How to Crochet a Classic Granny Square for Beginners

Do you love the classic granny squares? Well, guess what? They are really simple to crochet yourself! If you know the basics for crochet and how to create a magic ring, you can quickly whip up a small granny square, or make a large one, for whatever project you want. It’s all up to you! So grab your crochet hook and some yarn, and get ready to learn how to crochet the classic granny square using the granny stitch!

Have you ever seen something that you thought you would never have as part of your style, but then you do a complete flip and fall in love with it? That is my story with granny squares. As a kid and teenager, I thought they looked so out of date and that I would never like them. Fast forward to present day, I have two completed granny square pattern designs in my Etsy shop, and I have so many ideas for more coming soon!

Knowing that I have so many ideas that include granny squares, I wanted to create a tutorial all about how to crochet a classic granny square. Even though this is not the granny square version I use all the time, I still love it and think everyone should know how to make it for themselves! Plus, this original granny square style is a great way for beginners to practice and learn new skills.

The best part about granny squares is how versatile they are. They can be used as foundation or decorative pieces for so many projects! Personally, I love using them in blankets, but they can be used for crochet home decor, totes, garments, and really anything you can think of with squares. Granny squares really are the classic crochet mascot. Now, let’s get started!

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What do you need?

You will just need the following for the classic granny square:

-crochet hook

-yarn

I suggest you use a crochet hook that matches the yarn weight recommendations until you feel confident crocheting the granny square. Start with a yarn and hook combination you’re comfortable with first, and get to practicing!

How to Crochet a Granny Square:

To crochet a granny square, you will be building from a small square up to the size of your choice. I will explain how to complete the first 4 rows, which should make approximately a 4 inch square with my supplies (H/8 5mm hook, and light worsted cotton yarn from Hobbii), but you can continue the process to make the square as large as you would like!

Row 1: Create a magic ring. Chain 4 to make your first stitch and corner, then double crochet 3 times into the ring. Chain 2 for your second corner, and double crochet 3 times. Again chain 2 (third corner), double crochet 3 times into the ring, and finally, chain 2 (fourth corner), double crochet 2 times into the ring, and slip stitch into the second chain of the chain 4 from the beginning of the row. Slip stitch into the first corner chain space. (Don’t forget to pull the magic ring tight at the end of this row!)

Row 2: Chain 4. *Double crochet 3 times into the corner chain space. Skip the three double crochets from the previous row. Double crochet 3 more times into the next corner space, and chain 2.* Repeat from * to * around to each side, and end by double crocheting 2 times into the chain space of the first corner, and then slip stitch to the second chain from the original chain 4. Slip stitch into the first corner chain space.

Row 3: Chain 4. *Double crochet 3 times into the corner chain space. Skip the double crochet clusters from the previous row. Instead double crochet 3 times into the space between double crochet clusters, and 3 times in the next corner space, and chain 2.* Repeat from * to * around, and end by double crocheting 2 into the chain space of the first corner, and slip stitch to the second chain from the original chain 4. Slip stitch into the first corner chain space.

Row 4: Chain 4. *Double crochet 3 times into the corner chain space. Skip each double crochet cluster from the previous row, and work only in the spaces between. Double crochet 3 more times into each of the spaces between double crochet clusters, and in next corner space, and chain 2.* Repeat from * to * around, and end by double crocheting 2 into the chain space of the first corner, and slip stitch to the second chain from the original chain 4. Slip stitch into the first corner chain space.

If you wanted a larger granny square, simply continue to repeat the steps for Row 4 until you have reached the desired size. Then simply fasten off and weave in your ends.

Crochet Granny Square Video:

Tips for Crocheting a Granny Square:

-Be sure to count the stitches or clusters on each side of the square to make sure they are equal. If you miss or add stitches or clusters, you will end up with a granny square that won’t lay flat. Remember that the first two chains of the chain 4 will count as a double crochet stitch!

-Don’t forget your chain 2 at the corners! This allows you to have space for the next row of granny stitches.

-You may want to block your square after finishing it, especially if it is large or you have tight tension. Try to have consistent tension while crocheting as it will help you to get a flat granny square!

FAQs about Granny Squares:

Are granny squares easy for beginners?

Granny squares tend to be very repetitive in creation, so as long as you know some basic stitches (chaining, double crochet, slip stitch), and you can create a magic ring, or its alternative, you should be fine. I would start with the classic granny square explained here, as it can be easier to find and fix any mistakes or problems if they arise. As with learning anything though, don’t expect it to be too easy your first time. Just be patient and practice!

Can granny squares be made by machine?

Crochet cannot be made by a machine, so it follows that crochet granny squares cannot be made by a machine either. In my opinion, the time and energy put into each square is one of the charming things about crocheting granny squares.

How big can you make a granny square?

Realistically, you can make a granny square as large as you like! Most often though, when people are discussing granny squares, they are thinking of squares 3-5 inches per side. It all depends on the pattern and designer though and how they are wanting to use the squares. Also, your yarn weight, hook size, and gauge will change what size the granny square will be, so keep that in mind when you are looking at granny square patterns.

How long does it take to make a granny square?

How long it takes to make a granny square depends on the size you are wanting to make and the stitch pattern you are using. However, if you are looking to make a normal size, classic style granny square, you could probably crochet one square in 15 to 30 minutes depending on how quickly you crochet.