Crocheting granny squares is a fun and easy way to create beautiful patterns and motifs that can be used for blankets, clothing, accessories, and home decor. The classic granny square design features a solid center with rounds of crochet stitches built up around it to create a lacy, openwork square. Granny squares are worked in the round, typically beginning with a center ring, and can be made in any size. Using a single solid color yarn creates a versatile, classic granny square that can be incorporated into many crochet projects. In this tutorial, we will walk through the steps to crochet a simple solid color granny square.
Materials Needed
To crochet a basic granny square you will need:
- Yarn – A medium weight yarn like worsted weight or aran works best. You’ll need about 50-100 yards.
- Crochet hook – Size H, 5 mm hook is a good size for worsted weight yarn.
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Choose any solid color yarn you like. Having just one color throughout creates a classic, versatile granny square. Acrylic or acrylic blend yarns are budget friendly options with good stitch definition. Natural fiber yarns like wool and cotton work beautifully too.
Granny Square Pattern
The basic granny square is worked in rounds, beginning with a center ring. The number of rounds can be adjusted to create larger or smaller squares. This pattern uses 4 rounds.
Round 1:
Make a magic ring, ch 3 (counts as first dc), 11 dc in ring, join with a sl st to top of beginning ch 3. (12 dc total)
Round 2:
Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same st as joining, *ch 1, skip next dc, 3 dc in next dc; rep from * around, ch 1, skip next dc, 2 dc in first dc of round, ch 1, join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3. (24 dc, 12 ch-1 spaces)
Round 3:
Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same st, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space; rep from * around, ch 1, 3 dc in same st as first 3 dc, ch 1, join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3. (36 dc, 12 ch-1 spaces)
Round 4:
Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same st, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space; rep from * around, ch 1, 3 dc in same st as first 3 dc, ch 1, join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3. (48 dc, 12 ch-1 spaces)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Tips for Crocheting a Granny Square
Here are some helpful tips for crocheting a successful granny square:
- Use a loose tension – Granny squares are meant to have an open, lacy look so using a hook size larger than normal and keeping your stitches loose is important.
- Work over yarn tails – When joining a new yarn color, work over the tail instead of weaving it in right away. This helps minimize ends to weave in.
- Count stitches in each round – It’s easy to accidentally increase/decrease stitches each round. Counting helps ensure you maintain the correct number.
- Join new rounds carefully – Be sure to join each new round in the top chain or stitch of the beginning chain 3, not in the chain space.
- Block your square – Blocking helps smooth out the shape and make the openwork pattern look crisp.
Joining Granny Squares
Once you’ve crocheted your granny squares, you can join them together to create projects like blankets, scarves, bags, and more. Here are some tips for joining granny squares:
- Arrange squares how you want them oriented before joining.
- Hold squares with wrong sides facing each other.
- Use a blunt yarn needle and the yarn tail of one square to whip stitch squares together through the top loops.
- Take care to match stitch counts when joining side-by-side.
- Weave in ends neatly on wrong side.
- Add borders if desired to neaten and frame joined squares.
Joining as you go creates less finishing work. To join squares as you crochet:
- Crochet first square through round 3.
- Place second square next to first square.
- Join yarn on round 4 of first square. Crochet first stitch, then insert hook through corner of second square and complete stitch.
- Continue joining at each corner as you crochet round 4 of first square.
Granny Square Project Ideas
Here are some ideas for projects using granny squares:
Blankets
Join granny squares into a strip, then join strips together to form a blanket. Varying colors and patterns creates visual interest. Add borders around completed blanket for a framing effect.
Scarves
Crochet granny square scarves by joining squares into long strips. Make skinny scarves with just 1 row of squares or wide, chunky scarves with multiple rows.
Pillow Covers
Sew granny squares together into a rectangle or square shape to create pillow covers. Add a zipper or buttons for closures.
Bags
Use granny squares to make one-of-a-kind tote bags, purses, beach bags and more. Join into panels and attach straps. Line with fabric for stability and structure.
Sweaters
Design unique sweaters by joining squares into panels for the fronts, back, and sleeves, then assemble per a sweater pattern. Crochet button bands and edges.
Home Decor
Incorporate granny squares into rugs, placemats, potholders, curtains, baskets, and other home decor. They add color, texture, and creative flair.
Variation Ideas for Granny Squares
The basic granny square pattern can be modified in many ways to create new looks. Here are some easy variations to try:
- Vary yarn colors – Use multiple colors in one square or make each square a different color.
- Change size – Make squares bigger by adding more rounds or smaller by reducing rounds.
- Fill in spaces – On some or all rounds, work single or double crochet stitches into the chain-1 spaces for a more solid square.
- Add texture – Try working squares in alternating front/back loop, post stitches, bobble stitches, or puff stitches.
- Embellish – Add borders, appliques, embroidery, beads, buttons or other embellishments.
The possibilities are endless for customizing your granny squares!
Conclusion
Learning how to crochet classic granny squares opens up an entire world of possibilities for creative projects. Mastering the basic techniques allows you to produce your own custom squares embellished with colors, textures, and designs that reflect your unique style. Granny squares are the perfect pattern for beginning crocheters since they start from the center and build up round-by-round. The repetitive nature also makes this a Zen, meditative craft once you get your rhythm. Keep your stitches loose, count carefully, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll be hooked on granny square crochet in no time!