The granny stitch is a classic crochet look that has been around for decades. This stitch cluster creates a beautiful product that is most often seen in granny squares, but it is also very simple to create in flat rows! If you know how to chain and double crochet, you can use the granny stitch to create whatever you want.
The granny stitch is one of the first stitch combinations I used as a beginner crocheter. I actually used it to create a granny square blanket at first, and then I decided to use it in flat rows to make another blanket. Both were so fun to make, but I really enjoyed learning how to crochet the granny stitch in flat rows instead of the square. Now, I often use it when I want to just mindlessly crochet or to add some fun texture to a project. (Check out my book bag pattern to see what I mean!)
The granny stitch is a very classic look. (How many of use remember seeing afghans or pillows made with this stitch?) The great part though is that it is a very easy, beginner level stitch to learn, and if you know how to double crochet and chain, then you are ready to granny stitch!
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What is a granny stitch?
The granny stitch is a stitch combination that is formed by alternately crocheting three double crochet stitches into one stitch or space and then skipping 2 stitches. This creates clusters of stitches with spaces in between. When you are crocheting in rows instead of a square, you will need to alternate how you start and end the rows as well since one row will end with a space while the next row will end with a granny stitch.
What do you need:
To learn this crochet skill, you will just need the following:
-crochet hook
-yarn
I suggest you use a crochet hook that matches the yarn weight recommendations until you feel confident crocheting the granny stitch. Start with a yarn and hook combination you’re comfortable with first, and get to practicing!
How to Crochet the Granny Stitch:
Once you get started on granny stitch, the steps will be easy to remember. Here they are:
- Chain a length that is a multiple of 3 plus 2. In the 5th chain from your hook, you will double crochet 3 times.
- *Skip 2 chains. In the next chain, double crochet 3 times again.* Repeat from * to * across the length of the chain. To end the row, you will double crochet once in the last stitch.
- Chain 2 (this counts as your first double crochet), and turn. Double crochet 2 more times in the space between the last double crochet from the previous row and the last granny stitch cluster of the previous row. In each space between the granny stitch clusters, you will double crochet 3 times. Do this across the row again, and end the row by crocheting the granny stitch in between the turning chain and the first granny stitch from the previous row.
- Chain 2 (this counts as your first double crochet), and turn. Skip to the first space between granny stitch clusters and double crochet 3 times. Continue to double crochet 3 stitches in each space all the way across, and end with a double crochet in the top of the turning chain from the previous row (see video for help).
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have completed the project.
Just a reminder that not all crocheters and pattern designers crochet the granny stitch the same way. Always check the notes of your pattern to see exactly what the designer wants you to do!
The Granny Stitch Video Tutorial:
Tips for the Granny Stitch Crochet:
-You may want to have a medium tension for this stitch. This will help the edges to lay flat more easily. Personally, I tend to have a tight tension and have to remind myself to do this often.
-If the chain you are crocheting into starts to stretch out while you crochet your granny stitch, feel free to stretch the base chain back out before moving on. This will make it easier to crochet the next granny stitch.
Granny Stitch FAQs:
How do you crochet? Where do I start?
If you are wanting to get started with crochet, I highly recommend that you check out my blog posts and tutorials that cover the basics. Start with the crochet basics, then move to stitches, such as: single and double crochet, half double crochet, slip stitch, and treble crochet. Then you can check out my other stitch tutorials to learn more!
What do you use granny stitch for?
Most often, people will use the granny stitch in granny squares! I know that sounds obvious, but it’s true. When you crochet the granny stitch in flat rows however, you are able to use it in many more projects that can’t be made with the granny square. Some ideas might be totes, decor, garments, or even rugs. You can crochet the granny stitch in the round or as a way to add fun texture to your crochet, or you can create the whole project with this stitch. It’s all up to you and your imagination!
Can granny squares be knitted?
While I have never knitted a granny square myself, I have heard that it is possible. However, I have also read that it takes much more time to knit a small granny square than to crochet it. Generally speaking, most granny square projects are crochet as it is a classic version of this art form and has been used for generations. Whether you crochet a small or large granny square, you can usually see progress quickly, which is why these are pretty popular projects in the crochet community.
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Thanks for creating with me!
-Chelsey
Hi there! I’m Chelsey!
Welcome to my blog God’s Gift of Creativity! Join me as I share my love for crochet, crafts, and cooking and show you how you can do it too!
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