How To Crochet A Traditional Granny Square

Granny Squares are usually colorfully crocheted squares that are typically sewn together to create blankets, sweaters, and much more. There are so many different types and versions of granny squares, so I consider them to be their own category of crocheting. Though there are all types of granny squares now, it’s always nice to go back to a traditional granny square. A brief history behind these colorful squares, women of early America would save scraps of yarn, fabric, and even thread from unraveling sweaters and crochet these materials into small squares and make blankets out of them. The reason they’re called granny squares is because often grandmothers were not up to making these squares but would instead take on the job of sewing them together.

Below you’ll find instructions and photos on how to make a traditional granny square! I personally love making granny squares. In fact, the first thing I ever made as a beginner crocheter was a granny square. They are totally beginner friendly and I highly encourage beginners to practice crocheting by making a few. They help you practice basic stitches and skills. Once you’ve made enough, you can practice sewing them together. Granny square blankets are so colorful, creative, and beautiful.

The only materials you will need is a crochet hook of your choice and a skein of yarn of your choice. For this tutorial, I used a 4 mm hook and a skein of yellow Red Heart Super Saver yarn. If you don’t know some of the stitches or techniques used below, check out my stitch dictionary for step-by-step instructions and instructional videos showing you how to complete these stitches. You can find the stitch dictionary on the home page menu or by clicking this link https://crittercrochet.com/stitch-dictionary-2/.

Abbreviations:

ch – chain

sl st – slip stitch

mc – magic circle

dc – double crochet

rnd – round

Traditional Granny Square Pattern:

Note: You can start a granny square with either a magic circle or you can chain 4 and work all of the first row stitches in the 4th chain.

Rnd 1:

There are different ways to start a granny square. The most common and beginner-friendly way is to chain 4 and work the whole first row in the 4th stitch, but for the sake of this tutorial, I will used the magic circle method to start.

Step 1 (Making the first 3 dc cluster): Working in a mc, ch 3. This ch 3 will count as the first dc of your first cluster of 3 dc’s. Next, make 2 dc’s to complete your first cluster.

Step 2 (Making the chain corner space): Once you have finished your first 3 dc cluster, you will ch 3. This ch 3 will act as a corner that you will be working in the next round of the granny square.

Step 3 (Finishing round 1): To complete round 1, you simply repeat *dc 3, ch 3* three more times. Once you have 4 dc clusters and 4 ch 3 spaces, you will then sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to finish the round.

Rnd 2:

Step 1 (Starting the round): To start the second round of the granny square, you will ch 4. This ch 4 represents a dc and a ch 1. Then you will skip the next three stitches and work all of the following stitches in the ch 3 corner space of the previous row (dc 3, ch 3, and dc 3).

Step 2 (Repeat): Ch 1 and skip the next three stitches and work the dc 3, ch 3, dc 3 in the next ch 3 corner space. Repeat ch 1 and then dc 3, ch 3, dc 3 in the next corner space 2 more times.

Step 3 (Finishing): In the last ch 3 corner space, dc 3, ch 3, dc 2. Then sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to finish the round.

Rnd 3:

Step 1 (Starting the round): To start this row you will ch 3 and then dc 2 stitches in the same ch 1 space. Next you will ch 1 and work in the next ch 3 corner space.

Step 1 (Repeat): You will always work dc 3, ch 3, dc 3 in each corner space and then ch 1 and work a dc 3 cluster in the next ch 1 space. Repeat this until the end of the row.

Step 3 (Finishing): After working the last corner cluster, ch 1 and sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.

Rnd 4:

Step 1 (Starting the row): This row starts with a ch 4 and skipping the next three stitches and working a 3 dc cluster into the next ch 1 space.

Step 2 (Repeat): *ch 1, work 3 dc in the next ch 1 space. When you reach a corner space, dc 3, ch 3, dc 3*

Step 3 (Finishing): Work 2 dc in the last ch 1 space and sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.

There you have it! Most classic granny squares end around row 4-5 but you can make them as small or big as you want. They are basic and pretty much follow the basic pattern of working dc 3 clusters in ch 1 spaces and working the corner clusters in the corners. Also remember you will always ch 1 before moving onto the next cluster you’ll work on.

I hope this blog post helped you learn something new in the world of crochet or maybe acted as a refresher if you’ve already learned how to do this. If you have any suggestions for future blog post, let me know. You can like this post or follow my blog if you’d like my content and would like to support it. You can also reach me on the following social media platforms with any questions or comments.

Happy Crafting!