An easy basic granny square to learn to crochet
The traditional granny square is a staple in every crocheter’s toolbox. Learn how to crochet one!
I am absolutely ga-ga over the traditional granny square! I can’t quite explain it. Maybe it has something to do with the portability and simplicity of the granny square. Or, it could be because my grandmother used it to teach me how to crochet.
I still own that first granny square scarf. It’s made with an ugly acrylic yarn from the early 70’s so you know how wonderful that must feel. Pretty sure, if I tried to wash it, the colors would run and the yarn would fall apart. But, I will never get rid of it because it represents the beginning of my crochet journey.
Anyway, I know the granny square can have a dubious reputation, esp. if you remember back to the 70’s like I do. Granny square shorts for guys…I don’t think so! But that crazy little square can be one of the most satisfying projects for a busy crafter. It offers endless design possibilities, esp. with all the yarn and color choices we have available.
History of the granny square
I’ve tried to find definitive facts about the beginning of the granny square but apparently they simply don’t exist. It is, however, pretty well established that the granny square was devised to use scraps of yarn, perhaps in a time when yarn might have been scarce. By the time a reference to it appears in Weldon’s Practical Crochet, the granny square had been around for a while. Below are links to some of the sites I found that talk about granny square history.
Endless Possibilities
One of the qualities I love about the granny square is its versatility. There are so many ways it can be modified that give it a completely different look.
- Play around with color combinations within the square itself or in the project as a whole. Check out what I’ve done with my designs.
- Use lots of tiny squares or go for one GIANT square. (If you choose the giant square, be sure to check out my post on “Why Does My Granny Square Slant?”
- Change up the weight and texture of the yarn you’re using.
I could go on and on. All I can say is that I find myself coming back to my beloved granny square again and again. I can make them in my sleep!
Below you’ll find my version of a traditional granny square. I’ve seen several different ways to make a traditional square; none of them are right or wrong. This just happens to be the one that works the best for me. Happy crocheting!
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Granny Square Instructions
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Note: For the samples on this page, I used worsted weight yarn and a US size I-9 (5.5mm) hook. For the multi-colored square, you’ll need 4 colors.
Abbreviations: ch = chain, dc = double crochet, rnd = round, sp = space, st = stitch
Ch 4; join with a slip st to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 3, (3 dc in the ring, ch 3) 3 times, join with a slip st in the top of beginning ch-3, in each of the next 2 dc, and in the next ch-3 sp. Do not turn.
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the same ch-3 sp (corner made), ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp, ch 1] 3 times, join with a slip st in the top of beginning ch-3, in each of the next 2 dc, and in the next ch-3 sp. Do not turn.
Rnd 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the same ch-3 sp (corner made), ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, * (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the next ch-3 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * around, join with a slip st in the top of beginning ch-3, in each of the next 2 dc, and in the next ch-3 sp. Do not turn.
Rnd 4: Ch 3 (counts as dc), (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the same ch-3 sp (corner made), ch 1, (3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1) twice, * (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the next ch-3 sp, ch 1, (3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1) twice; rep from * around, join with a slip st in the top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off.
To continue your granny square and make it larger, follow the instructions for Rnd 4, working (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in each ch-3 sp for the corners and 3 dc in each ch-1 sp. Ch 1 between groups except at the corners.
Want to make a project with granny squares?
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