You will have 36 double crochet stitches.
6. Close the round with a slip stitch into the first double crochet stitch.

Your crochet circle is now complete! Fasten off your yarn and tie a small knot to secure it.

Part 2: Transforming the Circle into a Square

Now for the magic! With your vibrant crochet circle complete, it’s time to transform it into the iconic circle granny square by adding a new color and shaping the corners.

Step 2: Attaching the New Color for the Square

Choose your second color for the square part of your design. For a classic circle granny square look, pick a contrasting shade.

1. Attach your new yarn color into any one of the stitches from the previous round (Round 3). Insert your hook from the backside, pull your new yarn through, and tie a knot to secure.
2. Insert your hook into the same stitch and pull your yarn through to begin.

Round 4: Creating the First Square Edges and Corners

This is where the magic happens! We’ll use a combination of stitches to form the distinct corners and sides of your **circle granny square**.

1. First Corner:
   • Chain four (this counts as your first **treble crochet (tr)** of the round).
   • Make one more treble crochet into the same stitch.
   • Chain two (this creates the corner space).
   • Make two more treble crochet stitches into the same stitch.
2. First Side:
   • Make one **double crochet (dc)** into the next stitch.
   • Make one **half double crochet (hdc)** into the next stitch.
   • Make one **single crochet (sc)** into each of the next four stitches.
   • Make one half double crochet into the next stitch.
   • Make one double crochet into the next stitch.
3. Next Three Corners & Sides:
   • Corner: Into the next stitch, make [2 treble crochet, chain 2, 2 treble crochet].
   • Side: Repeat the stitch pattern for the first side: [1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc in next 4, 1 hdc, 1 dc].
   • Repeat this sequence (Corner then Side) two more times to complete the square shape.
4. Close the Round: Complete the round with a slip stitch into the top of the initial chain four.

Round 5: Solidifying the Square (All Double Crochet)

This round adds another layer of stitches, making your **circle granny square** more substantial and defining its edges.

1. Chain three (this counts as your first double crochet of the round).
2. Make one double crochet into the next stitch.
3. First Corner: Into the chain-2 space of the first corner, make [2 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochet].
4. First Side: Make one double crochet into each of the next 12 stitches across the side.
5. Remaining Corners & Sides:
   • Corner: Into the next chain-2 space, make [2 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochet].
   • Side: Make one double crochet into each of the next 12 stitches.
   • Repeat this sequence (Corner then Side) two more times.
6. Last Side Finish: Make one double crochet into each of the last 10 stitches.
7. Close the Round: Complete the round with a slip stitch into the top of the initial chain three.

Finishing Your Circle Granny Square

Congratulations, your beautiful circle granny square is complete!

1. Fasten off your yarn, leaving a small tail.
2. Tie a small knot to secure.
3. Using your yarn needle, weave in all remaining yarn tails neatly into the back of your square. This creates a clean, professional finish.

Beyond the Single Square: Project Ideas for Your Creations

Now that you’ve mastered the circle granny square, what will you create? The possibilities are truly endless!

• Cozy Blankets & Throws: Join multiple squares for a stunning, textured blanket.
• Stylish Bags & Totes: Create a unique beach bag or market tote by joining several squares.
• Pillows & Cushions: Perfect for adding a pop of color and texture to your home decor.
• Garments: Incorporate squares into cardigans, vests, or even tops for a Bohemian flair.
• Home Accents: Use individual squares as coasters, trivets, or even sew them onto existing items for embellishment.
• Scarves & Shawls: A series of joined squares can make a lovely, airy accessory.

Tips for Success

• Gauge Matters: While not critical for a single square, if you plan to join multiple squares, try to maintain consistent tension to ensure they are all roughly the same size.
• Yarn Choice: Different yarn fibers and weights will produce varying results. Experiment with cotton for bags, acrylic for blankets, or wool for warm garments.
• Stitch Markers: Use stitch markers to mark the first stitch of each round or the chain-2 spaces in the corners for easier navigation.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first square isn’t perfect. Each one you make will improve your technique!